Emeritus Faculty Policy

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Purpose

This policy outlines the criteria, process, and privileges associated with emeritus faculty status at Abilene Christian University. The emeritus designation recognizes retired residential faculty members who have made significant contributions to the university and provides opportunities for continued engagement with the ACU community.

This comprehensive set of criteria and benefits recognizes the valuable contributions of emeritus faculty while providing them with meaningful ways to remain engaged with the university community post-retirement. It balances the needs of the institution with the desires of retired faculty to continue their scholarly pursuits and maintain connections to academia.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for emeritus status, a faculty member must meet each of the following criteria:

  1. Held a full-time, tenured residential faculty position at ACU
  2. Attained the rank of Associate Professor or higher
  3. Completed a minimum of 10 years of service to ACU
  4. Made significant contributions in teaching, research, and service throughout their career, demonstrating consistent performance and high achievement
  5. Retired from ACU in good standing

A non-tenured residential faculty member or academic administrator at the level of director or above  may be nominated in the instance that they have demonstrated exceptional contributions to ACU’s mission over an extended period of time, generally understood as 15 years or more,

Nomination and Approval Process

  1. Nominations may be initiated by department chairs or deans.
  2. The nomination package should include:
  • Letter of Nomination:
    • Faculty Member’s Name: [Full Name]
    • Current Rank: [Professor/Associate Professor]
    • Department: [Department Name]
    • College/School: [College/School Name]
    • Years of Service at the University: [Number of Years]
    • Intended Retirement Date [MM/DD/YYYY]
    • A statement (200-400 words) expressing the desire for a faculty member to be considered for emeritus status and the expected retirement date. Also include career highlights that are especially important to the faculty member in the areas of teaching, mentoring, research and scholarship, service and/or the impact of the faculty member’s contributions to the university, your field, and the broader academic community.
  • Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date CV.
  • Letters of Support: Two letters of support from colleagues familiar with the faculty member’s work and contributions.
  • Future Plans: A description (100 words or less) of how the faculty member plans to remain engaged with the university community post-retirement (optional, but recommended).
  1. The nomination will be reviewed by:
  • The candidate’s Department Chair
  • The Dean of the relevant school or college
  • The Provost
  1. The Provost will make a recommendation to the President
  2. Final approval of emeritus status will be granted by the President and the faculty member will be notified via letter.

Privileges and benefits

Emeritus faculty are eligible to:

  • Retain their faculty rank with the Emeritus/Emerita designation
  • Participate in academic ceremonies and events with the faculty
  • Be listed in the directory of Emeriti faculty
  • Use full library privileges, including online resources and databases (requires email/MyACU access for authentication)
  • Have access to office space, studios and research facilities (subject to availability)
  • Retain eligibility to serve as principal investigator on grants
  • Maintain an ACU email address (must log in at least every 180 days to remain active)
  • Represent ACU at academic functions of other institutions
  • Attend Adams Center for Teaching and Learning events and lunch sessions
  • Have a free membership to the Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center for themselves and their spouse
  • Special Emeritus/Emerita parking pass – park for free on campus
  • Receive discounts on cultural and athletic events (Some examples include: Free access to all ACU athletic events for retired faculty with an ID and the same season ticket discounts for baseball as active faculty and staff. ACU Theatre offers two complimentary tickets to the Cornerstone production each year and discounted tickets for the rest of the season. Please contact the relevant campus office to learn more about the options.)

Continued Engagement Opportunities (subject to availability)

ACU values the expertise and experience of emeritus faculty. Emeritus faculty should notify the department chair regarding their desire to participate in these or other ways. Each of the following opportunities are subject to availability and, if available, will be assigned by the department chair. Opportunities for continued engagement may include:

  • Mentoring junior faculty or students
  • Guest lecturing or leading seminars
  • Participating in research projects
  • Assisting with alumni relations and fundraising activities
  • Serving on dissertation and thesis committees
  • Participating in emeriti associations or centers
  • Participating in interdisciplinary collaborations
  • Participating in ACU Study Abroad programs as faculty-in-residence
  • Participating as judges in the URCI Festival

Review and Revocation

Emeritus status is typically granted for life. However, the university reserves the right to review and potentially revoke this status in cases of misconduct or actions that damage the reputation of ACU.

Implementation

This policy will be effective immediately upon approval by the President. The Office of the Provost will be responsible for maintaining and implementing this policy.

Legacy Clause

Eligible faculty who retired from their faculty role prior to the implementation of this policy in April 2025 will be approved for emeritus status upon request if they meet the criteria described above. Please email provost@acu.edu to make a request.