Emeritus faculty members are an important asset to NIU, and they contribute in many ways to the university and the community after retirement.
When the need arises, emeritus faculty teach, pursue research and sponsored project opportunities, serve on graduate committees, serve temporarily in key administrative positions when necessary, and continue to serve NIU in many ways.
NIU is one of few state universities where the emeritus status granting process is simple and straightforward. Retired faculty members do not have to fill out any special paperwork and their departments do not have to review any nominations or approve the emeritus status. Also, there is no fee for obtaining emeritus status.
Policy and Process
View the Policy Library for information on faculty emeritus status policy and process.
Recognition
Emeritus faculty members are recognized by the university president, provost and presidents of the shared governance bodies for their service and contributions, along with all retired employees, at the annual recognition reception organized by the Annuitants Association and Human Resource Services.
Benefits
Below are some of the benefits to faculty who are named "emeritus" or "emerita":
- Keep their professorial rank in retirement
- Continue to have free access to NIU Libraries
- Receive research support services and access to research software and databases when pursuing research and scholarly activities through NIU
- Teach or serve in interim administrative roles as needs arise
- Serve on graduate theses and dissertation committees as needed
- Continue to have access to NIU email as allowed by email policies and license agreement
- Eligible to take courses at NIU, similar to current employees
- Receive dependents' tuition benefits at NIU, similar to current employees
- Get discounted parking permit for parking on NIU campus
- Eligible for office space for teaching and research/artistry as allocated by their departments, based on availability
- Participate in recruitment and other events representing their departments and colleges
- Represent NIU's retirees in the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) and other state-level bodies
The most significant benefit is the title that shows the faculty member has finished their distinguished career in good standing and continues to hold the professorial rank at the institution and contribute to the university and their disciplines.