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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Off-Campus Duty Assignments
Policy Number: LR 402.41
Effective Date: January 1, 2008
The forms and timeline can be found at this link.
Policy
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 and the president. Assignments should not exceed one semester at full salary or two semesters at half-salary for employees on nine-month appointments, and should not exceed six months at full salary or twelve months at one-half salary for employees on twelve-month appointments. 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 his or her department, the dean of the college, the chief academic officer, the chancellor, and the president.
Just as grants cannot be used to raise one’s own salary, off-campus duty assignments, which are performed on university time (paid leave), are not to be vehicles for raising one’s own salary. Accepting another compensated position, although sometimes suitable, can be inconsistent with the purposes intended by the Board of Trustees. Off-campus duty assignments, most emphatically, are not to be used to secure time off for building a house, developing one’s private business, taking an extended vacation, or otherwise pursuing interests other than those related directly to the approved project or activity.
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.
Timetable for Off-Campus Duty Assignment Requests
Notes:
Faculty member applies during 6th year and, if approved, OCDA is granted to be taken during his or her 7th year.
Source: University-wide Administrative Memo, November, 17, 1975; Academic Policies Webpage; Faculty Handbook
Revised: November 3, 1978; October 1, 1979; April 7, 1980; January 1, 2008
Approved by: Office of the Chancellor
Custodian: Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost