Frequently Asked Questions
about the
Moratorium on Mandatory Retirement for Faculty, Librarians and Program Directors
The University and the Faculty Association have ratified an agreement placing a moratorium on
mandatory retirement at UBC. We know that you will have a number of questions about what this
will mean for you. We hope that the following Questions and Answers, prepared jointly by the
Faculty Association and the University, will help you understand the implications of the parties’
Agreement.
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General Questions
Those Members Scheduled to Retire in 2007
Retirement Options
Reduced Appointments
Sessional Lecturers
Benefits
Pension
Members Receiving Disability or IRP Benefits
Retirement Counselling
General Questions
When is mandatory retirement eliminated?
There is a temporary moratorium on mandatory retirement at UBC that is effective May 15,
2007. The moratorium will remain in place until January 1, 2008 when the new legislation is
placed in effect by the Provincial Government.
What is the status of the Provincial Government’s new legislation abolishing mandatory
retirement in British Columbia?
The Provincial Government has passed legislation changing the definition of “age” to 19
years or more (the current definition of age is "19 years or more and less than 65 years")
effective January 1, 2008.
Is this Agreement effective May 15, 2007 or is there a transition period?
The Agreement is effective May 15, 2007. The legislation introduced by the Provincial
Government contains a transition period, but the University and the Faculty Association have
agreed to implement this agreement now.
Does this Agreement apply to all members of the Faculty Association?
Yes, although depending on the rank of the member certain provisions may or may not apply.
What happens if I want to retire at my Normal Retirement Date (i.e. June 30 or December 31
after I turn 65)?
1) You are welcome to retire on your Normal Retirement Date.
2) Please advise your head of academic unit in writing well in advance of your retirement.
Normally you should provide 12 months’ notice; 18 months notice is preferred.
3) Benefits: Your benefit coverage with the University ceases on your Normal Retirement
Date; however you are eligible for post-retirement benefits: see
www.hr.ubc.ca/retiring/rsb/index.html.
4) Pension: You will want to speak with the Pensions Administration Office about collecting
your pension and other financial issues arising from your retirement.
5) Financial counselling (up to 3 hours) and retirement workshops are offered to help you
with this process.
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6) Emeritus status: If your age and length of service in an eligible rank equals 70, you are
entitled to Professor Emeritus status. See
www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty_relations/retirement/index.html#emeritus.
What happens if I want to continue to work past my Normal Retirement Date (i.e. June 30
or December 31 after I turn 65)?
You have a number of options. You may:
1) continue to work full-time, until you choose to retire;
2) consider a reduced appointment (see the Agreement on Reduced
Appointments);
3) elect, if you are 60 years of age and have 10 years of continuous full-time service
at the University, to take a Retirement Option including:
1. Phased-in Retirement or
2. Part-Time Appointment or
3. Reduced-Scope Appointment.
See below for more information on these three options, including the notice
requirements. Note that if your Normal Retirement Date is in 2007, there are
specific notice requirements of which you need to be aware.
Regardless of which option you chose, it would be helpful if you would discuss your plans
with your head of academic unit. If you are planning on retiring or selecting a Retirement
Option you must provide notice (see below for the details).
Benefit coverage: Your benefits will continue until age 69 (proposed to change to 71) or until
you voluntarily collect your pension, with the following exceptions: basic group life insurance
coverage will be reduced at your Normal Retirement Date; and the income replacement
program and spousal optional life insurance are not available after your Normal Retirement
Date.
Pensions: You have two options:
1) You can delay your pension commencement date and you and the University will
continue to make contributions to the Pension Plan until the earlier of
i) your chosen retirement date, or
ii) the latest date permitted by the Income Tax Act (currently age 71).
2) You can collect your pension, in which case all contributions and group benefit plan
coverage will cease.
Financial counselling (up to 3 hours) and retirement workshops are offered to help you plan
for retirement.
What are the options for me if I am a tenure stream faculty member, librarian or program
director or a full-time 12-Month Lecturer (“member”) considering retirement?
