Eligible professors at state-owned universities have an option to retire gradually, after the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education today approved a side-letter for faculty phased retirement.

“The voluntary phased retirement program ratified by the Board of Governors today is an example of System leadership and faculty working together, and is the result of our productive relationship with the faculty union. We thank their leadership and members for this important step forward," Board of Governors Chairwoman Cindy Shapira said.

Forms and specifics about the plan are available on the State System's website at passhe.edu.

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties voted last week to ratify the plan. APSCUF will publish the side-letter in its next collective bargaining agreement. The current contract expires June 30, 2019, and the parties negotiated for two days this week.

“We are grateful the Board of Governors ratified this plan today," APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash said. “Retirement is a difficult decision for many of our faculty members, and it affects more than just the person retiring. This agreement will afford our students more time with these talented experts, allow departments more time to succession plan, and give professors more time to acclimate to the next phase of their career."

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education oversees 14 four-year public universities educating more than 90,000 students across the Commonwealth. The State System offers more than 2,300 degrees and certificates in more than 530 academic areas.

APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at the State System universities.