Tenure-Track Faculty Phased Retirement Program
Tenure-Track Faculty Phased Retirement Program
The Tenure-Track Faculty Phased Retirement Program provides eligible tenure-track faculty members with a voluntary, structured transition from full-time employment to retirement over a two-year period. The program is designed to support tenure-track faculty members who are eligible for retirement by allowing a gradual reduction in workload while maintaining access to important benefits during the transition.
Eligibility
Full-time, nine-month or twelve-month tenure-track faculty members are eligible if they would otherwise be eligible to retire under their applicable retirement plan, with either full or reduced benefits, when the phased retirement period begins on January 1, 2027.
Unreduced benefit:
- 32 years of service at any age, or
- Age 65 with 5 year of service
Reduced benefits:
- 27 years of service at any age, or
- Age 60 with 5 years of service
See the for more information.
Application and Key Dates at a Glance
The faculty member must notify the university through the designated electronic . The program timeline is outlined below. Further details can be found in the one-page overview and FAQs, linked below.
| Item | Provision |
|---|---|
| Faculty member submits application | Due Dec. 7, 2026 |
| Dean agreement and acceptance or proposed change(s) | Due Dec. 18, 2026 |
| Faculty member receives notice/review and accept Dean’s proposed change(s) | Due Dec. 23, 2026 |
| Faculty member signs the first release and waiver document | Due Dec. 30, 2026 |
| Revocation period | Within seven (7) calendar days of signing the Release and Waiver, or by Jan. 6, 2027, whichever occurs first. |
| Program duration | Two academic years, with an option to retire earlier |
| Year 1 FTE | 75% to 50% |
| Year 2 FTE | 50% to 25% |
| Minimum teaching load | One course per semester |
| Faculty member signs the second release and waiver document | Due Dec. 23, 2028 |
Contact Academic Personnel for general program and application questions at academic_personnel@kent.edu or 330-672-8702.
Contact Benefits for benefits questions related to this program at benefits@kent.edu or 330-672-3107.
Contact STRS for service credit and retirement information at 216-520-1711 or 1-888-313-4009.
