Williams College Employee Handbook

Faculty Handbook . | . Administrative Staff Handbook . | . Support Staff Handbook

Paid Professional Leave

As part of the College's long-term professional development program, full-time administrative staff with five years of service and in good standing based on performance are eligible for paid professional leave. Leaves may be of varying lengths, up to six months. Applicants are encouraged to seek outside funding for their project. Employees on professional leave will receive three-quarters pay, or the amount necessary to bring any outside remuneration to 100% of their regular salary, whichever is less. Additional unpaid time may be approved. Normal benefits will be continued, adjusted to the leave salary. It is expected that staff will return to the College at the end of the leave.

In requesting a leave staff should submit a written proposal outlining their plan and its relevance both to their professional development and to their work at the College. Leave proposals require the full support and endorsement of the department head and the respective senior staff member. A memo from the staff member’s manager must accompany proposal. The endorsement should address the value of the project based on its value to the individual and the department.

Requests for paid professional leave should be submitted to the Vice President for Operations with a copy to the Director of Human Resources. The Vice President will present the proposal and supporting materials to senior staff for consideration. Evaluation of proposals will take into consideration the timing of the leave and issues of workflow within the department during the employee's time away. Following review, the Vice President for Operations will notify the department head and the employee of the decision.

At the completion of the leave, employees should provide senior staff a written report of progress made during the leave.

Faculty Handbook . | . Administrative Staff Handbook . | . Support Staff Handbook