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C305: Emeriti Status

Policy

(Established as informational item entitled Emeritus/a Status in 10/1/90 version of Faculty Handbook; adopted by Regents as part of Benefits and Privileges 9/12/96; revised as "Emeriti Policy" approved by the Academic Freedom & Tenure Committee, 5/3/00; approved by the Faculty Senate, 4/22/03; approved by the Provost, 5/2/03. Revised by the Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee, 4/9/10; approved by the Faculty Senate, 4/27/10; approved by the Provost, 7/13/10.)

The status and title of Emerita/Emeritus are conferred upon faculty described below who retire after having served the University in good standing. Emerita/Emeritus status is considered for voting faculty (including members ex-officio) of the University. Eligible faculty seeking Emerita/Emeritus status must receive a majority recommendation of their department through a vote of the senior faculty. The conferred title will be their rank at separation with Emerita/Emeritus added. The title of Emerita/Emeritus is honorary and without obligation to the recipient. In addition to the right to use the title, the recipient is encouraged to continue to participate in the academic activities of the University. The recipient also receives a standing invitation to participate in formal academic processions including Convocations.

The University of New Mexico recognizes the loyalty and the continuing scholarly contributions of its Emerita/Emeritus faculty. In order to continue and facilitate these contributions, departmental chairs and deans should endeavor to provide office, laboratory, or studio space for Emerita/Emeritus faculty. This should be decided on a space-available basis, with priority given to non-retired faculty. Emerita/Emeritus faculty shall also be entitled to full computer privileges, letters of introduction, institutional identification, and other non-financial privileges enjoyed by non-retired faculty.

Emerita/Emeritus faculty may be invited to serve as:

  • a guest lecturer in areas of scholarly expertise
  • a member of a Doctoral or Masters committee
  • an academic advisor to undergraduate honors program
  • a member of University or College/School advisory committee, unless prohibited by the Faculty Handbook
  • a participant in academic department meetings to the extent permitted by College/School/Department policies

in addition to other responsibilities as deemed appropriate.

Eligible faculty seeking Emerita/Emeritus status who have been denied may seek recourse through the AF&T committee as in cases of tenure and promotion (section B.6).

Emerita/Emeritus faculty may have their title terminated for reasons outlined in the Faculty Handbook for the University-initiated termination of services of faculty members with tenure following procedures specified in section B.6.