Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a required retirement age?

No, there is not a mandatory age. The decision when and if to retire is an important and personal one.

What should I consider before deciding to retire?

Some of the factors to consider include:

• Am I ready to retire?
• Can I afford to retire?
• When should I apply for social security benefits?
• Do I understand my University retirement plan(s)?
• Do I understand other retirement investments I may have?
• Do I know if I will have health insurance coverage?
• How will I remain active?
• Should I be considering other factors?
• What is a sabbatical before retirement?

What is a sabbatical before retirement?

“A faculty member who has committed to retire and who has sabbatical leave credits should be able to take a ‘retirement leave’ without having to return to his or her duties at the University.”

See the Almanac February 10, 2004. Click here for link to the Almanac February 10, 2004. Members of the Standing Faculty, Standing Faculty-Clinician Educator and full-time Research Faculty may be eligible for sabbatical after a period of six or more consecutive years of full-time service.

Click here for link to the Handbook policy on Faculty Leaves of Absence.

Are there different types of sabbaticals in the SOM?

The sabbaticals in the SOM are the traditional sabbatical and the compressed sabbatical. The compressed sabbatical was designed to allow eligible faculty with clinical responsibilities (CPUP or CHOPPA) members some flexibility regarding leave time and some financial protection. The total monthly salary compressed sabbatical leave benefit amount cannot exceed normal monthly combined University + CPUP salary. Questions regarding the sabbaticals can be referred to the faculty member’s department chair, business administrator or Faculty Affairs and Professional Development.

• Click here for link to the Handbook policy on Faculty Leaves of Absence.
• Click here for link to information on the compressed sabbatical.

How do I apply for a sabbatical?

A written request, including a description of the plan for scholarly activity must be submitted to the department chair for review and approval. The Leave of Absence application form including benefit plan elections must also be completed for the review and approval by the Dean and the Provost.

What is phased retirement?

The Reduction in Duties Policy provides that members of the Standing Faculty, Standing Faculty-Clinician Educator and Research Faculty may request a reduction in duties for a period not to exceed six years for reasons that include anticipation of a move to emeritus status. The reduction may be for 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of full duties. The reduction in duties is always accompanied by a proportional reduction in salary and those benefits that are salary related (life insurance, retirement contributions).

Reduction in duties in anticipation of retirement must be approved by the department chair, the Dean and the Provost.

Questions regarding the reduction in duties can be referred to your department chair, business administrator or Faculty Affairs and Professional Development.

Click here for link to the Handbook policy on Reduction of Duties.

When am I eligible to retire?

The current age and service requirements for full time faculty and staff are:

Am I eligible for benefits when I retire?

Currently, retirees who meet the age and length of service requirements at the time of retirement are eligible for continued medical benefits. A summary of other benefits may be found in the section “Special Situations Affecting Your Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits” in the Health and Welfare Summary Plan Description at www.hr.upenn.edu/spd

Click Here to view the September 20, 2005 Edition of the Almanac which addresses the University of Pennsylvania New Retiree Medical Benefits Program and Prescription Drug Program

Please note that the determination for eligibility for retiree health coverage will be made in accordance with the University’s Retiree Health Plan in effect at the time of retirement.

Where can I go for questions or to get more information?

Information about retirement related issues is maintained on the websites of Human Resources and Faculty Affairs and Professional Development. Questions can be addressed to staff in those offices at any time.

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