This book offers practical suggestions to college faculty for making the sabbatical experience more productive, satisfying, enriching, and enjoyable. Part 1 serves as an introduction, examining the origins and definitions of sabbatical leave and common institutional practices in regard to granting sabbaticals. Part 2 looks at the five stages of the sabbatical experience, including: (1) pre-application reflection and planning, (2) the application process, (3) pre-sabbatical preparation, (4) the leave period itself, and (5) reentry and follow-through. Part 3 addresses the institutional context of the sabbatical experience, examining the roles of faculty developer, departmental and divisional chairs, and chief academic officers. Part 4 serves as a conclusion, discussing the benefits of the sabbatical experience and recommendations for improving sabbatical programs. Five appendixes contain a selected bibliography, a statement on the philosophy and role of the St. Norbert College Faculty Personnel Committee in regard to sabbatical leave, a bibliography of time management resources, grant seeking and writing resources, and sample sabbatical applications and sample sabbatical reports by individuals at a variety of institutions. (Contains 145 references.) (MDM)