The distinctive feature of Bridging Fellowships is that they are for study in an area that is peripheral to the fellow’s central professional concern, and they permit the acquisition of knowledge and methods in a different field. These fellowships are thus distinct from academic leaves, and holding a Bridging Fellowship does not affect subsequent consideration for such leaves.
Faculty who receive Bridging Fellowships continue to receive their regular salaries and benefits for the duration of their fellowships (ordinarily one semester). Bridging Fellowships are not considered regular academic leaves of absence. Therefore, a faculty member might qualify for an academic leave of absence immediately after a bridging experience. For junior tenure-track faculty, a Bridging Fellowship does not “stop the clock” on the contractual arrangement with the University.