The Normal Retirement Date at UBC continues to be the June 30th or December 31st date
following your 65th birthday. In approaching your 65th birthday you have the following options.
You may:
a. Choose to continue to work full-time;
b. Speak to your head of academic unit about working part-time (with a full scope of
responsibilities) under the Agreement on Reduced Appointments for tenured
members or at the election of a 12-Month Lecturer;
c. Elect to take a Retirement Option of either a Part-Time Appointment, a Phased-in
Appointment or a Reduced-Scope Appointment. Notice must be given – that notice
is irrevocable. See web site for details on what each option provides:
www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty_relations/retirement/; or
d. Retire.
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I am a term appointee. What are my options in considering retirement?
In approaching your 65th birthday, you may choose to continue working on either a full- or
part-time basis (subject to reappointment) or you may choose to retire. A member in a term
position such as a Sessional Lecturer or a part-time appointment will continue to have a
Normal Retirement Date at the end of their appointment in which they reached their 65th
birthday.
What about joint appointments?
The terms of the Agreement apply to Joint Appointments. To avoid unnecessary confusion or
misunderstanding, it is extremely important that, in the case of Joint Appointments, the Home
Department should consult and work with the other department(s) to ensure a smooth
transition. Members should discuss retirement matters with the Heads of both the Home and
Non-Home Department(s).
What is the point of having a Normal Retirement Date when there is no longer mandatory
retirement at UBC?
While you may continue to work past age 65, there will be changes to benefit coverage after
age 65. It also provides an opportunity for a discussion on your long term plans at the
University. Other universities, such as the University of Toronto, have also retained the
concept of a normal retirement date, even though there is no obligation to retire at age 65.
How much notice do I have to give in advance of my retirement plans?
The agreement provides that notice of intention to retire be given well in advance which will
normally be one year (but 18 months is preferred) in advance of your proposed retirement
date. In the case of the retirement options, one year in advance of the date you intend to take
an option. In all cases, the notice period may be waived by agreement between the
individual and the head of academic unit.
What if I don’t give one year’s notice of my intention to retire?
The agreement provides that notice of intention to retire be given well in advance which will
normally be one year (but 18 months is preferred) to enable departments to engage in
academic planning. If you wish to retire without giving one year’s notice, the options provided
by the agreement may not be available.
Who do I have to notify of my retirement intentions?
Notify your head of academic unit in writing.
Does mandatory retirement elimination impact my ability to retire early?
No, you can retire early at any time as long as you give advance notice of your intentions to
retire.
Where can I find information about the moratorium on mandatory retirement on the web?
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Memo updates on this issue can be found at www.hr.ubc.ca/memos.html.
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The tentative agreement can be found in PDF format at
www.hr.ubc.ca/files/faculty_relations/pdf_files/MOAreMR2May2007.pdf.
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We will also be providing more information on both the HR website at www.hr.ubc.ca and
the Faculty Relations web pages at www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty_relations/ as we move through
implementation.
Other online resources:
Policy 52 (Retirement of Faculty)
Collective Agreement between the University and the Faculty Association
Faculty Association website
If I don’t find an answer to my question on this page, where can I get further information?
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E-mail Faculty Relations at fr@exchange.ubc.ca and we will get back to you with either a
response to your question or will re-direct you to the most appropriate person to help with
your issue.
2.
Those Members Scheduled to Retire in 2007
I am scheduled to retire on June 30th. Can I elect to take a Retirement Option right away?
Yes but only under 2 conditions: 1) if you are in a tenure-stream position or a full-time 12month lecturer position and 2) if you are at least 60 years old and have at least 10 years of
full-time continuous service. If you wish to elect a Retirement Option, you must give notice to
their head of academic unit no later than June 30, 2007 that you are considering a
Retirement Option. Irrevocable notice to take a Retirement Option must be given by
December 31, 2007 (although the notice period can be modified by agreement). You can
also choose to continue to work and elect to take a retirement option or a reduced
appointment at a later date.
