University of Maryland Policy and Procedures for Appointments of Staff to Emeritus Status

Emeritus status is an honorary designation conferred upon retirees to recognize their distinguished contributions and accomplishments over their university careers. The word emerita or emeritus after any staff title shall designate a staff member who has retired from full-time employment in the University of Maryland, College Park (“the University”) after meritorious service to the University.

Regular exempt or nonexempt employees who were employed in a full-time position for the equivalent of twenty or more years of full-time service and retired from the University are eligible to request emerita/emeritus status. This request is an honor, not a right. This policy establishes the process for awarding staff emerita/emeritus status.

Eligibility is limited to staff employees, exempt and nonexempt, who have served meritoriously for a period of twenty or more years of full-time service at the University and who have a desire to continue contributing to the University post-retirement. The recipient of this award will have a record of exemplary performance as evidenced in performance reviews, and distinctive contributions to the operation of an administrative, academic, research, or service unit on campus. The individual will have clearly demonstrated initiative toward the improvement of University programs or campus activities and will have shown commitment to the campus community as a whole. “Distinctive contributions” is a standard that must be justified in the letter.

Upon making the decision to retire, staff employees may request Emeritus status. The preferred period for submission of Staff Emeritus requests is within four weeks of the employee’s retirement date. 

1. The request is initiated by a letter or memo from the staff member addressed to the Unit Head or the staff member may be nominated by the Unit Head. The letter should include an updated resume or written record of service for the employee requesting emerita/emeritus status. The letter should include examples of the contributions made by the staff member over his/her career at the University, including specific accomplishments or previous awards received.
2. A positive recommendation from the Unit Head may be based on a majority vote of the regular exempt or nonexempt staff with the equivalent status in the unit, depending on the status of the requestor, as well as the Unit Head’s assessment of the value of the contributions made to the University by the individual requestor. If there is only one staff member at the same classification within the unit, the positive recommendation of the Unit Head is sufficient. The Unit Head should review personnel records prior to forwarding his/her letter, to ensure there are no reasons found that might disqualify the individual.
3. The Unit Head will submit the original request with any attached documents; the results of the unit vote, if taken; and his/her letter of support to the appropriate dean or vice president. The dean or vice president will submit their recommendation in writing to the President.
4. The President will make the final decision, based on his/her assessment of the contributions set forth in the letters, to confer the honorary status Staff Emerita/Emeritus.

Should Emeritus status be conferred, the President shall notify the staff retiree in writing. A copy of the President’s notification shall be forwarded to University Human Resources, the Office of Information Technology, and the Office of the Registrar. Once Emeritus status is granted by the President, the Unit Head is responsible for annual review of the individual’s status to ensure there has been no violation of policy that might lead to revocation.

An emeritus title is generally awarded for a lifetime, but this status may be revoked or terminated for cause if it is determined that an individual’s conduct, before or after receiving the emeritus designation, conflicts with the intent and spirit of the designation and/or causes harm to the University’s reputation.

1. The Unit Head, dean or vice president may recommend that Emeritus status be revoked.
2. Recommendations for revocation shall be sent to the President in writing, who is authorized to make the decision to revoke Emeritus status.
3. Should Emeritus status be revoked, the individual will be notified in writing by the President.

This Policy provides the following campus privileges for staff retirees who are granted Emeritus status.

1. University appointment at the title held at the time of retirement, Emerita/Emeritus (e.g., Assistant Vice President, Emeritus)
2. Identification card allowing access to University libraries, recreational and other facilities
3. University email address
4. Listing in the University’s electronic directory
5. Faculty/staff membership rates at the Geary F. Eppley Recreation Center
6. Reduced priced tickets to performances in The Clarice, if over the age of 62
7. Faculty/staff discount rate at the University Bookstore
8. Use of the University Wellness Center
9. Use of the UM-Shuttle service
10. Free parking on campus
11. Other department-specific benefits, if available