POL 05.65.01 - Staff Professionals and Senior Administration Emeritus Status
About this Policy
- Authority:
- Board of Trustees
- Responsible Office:
- Office of the Chancellor & Office of Human Resources
- Date Established:
- 07-01-2026
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and procedures for conferring emeritus status upon retired staff professionals of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) in recognition of distinguished service and high professional achievement.
1.2 This policy is separate from, and does not apply to, the university’s Professor Emeritus Status, which is outlined in Section II Chapter 6 of the UNCP Faculty Handbook.
2. Policy Statement
2.1 Emeritus status is an honor and mark of distinction granted to eligible individuals whose distinguished service to UNCP has been characterized by sustained, outstanding contributions and high professional achievement.
2.2 Emeritus status is not automatic and is conferred only upon approval through the procedures outlined in this Policy.
3. Definitions
3.1 Senior Academic and Administrative Officer (SAAO): A EHRA (Exempt from the N.C. Human Resources Act) Senior Academic and Administrative Officer (SAAO) as defined by applicable University of North Carolina System policies and regulations.
3.2 Staff Professional: An Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) or an employee who is subject to the Human Resources Act (SHRA)who has provided significant professional service to the university, excluding faculty and SAAOs.
3.3 Retirement: Separation from UNCP with commencement of retirement benefits through the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), consistent with the University of North Carolina system Human Resources definitions.
4. Eligibility
4.1 An individual may be considered for emeritus status if the individual:
4.1.1 Has retired from the university;
4.1.2 Has a record of exemplary service to the university and retired in good standing, and
4.1.3 Meets one of the following service thresholds:
4.1.3.1 SAAO: At least ten (10) cumulative years of full-time service in a SAAO role at UNCP;
4.1.3.1.1 In extraordinary circumstances, length of service requirements can be waived by the Board of Trustees
4.1.3.2 Staff Professional: At least twenty (20) years of full-time service to UNCP.
4.1.3.2.1 In extraordinary circumstances, length of service requirement can be waived by the Chancellor
4.1.3.3 Chancellor: An individual appointed as Chancellor in a permanent position may be considered for emeritus status after at least seven (7) consecutive years of full-time service at UNCP. 4.1.3.3.1 In extraordinary circumstances, length of service requirement can be waived by the Board of Trustees.
5. Procedures
5.1 SAAOs
5.1.1 Upon retirement and within twelve (12) months of date of separation, the Chancellor may recommend that the Board of Trustees confer emeritus status of an eligible SAAO. The Chancellor may, in exceptional circumstances and for good cause shown, recommend an individual for emeritus status after the twelve (12) month period.
5.1.2 The Chancellor shall submit supporting documentation, including a curriculum vitae or resume, and a letter of nomination, to the Board of Trustees.
5.1.3 The conferral of emeritus status is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
5.2 Staff Professionals (EPS)
5.2.1 Upon retirement and within twelve (12) months of date of separation, and in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service, the Vice Chancellor or equivalent supervisor may recommend emeritus status to the Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor or supervisor may, in exceptional circumstances and for good cause shown, recommend an individual for emeritus status after the twelve (12) month period.
5.2.2 The Vice Chancellor will submit a curriculum vitae or resume from the eligible Staff Professional and submit it, along with a letter of nomination, to the Chancellor.
5.2.3 The conferral of emeritus status is at the discretion of the Chancellor.
5.3 Chancellor
5.3.1 Upon retirement and within twelve (12) months of date of separation, a Trustee may nominate a former Chancellor by submitting a curriculum vitae or resume and letter of nomination to the Board of Trustees.
5.3.2 The conferral of emeritus status is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
5.3.3 If the Chancellor holds tenure, designation as Faculty Emeritus shall be considered separate in accordance with the Faculty Handbook.
5.4 Notification of Emeritus Status and Privileges
5.4.1 Upon approval and conferral of emeritus status, the Office of General Counsel shall provide written notification to the recipient confirming the designation and outlining the applicable privileges and courtesies associated with emeritus status.
5.4.2 The notification shall clarify that such privileges are subject to applicable university policies, regulations, and laws; are not entitlements; and may be modified, suspended, or terminated by the university in accordance with this Policy.
6. Privileges
6.1 Emeritus designation may provide the following university courtesies and privileges, subject to availability, applicable policies, and university discretion:
6.1.1 A university identification credential;
6.1.2 Use of university recreational facilities under applicable staff conditions;
6.1.3 Access to Library facilities and electronic resources under applicable policies, regulations and laws;
6.1.4 A university email account, subject to university information technology policies, security requirements, and applicable laws. Access may be modified or terminated by the university;
6.1.5 Invitation to Commencement and similar university events;
6.1.6 Eligibility to purchase tickets for university athletic and cultural events at staff rates;
6.1.7 Receipt of university and alumni publications;
6.1.8 Campus parking, subject to university policies; and
6.1.9 All privileges:
6.1.9.1 Are courtesies and not entitlements;
6.1.9.2 Are subject to modification, suspension, or termination by the university at any time; and
6.1.9.3 Must comply with all applicable policies, regulations and laws.
7. Use of university Resources
7.1 Emeritus designees may be granted access to university resources only when approved by the appropriate university official and in accordance with applicable policies, regulations and laws.
7.2 university resources shall not be used for private income-producing activities or other commercial purposes unless expressly permitted by university policy.
7.3 Emeritus status does not create an employment relationship, agency relationship, or authority to act on behalf of the university.
8. Relationship to Employee Departure Recognition
8.1 Any events, receptions, or recognition activities associated with retirement or emeritus designation must comply with REG 05.65.01 – Employee Departure Recognition, including applicable funding restrictions and limitations. Emeritus designation does not independently authorize expenditure of university funds.
8.2 Emeritus status is an honorary designation and does not create an employment relationship, appointment, compensation obligation, or right to continued access to university facilities or resources. Emeritus privileges are subject to university policies and may be modified or discontinued at any time.
9. Revocation of Emeritus Status
9.1 Emeritus status is a continuing designation unless:
9.1.1 The recipient requests rescission.
9.1.2 The recipient returns to full-time employment with the university; or
9.1.3 The recipient is convicted of a crime or otherwise engages in conduct that, at the sole discretion of the university, is injurious to the reputation of the university.
9.2 Revocation authority:
9.2.1 The Chancellor has the authority to revoke EPS emeritus status;
9.2.2 Board of Trustees has the authority to revoke SAAOs and the Chancellor emeritus status.
9.3 Decisions regarding revocation are final.