Faculty Time Release Funds

Academic Affairs

Guidelines

For academic year 2024–25

Time Release Funds are aimed at recognizing the quality research that is being done at UMN Morris and to provide support for tenure-line faculty to dedicate more time to research. Up to two awards will be made available to faculty through a competitive proposal process that will be overseen by the Dean and Division Chairs.

Funds for successful course release requests may be provided to the appropriate hiring unit to hire temporary staff to teach one four-credit course, labs, etc. Proposals require the applicant to work with their discipline colleagues and division chairs to devise and commit to a plan for accommodating the course release without significantly impacting course availability or colleagues’ workloads. Overload payments to existing full-time faculty members to cover courses are not allowed. Applications require the signature of the appropriate division chair.

Please complete the application form and submit the following information:

  1. Description of the research or creative project that will be undertaken (no more than one page)
  2. Description of how you will use this release to advance your research or creative project (workplan). (no more than one page)
  3. If applying for a course release, discuss how your discipline/division plans to cover the release without significantly impacting course availability or colleagues’ workloads.
  4. Specific plan for publication or other product of the project
  5. Abbreviated curriculum vita (maximum two pages)

Timing

Proposals are due on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 4 p.m. in the Dean’s Office. Course releases from this grant round can be taken Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 depending on scheduling and course release plan.

Criteria

Criteria of this award include:

  • The intellectual/creative significance of the proposed research to the field
  • The effect on raising the profile of the department or University or directly engaging the public through the project
  • The impact on applicant’s professional development.

Next Steps

Please print the application form and submit with your proposal to the Dean’s Office (ummvcaa@morris.umn.edu) no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023. Electronic signatures will be accepted.

Faculty Time Release Application

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a faculty member receive a course release grant as well as another leave (single semester, sabbatical, Institute for Advanced Study Fellowship) in the same year?

While someone may apply for multiple programs, if awarded more than one, the faculty member would need to choose which leave/release to accept.

Can I indicate a second choice on the application for which semester I would like my course release?

If the semester or course for which you would like to take the release time is flexible, you may indicate a first/second/third preference of semester on the application form. Please remember that in the application you must explain how your discipline will accommodate the course/semester for which you are applying for the course release.

If I get a course release, who decides from which class I will be released? Who will teach my class?

As part of the proposal process, you will have worked with your discipline colleagues and your division chair to determine when a course release is logistically possible and which courses you teach might work for a release. The funds from this program may be used to hire a replacement instructor for your course; a colleague will not be able to receive overload payment for teaching your course. The instructor for your class will be determined by the Division Chair in coordination with the discipline.

Is there a limit to the number of times I may receive Time Release Funds?

A faculty member will be able to receive this award once within a seven-year period in order to provide release opportunities to as many faculty as possible.

Where may I find assistance with writing my Time Release Fund proposal and application? Will someone review my initial draft before submission?

With advanced notice, the Grants Development Office will be happy to discuss the application process and review proposal drafts. It is always a good idea to discuss proposals/ideas with colleagues as well.

May I change the semester in which I was awarded the Time Release?

This would need to be determined on a case-by-case basis but it is envisioned that a change of semester could be accommodated with approval of your division chair and in consultation with your discipline.

If I receive an award and I cannot use it, can I postpone it for a year?

This would need to be determined on a case-by-case basis, but typically awards must be used within the award period for which they were granted.