Faculty development leave (FDL) provides an opportunity for tenured full-time faculty to arrange for a transformational experience, in which they can expand and/or deepen the impact of their scholarship. Faculty should engage with their department head and their college liaison on the university FDL Review Committee as they begin to plan for an FDL experience. Given the limited number of FDL opportunities, department and college level approvals are likely to favor those applications proposing activities most in line with their missions. For more information, review the current guidelines.
The salary funds for faculty development leave come from the college/school. Faculty Affairs supplemental funding this year will be $6,000 per approved FDL faculty submission. Transfers of these funds will occur in September 2026. Each college receives dedicated funding for the faculty development leave program and has full authority to determine how these resources are allocated.
Process & Deadlines
Faculty should prepare FDL applications at least a full year in advance of the intended time of leave. Each college governs its own internal review deadlines and process, and Faculty Affairs accepts college-approved applications until mid-fall for the subsequent academic year. Applications are then routed through Faculty Affairs and the Board of Regents. Faculty applicants are notified of approval decisions in late spring.
Upon a faculty member's return from FDL, an FDL report must be submitted documenting leave activities, impacts of leave activities, and benefits to both faculty member and Texas A&M.
Applications and reports may be accessed, submitted, and reviewed through the FDL section of the online faculty portal.
Deadlines for FY27 (Fall 2026 - Spring 2027)
August - September, varies
Departmental and college deadlines to receive and review faculty applications. Contact your department head to confirm the deadline relevant to you.
October 1, 2025, 12 p.m.
Final deadline for applications to be received by Faculty Affairs. Late applications will not be accepted.
Associated Documents
Benefits Information
- Guide to Using Your Benefits While Traveling
- Travel Assistance Services Available Through Your Basic Life (personal and business)
- International SOS (official university business)