Research and Study Release Policy

1. Research and study release is an opportunity for eligible kaimahi to pursue research interests or other scholarly activities, undertake a programme of strategically relevant formal or informal study/activity, and/or investigate best or innovative practice that is relevant to their area of responsibility and consistent with their role. 

2. A panel comprising the Executive Director (or delegate), the Tumuaki Rakahau | Director: Research and Postgraduate Studies, the Lead of the Professoriate (or appointed senior academic), and the Deputy Executive Director: Te Tiriti and Partnership (or delegate from Kaitohutohu Office) will consider all applications for research and study release (hereinafter referred to as the “Panel”).   

3. The Research and Postgraduate Studies Office can be contacted if there are any questions about this policy. 

 Eligibility and Financial Assistance 

 4. Kaimahi who are eligible for research and study release are:  

 Weekends and public holidays are included in the research and study release entitlement. 

 5. Kaimahi are eligible to apply for research and study release after three (3) years of continuous employment from the date of appointment to a qualifying position. 

 6. Eligibility for subsequent periods of research and study release commences three (3) years after the previous research report is submitted. 

 7. Research and study release allocation cannot be accrued. 

 8. Research and study release cannot be cashed up for any reason, such as resignation, retirement, or redundancy. 

 9. The Formal Leader is responsible for making adequate budget provision for research and study release, including provision for backfilling the role. Costs must be approved as per delegated authorities. 

 10. Kaimahi on research and study release cannot accept another salaried position, or engage in private consulting for fees, during the period of their research and study release. 

 11. Kaimahi on research and study release, may accept financial assistance or a financial grant from an external organisation, with approval from the Panel, provided that the financial support does not involve duties which  

 Application Requirements 

 12. Applications for research and study release must be on the Otago Polytechnic Research and Study Release Application Form, signed by their Formal Leader, and sent to the Research and Postgraduate Studies Office (researchoutputs@op.ac.nz) by 31 May for release the following year. The application must include: 

 13. Research and study release should preferably be taken in a single period within the following year, at a time negotiated between the Formal Leader and kaimahi. Other timing arrangements may be agreed with the Formal Leader.  

 14.  The Panel reserves the right to postpone research and study release for up to one (1) year* in any, or a combination of, the following circumstances: 

 *Note: If an additional delay occurs following the one (1) year postponement, negotiation can be entered into with the Panel and all relevant parties informed (People and Culture, Formal Leader and Payroll).  

 15. Special Responsibilities Allowance (SRA) will be suspended for the period kaimahi are on research and study release. 

 16. Kaimahi must supply their report to the Research and Postgraduate Studies Office, within three (3) months of returning from their research and study release. The report must include 

Note: Eligibility for the next period of research and study release does not commence until the report is submitted. 

 Appeals 

17. Kaimahi, who believe that they have been disadvantaged by the Panel’s decision regarding research and study release time may lodge a written appeal with the Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery, setting out the grounds for their appeal, within one (1) month of being notified of the decision.