Faculty Emeritus Policy

Authority: Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management
Date Enacted or Revised: December 2015; Revised March 17, 2022

Granting of Emeritus Titles

The awarding of emeritus titles is authorized by the University of Louisiana System (ULS) Faculty Emeritus policy. With the exception of president emeritus, the emeritus or emerita title may be granted to honor, in retirement, loyal faculty and administrators who have made distinguishing professional contributions and have served significant portions of their careers at the institution (e.g., emeritus professor of chemistry, emerita dean of education, emeritus president). The ULS president may recommend to the Board of Supervisors the title of president emeritus or emerita only as appropriate.

To be eligible for consideration for academic emeritus status, the individual must have achieved the rank of professor. In exceptional cases, an associate professor with an outstanding record of achievement and contribution to the University may be recommended for this status.

Criteria for Emeritus Status

The following are the minimum criteria for consideration for granting of emeritus status. However, meeting the minimum criteria should not be considered adequate justification for recommending emeritus status.

  1. A minimum of ten consecutive years of full-time active employment with the University immediately prior to retirement at the institution.
  2. Clear evidence of outstanding teaching and/or administrative services demonstrated by positive achievements and contributions.
  3. Recognized record of meritorious professional achievement, growth, and development.
  4. Clear evidence of University service beyond the normal or ordinary expectations.

Process for Granting Emeritus Titles

Nomination for emeritus should be initiated by the department head and/or dean after consultation with tenured faculty or employees in the division or in the department or college as appropriate. Evidence of achievement of minimum criteria required to receive the honor should be documented. Nominees should have a record of dedication, loyalty, and exemplary service and contribution to the institution. The nomination is forwarded to the provost and vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management for review by the Academic Advisory Council. Recommendations from the Academic Advisory Council are submitted to the president for consideration.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the Academic Advisory Council and the University Policies webpage.