Responsible Office: Office of the Provost

Effective Date: April 1, 2026 (tentative)

Policy Statement and Purpose

Purpose

This policy establishes the criteria and process for awarding Emeritus status at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). In addition to existing faculty eligibility, this policy permits the conferral of the title Dean Emeritus for retiring deans who meet defined service requirements, subject to endorsement by the Provost and approval by the Chancellor.

Policy Statement

WashU recognizes emeritus status as an honorary designation conferred upon retired faculty and deans who have provided distinguished service to the University. Emeritus status does not constitute an employment relationship.

Scope

Who is Covered

  • Retired tenured faculty and retired non tenure track faculty who hold the rank of full professor, including those with professor titles modified by “Research,” “Teaching,” or “Practice,” who have served Washington University in St. Louis with distinction for a substantial period of time and are eligible for University retiree benefits.
  • Retiring faculty who have served in the role of dean for a minimum of ten years, are eligible for University retiree benefits, and have made significant contributions to their school and the University through leadership and vision.

What is Covered

This policy governs:

  • The criteria and process for awarding emeritus status to eligible retired faculty.
  • The conferral of emeritus titles that correspond to the faculty rank held at the time of retirement.
  • The conferral of the honorary title Dean Emeritus for eligible retiring deans.
  • The rights and limitations associated with emeritus status, including its designation as a non-employment status, the absence of entitlement to office space or administrative support, and discretionary inclusion in departmental meetings, functions, mailings, and directories.

Definitions

N/A

Policy

Honorary emeritus status may be granted to retired tenured or non-tenure track faculty who hold the rank of full professor, including those with professor titles modified by “Research,” “Teaching,” and “Practice,” who have served Washington University in St. Louis with distinction for a substantial period of time and are eligible for University retiree benefits.

School Deans may recommend emeritus status for eligible faculty of the highest rank in their track who have made substantial contributions to the University’s mission, research efforts, teaching impact, or intellectual life. Emeritus status for faculty may be awarded by the Provost upon the recommendation of the appropriate Dean. Emeritus titles reflect the faculty rank held at the time of retirement.

Honorary emeritus status also may be granted to retiring deans who have served in that administrative role for a minimum of ten years and are eligible for University retiree benefits. This designation is a selective honor reserved for deans who have made significant contributions to their school and the University through leadership and vision. Emeritus status for retiring deans may be awarded by the Chancellor upon the recommendation of the Provost.

Emeritus status is a non-employment status and does not entitle the holder to office space or administrative support. At the discretion of the applicable department, emeritus faculty may be invited to departmental meetings and functions and may be included on departmental mailings and directories. Emeritus status may be rescinded at the discretion of the Provost and/or the Chancellor.

Related Information

Contact Information

Primary Contact:
Lisa Siddens
Office: Office of the Provost
Email: lisa.siddens@wustl.edu
Phone: 314-935-7799

Policy History

Original Effective Date: Prior to available records.

Prior Revisions:

June 2024: Extended emeritus status eligibility to Teaching, Research, and Practice faculty who meet expectations and are endorsed by their Dean.