The College of Humanities & Fine Arts' Research Intensive Semester (RIS) program was developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Society of Professors. The program gives assistant professors time to focus on projects critical to their upcoming tenure review. In this context, the word “research” covers a broad range of creative and scholarly work.

A Research Intensive Semester releases participants from their teaching duties. (MSP contract). Since it is neither a leave nor a sabbatical, participants continue to be available for advising, service, and other departmental responsibilities. 

Procedures

Each fall, department chairs receive a list of faculty who are eligible in the upcoming academic year for RIS.  At least 10 days prior to their department's annual budget meeting, department chairs should submit a list of faculty who intend to take the RIS.  After the annual budget meeting, faculty will be notified of a decision and will be asked to submit a brief description of the research, scholarly, or creative work on which they will focus during their release semester.  Chairs and faculty will use the HFA Multipurpose Submission Form to submit this information.  

For more information

The Quick Reference Guide to HFA Faculty Awards and Grants provides more information.

Contact afleig [at] umass [dot] edu (Amy Fleig).