Study leave permits a member of the Faculty Association in a tenure/confirm stream position to pursue study or research of benefit to the individual and the university.
Detailed information about the length and salary during a study leave can be found in Article 2, Part 3 of the Collective Agreement.
Study leave is for study or research. Individuals should not be asked to take on additional duties at UBC during that time, whether with pay or not.
Accrual of time towards study leave
Since appointment or previous study leave, a member must have completed at least four years of active full-time service in appointments with review or tenured appointments at UBC. At least one year shall have been in an eligible rank.
What counts towards study leave accrual:
- Active service
- Up to 6 months of sick, maternity and/or parental leave
- Time spent on Reduced Appointment
What does not count towards study leave accrual:
- Periods of unpaid leave
- Time spent on administrative leave
- Time spent as Academic Head of Unit accrues towards administrative leave and not study leave. For Acting Heads and Directors, time served will normally count towards study leave, so long as they do not become eligible and subsequently take administrative leave.
Applying for study leave
Complete the Study leave application form and provide it to the Academic Head of Unit. You should check with your Department Head or administrator to find out what the cut-off date is for leave applications. If your application is approved by your Head/Director it will be forwarded to the Dean, as applicable for approval. Your department will confirm approval and will enter the leave in Workday about one month prior to the leave start date.
MSP Coverage while on study leave
Faculty who plan to temporarily reside outside of British Columbia for over six months in a calendar year need to contact MSP to arrange for continued coverage or suspend coverage. Residency has important considerations for eligibility for coverage and premiums. For more information on leaving BC, please visit the MSP website.
Converting salary to research grant during study leave
Policy LR3 provides an opportunity for applicants on study leave to convert some of their salary to take advantage of Revenue Canada‐approved tax savings.
Further information and the application form can be found on the Office of Research Services website.
Cancellation of study leave
Once approved, a study leave cannot normally be cancelled after January 15 immediately preceding the year starting on May 1, during which the leave is to be taken. This is outlined in Article 2.11 of Part 3 of the Collective Agreement. There are, however, some circumstances in which a study leave could be cancelled:
Questions regarding cancellations of study leave should be directed to Faculty Relations (Vancouver Campus) or Human Resources (Okanagan Campus).