Regular paid sabbatical leave was not the policy of the University of Chicago at least up through World War I. Also faculty costs to attend professional meetings were not covered unless the faculty member was representing the University in some official capacity.
_____________________
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY
February 10, 1917
My dear Sir:
It would be of real assistance to us here in defending ourselves against attack if you would give me the practice of your institution on the following points:
- Leaves of absence with pay to members of the faculty.
- Appropriations to enable members of the faculty to attend meetings of learned societies.
- Appropriations for rousing the interest of the alumni.
I should greatly appreciate a prompt reply.
Very truly yours,
[signed, W. J. Battle]
Dean of the Faculty
President Harry P. Judson,
University of Chicago,
Chicago, Ill.
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Carbon Copy of President Judson’s response to Dean Battle
Chicago, February 15, 1917
Dear Dr. Battle:
Your favor of the 10th inst. is received. In answer to your questions:
- Leave of absence with pay to members of the faculty is given rarely, and only for a particular reason. These reasons are in some cases those relating to the health of the individual in question; in other cases relating to a special piece of scientific work to be undertaken.
- We make no specific appropriation to enable members of the faculty to attend the meetings of learned societies. Rarely a specific allowance is made in cases of meetings in which members of the faculty are sent to represent the University.
- We have some appropriations for the development of close relations between the alumni and the University. Money so spent is, I think, very wisely spent.
You are aware that our plan of organization contemplates four quarters in the year, and that any member of the faculty is expected to give instruction during three out of those four. He is allowed to give instruction during the fourth frequently, and such work may be credited as vacation, so that later the person in question may be absent on full pay for a considerable time.
Very truly yours,
H.P.J.-L
Dean W. J. Battle
The University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Source: University of Chicago Archives. Office of the President. Judson and Burton Administrations, Records. Box 68, Folder 18 “Procedures, 1893-1917”.
Image Source: Cobb Lecture Hall, 1917. University of Chicago Photographic Archive, apf2-02760, Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.