Sandhills Community College will establish, fund and provide a mechanism for continuing professional development of staff in a manner that ultimately will benefit the students, the College, and the academic community at large. Sabbatical leave should provide an opportunity for continued professional growth and new (or renewed) intellectual achievement through teaching, study, research, writing, and travel. Policy 3.5 provides similar information on faculty sabbaticals. A staff member is eligible to apply for a sabbatical after seven full years of service and may apply for an additional sabbatical seven years following a previous sabbatical award.