The manual consists of three sections: an overview describing aspects of sabbatical leave policies at Canadian universities with accompanying charts; the text of the sabbatical leave policies in effect as of February 1, 1979 at each Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada member institution; and a report provided by the University of Manitoba entitled "Sabbatical Leaves: An Essential Feature of Academic Life," prepared by the university's senate committee on sabbatical leave. The overview deals with features not included in the majority of written policies and features that have distinct regional characteristics. Frequently recurring leave features are found in the charts. Charts have four sections: some conditions of eligibility, application and decision, financial support, and other conditions. All information is based on written policies as found in faculty handbooks or collective agreements, or in the case of two institutions without written policies, on information provided by universities. The written leave policies of the member institutions are reproduced in their entirety. The University of Manitoba report presents a rationale for the existence of a sabbatical leave policy, demonstrating the need for the benefits such leave provides. (Author/MSE)