Staff Professional Development Leave

Qualifying activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Business conferences 

• Certification training 

• Professional training 

• Pursuit of a degree or university coursework 

• Research 

• Site visits 

• Assuming a professional association leadership position 

If you are unsure whether your planned activity qualifies, contact HRS before applying. 

Your application must include a written proposal addressing all of the following: 

• Goals, objectives, and expected results of the leave in terms of University needs, with planned steps, timeline, location, and evaluation measures 

• The relationship of the leave activities to your current and projected knowledge and expertise 

• Benefits and expected value for you, your department, and the University 

• A current resume including employment history, education, and professional activities 

• The requested time period for the leave 

• A plan for how your workload and responsibilities will be covered during your absence, developed in consultation with your supervisor 

• A description of any grant or other funding arrangement that will help finance the leave 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Submit your completed application and proposal to your department head. Your department head will review the merits of the request and consider options for managing the resulting workload. If needed, your department head may consult with HRS to verify your eligibility.

If your department head approves, the application is forwarded with any comments or recommendations to the appropriate Dean, Director, or Vice President. If approved at that level, it is forwarded to the Associate Vice President for Human Resource Services for consideration by the appointed Staff Professional Development Leave Committee. 

The review committee submits recommendations to the President of the University of Montana, who makes the final decision. Denial at any level is not subject to grievance or appeal. 

If your leave is approved, the following conditions apply: 

• Leave may be granted for a maximum of six consecutive months at full salary. An extension of up to an additional six consecutive months may be requested, but the extended period will be leave without pay. 

• Annual and sick leave continue to accrue during the paid leave period. Other employer-paid benefits are continued. 

• Any costs associated with the leave, including course fees, books, and travel, remain your responsibility. 

• Proposals involving salaried or compensated employment by another employer may not qualify for Staff Professional Development Leave but may be approved as leave without pay. 

• The University reserves the right to postpone, cancel, or revoke an approved leave at any time based on budgetary or operational needs. 

By signing the application, you commit to remaining employed at the University of Montana for at least two consecutive years in a benefit-eligible position after completing your leave. If you do not fulfill this obligation, you will be required to refund the full salary and fringe benefit costs received during the leave. If you return but are unable to complete the full two years, the repayment obligation will be prorated and due within one calendar year of termination. 

Employees who cannot fulfill the return-to-service obligation due to death, permanent disability, or reduction in force are released from all repayment obligations. 

Within three months of completing your leave, you must submit a written report to your department head and the appropriate Vice President. The report should include a summary of activities completed, specific benefits the University will derive from your new knowledge, and any other University benefits from the leave. A copy must be forwarded to the Staff Professional Development Leave Committee. 

The number of leaves granted each year depends on the University's financial ability to meet the costs and the overall impact on University operations. There is no fixed annual number. The Staff Professional Development Leave Committee reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the President.

Proposals involving salaried or compensated employment by another employer may not qualify for Staff Professional Development Leave. However, you may assign other earned compensation to the University and receive the full allowable stipend. If full funding is not available, the committee may recommend a partial grant for salary and benefits. Contact HRS if your proposed leave involves outside compensation. 

You may request an extension of up to an additional six consecutive months. However, the extended period beyond the initial six months will be leave without pay. The total leave may not exceed 12 consecutive months.