Staff Emeritus

Purpose: Staff emeritus status is an honorary designation conferred upon retired Nazareth University staff members in recognition of their exemplary service, significant contributions, and steadfast dedication to advancing the mission and values of the University.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

Length of Service: A minimum of 5 years of continuous, distinguished full-time service to Nazareth University.

Record of Excellence: Consistent excellence in job performance with a sustained record of outstanding contributions that have advanced the University’s mission, operations, culture, and strategic priorities.

Positive Impact: Significant positive impact on students, staff, faculty, and/or the broader University community through leadership, mentorship, service, and/or innovation.

Good Standing: An employment record free of formal disciplinary action or documented violations of University policy within the five years preceding retirement.

Retirement Status: The staff member must have officially retired from Nazareth University in good standing.

Nomination Process

Submit Nomination:

  • Any current full-time staff member, supervisor, or department leader who is familiar with the nominee’s contributions may submit a nomination.
  • Submissions should be sent in writing via email to the staff department head of the nominee’s most recent department.

Department Head Review: The department head will review the nomination and submit it to the chief people officer (CPO), including:

  • A letter of recommendation outlining the nominee’s qualifications and impact.
  • Any supporting documentation relevant to the nomination.

CPO and Presidential Review: Each quarter, a committee consisting of the chief people officer, the University president, and two elected full-time staff members (one exempt and one non-exempt, each serving a one-year term) will convene to review nominations and verify eligibility. The committee will review the nomination and make a recommendation to the full board of trustees.

Board of Trustees Review and Vote: The board will vote on the nomination. Approval by the board will confer staff emeritus status.

Privileges of Staff Emeritus Status

Staff emeriti are recognized as esteemed lifelong members of the Nazareth University community. Privileges may include:

  • Retention of Nazareth University email account, with continued access for communication and engagement. Due to the essential nature of staff roles in supporting critical, ongoing university business operations, staff emeriti who elect to retain their Nazareth email account will commit in writing to access the email account on at least a weekly basis, and to forward any business-related communication received to the then-current head of their former department, as well as to complete any required cybersecurity training.
  • Inclusion in the University directory as staff emeritus.
  • Invitations to University ceremonies, events, and programs.
  • Access to library services and other designated campus resources.
  • Receipt of an official certificate designating staff emeritus status.

Additional Notes

  • Staff emeritus status is honorary and does not imply continued employment or compensation.
  • Nazareth University reserves the right to rescind staff emeritus status if the individual’s actions are found to be inconsistent with the mission or values of the institution.