Because advising is one of the most important things we do for our students, we need to ensure that advisees are well-transitioned to other faculty colleagues before a faculty member's sabbatical/leave commences.
After consultation with the Office of the Provost in January, the Office of Academic Advising reaches out to faculty noted as taking sabbatical/leave and/or commencing full/phased retirement during the following academic year. (If changes occur after January, please check in with the Office of Academic Advising about your status on campus.)
The Office of Academic Advising will reach out to faculty members to inquire whether they will be keeping their advisees for the duration of their sabbatical/leave. If not, we will request assistance in the transition process.
In addition to sharing the news of your departure, you should recommend that students consider and reach out to other faculty within the department (if they have already declared the major) or outside the department in their area(s) of major interest. The goal is to get students thinking, moving and reaching out early so that they have someone to turn to after your departure.
(If you and your department would like to make special arrangements for advising during your sabbatical/leave, please consult with the Office of Academic Advising and the Office of the Registrar in advance to discuss available options.)
The Office of Academic Advising will email your advisees to follow up on the transition process, but early correspondence with you will help them avoid panic or stress. Students who have not made the transition before your departure will automatically default to your department chair.
Whether you are planning to be away one semester or the entire year, you will not be assigned incoming students for the year in which you are away.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the staff at 740-427-5145.