Emerita/Emeritus Status Policy

Purpose

1.1 Emerita/Emeritus status recognizes academic and/or administrative contributions while fostering an enduring partnership between the individual and the institution. This designation celebrates a legacy of excellence and provides a [pathway for continued voluntary engagement through scholarly collaboration, mentorship, and participation in university initiatives, enriching both the retiree’s intellectual pursuits and the institutions academic community.

1.2 This policy celebrates the valuable contributions of retiring faculty members and encourages their continued engagement in the academic life of Cape Breton University., fostering a rich and diverse community of scholars and educators.

Definitions

2.1 The term faculty is used broadly to include librarians and instructors.

Eligibility and Conferral

3.1 Cape Breton University (CBU) offers the honourary title of Emeritus or Emerita to retiring faculty members who have rendered a minimum of ten years of full-time service to the University. Exceptional applicants who have served less than 10 years may also be considered.

3.2 The title will include the individual’s rank upon retirement (e.g., Assistant Professor Emeritus, Librarian Emerita, Senior Lab Instructor Emeritus).

Expectations and Contributions

4.1 Recipients of Emerita/Emeritus status are encouraged to voluntarily engage in academic life in various ways, including but not limited to:

• Conducting research and scholarly activities.
• Teaching and mentoring students or junior faculty.
• Participating in service and administration (e.g., program development, committee work).
• Delivering community lectures and workshops.
• Contributing to the University’s academic and cultural initiatives.

4.2 Emerita/Emeritus faculty must remain familiar with and abide by University policies applicable to their engagement, including policies governing conduct, such as the Respectful Campus Policy.

4.3 These activities allow Emerita/Emeritus faculty to maintain their connection with the University community while sharing their valuable expertise and experience.

Privileges and Benefits

5.1 To support their continued engagement, Emerita/Emeritus faculty will be granted the following privileges and benefits:

• Continued access to the University library and its resources.
• Research support (if actively engaged in research projects, e.g. space when available and financial account maintenance).
• A CBU identification card and University email.
• Access to digital services (e.g. Office and Adobe) when warranted with the approval of the Dean/VPA.
• Use of athletic and heal facilities (subject to the same conditions that apply to all faculty).
• Eligibility for retirees group benefits established by the university.

5.2 These privileges aim to facilitate the ongoing contributions of Emerita/Emeritus faculty to the academic and social fabric of Cape Breton University.

Application and Approval Process

6.1 Eligible academic members interested in receiving Emerita/Emeritus status should submit a formal request to their department chair or immediate supervisor normally two months prior to their anticipated retirement date.

6.2 The application should include a curriculum vitae detailing the member’s academic achievements, services, and contributions to the University community.

6.3 The relevant department or unit will review the application and forward a recommendation to the Dean or appropriate administrative head. The final decision to grant Emerita/Emeritus status rests with the President, upon recommendation from the Dean and VP Academic.

6.4 The Emeritus appointment shall be for a period of five years, renewable upon application and review of continued contributions to the department and university.

Review and Revocation

7.1 Cape Breton University reserves the right to review and, if necessary, revoke Emerita/Emeritus status in cases of misconduct or actions that may harm the reputation of the University.

7.2 Such decisions will be made after careful consideration and in accordance with established University procedures.