HR 220 - Emeritus Program Policy

TRUSTEE EMERITUS

Trustee Emeritus is an honorary designation awarded to former trustees who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to the College.  At least one of the following criteria must be satisfied for appointment to Trustee Emeritus status:

1. Completion of a minimum of 15 years of distinguished service as a CWI Trustee;
2. Completion of less than 15 years as a CWI Trustee but, in the opinion of the Board, the candidate demonstrates significant contributions in leadership activities or positions, educational opportunities for students, financial sustainability and growth, and committee participation; or
3. Completion of less than 15 years as a CWI Trustee but, in the opinion of the Board, the candidate demonstrates a likelihood of ongoing commitment and support to the College. 

A former trustee becomes eligible for appointment to Trustee Emeritus status after the November election at which the candidate’s seat is filled by another trustee.  The process for nomination for Trustee Emeritus status is as follows:

1. A current Board member or the President may nominate a former trustee for Trustee Emeritus status by notifying the Board chair of the intent to nominate at least two weeks prior to the regular meeting at which it will be voted upon by the Board;
2. The Board member or President shall nominate the former trustee at a public meeting and present the foregoing criteria for the Board’s consideration;
3. The Board shall submit the matter to a vote at a public meeting. 

FACULTY EMERITUS

Faculty Emeritus status is an honor awarded to full-time faculty members upon retirement who have a history of distinguished service to CWI.  Faculty Emeritus status is not given as a matter of course and is reserved to those faculty members who have made significant contributions to CWI’s mission and/or exhibited scholarly excellence in the individual’s field of study.  At least one of the following criteria must be satisfied for appointment to Faculty Emeritus status:

1. Completion of a minimum of 15 years of distinguished service with CWI;
2. Completion of less than 15 years of service with CWI but, in the opinion of the faculty’s supervisors and the Faculty Senate, the candidate demonstrates a likelihood of ongoing commitment and support to the College during retirement; or
3. Completion of less than 15 years of service with CWI but, as a “founding member” of the CWI faculty, the candidate demonstrates significant service to CWI.  A “founding member” includes faculty hired during CWI’s first five (5) years of existence. 

A faculty member must apply for emeritus status through an application provided by the Faculty Senate.  Applications are submitted to the Faculty Senate for review.  Applications must be accompanied by a recommendation from the candidate’s department chair and/or dean in addition to three (3) individuals outside the candidate’s individual program. If approved by the Faculty Senate, the application will be forwarded to the Provost for recommendation to the President.  The President shall make a recommendation to the Board, who shall have final approval on Faculty Emeritus status.  After Board approval, and if timely submitted to the Board of Trustees, emeritus status will be publicly awarded and recognized at commencement.

STAFF EMERITUS

Staff Emeritus status is based upon significant meritorious contributions to CWI. At least one of the following criteria must be satisfied for appointment to Staff Emeritus Standing:

1. Completion of a minimum of 15 years of full‐time service at CWI.
2. Completion of less than 15 years with CWI, but in the opinion of the employee’s direct supervisor and the President, the candidate demonstrates a likelihood of ongoing commitment and support to the College during retirement; or
3. Completion of less than 15 years with CWI, but as a “founding member” of the CWI staff, can demonstrate significant service to CWI. A “founding member” refers to staff members who were hired during CWI’s first 5 years of existence.

A staff employee becomes eligible for appointment to emeritus status once the date of retirement has been formally established. Staff applications for emeritus status must be initiated by:

1. Submission to the Staff Senate of an updated resume and/or written record of service by the head of the department from which the staff employee is retiring with approval from the reporting Vice President. Submission of a formal request with an updated resume and/or written record of service by an active full-time, regular staff employee to the President of the Staff Senate.

Applications are submitted to the Staff Senate for review. Successful applications will be forwarded to the Executive Vice President of Operations for recommendation to the President. The President shall make a recommendation to the Board, who shall have final approval on Staff Emeritus status.   After approval, emeritus status will be publicly awarded and recognized.

RECOGNITION AND PRIVILEGES

Individuals granted emeritus status shall, subject to any subsequent modification or termination of this policy, be entitled to receive the following:

1. Inclusion on CWI’s mailing list;
2. Invitation to commencement and other special events;
3. Privileges for use of the library and other College facilities; 
4. Continued access to a CWI email address;
5. Privileges approved by the President which may include serving as an ambassador for the College at mutually agreed upon events in the community, serving on committees, and being listed in the CWI catalog or other locations;
6. Participation in CWI’s employee education benefits pursuant to CWI policy.

Emeritus status shall not disqualify a person from accepting paid employment with CWI.

LIMITATIONS ON EMERITUS STATUS

1. Once awarded, emeritus status continues in perpetuity unless the recipient violates CWI policy or engages in egregious conduct that would reflect poorly on the College.  The Board of Trustees reserves the right to revoke emeritus status at any time. 
2. Recipients of emeritus status shall not speak for, publicly represent, or otherwise bind the College without prior written permission from the President, and shall have no authority to vote or otherwise participate in College administration.
3. Emeritus status involves no duties and provides no stipends or remuneration.