Human Resources - Phased Retirement Program

SUNY Institute of Technology has developed a Phased Retirement Program which is designed to provide full-time, tenured faculty members with an orderly transition to full retirement through part-time service.

This is a pilot program which will be monitored regularly for effectiveness and cost benefits.

This program is entirely voluntary. Any faculty member considering participation is encouraged to discuss the program with his or her attorney, financial advisor, pension fund representative and human resources office regarding the effects of participation before making a decision. Furthermore, this program should not be considered as an entitlement by any faculty member, as participation by any individual is a matter of discretion for the college. Participation shall be allowed only after a determination by the chief administrative officer or his designee, in consultation with appropriate college officials, that part-time continued employment is manageable and beneficial to the department and school from which the faculty member is retiring.

Appointments under this program shall be for a specified period of time. Appointments may not exceed three years. Appointments will be "temporary" and therefore, as set forth in the Trustees' Policies, terminable at will by the chief administrative officer of the college.

Eligibility

The program is available only to full-time, tenured faculty, over the age of 55, who have held a full-time appointment for at least 10 years.

Terms and Conditions

A phased retirement under this program is subject to the following terms and conditions:

Participating faculty members must terminate full-time employment.
The appointment will not exceed three years. Terms may vary among participating faculty members.
Compensation will not exceed 50% of salary or the maximum allowed under the Retirement and Social Security Laws, (Section 211 and 212), whichever is lower.

Application Process

Eligible employees desiring to participate in the Phased Retirement Program must develop a program in consultation with the Department Chair and Dean at least one semester prior to the desired start date.

The proposed appointment may include such activities as:

Teaching

On-line
One-on-one tutorial
Executive type courses such as periodic intensive meetings
Different locations
Interactive and/or satellite TV
Internship supervision

Student Activities
To include traditional academic and student organizations or club advising, e.g., dorm, athletics, student government.

Student Recruitment
To include off-campus visitation and programs at two-year colleges, high schools, health care facilities, and industry, e.g., guest lectures, seminars, community service courses.

Committee Involvement
Serve on committees and assist the chair with time-consuming duties such as research or surveys.

Community Service
Conduct training seminars for local organizations or businesses. Be a campus liaison with local/regional companies to promote internships, solicit donations for the development office, place graduates, and strengthen alumni relations.

Scholarly Activities
Engage in sponsored research, grant writing, or mentoring other faculty members in their research and scholarly activity. Carrying out faculty research and publishing which would benefit the college.

If, in the opinion of the Dean, the proposed program contract will have a benefit to the Institute, he/she shall forward the application and recommendation to the Academic Affairs VP for consideration and subsequent recommendation.

If the contract is supported by the Academic Affairs VP, it will be submitted to the President for review and approval.

Updated: November 16, 2005