Sabbatical Leave

I am on sabbatical leave from my university (Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines) from June 2007 to May 2007. Before that I was on 3rd summer leave from April to May 2008. That is a total of 14 months without teaching load => Now I can focus more on my research and outreach projects :)

(Note: I am an Associate Professor at the Mathematics Department of the School of Science and Engineering of Ateneo.)

What is a sabbatical leave?

Here are some answers:

1. (n) a leave usually taken every seventh year

(Source: http://wordhut.com/definitions/sabbatical_leave.htm)

2. "A sabbatical leave is an opportunity to broaden or deepen educational interests, to explore new areas, or examine instructional methods to upgrade the educational program of the college by improving faculty competency. A sabbatical leave gives faculty a respite from their normal duties in order to provide them an opportunity to grow professionally. The goal of a sabbatical leave project is to engage faculty in the areas of study, research, travel, work experience, or other creative activity, and to contribute to the institution as a whole upon his/her return to the college. A sabbatical leave is a competitive process awarded to eligible faculty on the strength of his/her application."

(Source: http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fpg/sabbaticals.html