Special Studies Program

The University has a Special Studies Program (SSP) under which eligible members of staff may be given approval and financial support to undertake a period of special studies in lieu of their normal duties, to further their scholarship, research, professional practice and development.

Eligibility

Staff eligible to apply for the Special Studies Program include:

• members of the salaried academic staff at Level A and above
• those in positions that the University regards as equivalent to those of academic staff (e.g. certain research only positions)
• those with contracts of employment that extend beyond the period of special studies for at least an equal period.

If your position is funded by a source external to the University, approval and determination of financial support through the Program is based on the conditions of your appointment and the funding agency.

The Special Studies Program is not available to Category 2 research staff whose employment contract is funded by a research grant(s) secured by a Category 1 self-funded researcher.

For further information on your eligibility, please see the SSP policy and guidelines.

Leave

If you intend to use Recreation Leave and/or Long Service Leave in conjunction with your period of SSP, please ensure that these periods do not overlap. If you wish to alter your leave during a period of SSP, you must amend your SSP by completing an amendment form (as listed below) or adjust your other leave periods accordingly.

Application Deadlines

The call for applications is made via Inside Adelaide, with a closing date of 30 March for Special Studies Leave in the following year. All applications for the Special Studies Program must be signed off by your Head of School and submitted to the Faculty contacts (listed below).

Resources

Policy and Guidelines

The policy and guidelines for the Special Studies Program provide information on criteria for approving Special Studies Leave and how you can apply.

Forms

• Acceptance form – for confirming your acceptance of the conditions of the SSP
• Amendment form – for obtaining approval for any significant variation from the period or itinerary set out in your original SSP application
• Application form – to apply for the SSP
• Completion form – completed at the end of a period of Special Studies to determine whether any adjustment has to be made to your provisional SSP grant
• Initiation of Payment form – to enable Human resources to make payment of your Special Studies Program Grant (complete six weeks prior to commencement)
• Living Away From Home Declaration form – to confirm any claim for expenses when your Special Studies requires you to live away from your normal residence
• Report guidelines – guidelines for the report to be submitted following the completion of your Special Studies.

Faculty Contacts

Further Information

If you require more information after reviewing the Special Study Program policy and guidelines and calculating your Special Studies Leave, please contact the Human Resources Service Centre at mailto:hrservicecentre@adelaide.edu.auor on 831 31111.