School Policy on Special Studies Leave (SSP)

From the beginning of 2009, all expenditure relating to SSP is the responsibility of the School.

Staff members who want to apply for SSP must submit a written request to the Head of School before lodging their official SSP application to the Human Resources Department (HR14 form). The request should state the reasons for undertaking SSP, include a rough outline of the timing and the program intentions, give an indication of teaching replacement arrangements and expected outcomes of the SSP. Applications must be submitted one year prior to the proposed commencement of the SSP. Staff members should complete the HR14 form in draft format for submission to the Head of School.

The application will be considered by an assessment panel comprising the Head of School, the Director of Research, the Director of Undergraduate Teaching and the relevant Plan Adviser/Course Convener. The panel will make a recommendation for endorsement by the School Management Committee. At the end of the SSP period the staff member will be required to present a School seminar on the outcomes of their SSP.

This policy only covers the School internal procedures for SSP. For any application and reporting requirements of UNSW, as set out by the Human Resources Department, please consult the HR website.

June 2009