Emeriti Benefits
There are a lot of great things about becoming an emeritus/a faculty member. This page describes how to become eligible for an appointment to emeritus/a status and the tremendous benefits that come with it.
Emeritus Status
Faculty members who retire at age 55 or later after at least ten years of continuous service on the Northwestern faculty are eligible for appointment to emeritus status. However, the appointment requires the recommendation of the school dean, endorsement by the Provost, and approval of the Board of Trustees. View the Faculty Handbook retirement procedures and eligibility for complete procedures and eligibility for appointment to emeritus/a status. Membership in NEO extends as well to retired professional staff who performed a core academic function (e.g., librarians) and retired senior administrative staff subject to a vote by NEO’s Executive Council (see NEO’s Charter for more information).
Transition to Retirement
The NEO Transition Committee, working with NU Human Resources and the Office of the Provost, has compiled useful information for faculty who are planning (or thinking of) retirement. The result of this effort is the transitioning-to-retirement. It addresses the following topics:
Planning for Retirement
Deciding to Retire:
Emeritus Status
Phased Retirement Agreement
Financial Planning
Health Care Planning
NU Benefits for Retirees and Other Resources
Useful Websites
Other Benefits
The following are benefits that you receive when you are granted emeritus status:
- Northwestern NetID and e-mail account
- Library privileges at Northwestern University as well as at the libraries of the University of Chicago, Loyola, UIC, members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (which now includes Rutgers, Maryland, Penn State, and Nebraska). These are explained at the Northwestern Borrowers webpage. Emeriti also have access to the holdings of the Center for Research Libraries, either onsite (in Hyde Park) or through the ILL Office at NU Libraries.
- Access to Northwestern IT computer labs
- Faculty discounts on software. Use Northwestern’s software provider OnTheHub to purchase. (See the Northwestern IT website for additional information.)
- Group health, dental and vision insurance options through Northwestern University. See the Northwestern HR website for more information.
- Use of the Northwestern Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Faculty discounts at numerous businesses in Evanston and Chicago through WildCARD Advantage.
- Use of campus and intercampus shuttle service
- Emeriti parking on Evanston and Chicago campuses. Individual tax liability applies depending on the market value of the permit applied for. For specific tax liability questions, consult with your individual tax advisor. For questions related to a form 1099 received from the University for the value of the parking pass, contact NU Tax and Regulatory Services: taxandregulatoryservices@northwestern.edu, 847.467.4210.
- Faculty discount on NU Recreation membership.
- Faculty discounts on tickets for campus music and theatre performances
- Faculty discounts on season tickets for NU sports events (football and basketball)
Workshops and Panels
ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP Presentation
On February 20, 2019, an Estate Planning Workshop was presented for NEO members at Northwestern’s Alumni Relations and Development offices. For your convenience, a copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be found here: