Release Time

Release time is defined as the time the department releases the PI from normal departmental duties (teaching, public service, etc.) to perform research. It is directly charged to a project instead of departmental funds.

Released time must be provided in the project’s proposal budget and budget justification, if allowed by the Sponsor. Charged effort should always reflect the actual time spent on the project.  When a faculty member requests that their release time on a grant be counted towards cost sharing on a grant proposal, there is no exchange of funds between accounts. Effort reports (aka TEARS) reflecting unpaid (cost-shared) and/or paid effort, must be reviewed and certified by Faculty annually.