EMERITUS STATUS
USM is bound by the existing rules and procedures established by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees. The University of Maine System Policy Manual, section 406, states that "Emeritus titles should generally be reserved for persons retiring after at least 15 years of service to the University of Maine System." The same section quoted above describes nominations for emeritus status as "based on local unit criteria and procedures." However, other System documents list the general criteria for evaluating candidates; apparently each campus has some leeway in applying these general criteria. The listed criteria are as follows: 1) length of service to the university; 2) contributions to his or her field; 3) dedication to the institution and to education; 4) significant participation in campus life; 5) outstanding service to the community; 6) esteem of students and colleagues. The System has also established the sequence of recommendations involved. Nominations for emeritus status for faculty originate in the personnel committee of a department; a positive recommendation by that committee is then passed on for evaluation to the department chair, Dean, and Provost, who add their own recommendations to the file; the President is empowered to make the final decision on each case. The benefits associated with emeritus status include: participation in academic convocations and commencement; library privileges; possession of a University identification card; inclusion on mailing lists and all other official faculty listings; office or laboratory space (upon request, subject to availability); attendance at faculty meetings (non-voting). Adapted from : College of Arts and Sciences Ad Hoc Committee on Emeritus Guidelines
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