Important Note: This overview of the Emeritus Nominating Process is supplemental and not intended to conflict with the requirements of the Faculty Handbook.
The title of emeritus or emerita may be conferred by the President of the University upon retiring faculty members whose contributions have been deemed outstanding by their peers. Recommendations for the title may be initiated by a faculty member’s department with the support of the appropriate College Dean. The support of the appropriate College Dean and Provost are required.
Eligibility
The nominating process occurs one time per year from January to April. Highly distinguished faculty with extensive records of service at Western who are retired or who plan to retire before September 16 of the coming year may be nominated by their Department Chair and College Dean.
Nominating Process
- Faculty Relations Sends notice to College Deans that Emeritus nominations are due to facultyrelations@wwu.edu by April 10. Deadline: January.
- Department Chair writes nominating letter and sends it to College Dean with input from department faculty if deemed appropriate.
- College Dean writes nominating letter and sends it to facultyrelations@wwu.edu. Includes Department Chair’s nominating letter if it was provided. Deadline: April 10.
- Faculty Relations compiles nominations and sends a summary to Provost.
- Provost issues final recommendations and sends them to President.
- President issues final decision and sends letters to new Emeritus Faculty.
Benefits
In addition to the benefits accorded to all retirees, Emeritus faculty at Western are eligible to:
- Sit on supervisory committees for master’s degree candidates
- Be listed in the University Catalog
- March in graduation and other formal ceremonies of the University
- Be appointed members of Faculty Senate committees
- Use departmental office space and computer access including email on a space available basis, as determined by the appropriate department
Emeritus faculty do not vote on matters relating to faculty.
The list below explains how emeritus faculty can take advantage of these benefits.
Replacement Emeritus Western Card
Emeritus faculty can continue to use their Western Card, even after retirement. If they happen to lose it, they can click here to request a free replacement. After completing the online form, a new card will be mailed to their home address within ten business days. Their new replacement card will display their previous photo ID. If faculty would like to update the picture on their Western Card, they must make their request in person at the Western Card Office. After informing the front desk that they are an emeritus faculty member, the replacement fee will be waived and their new photo will be taken. Please visit https://housing.wwu.edu/wcard/index.php to learn more about the office hours and location of the Western Card Office.
Access to Library Resources
Emeritus faculty retain access to Western Libraries and systems for interlibrary loans. When visiting the libraries, they should bring their Western Card to ensure timely customer service and access to all of the resources that are available.
Participation in Commencement
Emeritus faculty should contact the Commencement Team at commencement@wwu.edu or at (360) 650-6191 if they would like to participate in an in-person commencement ceremony. All requests must be made at least one week in advance in order to ensure that the proper arrangements take place. For further information and dates involving commencement, please visit http://www.wwu.edu/registrar/commencement/.
Departmental Office Space
The Faculty Handbook says that emeritus faculty may “use departmental office space…on a space available basis.” Unfortunately, office space is currently very limited. Emeritus faculty may contact their department chair or Ellen Kuhlmann at kuhlmae@wwu.edu or at (360) 650-3935 to inquire about space availability, but there is no guarantee of it.
Campus Parking
When visiting campus, non-teaching emeritus faculty can call Campus Parking at (360) 650-2945 to request a parking space. A staff person will ask for their vehicle’s license plate number and verify that they are emeritus. The faculty will then be able to park free-of-charge, no permit required.
Access to Computer Accounts and Email
Emeritus faculty keep all WWU-related computer accounts once they become emeritus. That means they receive life-long access to email, permissions to shared drives and resources, campus Wi-Fi, etc. Administrative access to systems such as Banner will be revoked. Emeritus faculty can contact Faculty Relations at facultyrelations@wwu.edu if they experience any unexpected lapses in computer account or email access.
Contact
Contact Faculty Relations at facultyrelations@wwu.edu for general questions regarding the Emeritus Nominating Process or the benefits associated with the title.