Revised April 17, 2001

SECTION IX: LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY

Termination of Employment

An employee who is terminating employment from the University should notify his or her department in advance. The employee should also contact the Benefits Department regarding his or her benefits status. Upon official notification of the termination, the Benefits Department sends the terminating employee a packet of information outlining the disposition of each benefit plan and final paycheck status. For an employee participating in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS), the Benefits Department sends an "Application for Refund of Retirement Contributions," Form 5. This allows the employee to receive a refund of TSERS contributions if he or she voluntarily makes application. An employee who participates in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) will receive a form to complete regarding his or her vesting status and possible repurchase of the employer contributions.

The final paycheck is sent to the terminating employee's department and not directly deposited. The employee should also turn in his or her parking permit, UNC One Card, keys, and any equipment to the department. For further information, contact the Benefits Department, Office of Human Resources, at 962-3071.

Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment Compensation is a federally mandated program designed to provide temporary income payments to replace a portion of the wages lost by those who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are able and available for work. In North Carolina, the program is administered by the Employment Security Commission. The State of North Carolina has contracted with RE Harrington to oversee the cost management portion of the program in order to protect State agency accounts against unwarranted charges. Specific information about the program, including the types of employment covered, benefits payable, eligibility requirements, and claims processing, is available from local offices of the Commission. Consult the local telephone directory for the nearest Commission Office.

Death

In the event of the death of an employee or covered dependent, the Benefits Department should be notified as soon as possible. The Benefits Department can provide assistance in securing University benefits entitlements and final compensation when an employee or dependent dies.

There are several steps involved in securing these benefits and receiving prompt payment, such as obtaining necessary legal documents and completion of claim forms. For more information, contact the Benefits Department at 962-3071.

Benefits in Retirement

Retired members of the faculty may be considered as continuing members of the University community. They represent a valuable resource of institutional memory, of experience, of ideas, that should be utilized as much as possible in appropriate activities and publications of the University.

Title

The designation "Emeritus" is awarded automatically on the effective date of retirement. Those, however, who continue teaching part-time will not be so designated until they have fully retired.

Privileges

· The University will continue to provide office space, laboratory facilities, etc., according to availability; necessarily, priority will be given to the needs of those actively teaching. Decision in these matters is largely the responsibility of the individual departments.

· Retired professors retain full professional library privileges.

· Retired professors will continue to be listed in the appropriate places in the University catalogues. To continue to be listed in the blue pages of the University telephone directory, the retiree's department must contact the Campus Directory Office.

·Retired professors will continue to receive such documents as are normally received by faculty distribution. Some (e.g., the Alumni Review) may be mailed to a home address. Others (e.g., the University Gazette) may be sent, on request, to an on-campus mailbox.

· Retired professors may address the Faculty Council by making the appropriate request to the Agenda Committee.

·Under present parking regulations, retired professors may obtain a parking permit valid after 12 noon for non-gated parking lots and some gated lots. Arrangements for these permits should be made through the appropriate academic department.

·Retired professors may continue to use gym facilities on submission of a valid UNC One Card and payment of the normal fees to the Cashier's Office.

· By present agreement, retired professors will keep any points they have accumulated for athletic tickets.

Responsibilities

Retired professors may serve on master's and doctoral committees, but may not chair them. Retired professors may serve in various capacities within the University, including service on certain boards and committees; representing the University to civic groups, alumni, etc.; testifying to search committees for major offices and so on. Such participation will be at the invitation of the appropriate officer of the administration or the faculty.

Relations between retirees and their departments should be determined by mutual agreement. Departments are encouraged to offer such secretarial and administrative assistance as is possible within the limits of the on-going work of the department, to include retirees (without vote) in its deliberations when their experience and expertise is appropriate and, in general, to consider retirees among the resources the department can use. Departments should continue to report the professional activities and achievements of their retired professors as they have always done.

Phased Retirement

The University of North Carolina Phased Retirement Program is designed to provide an opportunity for eligible full-time tenured faculty members to make an orderly transition to retirement through half-time (or equivalent) service. The goals of the Program are to promote renewal of the professoriate in order to ensure institutional vitality and to provide additional flexibility and support for individual faculty members who are nearing retirement. The Program is entirely voluntary and will be entered into by a written agreement between an eligible faculty member and the institution. The effective date of the Program was February 1, 1998 and it is currently scheduled to continue through June 30, 2003. Enrolling eligible faculty members may elect to begin receiving the benefits they have accrued under either the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), but they are not required to do so. For additional information on this program, visit the HR website at www.ais.unc.edu/hr.

Representation and Records

The official representative of retired professors is the Retired Faculty Association. On retirement, each professor is invited to join the Association. A record of current officers is kept in the office of the Secretary of the Faculty. A central register of emeritus professors is being established in the office of the Secretary of the Faculty and will be maintained in that office. Individual retirees should take initiative in seeing to it that such records are current, either directly through the Secretary of the Faculty or through their departments. In so far as possible, departments should maintain records of their retirees and assume the responsibility of keeping the Secretary of the Faculty informed of each change of status, changes of address, etc.

