Emerita/Emeritus Policy

PURPOSE:

To honor Jefferson Community College-affiliated individuals for their exceptional service and contributions, while defining the criteria for emerita/emeritus status.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:

At its discretion, the Board of Trustees of Jefferson Community College may confer emeritus status upon retired board members, administrators, faculty members, and staff members who have meritoriously served the College. This recognition may also be granted to employees who pass away during full-time employment or those who become permanently disabled, as determined by the Social Security Administration, while serving in a full-time capacity, provided they have met the criteria for emerita/us status. Those honored will have demonstrated exemplary dedication and made meaningful contributions that have brought distinction to themselves, their profession, and the College. Emeritus status is an honorary commendation granted for distinguished service above and beyond their position.

The granting of emeritus status requires a resolution of the Board of Trustees authorizing the action. Emeritus selection and recognition occurs annually. The President and members of the Board of Trustees may be granted emeritus status immediately upon retirement based on the Board of Trustees' recommendation. All other individuals are eligible for consideration after being retired for at least two years, with a recommendation from either the President or the personnel committee of the Board of Trustees. The emeritus status designation shall be made according to the role of each person while at the College, i.e., Trustee Emeritus, President Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, and so on. All classification of employees at Jefferson Community College, employees of the Faculty Student Association, and College Trustees are eligible for emeritus recognition. Candidates will only be considered for emerita/us designation one time. Once vetted and assessed, candidates may not be reconsidered.

To be eligible for emeritus recognition, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Retired, became permanently disabled, or passed away while in good standing.
• Have demonstrated a record of exceptional and meritorious service.
• Faculty and staff must have retired with a minimum of 15 years of continuous, full-time service to the College.
• Trustees must have served a minimum of 10 years*
• The College President must have served a minimum of 10 years.
• Faculty shall have achieved the rank of Professor.
• Professional Services staff hired prior to 2010 shall have earned one promotion; Professional Services staff hired in 2010 and later shall have earned two promotions.

The names of the individuals who have been conferred emeritus status will be listed in the College Catalog and in other appropriate College publications.

Adopted: April 1993, Res. 117-93
Revised: July 2024, Res. 156-24
Revised: May 2025, Res. 147-25

* Former Trustees who completed the minimum service prior to 2025 will be eligible for Emerita/Emeritus status under the revised policy (reduced from 14 years to 10 years in 2025).