Special Studies Program FAQ's

• Obtain accrued SSP leave balance through Staff Services Online (SSO)
• SSP Application is available online on Page Up. Supporting application forms are available on the Applicant page.
• Follow the Special Studies Program (SSP) Application Guidelines

Once you have completed your online application via PageUp:

• Applications are forwarded to the Faculty SSP Committee;
• The SSP Committee assesses each application and provides recommendations to the Executive Dean for approval;
• Applications not progressing for approval will cease at this stage and the applicant notified.  Applicants can then seek feedback from the Chair of the SSP Committee once the round has been finalised
• Applications that are recommended by the SSP Committee for approval are forwarded to the Executive Dean for consideration and approval (subject to ED review);
• All applicants will be advised of their outcome via email.  Approval may depend on final checks of eligibility (any outstanding reports from previous SSP taken, workload impact on other staff members; alignment with the Faculty’s strategic priorities correct number of days requested and/or annual leave requests).

Once your application has been approved:

• The Convenor forwards the following forms to successful recipients for completion:
  • Approval letter advising of outcome and award details (no action required)
  • SSP Commencement form  (to be completed 6 weeks prior to starting leave)
  • If required: SSP Variation form (only to be completed if amendment is required eg. date, times or destination changes)
  • On return to normal work duties: A written report is to be completed within one month of returning to normal work duties and forwarded to the HR Service Centre

The University no longer offers LAFHA, staff are encouraged to claim the work related portion of their travel expenses through their personal taxation claim with receipts as proof of expenditure. If a reimbursement from a consulting fund is required this estimate should be stated on the travel requisition and approved by the HoS prior to travelling. Only the employee’s portion of the work related expenses will be reimbursed from consulting funds. Information on work related expenses that can be claimed from consulting accounts can be found in the Travel and Entertainment Policy and Procedures  

• All forms (commencement and if applicable, amendment form) must be completed and forwarded to the
  HR Operations team before leave takes place;
• An estimated travel costing is to be submitted with application if funding is required.
• Ensure compliance with the University’s travel policy regarding vaccinations

A written report of outcome is to be completed within one month of return. More information can be found on the Special Studies Program Report