Emeritus Policy

Emeritus (or posthumous emeritus) status is an honor conferred by the university to show respect for a distinguished career. Emeritus is an honorary title for professors who want to stay active in scholarship following retirement.  The university community is encouraged to use the skills and the talents of emeriti on a voluntary basis when appropriate. 

Emeritus status is not available for individuals holding non-academic titles, including individuals holding modified professorial titles such as "adjunct", "professional," or “visiting.” A professor who does not seek or is not qualified or approved for emeritus status is considered a “retired academic.” 

If the president is eligible for the Emeritus Rank then the Office of the Provost in consultation with Faculty and the Board of Trustees initiates the process, and the Board of Trustees votes the rank of Emeritus. If the provost is eligible for the Emeritus rank, then the Office of the President initiates the process, and the Board of Trustees votes the rank of Emeritus. 

The following guidelines will be used to determine qualification for the honorary title "Professor Emeritus" for any member of the professional staff who: 

• retires after 10 years full-time equivalency 
• achieves the rank of university professor or associate professor  
• has distinguished themselves in two or more of the following areas: (a) distinguished teaching record, (b) outstanding scholarly publication record, (c) professional achievement in administrative or other duties, (d) acclaimed creative work, (e) recognized advising and mentorship for students, and (f) distinguished volunteerism in service to the community  
• is approved by the President's Council on the recommendation of the Provost and members of the department of the university to which the retiring member belonged 
• receives final approval by the Board of Trustees. 

Privileges of Professors Emeriti 

Professors emeriti remain members of the University Faculty and are afforded the following privileges: 

• Notification and participation in departmental, General Faculty and University events and special convocations 
• Serve on university committees as a full voting member and supervise graduate study when requested by a department chair and approved by the Provost. 
• An academic account on the campus’ computer network. 
• In addition to the public award and inclusion in a published listing of emeriti, the university may provide benefits such as library privileges and office space when available. 
• An I.D. card with the concomitant privileges of a faculty member. 
• The privilege of a faculty member or spouse to take one free class per semester as allowed by policy. 
• Inclusion in the AdventHealth University telephone directory as Emeritus Faculty/Dean Emeritus/Provost Emeritus/President Emeritus. 
• Special teaching and administrative assignments, post-retirement research appointments permit individual retired faculty members to carry on sponsored research using university facilities and supervise graduate study as approved. 

The status of Emeritus Faculty/Dean Emeritus/Provost Emeritus/President Emeritus may be rescinded by the Board of Trustees in consultation with the President.