President Emeritus

University Policy: 05-305 President Emeritus
Adopted:
Last Revised:
Responsible Executive: Board Chair
Responsible Office: Board of Trustees
**The PDF is the official text of the policy. If there are any incongruities between the text of the HTML version and the text within the PDF file, the PDF will be considered accurate and overriding.**

The PDF of this policy may be found at this link on the Board of Trustees' website. The policy number has been designated solely for codification and tracking by the Policy Program; it does not imply formal classification by the Board of Trustees.

 

I. Policy

The Board of Trustees is the sole entity that may confer emeritus status upon a former university president. The title of President Emeritus may be awarded to a president who has provided distinguished service through accomplishments, length of service, and evidence of advancing the mission of Oregon State University to the benefit of its students, staff, and faculty and the state of Oregon.

II. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to describe the process and criteria for granting the title of President Emeritus and the rights and privileges extended to Emeriti Presidents.

III. Process for Granting of President Emeritus Status

Granting of the rights, privileges and title of President Emeritus:

  1. The title of President Emeritus may be held upon retirement or at or prior to the time of retirement and confers no remuneration, rights to employment, or benefit in addition to those described in this policy. Presidents Emeriti do not exercise any of the authority or administrative functions associated with holding a faculty or staff position at the university, unless they are doing so in the capacity of another OSU position title (such as Professor).
  2. A member of the Board may nominate a university president for the title of President Emeritus. The title must be approved by a majority of the trustees when a quorum is present.
  3. The President Emeritus title may be conferred on an individual with a minimum of five years of honorable and distinguished service as university president. Such service goes beyond the regular duties and responsibilities of the appointment and contemplates that the individual had extraordinary impact on the university and broader community that exemplified the highest standards of professional and personal integrity, vision, and leadership.
  4. If approved, the Board Secretary will notify the individual and Faculty Senate that the honorary title of President Emeritus has been granted.
  5. The Board retains the authority to withdraw a President Emeritus title at its discretion, as it deems necessary and appropriate.

IV. Rights and Privileges of Presidential Emeritus Status

In addition to the benefits and privileges received by faculty to whom the “Emeritus” title has been awarded, a university president granted President Emeritus status will also receive:

  1. A resolution naming and honoring the university president as President Emeritus;
  2. Listing on the university President’s Office website;
  3. Use of the title “President Emeritus” in community and professional activities;
  4. Upon the invitation of the then-current University president, the option to participate in commencement exercises and university functions and events;
  5. OSU identification and library cards, eligibility to enroll in OSU classes at staff rates and faculty/staff fitness classes, email, and a business office upon request; and
  6. Additional individual privileges as the Board deems appropriate.