Hello all,

We are a small, private university. Teaching is our primary focus. It has been the intent of the University to keep full-time faculty in the classroom, so release time for sponsored projects has been allowed only on a very limited basis. Approval goes through the chain of command - department chairs, deans and ultimately rests with the provost, although there is no real policy in place.

Our provost has asked faculty to help develop a course buyout/release time policy for grant-supported projects at the University. We realize that each department/college has different needs and teaching loads, and that fact will be noted in the policy. Thus far we have determined some general guidelines - that the grant must fully fund the course buy-out in order to receive release time, appropriate release time should be granted for the duration of each project, and that no individual faculty member may request more than 50% release time on grant-funded projects.

At present, it is conceivable that the same faculty members will be asking to buy out courses year after year or project after project. One of the questions raised is this: Should there be a limit on the number of times an individual faculty member can buy out courses and receive release time during his time at the University?

Your input would be appreciated.

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