Dear University of Pretoria employees

The Human Resources Committee of Council (HRCC) and Senate approved a new Sabbatical Leave Policy with effect from 01 January 2022, to provide permanent full-time academic staff with an opportunity to carry out sustained research and teaching development activities aligned to the University’s teaching and research objectives.

The policy sets out the principles, eligibility and criteria for approval of sabbatical leave and the relevant period and reciprocal obligations.  Sabbatical leave replaces the academic Study and Research Leave for permanent full-time academic staff.  Part-time and temporary academic staff will still be eligible to apply for Study and Research Leave.

Please find the policy document for your information below, which is also available on the University intranet.

The leave balances of the current Study and Research Leave will be moved to the new Sabbatical Leave category after an audit has been completed.

The electronic Sabbatical Leave plan is currently being developed by the HR Information Systems Division and will be available from mid-January 2022 (navigation guideline document is attached for your reference). Communication will be sent to advise once it is live.

Should you require any further clarity on the policy or process, please address this via your Faculty HR Business Partner's office.

Kind regards,

Ms Sithembile Mbuyisa

Director: Human Resources