I am scheduled to retire on December 31st, 2007. What options will I have?
You may choose to continue to work or to retire. If you wish to elect a Retirement Option,
you must meet the conditions set in the above answer and give notice to your head of
academic unit no later than August 31, 2007 that you are considering a Retirement Option.
Irrevocable notice to take a Retirement Option must be given by March 31, 2008 (although
the notice period can be modified by agreement).
My normal retirement date is June 30th, 2007 and I still want to retire. Do I need to do
anything?
Yes. You will need to notify your head of academic unit in writing that you are retiring on
June 30th.
My normal retirement date is June 30th, 2007 and I want to continue to work. Do I need to
do anything?
Yes. You will need to confirm with your head of academic unit in writing that you are
continuing to work.
I have a part-time appointment which ends on June 30th and I turned 65 during this
appointment. Am I allowed to continue to work past June 30th?
Yes. You have can continue your part-time appointment (subject to a successful
reappointment if in a term position). If you are a tenured or confirmed faculty member,
librarian, or program director who is currently on a reduced appointment, you may elect to
take a Retirement Option.
I was to retire on June 30th but I am now going to continue to work and my Head has
already assigned courses for Winter 2007. What should I do?
You will need to speak your Head to indicate what your plans are (i.e. will you work full-time
or part-time?). Faculty members who continue to work full-time will have an obligation to
teach their normal course load. Sessionals with Continuing Status do have the right to be
offered an assignment to teach their normal course load.
I didn’t submit an activity report for merit and PSA this year as I thought I was going to
have to retire on June 30th. I am now choosing to continue to work past June 30th. Am I
still eligible for merit and PSA on July 1st?
Yes. You will need to provide an activity report to your Head as soon as you can. Speak
with your Head to determine the actual deadline for the reports.
The deadline for retiring members to submit activity reports for merit and PSA
consideration has been extended – has that deadline been extended for all faculty
members?
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No. Only for those members who were scheduled to retire on June 30, 2007.
3.
Retirement Options
I am 60 years old and am eligible to take one of the retirement options. My normal
retirement date is not until 2010 but I would really like to take the phased-in option July 1,
2007. Can I?
Yes, if your Head agrees to waive the notice period required.
The Phased-In Retirement Option requires a minimum of a 33-1/3% appointment in any one
year over three years. Is it possible for a faculty member to arrange a different scenario
with his/her head of academic unit? For example, 100% year one; 50% year two, and 0% in
year three?
While it is possible to arrange a variety of scenarios over the three years, the 0% in the last
year would not fit under the provisions of a phased-in retirement option.
If I decide to continue working beyond my normal retirement date, can I opt out of
teaching?
No, members who choose to work beyond normal retirement date are required to continue
the full scope of their normal duties which will include teaching. The only alternative is for the
member, if eligible, to request a reduced appointment retirement option that would allow for
reduced scope, subject to approval by the head of academic unit.
Will I continue to accrue credit towards study leave if I continue working beyond my
normal retirement date?
Yes. Note however that the following exceptions will apply if you enter into a Retirement
Option:
1) There will be no further accrual of service towards study leave eligibility once notice to
enter into a Retirement Option has been given;
2) Where you may be eligible for a study leave, it must be planned before entering into a
Retirement Option and completed within the time of the option;
3) There must be the equivalent of at least one year of full-time service between the end
of the study leave and retirement; and
4) Salary paid during the study leave will be as provided for in the Agreement on
Reduced Appointments.
Who is eligible to take a Retirement Option?
The Retirement Options are available to faculty members, program directors in Continuing
Studies and librarians who are 60 years of age and have at least 10 years of full-time
continuous service.
What counts as full-time service?
Full-time service is an active appointment in an eligible rank in the faculty bargaining unit.
This includes paid leaves including sabbaticals, maternity, parental and short term sick
leaves and time spent in a reduced appointment under the Agreement on Reduced
Appointments. Unpaid personal or disability leaves or secondments do not count as full-time
service.
