Emeritus Faculty Policies

Professor Emeritus Appointment 

Any member of the professional staff who retires after ten years in the tenured rank of university professor, professor, or associate professor and who has rendered distinguished and meritorious service to the university, may be appointed professor emeritus by the provost after recommendation by the members of the particular department and the dean of the college or school faculty to which the retiring member belonged. 

A professor who does not seek or is not qualified or approved for emeritus status is considered a retired academic. Emeritus status is not available for other academic titles.  Professor emeritus is a continuing appointment status, inactive until a “rehire” appointment is approved. Administrative and executive service is possible within the title professor emeritus.   

By vote of their graduate fields, emeritus professors will be granted the working designation “Graduate School Professor of (field)”. This designation, which can be used on grant and contract applications, will permit an individual to retain the rights of other graduate faculty in the field. Maximum terms are for five years, renewable. Records are maintained by the Graduate School and inquiries may be directed to the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School.   For more information see the University site.