
DCU People
Academic Sabbatical Leave - Application Procedure
- The applicant may consult with their People Partner prior to submitting a formal application or at any stage throughout the process for advice on general queries on the Sabbatical Leave Process or policy. This discussion helps clarify eligibility, timelines, and process expectations.
- The applicant submits a draft Academic Sabbatical Leave Application Form to the Head of School for initial review and feedback, copying the Executive Dean.
- The Head of School submits the Academic Sabbatical Leave Finance Proposal Form (available on the Finance website under Finance Office forms), to Finance to assess the financial feasibility of the proposed sabbatical, copying the Executive Dean.
- Finance reviews the proposal form and provides a summary of the financial implications, including any costs the School may be required to cover. Finance may arrange a meeting with the applicant, Head of School and Executive Dean to discuss salary arrangements, pension (superannuation), and subsistence allowances.
- Finance sends the Sabbatical Financial Calculation to the Head of School for review and approval, copying the Executive Dean for oversight.
- Once reviewed, The Head of School forwards the finalised application form to the Executive Dean for formal approval.
- If supported by the Executive Dean, the finalised application together with the Financial calculation is sent by the Executive Dean to the relevant People Partner for review, copying the Head of School.
- The People Partner forwards the finalised application, including the financial application to the VPP EDI for final approval. Please note that all applications must be fully approved by the VPP EDI in accordance with the two annual deadlines of (i) 31st March - prior to the start of the academic year during which leave is sought OR (ii) 30th June - prior to the start of the next calendar year during which the leave is sought.
- The VPP EDI communicates the outcome (approval or rejection) via email to the applicant, Head of School, Executive Dean including the People Partner Manager, People Partner, and Finance in the communication.