Compensation is reduced to the same percentage as the tenure-track faculty member’s approved full-time equivalent (FTE). The calculation is based on the tenure-track faculty member’s base annual contract salary from the year immediately preceding the first year of phased retirement.

During the first year, the tenure-track faculty member’s appointment must be between 75 percent and 50 percent full-time equivalent (FTE) . The approved FTE must remain unchanged for the entire first year.

The tenure-track faculty member will be fully separated from the university after completing the second year of phased retirement.

Yes. A tenure-track faculty member may choose to retire at any point during the two-year phased retirement period.

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.