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Difference in Pay Leaves

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Difference in pay leaves are intended to benefit the University by affording faculty employees time to take advantage of professional development opportunities such as conducting research, engaging in scholarly and creative activities, improving instruction, or obtaining faculty retraining.

• Difference in pay leaves may be taken for a single semester or for two consecutive semesters. The salary for a DIP leave is calculated as the difference between the faculty employee’s salary and the minimum salary at the instructor rank (bottom of the Lecturer A pay range). For a Librarian employee, the salary is calculated as the difference between the current minimum amount on the Assistant Librarian pay scale and the applicant’s current annual salary.
• All full-time faculty unit employees are eligible for DIP leaves so long as s/he has worked full-time at this campus for six (6) of the seven (7) years preceding the leave, and at least three (3) years after any previous sabbatical or difference in pay leave. Credit granted toward the completion of the probationary period for service elsewhere applies towards fulfilling the eligibility requirement.
• Faculty unit employees on DIP leave may not accept outside employment without prior approval from the President. Written requests for approval to accept outside employment should be submitted via the Office of Faculty Affairs.
• Once the difference in pay leave has been completed, the employee must return service to the University at the rate of one term of service for each term of leave taken. Prior to final approval, applicants for DIP leaves are required to file a statement of assets or a promissory note with the Office of Faculty Affairs guaranteeing the University against loss should the employee fail to return after the DIP leave.
• Within six (6) weeks after returning to service at San José State University, the faculty member must submit a written report to the department professional leaves committee, and to the President, via the Office of Faculty Affairs. Faculty members are also encouraged to present the results of the DIP leave at departmental, college or university forums.
• Faculty who accept a difference in pay leave, which is at a reduced rate of pay, should be aware that contributions to and credit in the retirement fund are in proportion to the reduced salary earned while on leave. To avoid losing partial retirement credit, one may choose to reimburse the State to the level of a normal retirement contribution. Contact Human Resources for information regarding how to purchase full retirement credit.

For more information, see Article 27 of the CBA, University Policy S96-7, or contact the Office of Faculty Affairs.