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The Columbia University Faculty Handbook outlines policies adopted by the University Senate and enforced by the Administration of the University. The Officers of Instruction section in the Faculty Handbook as it relates to sabbatical leaves reads in part, “each professor and associate professor with tenure is entitled to a sabbatical leave of one year at half base salary or a half year at full base salary after completing 12 terms of full-time teaching.” Most faculty at the Medical Center primarily spend of their effort on research and clinical activities rather than teaching. Thus eligibility for a sabbatical is based on 12 semesters whether or not they include teaching. The policy goes on to say that granting a sabbatical leave requires approval from the Chair, Dean of the School, the Executive Vice President of the Medical Center, and Provost.

This policy outlines the financial responsibility for sabbatical leave.

There are three basic types of cost in the framework. The first type of cost are ordinary expenses, such as faculty or staff salary, non-compensation costs, or FAIR charges and they are the responsibility of the originating unit. These expenses are predictable and derived from regular and ongoing operations. 

The second type of cost are out-of-the-ordinary or event-driven expenses. Although these expenses are unplanned, the majority result from not following policy and therefore are the responsibility of the unit. Audit findings, penalties, and/or overdrafts are examples of event-driven costs.

The third type of cost are irregular or costs that arise from a special circumstance. If a unit is following policy but policy changes, then the unit and Central Administration are both responsible for the cost.                   

These types of costs are completely unknowable and are not the fault of either the unit or Central Administration. Units should not bear the cost of random expenses alone.

Expenses related to sabbatical leaves are an example of an ordinary expense resulting from regular and ongoing operations.

Therefore, units are responsible for funding and paying all sabbatical leave expenses in their respective units.

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