Sabbatical Leave Application Adjusted Timelines for 2025/2026
To: TFA Librarians
CC: Dean of Libraries, Associate Deans of Libraries, Senior HR Partners
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, there have been recent changes to the collective agreement following completion of collective bargaining. Most relevant for some of you are changes to Article 16.8.B, which addresses the timing of sabbatical requests for librarians. New language (underlined) in Article 16.8.B. notes the following:
B. Leaves with Pay
…
2. Paid (sabbatical) leaves will be for periods of 6 months or 12 months. Twelve-month leaves are taken September 1 to August 31, or January 1 to December 31. Six- month leaves are taken January 1 to June 30, or July 1 to December 31.
3. A career Librarian must apply in writing on a University supplied form and submit it to the Dean of Libraries by October 15 prior to the academic year in which they plan to start their leave. The application will state the purpose of the leave and the accomplishments expected.
4. By December 1 the Dean of Libraries makes a decision based on the operational requirements of the Library and if the leave cannot be approved based on operational requirements, the provisions of 16.8.B.8 below apply. By the following January 31 the applicant shall be advised of the University’s decision through the Office of the Vice- Provost, Faculty Affairs. The applicant shall complete and sign the requisite memorandum of agreement from the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs by March 31.
In consultation with the TFA, the timeline for application submissions and approvals has been adjusted as follows for sabbatical applications for the 2025/2026 year only:
- New Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Dean of Libraries’ Decision Deadline: March 15, 2025
- VPFA Final Approval Deadline: May 15, 2025
The (google form) application form (external link) is available on the OVPFA website. Please use the form when applying for sabbatical for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The following are the sabbatical leave start dates:
- July 1, 2025 – 6-month leave
- September 1, 2025 – 12-month leave
- January 1, 2026 – 6-month - or 12-month leave
The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.
For assistance or inquiries, please send an email to vpfa@torontomu.ca.