Emeritus Faculty and Senior Academic & Administrative Officers

I.  Background

Emeritus status is an honor and a mark of distinction granted to fully retired faculty members and some Senior Academic or Administrative Officers whose service has been characterized by high professional achievement and who have given sustained, outstanding service to the University.  Retired faculty members may be awarded an emeritus title corresponding to their rank.  Retired administrative officers may be awarded an emeritus title corresponding to their last administrative title prior to retirement.

II.  Eligibility

Any individual meeting the following criteria will be considered for emeritus status:

1. The individual holds an appointment in the professorial faculty ranks with permanent tenure at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte or holds a Special Faculty Appointment that has been held for a period of no fewer than ten consecutive years;
2. A Tier I Senior Academic or Administrative Officer who has held that position for a period of no fewer than ten consecutive years and, in exceptional cases, a Tier II Senior Academic or Administrative Officer who has served the University for a period of no fewer than 25 consecutive years;
3. Any individual appointed to the position of Chancellor on a permanent (not interim) basis for a period of no fewer than five consecutive years.  The length of service may be waived by the Board of Trustees in its sole discretion.
4. The individual has effectively retired from the University.  Those who resign from the University to enter phased retirement and who otherwise meet the eligibility standards set forth herein when they entered phased retirement, will be eligible for emeritus consideration at the end of the phased retirement term.

III.  Procedures for Faculty

All recommendations for emeritus faculty appointments for individuals meeting the eligibility criteria under Section II.1 above must be initiated at the department level via the following procedure. 

1. Upon receipt of notice of retirement, the chair of the faculty member’s department shall invite the faculty member to submit a current curriculum vitae for distribution to the departmental faculty.  The chair shall consult with the departmental faculty before determining whether to recommend conferment of emeritus status; however, the department chair’s recommendation does not require the approval of departmental faculty.
2. With the concurrence of the appropriate college dean, a recommendation for emeritus status shall be forwarded to the Provost.
3. Award of emeritus status may be conferred by the Chancellor upon the recommendation of the Provost.  The decision of the Chancellor is final.

IV.  Procedures for Senior Academic and Administrative Officers

1. Upon receipt of a request from an eligible Tier I Senior Academic or Administrative Officer for consideration for emeritus status, the Chancellor may so recommend to the Board of Trustees.  The decision of the Chancellor whether to recommend emeritus status is final as is the decision of the Board of Trustees whether to confer emeritus status.
2. In recognition of exceptionally meritorious service and upon the recommendation of the appropriate Vice Chancellor or the Athletic Director, the Chancellor may choose to confer emeritus status upon the retirement of a Tier II Senior Academic or Administrative Officer who meets the eligibility criteria specified in Section II.2. above.
3. The Board of Trustees will consider the conferral of emeritus status upon the retirement of a Chancellor.  The decision of the Board is final. 

V. Privileges

Faculty members and Senior Academic or Administrative Officers who are conferred emeritus status are granted the following:

1. A University identification card;
2. The use of University recreational facilities under the same conditions applicable to the faculty and staff;
3. The use of Library facilities and Library electronic resources under the same conditions applicable to the faculty and staff;
4. A University email account;
5. Inclusion in the University Catalog, the Campus Directory, and all other formal listings of the faculty;
6. Invitations to University Commencement and other similar events;
7. The opportunity to purchase tickets for University athletic and cultural events at faculty/staff rates; and
8. Receipt of University and Alumni Publications.
9. Campus parking at no charge.

10. The opportunity to purchase an “all access” pass for use of the Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) light rail service and other modes of CATS transportation on the same terms and conditions applicable to the faculty and staff.  Use of the pass requires physical possession of a University identification card.

Emeriti faculty members are not eligible to: hold University office; sit on tenure, hearing or grievance committees; or to vote in faculty elections. 

VI.  Allocation of Departmental Resources to Emeritus Faculty

The University’s priority for office and research space must be for those who are current faculty members.  Emeritus faculty members who remain professionally active may apply for use of departmental resources.  If in the chair’s judgment these professional activities fall within the current mission of the department and if the circumstances permit and the emeritus faculty member has demonstrated a need, then the chair may recommend that the dean approve the allocation of office space and resources, including: office supplies, use of equipment, photocopy cards, and telephone and Internet access.