Requesting Emeritus Status

This guideline outlines the procedure for requesting Emeritus Status for departing full-time Health and Human Development faculty.

Emeritus Status is not awarded to all departing faculty as it is a privilege given in recognition of continual exemplary academic service to the University. Please first determine eligibility for Emeritus Status before proceeding with the approval process. Eligibility requirements are outlined in Policy AC25 Emeritus Status. 

When an academic unit leader chooses to request emeritus status for a faculty member who is separating from the University, the department head or school director sends an email request to Human Resources. The email request should be sent at least 60 days prior to the retirement date and must include:

• Name of the individual Emeritus Status is being requested for and their current job title
• Planned date of separation from the university
• Confirmation that the individual meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in AC25 
• An attached letter that justifies the appointment commenting on duration and merit of service to the University
• An updated copy of the faculty member's CV
• Any privileges the unit wishes to provide beyond the typical Emeritus privileges outlined in Policy AC25
• If the unit would like to provide office or laboratory space, please first consult with the dean.

Human Resources will review the request to ensure all requested information is included and that the employee meets eligibility requirements. The request will then be forwarded to the Dean for review and approval.

Human Resources will communicate the approval or denial to the requestor.

If approved, the manager, or administrative staff, submitting the Initiate Separation Form in WorkLion must indicate “Yes” in the “Eligible for Emeritus and the Dean has approved the appointment” dropdown field.

After the individual’s separation is processed, the Office of the President will receive a notification of the Emeritus award. A letter and certificate of Emeritus Status is then sent to the faculty member.

The Emeritus Academy is a program designed to recognize and promote the ongoing engagement of emeriti faculty in scholarly and creative activities. The Academy provides a community-based approach that fosters continued intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and collegiality. 

Membership in the Emeritus Academy is open to all emeritus tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty and administrators who are completing scholarly projects. Applicants are expected to be actively involved and productive in an area of research or creative activity, pedagogy or educational advancement, disciplinary or interdisciplinary leadership, or outreach.

The Emeritus Academy is overseen by the Offices of the Executive Vice President and Provost and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.  Membership in the Emeritus Academy is for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Members of the Emeritus Academy are granted the title “Academy Professor.” This title may be used during the period in which the individual is a member of the Academy. The Academy hosts a series of lectures each year, open to the public, at which current members present their research or creative activity and respond to questions from the audience. When funds are available, the Academy will sponsor an annual small research and travel grant program.

For more information and to apply visit: https://vpfa.psu.edu/emeritus-academy/