17
January
2019
|
14:47 PM
America/New_York

Emeritus status extended to adjuncts, lecturers at Ohio State

Students taking an exam

The Ohio State University has made a change to the faculty bylaws that extends emeritus status eligibility to full-time associated faculty – instructors with adjunct, lecturer and clinical practice titles.

Previously, only tenure-track, clinical and research faculty were eligible for emeritus status, an honor given upon retirement to recognize sustained academic contributions to the university.

The rule change (3335-5-36was approved by University Senate in September and by the Board of Trustees at its November meeting.

“Gaps had been identified in the previous rule concerning emeritus status,” said Kay Wolf, vice provost for academic policy and faculty resources. “Making amendments to the rule created an opportunity to bring clarity and equity to the process by expanding and clearly defining eligibility requirements.”

Associated faculty constitute approximately 35 percent of Ohio State’s instructors, and teach a large number of undergraduate courses. Tenure-track faculty combine teaching with scholarship and departmental service requirements.

Most emeritus titles are granted upon retirement, but the rule change also extends emeritus status to faculty in all categories who resign at the age of 60 or older with 10 years of service to Ohio State or resign at any age with 25 years of service.

Faculty who are granted emeritus status retain library and email privileges, use of recreational facilities and eligibility to buy football season tickets, and may park on campus for free. They no longer vote at any level of governance and do not participate in the promotion-and-tenure process, but may be granted specific privileges by their academic units. It is common for emeritus faculty to remain active in teaching and research.

The rule was also amended to establish an appeals process for faculty who are denied emeritus status and to clarify terms for revocation of emeritus status.