Retirement Planning

Just follow these steps to plan your retirement! 

1. Contact the retirement system (STRS, SERS, OPERS or ARP) to verify your years of service and request a retirement application. The contact information is listed here.
2. Notify your department in writing of your specific retirement date.  The date should always be the last day of the month – you are “officially retired” on the first of the following month. The department will then complete a Personnel Action Form (PAF) for your retirement which will be entered into the computer system. 
3. You will receive an “Acknowledgement of Service Retirement” document from the retirement system. This is your proof that you are retiring. Once you have this form, depending on your job classification, follow these further instructions:

• Full-time employees: You must schedule an exit interview with Benefits Administration at 330.972.7092.  Bring the “Acknowledgement of Service Retirement” document.
• Part-time faculty and contract professionals: You must send Benefits Administration a copy of the “Acknowledgement of Service Retirement” document at Zip: +0602.  There is no exit interview required.
• Part-time staff:  The Payroll Department will receive your retirement documentation directly from the retirement system. They will then finalize any monetary payments that are due to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Retirement

How far in advance should I begin my retirement process?

It is recommended you begin your application process three months in advance of your planned retirement date.   A retirement application must be obtained from your retirement system.  You can find these forms and instructions for filing on their websites.  The specific links are located on the right side of this page.   You can also call them if you need help. You will need to meet with a member of the Benefits Team for about 30 minutes prior to your last day worked.

Is it better to retire at the beginning or end of the month?

If you work one day in the month, then you will lose that month's pension check, so the first day of the month is generally better.

How soon should I notify my department or supervisor of my intent to retire?

The best time would be as soon as you have made your decision to retire and can provide an exact date to the department.

When will I receive my first pension check after my retirement date?

Check directly with the appropriate retirement system or Alternative Retirement Plan vendor.

What university retiree benefits are available to me?

Currently, University retirees receive a variety of benefits.   Examples of these are:  parking permit, continued use of University ID card, and remission of fees.   A detailed discussion of retiree benefits provided by the University will take place during your meeting with Benefits Administration personnel.

What is a clearance form?

Upon exiting from the University, all full-time employees are required to complete a Clearance Form.  Completion of this form authorized Payroll to issue the final compensation check for the employee.    Click here for the Clearance Form.

Are there any other forms to be completed at retirement?

In addition to the Clearance Form, full-employees need to complete the Administrative Final Vacation Record.