Academic Study Leave

Key Dates
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ's)
Related Documents and Forms
General Queries

We are committed to providing academic staff with the opportunity to enhance their professional development and pursue research and/or scholarly work outside of the University. As part of Deakin's research development program, opportunities may be provided to academic staff to engage in the Academic Study Leave (ASL) program (formerly known as the Outside Studies Program or OSP).

ASL is a form of paid professional development leave designed to support academic staff to work with local and internationally renowned academics, professionals and industry leaders, from other institutions. It also provides the opportunity for uninterrupted research activities.

For more information please refer to the updated procedure.

Key Dates

Trimester 2, 2014

2-Aug-13	Call for applications
2-Sep-13	Applications due to Head of School (HoS) or equivalent
20-Sep-13	Applications due to Faculty Committee with HoS or equivalent recommendation
11-Oct-13	Faculty ASL Committee to forward recommendations to University ASL Committee

Trimester 3, 2014

11-Nov-13	Call for applications
10-Jan-14	Applications due to Head of School (HoS) or equivalent
24-Jan-14	Applications due to Faculty Committee with HoS or equivalent recommendation
14-Feb-14	Faculty ASL Committee to forward recommendations to University ASL Committee

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ's)

What do I need to include in my application?

Please refer to the checklist contained within the Application form (157 KB) for full details.

How much funding will I be awarded?

This will vary subject to the application, duration and location- as a guide, please refer to Schedule A.

How long can I go on ASL for?

Normally, ASL leave will be for a period of no more than two trimesters and where augmented by other forms of paid or unpaid leave shall not exceed 12 months.

I haven't travelled on University business before, what do I need to do?

When travelling on University business, staff members must ensure they comply with the Travel procedure particularly in relation to: travel bookings and travel insurance (including augmenting Recreation Leave for leisure travel whilst on ASL).

For details on travel insurance please refer to the overseas travel insurance for staff intranet page.

What happens if I need to change or modify my approved ASL?

It is recognised that changes may be required after an ASL application has been approved. Should this occur, the changes must be notified to the appropriate Committee. Minor amendments such as a change of leave dates may be approved by the Faculty Committee. Substantial changes to the original ASL program or period of leave approved must be submitted to the University ASL Committee for approval.

Substantial changes can include but are not limited to:

deferring of ASL leave to another year

changes to research and publications output

reduction of leave time which may affect the grant amount

changes of location or institution

receipt of additional income whilst on ASL

dependent family member no longer accompanying the staff member

For further advice or to discuss changes to your ASL, please contact the Executive Officer.

How do I access the ASL funding I have been awarded?

Approved ASL applicants will have the total awarded amount paid via payroll, on receipt of a completed Payment form (363 KB) and a signed acceptance letter. The Executive Officer will arrange for the payment to be made and will confirm payment details with the applicant.

Important Note: The ASL grant has not been taxed and will show on the staff member's payment summary in the financial year in which it was paid. It is the staff member’s responsibility to seek tax advice as to how the ASL grant may impact their individual situation and to keep all invoices/receipts for tax purposes. This one off payment allows flexibility in regard to booking flights and accommodation and allows the staff member to have the funds prior to departure.

Please be advised that Deakin University is unable to provide tax advice regarding the ASL payment. It is recommended that you seek your own financial advice in this regard to the payment and tax implications.

When do I have to complete the report?

Within three months of returning from ASL, applicants are required to prepare and submit a formal report to their Head of School. Each applicant is also required to present a summary of their report to the Faculty Board.

A summary report must also be forwarded to the Executive Officer of the University ASL Committee for reporting purposes. Future ASL leave requests may not be considered if reports are not submitted.