By Daniel Johnson, Staff Writer

The university faculty will be without six of its professors throughout the 2005-06 school year, as they pursue various endeavors on a university-funded sabbatical.

Sabbatical, or Faculty Renewal Leave, is a program offered by the university that gives faculty the opportunity to take one or two semesters off to work on outside research and projects.

After a Faculty Committee reviewed the proposals and recommended them to University Provost, Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, professors Al Haley, assistant professor of English; Dr. Waymon Hinson, chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy; and Dr. Cynthia Roper, assistant professor of communication, were approved for faculty renewal leave during fall 2005. Debbie Williams, assistant professor of English; Dr. Dickie Hill, professor of exercise science and health; and Dr. Tom Lee, associate professor of biology, will take their sabbaticals during the spring of 2006.

In the fall, Roper said she plans to collect data on two separate projects, The Communication Apprehension and World View on Culture Shock, and Media Equity Theory and the Effects of Televised Debates on Perceptions of Candidates. Roper said she has tried and successfully completed projects such as these in the past during regular semesters and is glad she will not be overwhelmed this semester with research and writing in addition to her regular class preparation.

The Communication Department, which deals with faculty on assignment on an ongoing basis, is dealing with the challenges of Roper’s absence.

“Because of each person’s specialization, we will be unable to offer certain classes this semester, but so far we have been able to absorb the loss,” said Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the Communication Department. “Most of all though, we will miss her input on departmental decisions this semester.”

In the spring, Hill said he plans on researching the obesity rates for elementary-aged children in the Abilene Independent School District. By using and studying the Body Mass Index, Hill said he plans to research the current levels of obesity in Abilene’s elementary children.

“I plan on accomplishing some research activities, refresh myself, and come back a stronger teacher.” Hill said.