Faculty Retirement

Phased Retirement for Tenured Faculty Members

• Phased Retirement Policy; (MOU Template)

Part Time Employment Upon Approach to Retirement for Non-Tenured Faculty Members

• Faculty Considerations for Reducing to Part-Time Employment

Review the central Human Resources information about preparing for retirement, including the following:

• University benefits consultants recorded webinar. 
• Schedule a confidential discussion with a benefits consultant from the Office of Human Resources, to review the financial and health benefits details, and specific timing for your requests. 
• Schedule a discussion with your department HR team, to discuss phased retirement options and benefits, or retirement options in general.
   

In accordance with the Administrative Policy: Emeriti Title for Retired Faculty, emeritus faculty members are entitled to these privileges and services through the University, should they so desire them: 

1. University email account; 
2. Library privileges; 
3. Listing in the University directory; 
4. Faculty discounts for personal computer hardware and software, recreation facilities, athletic events, and other performances and exhibitions; 
5. Continued parking privileges at employee rates-subject to space limitations when the next best alternative space should be offered; 
6. Access to health and dental insurance coverage at the faculty member's own expense according to University retiree policy; 
7. Participation in academic processions (graduations, convocations and the like) in a position of honor; and 
8. The right to represent the University at academic ceremonies of other institutions upon appointment by the president.

Departments may provide additional benefits as are warranted by the nature of the continuing relationship with the University, subject to cost and availability and not to exceed those provided to regular faculty.

Additional department options for both tenured emeriti and contract faculty

Departments may provide faculty members the following services, privileges, and facilities as are warranted by the nature of the continuing relationship with the University, subject to cost and availability:

• Office space;
• Access to laboratories, computer, unit Active Directory, VPN, licensed software, or comparable facilities requisite to the continued engagement in scholarly work or mutually-agreed-upon task whether on a contractual or volunteer basis;
• Access to mail and other routine office services such as administrative support if available; and
• The right to submit proposals for sponsored research and to advise graduate students or postdoctoral research associates, subject to University rules and policies.

Continued service to the department

An academic department, service, or other administrative unit may enter into a volunteer (unpaid) or contractual agreement with a retired faculty member to provide services subject to terms of the contract and applicable laws and rules.

Typical departmental benefits for retired contract faculty members

Departments may offer an adjunct faculty appointment (unpaid) for contract faculty members who will continue to engage with the department after retirement, including providing mentorship, teaching, or other scholarly efforts contributing to the department, Medical School, and University missions. Departments may provide additional benefits as are warranted by the nature of the continuing relationship with the University, subject to cost and availability and not to exceed those provided to tenured faculty.

Retired faculty members may continue their lifelong learning journeys in their post retirement. The educational offerings, communities of learners, and social communities offered to our retired faculty members are active and full of new opportunities for connections. Consider taking advantage of new courses, trips and tours, or performances.  

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers noncredit courses, interest groups, travel, and events for adult learners.
• Minnesota residents who are aged 62 or older may enroll in courses at the University for reduced costs, either to audit or earn college credit.
• University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA) is an independent organization that advocates for University retiree interests and offers regular events to its members for social connection and intellectual stimulation.
• Wellbeing programs for retirees. Consider participating in and staying mentally, physically, and socially active by participating in the many wellbeing programs offered through the University (if you’re under 65), or through BlueCross Blue Shield; HealthPartners; Medica; or UCare.