Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Professional Development Leave | University of West Florida
Skip to main content
University of West Florida lettermark University of West Florida logo University of West Florida logo

Professional Development Leave

Professional development leave allows faculty to devote time to scholarly activities, research, and other professional enrichment opportunities.

Professional Development Leave Overview

Faculty can apply to take professional development leave for professional renewal, educational travel, study, formal education, research, writing, involvement in a special project, or other experiences that increase a faculty member's value to the university. The University of West Florida provides the following opportunities for eligible faculty:

  • Sabbatical
  • Professional Development Leave
  • Faculty Service and Development Award

Applications are now being accepted for professional development leave to be taken during Academic Year 2026-2027. Applications are due no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, October 24, 2025. See below for details on applying.

Sabbatical

The purpose of a Sabbatical is to increase a faculty member’s value to the University through enhanced opportunities for professional renewal, planned travel, study, formal education, research, writing, or other experience of professional value. A sabbatical is not a reward for service. Subject to conditions set forth in the UWF-UFF Collective Bargaining Agreement, the University will make available at least one sabbatical at full pay for one semester for each 40 eligible faculty members, and a sabbatical for two semesters at half-pay for each eligible faculty member whose application has been reviewed by the University.

Eligibility:

  • Tenured, full-time faculty (in-unit).
  • Minimum rank of Assistant Professor (or equivalent).
  • Minimum of six years of full-time service.
  • Terms of a contract or grant through which an employee may be compensated must allow for such Sabbaticals. Contract or grant employees in this category who wish to apply must provide written documentation that the funding agency will permit compensation for such leave through the contract or grant.
  • A person who has had a Sabbatical or Faculty Service and Development Award may be considered for a subsequent award after completing six years since the previous award.

Length of Award/Salary:

A Sabbatical may be granted for:

  • Two semesters at half pay (Fall and Spring), 
  • Two Semesters at two-thirds pay (Fall and Spring), or
  • One Semester at full pay (Fall or Spring)

Applying for a 2026-2027 Sabbatical:

Professional Development Leave

A Professional Development Leave is granted to increase an employee's value to the University through enhanced opportunity for professional renewal, educational travel, study, formal education, research, writing, or other experience of professional value, not as a reward for service. The University will make available at least one professional development leave at full pay for one semester or its equivalent for each 20 eligible faculty, subject to the conditions set forth in the UFF-UWF Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Eligibility: 

  • In-Unit and Out-of-Unit, permanent employees within the faculty pay plan.
  • Minimum of four years of service.
  • Cannot be serving in tenure-earning or tenured positions (e.g., Instructor, Lecturer).
  • Contract and grant employees who wish to apply for professional development leave must provide written documentation that the funding agency will permit compensation or such leave through the contract or grant.
  • An employee who has previously been granted a professional development leave may be considered for a subsequent award after completing four years since the previous award.

Length of Award/Salary:

A Professional Development Leave may be granted for:

  • Two semesters at half pay (Fall and Spring), or
  • One semester at full pay

Applying for a 2026-2027 Professional Development Leave:

Faculty Service and Development Award

The Faculty Service and Development Award makes available, to eligible non-unit faculty members, a period of time to be devoted to scholarly activities, research, and intellectual refreshment and updating.

Eligibility: 

  • Full-time out-of-unit faculty (e.g., Chair).
  • Minimum rank of Assistant Professor (or equivalent).
  • Minimum of six years of full-time service.
  • Terms of a contract or grant through which an employee may be compensated must allow for such leave. Contract and grant employees in this category who wish to apply must provide written documentation that the funding agency will permit compensation for such leave through the contract or grant

Length of Award/Salary:

A Faculty Service and Development Award may be granted for:

  • Two semesters at half pay (Fall and Spring), or
  • One Semester at full pay (Fall or Spring)

Applying for a 2026-2027 Faculty Service & Development Award: