Compiled Tips for Writing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal

Need some prompts to help you overcome that blank screen? Try one of these proposal prompting phrases from the Cabrillo College Sabbatical Proposal Template.

During sabbatical leave I will…
Write a _____
Develop course materials for _____
Study at _____
Develop materials for _____
Adapt _____ for _____
Develop the ability to _____
Create a _____
Increase the effectiveness of _____
Research _____
Acquire skills/knowledge to address _____
Observe _____
Increase my effectiveness as a _____
Learn how to _____
Participate in _____


Truman Criteria 3 asks the application to address merits of the proposal; and how it would enhance teaching, long-term student/faculty research, other scholarship, and other interests of the discipline/division/University. Here are some things you might include as you write in response to Criteria 3.

I. What do you hope to accomplish?
* Explain how it deals with a significant issue in your field.
* Explain how it relates to a significant issue for Truman.
* Explain how it contributes to our mission.
* Will it affect your interactions with students? How will it benefit your discipline/division programs of study? Is there a course that you teach which will benefit? Will it contribute to the knowledge of teaching in your national discipline organizations?
* Why is it impractical to pursue without sabbatical leave?
* Why are you the person to accomplish this?
* Demonstrate originality.


Truman Criteria 4 asks the applicant to describe the proposal in sufficient detail. Here are some details to consider including as you write in response to Criteria 4.

II.What is your plan?
* Evidence of already-completed work relating to the project;
* State the purpose of the leave (perhaps using one of the prompts listed above);
* State your methods for carrying out the purpose of the leave;
* Give location/s and specific dates;
* Prepare an anticipated schedule of activities, or use of time;
* Attach surveys, interview protocols, or other instruments to be used;
* Account for off-campus logistics;
* List collaborators;
* Attach contractual or professional agreements with publishers, universities, governments, agencies or other entities with which you will be cooperating;
* Regarding contractual or intellectual property issues what are the results of your consultation with General Counsel, Warren Wells?
* Indicate any necessary approvals such as IRB process or copyright clearances;
* Indicate methods of assessing your accomplishments during the leave.


III.How Will You Follow-Through?
* Expected products of the leave: revised course syllabi; research proposal; photographs; exhibit; concert; software; CD/DVD/Video; transcript; published article/book; annotated bibliography of professional readings; survey results; updated course/expanded course offerings; etc.
* Plans for fulfilling the university requirements: report submitted to VPAA office; and public presentation on campus (the presentation may be arranged through The Center for Teaching and Learning among other venues);
* Expected dates of completion of these products of leave;
* Plans to continue related activities or inquiries beyond the sabbatical period.



Sources Consulted:
Cabrillo College Sabbatical Proposal Template http://www.cabrillo.edu/services/tlc/sabbatical/Proposal_Template.htm

Columbus State University faculty handbook, Sabbatical Program Policy Statement Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) “Guidelines for Sabbatical Leaves” Loyola (Maryland) http://www.loyola.edu/academics/academicaffairs/documents/sabb5-4-04.pdf

Truman State University http://vpaa.truman.edu/sabbaticals/

University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Programs sabbatical guidelines:
http://www.uwec.edu/ORSP/Programs/sabbatical.htm

University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, College of Liberal Studies Sabbatical information http://www.uwlax.edu/LS/html/sabbatical.htm

http://provost.truman.edu/sabbaticals/guidelines08-09.pdf