`Appendix IV - e) Policy on Leaves of Absence April 4, 1959. Policy on Leaves of Absence 1. Reasons for Leaves s of Absence The primary purpose of the leave of absence is the strengthening of the University through the professional growth of the individual staff member. The theory of the leave of absence is that a periodic change to a new environment, which offers the opportunity for a period of study under the challenge of new ideas and persons and a release from the pressures of duties on the home campus, is a necessity if teachers, researchers, or educational e-lministrators are to continue to be fresh and creative in their tasks. In addition, because many of the staff (hereafter referred to as non-residents) are now residing away from t...