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Outside Studies and Professional Development Programs

1. Applications for OSP/PDP leave should normally cover full semesters (ie. Jan-June, July-Dec). Applications for partial semesters that cover teaching periods only will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
    
2. Unless prior arrangements have been made due to exceptional circumstances, annual recreation leave should be taken on a pro-rata basis during the period of leave (ie. 2 weeks recreation leave for every 6 months of OSP/PDP).
    
3. Applications should normally be discussed with the Head of School at least one year in advance of the planned leave to allow sufficient time for planning.
    
4. Approval of the application rests with the Dean acting on the recommendation of the Head of School. Submission of an application should not be assumed to represent automatic approval.
    
5. A key criteria in the approval process is that the activities while on leave must include a substantial research component.
    
6. Within 6 weeks of return from outside studies or professional development leave, staff should complete a written report on their activities undertaken during the period of leave.
    
7. Reports should be submitted in the first instance to the Head of School who should sign off the report as satisfactory or otherwise.
    
8. Reports are then submitted by the Head to the Dean for signing off as satisfactory or otherwise.
    
9. In cases where the report is judged by either the Head of School or Dean not to be satisfactory, the staff member will have an opportunity to discuss the report with the Head of School and/or Dean.
    
10. Completed reports are submitted by the Dean’s Office to the relevant officer in Staffing Services.
     
11. Completed reports will be noted at Faculty.
     
12. Reports should address the following:
    • Indicate how objectives were achieved
    • Details of travel; institutions visited
    • Papers and work published
    • Papers and work completed and/or submitted for publication
    • Conference attendance
    • Seminars and/or conference papers presented
    • Other activities (eg. networking, outreach)
       
13. The report should include a statement of outside earnings (if any).
     
14. Where a grant has been awarded and travel plans varied from what was proposed, staff may be asked to submit copies of receipts and relevant documentation indicating how the grant was expended.