If I opt to work part-time in one of the Retirement Appointment Options, what proportion of
my salary will I receive each year?
Your salary during any the retirement appointment options will be pro-rated on the basis of
percentage appointment in each year.
How much notice do I have to give if I want to choose a Retirement Appointment Option?
You must give notice in writing one year prior to entering the retirement appointment option.
However, there is a transition for retirement options for those who have a normal retirement
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date in 2007, which permits you to give notice of intention to participate in a retirement
appointment option by June 30, 2007 for those with a normal retirement date of June 30,
2007 and August 31, 2007 for those with a normal retirement date of December 31, 2007.
Will I continue to get career progress, merit and PSA during a Retirement Appointment
Option?
You will continue to be eligible for career progress, merit and PSA and any across the board
increases as negotiated with the Faculty Association each year during your retirement
appointment option.
I understand that the Retirement Options are a pilot project that is in place for 2 years and
is subject to review. What happens if the pilot project is terminated after 2 years and I
have elected a Reduced-Scope Appointment Option that begins July 1, 2008?
The University will honour the agreement with you to allow you to continue in the ReducedScope Appointment as originally planned.
I want to take the Part-time Appointment Option but I want to retire after 2 years instead of
4 years. Is this possible?
Yes, it is possible to shorten the appointment period.
I took 2 years of unpaid leave since I was hired 10 years ago. I am now 60 years old. Am I
eligible to elect a retirement option today?
No, the Agreement requires that you have 10 years of continuous full-time service. However,
you may wish to consider a Reduced Appointment under the Agreement on Reduced
Appointments (see below).
4.
Reduced Appointments
I have never heard of a Reduced Appointment – what is it?
A Reduced Appointment is a part-time appointment for Faculty Association members with
tenure or grant tenure. Such appointments can be reduced to 50 - 99% short term or until
retirement. The Agreement on Reduced Appointments (see pages 148 -152 of the
2006/2010 Collective Agreement or online at
www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty_relations/agreements/reducedappointments.html) sets out the terms
for these appointments.
If I am already on a reduced appointment until my retirement as provided for in the
Agreement on Reduced Appointments, do I need to do anything?
You will need to speak with your Head about the terms of your reduced appointment given
that the anticipated end-date is no longer in place. Alternatively, you may wish to elect a
Retirement Option.
What options are there for a pre-retirement reduced workload?
If you are a tenured member of the Faculty Association, you can request a reduced
appointment to a minimum of 50% under the Agreement on Reduced Appointments.
5.
Sessional Lecturers
Can Sessional Lecturers work past age 65?
Yes. The Agreement placing a moratorium on mandatory retirement applies to Sessional
Lecturers, as well as other faculty appointments.
Can Sessionals elect to take a Retirement Option?
No. Retirement Options are available only to tenured or confirmed faculty, librarians, and
program directors and full-time 12-month lecturers. However, a Sessional can opt to accept
fewer course assignments at any time.
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I am a Sessional Lecturer who turned 65 during my last appointment which ended April 30,
2007. Will I continue to have rights of reappointment?
Yes. Those Sessional Lecturers turning 65 in 2007 who were actively employed on April 30,
2007 may continue to work past their Normal Retirement Date.
6.
Benefits
What benefits continue if I work past my normal retirement date and when do they end?
Are there any changes to these plans?
The following benefits plans will continue with no changes:
 Medical Services Plan
 Extended Health Benefits Plan
 Dental Plan
 Employee and Family Assistance Plan
 Optional Life Insurance for Faculty Member (Employee Life)
 Professional Development Reimbursement Fund
 Dependent Benefits Coverage Following Death of a Member
Your Basic Group Life insurance coverage will reduce by 50% to 1x your annual salary.
These benefits end when you begin to collect your pension on a voluntary basis or as
required by law (age 69 but proposed to change to 71).
