Off-campus Duty Assignment

An Off-campus Duty Assignment is an appointment, usually away from the campus, which allows eligible faculty and administrators to pursue an approved project while being relieved of teaching and administrative duties. The purpose is to enhance the individual’s value to the institution.

Faculty members (including research faculty and extension personnel) and non-classified administrators who have completed six years of continuous full-time employment with the university or who have completed six years of continuous full-time service since a previous Off-Campus Duty Assignment may apply for an Off-Campus Duty Assignment. The application, prepared in accordance with campus regulations, must describe the project which the applicant wishes to undertake, where it is to be done, and the anticipated value to the individual and to the university. To be approved, a proposed assignment must be consonant with the needs, objectives, and mission of the campus.

An Off-Campus Duty Assignment is a privilege, not a right. A limited number may be approved by the Board of Trustees each year upon the recommendation of the Chancellor. Assignments should not exceed one semester (or six months for employees on twelve-month appointments) at full salary, or two semesters (or one year for those on twelve-month appointments) at half salary. The university assumes no financial responsibility beyond the salary stated above.

Within sixty days after returning to the campus from an Off-Campus Duty Assignment, the faculty member or administrator must submit a written report of his or her activities and accomplishments during the Off-Campus Duty Assignment to the chairperson of their department, the dean of the college, provost/executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and the Chancellor.

In accepting an Off-Campus Duty Assignment, the recipient agrees to return to the university for at least one year following the end of assignment.

For additional information and guidelines, see Academic Policy 1435.40 (Revised October 2, 2014).