As you move into retirement, many considerations arise, including decisions about your finances, health insurance, and well-being. It’s also important to understand the rules relating to retiring from Emory and obtaining Emeritus status. You may also want to know about the opportunity to participate in the Emeritus College.
Eligibility for retirement
Faculty members are eligible for retirement if they are a minimum of 55 years old, have completed a minimum of 10 years of service, and if a combination of their age and duration of service equals 75. More specific information regarding eligibility for retirement and emeritus status is outlined in the Faculty Handbook (“Gray Book”) and on the HR website.
Transitioning to retirement
Preparing for retirement can help make the transition a positive one. There are many resources to help with this transition, specifically through human resources and the Emeritus College. The Emeritus College sponsors a mentoring program to help you plan for a fulfilling retirement. Useful checklists are available from Human Resources and Emeritus College. Meet with your HR representative at least three months before retirement to discuss benefits.
Becoming Emerit
To hold an official emeritus title, you must be eligible to retire from Emory (see above) and you must be nominated for emeritus status by your chair and approved by the Dean’s office and the Board of Trustees. Emeritus faculty enjoy benefits like remote library access, access to the courtesy scholarship, free parking, and access to the PE center. Be sure to apply for emeritus status about six months before your retirement date to ensure continuous access.
Joining the Emeritus College
The Emeritus College is an association of retired faculty and senior administrators providing collegial and intellectual retirement programs. Its mission is to promote cross-disciplinary intellectual exchange through lectures and discussions, by supporting research, providing opportunities for continued teaching and mentoring, participating in university and community service projects, and recognizing the achievements of its members. Any faculty member or senior administrator near retirement or who has retired can join the Emeritus College by simply emailing emeriti@emory.edu with your name, email address, contact information, and school.
Planning for health care
Retirees under 65 are eligible to continue medical, dental, and/or vision coverage. Retirees also receive life insurance, and additional benefits.
At age 65, retirees will transition from Emory’s medical plan with Aetna to a Medicare health insurance exchange through Via Benefits. Post-65 retirees are also eligible to continue dental and/or vision coverage, either with Emory or through Via Benefits, and to receive life insurance coverage and other benefits. Details can be found on the Emory University HR website.
Financial planning
Planning for financial stability in retirement should start many years before retirement, but managing your money after retirement has its challenges. The Emeritus College has excellent resources to help with this critical aspect of retirement.
Staying involved
There are many opportunities to stay involved with Emory after retirement through the Emeritus College, the health care systems, your department, and university programming. Be sure to explore the options that best fit your lifestyle.