What happens if the tenure-track faculty member and the university cannot reach an agreement?
If the parties do not reach an agreement, the process ends. The tenure-track faculty member may apply again in a subsequent year.
How is the agreement documented?
The agreement is memorialized in an application to enroll in the transition plan. The tenure-track faculty member signs and submits the application to the Dean. The Dean reviews the application and either accepts the application or requests some changes. If the Dean requests changes, then the application is sent back to the tenure-track faculty member for their review.
What is the deadline for reaching an agreement?
The Dean will notify the tenure-track faculty member no later than Dec. 18, 2026. The tenure-track faculty member must reach agreement on the reduction in duties and full-time equivalent (FTE) no later than Dec. 23, 2026. Failure to reach an agreement means the process ends and the tenure-track faculty member may apply again in a subsequent year.
What happens after the tenure-track faculty member submits the notice?
Upon receiving the notice, the Dean will immediately begin discussions with the Chair/Director and tenure-track faculty member concerning the specific reduction in duties and FTE for each year of phased retirement. We also encourage the tenure-track faculty member to reach out to the Dean and Chair/Director to ensure that all deadlines will be met.
What is the deadline for expressing interest?
The notice of interest must be submitted by Dec. 7, 2026.
How does a tenure-track faculty member express interest in phased retirement?
Tenure-track faculty members are strongly encouraged to consult with their Dean and Chair/Director to reach a mutual understanding regarding the terms of their workload reductions for both Year 1 and Year 2 of the program.
Faculty members are also strongly encouraged to seek independent guidance from their personal financial, legal, and tax advisors, as well as consult with STRS Ohio, to fully understand the implications of participating in the program.
Can the FTE change during an academic year?
No. The approved reduced full-time equivalent (FTE) must remain the same for the entire calendar academic year, excluding summer assignments. The first-year FTE and second-year FTE may differ, but each must remain fixed throughout that year.
Who determines the tenure-track faculty member’s duties and full-time equivalent (FTE)?
The tenure-track faculty member, Dean, and Provost or the Provost’s designee must mutually agree upon the specific duties and full-time equivalent (FTE) for each of the two years. After receiving the notice of interest, the Dean begins discussions with the Chair/Director and the tenure-track faculty member regarding those details.
Is there a minimum teaching requirement?
Yes. A tenure-track faculty member’s teaching load may not fall below one course per semester during phased retirement.
How will a tenure-track faculty member’s workload be reduced?
The workload reduction will result from a reduction in workload (i.e., teaching, service, and/or professional activities). Duties, expectations, and compensation will be reduced by an amount proportionate to the reduction in the tenure-track faculty member’s full-time equivalent (FTE).