Retirement Seminars

In order to make the successful transition from employment to retirement, the Benefits Department encourages early planning by the employee. A major component of this planning process is knowing about retirement-related issues, the choices available and the decisions that need to be made. The Benefits Department provides a program of retirement counseling on a day-to-day basis. In addition, Training and Development and the Benefits Department cooperatively offer retirement planning courses. These programs are offered a few times throughout the year and are listed on Training and Development’s Program Guide printed in an insert in the Gazette in April and October, are available from the Training and Development Department (962-2550), and are listed on the Training and Development website (www.ais.unc.edu/hr). Specifically, ‘PREPARE for Tomorrow” is a two-day program that is designed for employees over 50 years of age who are within five (5) years of retirement who would like to learn about how to prepare financially and psychologically for retirement. For faculty who are not close to retirement, “PREPARE Makes $ense” is a two-day program that helps faculty and staff to learn about long-term retirement planning options. Training and Development also offers other short “Lunch and Learn” programs (see Training and Development’s Program Guide).

Post-Retirement Benefits

Upon retirement from the University, a retiring employee has access to certain University services and facilities, recreational opportunities, as well as other privileges. The Benefits Department makes the information available to the retiring employee which also includes information about continuation of insurance coverages. Contact the Benefits Department at 962-3071 to receive a brochure on "Retirement Privileges and Services."

Reemployment Following Retirement

Some employees may officially retire and receive monthly retirement benefits from the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and later be rehired as teachers or State employees. The employing department must notify Employee Benefits of the terms of the reemployment.

For employees who have retired under TSERS, there is an earnings limitation equal to one half of the compensation earned in the 12 months prior to retirement. This limitation is increased annually by a factor determined by TSERS. Exceeding the earnings limitation could affect the employee's retirement benefit as well as other insurance benefits. The retirement payment shall be stopped effective on the first day of the month in which the employee exceeds the earnings limitation. Contact the Benefits Department at 962-3071 for more information and request a copy of the TSERS publication, “Your Retirement Benefits” and the booklet, “The University of North Carolina -- Choosing a Retirement Program,” published by the Office of the President.

FACULTY RETIREMENT BENEFITS,

PRIVILEGES, AND SERVICES SUMMARY

UNIVERSITY BENEFITS
BENEFIT	DESCRIPTION
ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE	May elect to convert to an individual policy upon retirement. Such an election must be made within 31 days following the retirement effective date. Policy conversion rates may be obtained by contacting the Reliance Standard agent at (919) 929-0301. A retired employee who is reemployed on a permanent part-time basis (halftime or more) is eligible to continue group coverage.
AUTO AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE	May maintain coverage at the rates available to the group by paying the remaining premium due for the policy year. Such arrangements are made by contacting Southern Guaranty at (800) 422-5589.
DENTAL INSURANCE	May elect to continue coverage for up to 18 months upon retirement. Upon termination, administration of group continuation is handled by the insurance carrier, Fortis Benefits. Premium payments are made directly to the carrier by personal check.
DISABILITY INSURANCE · Disability Income Plan of North Carolina	· Coverage terminates when an employee begins receiving a retirement benefit under the provisions of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program.
· Liberty Mutual Supplemental Disability	· Coverage terminates at retirement
· TIAA Disability	.· Coverage terminates when employment ends.

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UNIVERSITY BENEFITS
BENEFIT	DESCRIPTION
HEALTH INSURANCE	At the time of retirement, a covered employee participating in either the Comprehensive Major Medical Plan or HMO who is receiving a monthly retirement benefit from either the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), may elect to participate in any of the health plans offered by the State Health Plan. The retiree is eligible to continue receiving the State's contribution for health insurance and may continue coverage of eligible dependents by paying applicable group rates. Coverage under the Retiree Group becomes effective the first day of the month following the effective date of retirement. Rates for health insurance coverage may be paid through deduction from the TSERS check or by personal check. A retiree receiving an ORP benefit must submit premium payments by personal check. NOTE: Retirees age 65 and older who are covered on the State Health Plan should apply for parts A and B of Medicare through the Social Security Administration. Medicare becomes the primary health plan coverage for retirees who are age 65 and older and the State Health Plan becomes secondary to Medicare.
LIFE INSURANCE	May elect to exercise portability or convert to an individual policy within 31 days following the retirement effective date. Contact MetLife at 919-489-9525 for information. If a retiree is reemployed on a permanent basis within 120 days of the date of retirement and works at least halftime (50%), coverage may be continued through payroll deduction. The amount of coverage is based on the employee's current age and part4ime salary.
RETIREMENT PLANS · Teachers' and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)	· Death Benefit: A retiree who is in receipt of a monthly TSERS benefit is eligible to purchase a $6,000 Death Benefit within 60 days from the effective date of retirement. The State Retirement System sends the retiree information about this benefit upon receipt of the "Application for Retirement." · Payment Process: Benefit payments from TSERS are issued on the 25th day of each month. The first payment will be mailed to the address listed on the "Application for Retirement" and subsequent checks will be directly deposited into the bank account authorized by the retiree. An "Automatic Deposit Authorization" must be submitted along with an "Application for Retirement." TSERS benefit payments are subject to State and Federal Income Tax.

