The Benefits Committee of our Faculty Council is investigating various
methods of enabling or encouraging faculty members who are awarded
prestigious fellowships (typically paid at a rate less than normal salary)
to be financially able to accept said award.  While we do allow for a
faculty member to accept a 1/2 year at full pay (sabbatical) or a full year
at 1/2 pay (sabbatical) -- full year awards tend to lead to a financial
shortfall for the faculty member (who will also be paying additional costs
to travel, etc.).... The culture here is that our office manages sabbatical
submissions (proposals), since we have a superb pre-award staff member who
is able to efficiently assist faculty in this process.

Questions:

1.  Does anyone else have this same issue addressed on their campus?
2.  Any solutions, recommendations?
3.  Do any of you have a fund for salary-replacement when faculty are in a
position to accept a prestigious award for sabatical (when otherwise they
might not be able to accept due to financial obligations)?
4.  If yes to #3, from where does the money originate?

Thanks so much,

Lisa