Effective Date: July 31, 2023
Issuing Authority: Provost
Policy Contact: Vice Provost, provost@mercer.edu, 478-301-2110
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on unpaid leaves of absence for faculty members.
Scope
The policy applies to full-time faculty members who have completed at least three years at Mercer University.
Exclusions
None
Policy Statement
A faculty member who has completed at least three years of service at Mercer University may be given an unpaid leave of absence for one year. The request for leave must be approved by the Dean of the college or school and the Provost. The University assures the faculty member of the opportunity to return to his/her position at the end of the leave. During an unpaid leave of absence, the faculty member is given the opportunity to continue the fringe benefits of Health, Dental, and Life, with the total costs of the programs borne by the faculty member. The period of an unpaid leave is not counted toward eligibility for promotion or tenure.
Additional Resources
In some colleges and schools of the University, faculty members may apply for a special professional leave for the purpose of further graduate study or research. Contact the appropriate Dean’s Office.