Educational Release Time

Issue/Question

What is educational release time and how do I apply for it?

How do I request leave to take a class?

Resolution

Environment

• USD
• DocuSign
• Experience portal 

Resolution

1. Per Board of Regents Policy 4.5.4, overtime employees who have been continuously employed for more than one year in a benefit eligible, full-time position at USD, may request approval to take up to three clock hours per week of classwork without being required to make up this time.
2. To be eligible, the class must only be offered during normal working hours. In the event the class is offered during off hours, on the Internet via asynchronous (online courses designed so students can learn on their own time), or on weekends during that semester, then the release time may not be approved.
3. All hours over the three-clock hours/week limitation must be made up.
4. Hours of educational release time do not count as hours worked and will not be calculated toward overtime.
5. To request approval of educational release time, complete the online DocuSign form at HR Educational Release Form.
6. If approved, you request the time in the leave request system under the Educational Leave 3 hrs/week category. For questions on how to request leave, please see Requesting Leave.