The following instructions are based on the University System of Maryland's Policy on Leave Without Pay for Faculty and the University of Maryland, College Park's Guidelines and Procedures for Faculty Leave of Absence Without Pay.
A Leave Without Pay (LWOP) should not significantly disrupt the program of the faculty member's academic unit(s), and should benefit the University. Benefits may include: Support for the University's mission of teaching, research, and service; Development of University-derived innovation, or entrepreneurial activities; Public service, or improvement of the public welfare; or Enhancement of a faculty member's professional competence or stature. A faculty member may also request a LWOP for personal reasons.
Opportunities that may merit a LWOP include:
A LWOP is typically for one year or less. Extensions of LWOPs beyond one year are discouraged and will only be approved upon demonstration of exceptional circumstances by the faculty member.
LWOPs for periods greater than one year that are deemed to benefit the University (as identified in Section IV.C.1.a-c of the policy) require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the faculty member, the faculty member’s Unit Head(s), and other relevant parties, as appropriate. The MOU requires approval of the Senior Vice President and Provost. Click to download the LWOP MOU template.
A LWOP can be:
The LWOP does not count toward the period used in determining eligibility for sabbatical leave.
To be eligible for a LWOP, a faculty member must be employed on a full-time term or continuing contract; and normally, have been employed at the University as a faculty member for at least one year prior to the beginning of the proposed leave. Exceptions must be approved by the Senior Vice President and Provost.
If applicable, a faculty member requesting a LWOP must:
Faculty members initiate the request by logging into the LWOP system and completing the online submission form, as well as providing any supporting documentation (e.g., signed MOU, COI approvals, IP agreements, invitation/appointment letter).
By submitting the LWOP request, faculty indicate that they agree to comply with the University's LWOP policy requirements and conditions. After the reqwuest has been submitted, notification of the request is emailed to the faculty's department chair for further consideration. LWOP requests for faculty members with joint appointments will be reviewed by all relevant unit heads. The President has designated the Senior Vice Presidant and Provost as the final approving authority for all LWOP requests. The decision by the Senior Vice President and Provost is final and not subject to appeal or grievance.