Yes. Once the tenure-track faculty member has begun the first year of phased retirement, the individual’s decision to retire is final.

Yes, but only for a limited period. After the university accepts the plan, the tenure-track faculty member will be given a release and waiver to sign. Once the release and waiver is signed, the tenure-faculty member has a seven-day revocation period. If the tenure-track faculty member wishes to revoke their agreement to participate in the plan, they must send an email to Academic Personnel at academic_personnel@kent.edu. Once that period expires, the agreement cannot be revoked.

The Dean will notify the tenure-track faculty member through the electronic system on or before Dec. 18, 2026, regarding the tenure-track faculty member’s original request. If modifications are needed, then the tenure-track faculty member will have until Dec. 23, 2026, to indicate they are accepting the modified plan.

If the parties do not reach an agreement, the process ends. The tenure-track faculty member may apply again in a subsequent year.

The agreement is memorialized in an application to enroll in the transition plan. The tenure-track faculty member signs and submits the application to the Dean. The Dean reviews the application and either accepts the application or requests some changes. If the Dean requests changes, then the application is sent back to the tenure-track faculty member for their review.

The Dean will notify the tenure-track faculty member no later than Dec. 18, 2026. The tenure-track faculty member must reach agreement on the reduction in duties and full-time equivalent (FTE) no later than Dec. 23, 2026. Failure to reach an agreement means the process ends and the tenure-track faculty member may apply again in a subsequent year.

Upon receiving the notice, the Dean will immediately begin discussions with the Chair/Director and tenure-track faculty member concerning the specific reduction in duties and FTE for each year of phased retirement. We also encourage the tenure-track faculty member to reach out to the Dean and Chair/Director to ensure that all deadlines will be met.

The notice of interest must be submitted by Dec. 7, 2026.

Tenure-track faculty members are strongly encouraged to consult with their Dean and Chair/Director to reach a mutual understanding regarding the terms of their workload reductions for both Year 1 and Year 2 of the program.

Faculty members are also strongly encouraged to seek independent guidance from their personal financial, legal, and tax advisors, as well as consult with STRS Ohio, to fully understand the implications of participating in the program.

No. The approved reduced full-time equivalent (FTE) must remain the same for the entire calendar year, excluding summer assignments. The first-year FTE and second-year FTE may differ, but each must remain fixed throughout that year.