UNIVERSITY BENEFITS (continued)
BENEFIT	DESCRIPTION
RETIREMENT PLANS (continued)
· Teachers' and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)	· Sick Leave Credit: A TSERS participant who has unused sick leave at the time of retirement, is credited one month of State Retirement service for each 20 days of accumulated sick leave and one additional month for each portion thereof. The maximum number of sick days that can be credited at retirement is 12 days for each year of membership service.
· Optional Retirement Program (ORP) - Lincoln National - TIAA-CREF - VALIC - Fidelity Investments · Tax-Sheltered Annuities	· Payment Process: Benefit payments from the ORP are issued by the carrier. Information about ORP payments may be obtained by contacting the appropriate carrier directly. ORP benefit payments are subject to Federal and may be subject to State Income Tax. · Contact the appropriate agent or investment firm for information on receiving annuity payments.
· Long Term Care Insurance	May continue coverage by paying premiums directly to the Company. Contact MedAmerica at 1-800-943-1549

UNIVERSITY PAY INFORMATION
PAY INFORMATION	DESCRIPTION
FINAL UNIVERSITY PAYCHECK	The final paycheck from the University is sent to the employee's department. Automatic deposit does not occur for the final paycheck. For a faculty member, there is no payment for vacation leave not used prior to date of retirement.

	UNIVERSITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
	SERVICE	DESCRIPTION
	CAROLINA UNION	A Retired Employee may purchase a Carolina Union Privilege Card which permits participation in various Carolina Union activities. The card may be purchased from the Carolina Student Union Box Office. The telephone number for the Box Office is 962-1449.
	DEPARTMENTAL PRIVILEGES	Continued availability of departmental office space is negotiated by each department. A retired faculty member should consult with his or her department chair regarding the availability of a departmental mailbox. Secretarial or student assistance, use of departmental laboratories or equipment, use of departmental supplies, and the like, are individually negotiated with the department chair. The department chair and dean determine eligibility to administer grants and contracts. Department chairs are encouraged to include retired faculty members in seminars, colloquia, lectures, and other scholarly events. A retired faculty member should contact the chair regarding specific areas of interest.
IDENTIFICATION CARD		Retired faculty members should contact the Benefits Department at 962-3071 if they want a UNC One Card, so that their past employment can be verified. The Benefits Department gives the UNC One Card Office the authorization to issue a card, which can be obtained at the One Card Office in the Daniels Building.
LIBRARY PRIVILEGES		A UNC One Card, obtained from the Card Office in the Daniels Building (Student Stores), serves as a library card.

UNIVERSITY RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
RECREATION	DESCRIPTION
FACULTY-STAFF RECREATION ASSOCIATION (THE FARM)	May continue affiliation with the FARM through one of several membership options available at a reduced cost. For information, contact the manager of the Association, telephone 962-3933.
FINLEY GOLF COURSE	Employee and family members are eligible for reduced green fees at Finley Golf Course and may participate in the annual membership plan. Tee time reservations must be made to play on weekends and holidays. The telephone number is 962-2349.
GYM AND POOL	May purchase a Gym and Pool Privilege Card through the UNC One Card Office in Daniels Building, telephone 962-1368. Rates are the same as for an active employee. The card allows the retired employee to check out clothing and equipment, use certain indoor and outdoor facilities, and participate in a variety of sports activities.
KERR LAKE RECREATION AREA	May continue to use the Kerr Lake Recreational Area facilities. For information, contact the Department of Exercise and Sport Science telephone 962-1153.
VARSITY ATHLETIC EVENTS	May continue for two years to purchase tickets for varsity athletic events on the same basis as an active employee. A retired employee who desires to remain on the mailing list to receive ticket applications and other information should contact the Athletic Department Ticket Office, telephone 962-2296.

OTHER PRIVILEGES
PRIVILEGE	DESCRIPTION
FACULTY LISTINGS	A retired faculty member should submit a request to his or her department chair if interested in being listed in catalogues and campus directories.
GRADUATE SCHOOL PRIVILEGES	The Dean of the Graduate School determines eligibility to supervise M.A. theses and doctoral dissertations and eligibility to serve on M.A. and doctoral committees.
NORTH CAROLINA RETIRED GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION (CRGEA)	Eligible for membership in the NCRGEA. NCRGEA maintains full legislative lobbying efforts on behalf of retirees. The toll-free telephone number for the Association is (800) 356-1190.
STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION (SECU)	A retired employee who is age 50 or older and a member of the SECU is eligible for a special package of services called the Golden Circle Club. This package includes various discounts and services such as travelers cheques, money orders, and free notary services. A retired employee may contact any branch of the SECU for information.
TUITION WAIVER	North Carolina residents age 65 or older may take courses on a tuition-free basis at any of the 16 constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina system. Course registration is on a space-available basis and applicants must meet the institution's requirements for admission.
UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS	May continue to receive The University Gazette as long as a campus address is maintained. To be included on a mailing list, a retired employee should contact the Gazette at 962-7124.