Sabbatical in the Parks Program

Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty

1. Who may participate in the program?
   Faculty members from four-year universities in the United States, who are eligible for sabbatical according to their institution's requirements, may participate. Faculty in the biological, physical, social and cultural sciences are encouraged to participate.
2. When are the deadlines for arranging a sabbatical?
   There are no deadlines for arranging a sabbatical. Interested faculty members should submit their C.V. and project proposal well in advance of their sabbatical, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
3. What if my sabbatical is not for at least a year or two?
   Even if your sabbatical is not immediately scheduled, consider submitting the information required of all faculty members well in advance. Matching through the clearinghouse can been done much in advance of the actual sabbatical.
4. How much time will I have to spend on my personal research projects? Arrangements will vary with each sabbatical and will be specified in the negotiated sabbatical agreement. In general, a faculty member on sabbatical will spend half a day to three days each week in research, technical assistance, or education activities of benefit to the host NPS unit. All other time can be devoted to conducting personal research in the park.
5. Are there additional funds provided by the Sabbatical in the Parks Program to support faculty on sabbatical in a park?
   No. At this time, the program maintains the Sabbatical clearinghouse and assists in arranging sabbatical opportunities to benefit parks and faculty alike.
6. Will a faculty member be paid by the NPS during a sabbatical in a park?
   In most cases, no. There is no central office funding for park sabbaticals. It is expected that faculty members on sabbatical receive full or partial compensation from their university. In some cases, parks may reimburse the faculty member for travel to and from the park. Additional funds are rarely available.
7. Does the park provide housing?
   This will depend on availability. Housing arrangements can be limited and are negotiated in each case with a representative of the individual park unit. Some parks may not have available housing, while others may include options for families as well. Parks are often remote with rudimentary housing and facilities.
8. Who will be the faculty contact in the park?
   A sabbatical liaison at the park will be the initial contact. Faculty members may work more closely with other individuals, as appropriate, upon arrival at the park.
9. Can a regional office of the NPS host a faculty member of sabbatical?
   Yes. All units and offices of the NPS may host sabbaticals. Parks, administrative offices, program centers, and system support offices are able to participate in the Sabbatical in the Parks Program.
10. Can a park arrange a sabbatical without being involved in the Sabbatical in the Parks Program?
    Yes. The Sabbatical in the Parks Program is available only as assistance to parks.