Abstract:
The Purpose of the Study 1.To study opinions of administrators and faculty members in higher education institutions concerning sabbatical leaves. 2. To study importance and needs of administrators and faculty members concerning sabbatical leaves. 3. To suggest an appropriate model of sabbatical leave which might be effectively and efficiently administered. Methods and Procedures : The sample included 50 administrators and 250 faculty members from six universities ; Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, National Institute for Development Administration, Khonkaen University, Chiengmai University, and Ramkhamhaeng University. A questionnaire on sabbatical leaves developed by the researcher was used in data collection. Subsequently, the data were analyzed by using percentage, frequencies, means, standard deviations, t test, ANOVA (F- test) and Scheffe s S method to test statistical significance of difference. Research Conclusions : The following conclusions were based on the findings of the investigation : Both administrators and faculty members stated the opinions that sabbatical leave practice is one of the most valuable means by which a faculty members effectiveness may be enhanced. It is also considered to be beneficial to the institution because of the new strength that will be gained as a result of the leave. Recognizing the nescessity for faculty members to acquire new experiences to enrich their teaching and also to provide time for research project and writing, the university supports the principle of sabbatical leave. Statistics given in the research indicate quite large member of administrators and faculty members conducting research. However, the situation in which the University instructors find themselve today, it is indicative that most is not all of the faculty member time is consumed by teaching activities. Teaching load per week of faculty members are not heavy (4 6 hours/ week = 30%). However, under the present conditions a large number of students as well as the time consuming activities of administration, have forced instructors to occupy themselves with nothing other than teaching. Guidelines for Policy on Sabbatical Leave of Absence with Salary The purpose for providing sabbatical leaves is usually stated : The university expects faculty members to maintain continuous professional growth. In order to assist in this growth, faculty members are encouraged to take periodic leaves of absence for scholarly work which will increase their effectiveness as members of the faculty. Normally such leaves are dependent upon : (1) meeting a length of service requirement , and (2) submitting a plan for a significant program of accomplishment during the leave. The leave are generally granted for one year with full salary. Normally, reports of accomplishments on the leave are required, and the faculty member must provide service to the institution for a specified period after returning from the leave. A penalty clause may be included for violations. It is advisable that the universities should support the sabbatical leave program for member of the teaching faculty to take time off from normal academic duties to engage in activities of professional value only. Then it will enable our higher education to meet the goal of academic excellence.