Course Release
Course Release, also known as Release Time or Teaching Release, is when a faculty member is given permission to spend less time teaching classes so they can focus on other important academic work. This might include research projects, writing books or papers, developing new programs, or taking on special administrative duties. It's like giving teachers extra time away from the classroom to work on other valuable projects that benefit the institution. This is different from sabbatical leave, which is a longer period away from all duties, usually lasting a semester or year.
Examples in Resumes
Received Course Release to develop new online learning curriculum
Managed department scheduling including faculty Course Release and teaching assignments
Secured Release Time for research project leadership
Negotiated Teaching Release to lead major grant initiative
Typical job title: "Academic Affairs Administrators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Academic Affairs Administrators
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you evaluate and prioritize course release requests from faculty members?
Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing departmental teaching needs with research priorities, budget considerations, and strategic goals. Should mention transparency in decision-making and clear communication with faculty.
Q: How do you measure the success and impact of course release time?
Expected Answer: Should explain tracking outcomes like published research, grant funding secured, new course development, and other measurable achievements while maintaining teaching quality in the department.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you manage course scheduling when multiple faculty members have release time?
Expected Answer: Should discuss strategies for maintaining course offerings, using adjunct faculty, and ensuring fair distribution of teaching loads while accommodating release time.
Q: What factors do you consider when reviewing a course release application?
Expected Answer: Should mention project merit, departmental needs, budget impact, faculty workload equity, and alignment with institutional goals.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between course release and sabbatical leave?
Expected Answer: Should explain that course release is a reduction in teaching load while maintaining other duties, while sabbatical is extended leave from all duties for focused research or professional development.
Q: How do you document and track course release arrangements?
Expected Answer: Should discuss maintaining accurate records of release time approvals, project goals, duration, and ensuring proper coverage of teaching responsibilities.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of academic schedules
- Course scheduling assistance
- Documentation and record keeping
- Supporting faculty requests
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing course release processes
- Coordinating teaching schedules
- Budget monitoring
- Policy implementation
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning
- Policy development
- Resource allocation
- Program assessment
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of understanding of academic workload management
- No experience with faculty affairs
- Poor organizational skills
- Limited knowledge of higher education policies
- Unable to balance competing departmental needs
Related Terms
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