17.1.7 Should the Dean decide, after consultation with the Department Chair or equivalent, to recommend that a Sabbatical Leave be denied, he/she shall write to the Faculty Member, with a copy to the Association, giving reasons for this recommendation. The Dean shall give the Faculty Member an opportunity to respond in writing and/or in person, and the Faculty Member shall have the right to be accompanied by a Member of his/her choice. The Dean transmits his/her recommendation to the Vice-President: Academic for action. In all cases, the Dean shall make his/her recommendation to the Vice-President: Academic by December 1 for a leave commencing July 1, and by March 15 for a leave commencing January 1.