Retirement from the University of Washington marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, reflecting remarkable contributions and an enduring legacy at UW. Planning for this transition can feel complex, and a comprehensive collection of resources is available to support every step of the process. From understanding retirement benefits to exploring opportunities for continued engagement with the UW community, this page celebrates achievements while helping to shape a fulfilling future.
Planning to Retire
Retirement Checklist
The UW Retirement Checklist offers a comprehensive overview of the steps required to retire from UW, organized by timeline beginning at one year prior to retirement.
Retirement Notification Requirement
There is a two-step notification requirement for academic personnel looking to initiative the retirement process.
Step one: Submit a retirement application to the Benefits Office. Anyone planning to retire from the UW must complete the online UW Retirement Application no earlier than six months before the separation date and no later than 60 days after the separation date.
Step two: Once retirement eligibility is confirmed by the Benefits Office, the second step is to provide a letter to the reporting dean or chancellor outlining the intent to retire, the effective date of retirement, and an optional request to be nominated for emeritus status. It is advisable to send the letter at least one quarter ahead of the desired retirement date.
For additional information on retirement procedures, visit the UW HR Retirement Plan web page.
Retiree Benefits
The University of Washington (UW) offers a comprehensive range of benefits to its retirees, including:
- Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision plans managed by the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB).
- Life Insurance: Options to continue, port, or convert existing coverage.
- VEBA Accounts: Health reimbursement arrangements for eligible retirees.
- Retirement Plans: Participation in retirement investment accounts and/or fixed-benefit pension plans.
For a comprehensive summary of available benefits and links to detailed information, please visit the UW Retiree Benefits page.
Emeritus Status
Upon retirement from the University, faculty and librarians with meritorious records may be considered for emeritus status, a lifelong honorary designation recognizing their achievements and service. Academic personnel seeking this designation must request consideration through their academic unit, with the expectation that the appointing unit will review eligibility at the time of retirement.
Emeriti faculty retain certain academic privileges, including eligibility to:
- Serve as principal investigators for research grants administered by the University.
- Continue or serve as chairs and on graduate student supervisory committees, as approved individually.
- Appear in the UW online directory and their department’s web page.
- Participate in University administrative committees if appointed (excluding clinical emeritus faculty).
For more information about emeritus appointments, including eligibility criteria and the appointment process, visit the Emeritus & Retiree Appointments page.
Rehire After Retirement
UW faculty and librarians who retire, whether or not they hold emeritus status, may partially re-employ after retirement. More information about eligibility, compensation, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Working After Retirement page.
Transitioning to Retirement
The University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA) offers a variety of programs and resources to support individuals transitioning from employment to retirement. Their offerings include interactive workshops like “Who Will I Be Without My Job?” to help plan for a fulfilling post-retirement life, panel discussions such as “What’s Next?” featuring recently retired UW faculty, and practical sessions like “Keep, Share or Shred? Preparing Your Office for Retirement” to assist with organizing your workspace. Additionally, UWRA provides a curated reading list on retirement topics to further assist in this significant life transition.
To explore these resources and learn more about upcoming programs, visit the UWRA’s Retirement Transitions page.