What benefits end on my normal retirement date?
The following benefits plans end on your normal retirement date:
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Income Replacement Plan
Optional Life Insurance for Spouse of Faculty Member (Spousal Life)
What happens to my tuition waiver benefits? Do my tuition benefits end when I start
taking any amount of my pensions and continue to work?
Your tuition waiver benefits continue, with no change, regardless of whether you collect your
pension and continue to work.
Can I apply for the Retirement and Survivor Benefits once I start receiving any amount of
my pension and my active benefits end?
Yes, you may apply for this program and it is at your own cost. Please see the following
website for more details: www.hr.ubc.ca/retiring/rsb/index.html.
What happens to my benefits if I take one of the Retirement Options?
Your benefits will be based on the terms in the Reduced Appointment agreement. Income
replacement plan, basic Group life insurance, and sick leave benefits will be based on actual
salary until your Normal Retirement Date. There are no reductions in Medical Services Plan,
Extended Health, Dental, EFAP, and Tuition. Pension will be based on actual salary unless
you are 55 years old and have a minimum of 15 years of services. Please see the following
for more information:
www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty_relations/agreements/reducedappointments.html#9.
However, if you continue to work beyond your normal retirement date, any changes to those
benefits will occur as stipulated above.
7.
Pension
What are my pension options at my normal retirement date (age 65) if I continue to work?
You have two options:
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1. You can delay your pension commencement date and you and the University will
continue to make contributions to the Pension Plan until the earlier of
i) your chosen retirement date, or
ii) the latest date permitted by the Income Tax Act (currently age 69 but proposed
to change to 71).
2. You can collect your pension, in which case all contributions and group benefit plan
coverage will cease.
The Income Tax Act requires that I collect my pension at age 69 (proposed to change to
71). Can I continue to work past 69?
You can continue to work but all contributions and current group benefit plan coverage will
cease. Alternatively, you can access Retirement and Survivor Benefits. Please see the
following website for more details: www.hr.ubc.ca/retiring/rsb/index.html.
How can I find out what my pension will be?
The Pension Administration Office offers individual information sessions on pension-related
matters. To make an appointment, please call 604-822-8100. Further information on retirement
as well as links to other retirement related sites can be found on the Plan’s website at
www.pensions.ubc.ca/faculty/. You can also use the pension calculator to estimate future
account balances(s) and monthly annuity you may receive upon retirement from the UBC
Faculty Pension Plan (FPP): www.pensions.ubc.ca/faculty/calculators.html.
What about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)?
You may apply to receive your CPP benefits after age 65, or between 60 and 64 if you meet
the requirements. There are benefits to delaying receipt of benefits until age 70. Information
about the plan and how to apply is available on the Services Canada website
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/isp/cpp/cpptoc.shtml.
What should I do if I am receiving my CPP benefits and am continuing to work?
You cannot contribute to CPP and receive benefits at the same time. To stop CPP
deductions from your paycheque, you should bring a copy of your CPP stub or other
confirmation that you are in receipt of benefits to Payroll. Payroll cannot stop deductions
without this confirmation.
What about the Old Age Security Plan?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you should apply for your Old Age Security Plan
benefits six months before you turn 65. The Service Canada website has more details:
www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/isp/oas/oastoc.shtml.
8.
Members Receiving Disability or IRP Benefits
I am unable to perform my duties as a faculty member and have been receiving IRP
benefits for the past 5 years. What does this Agreement mean for me?
Under the terms of the Agreement, members are not entitled to IRP coverage after their Normal
Retirement Date. This means that your IRP coverage will terminate on your Normal Retirement
Date. If you are on IRP, and are approaching your Normal Retirement Date, Human Resources
will be contacting you to advise you of your options.
9.
Retirement Counselling
Does the University provide any retirement counselling for me?
Yes. The University provides the following processes to support retirement:
1. Pension: The Pension Administration Office offers individual information sessions on
pension-related matters. To make an appointment please call 604-822-8100. Further
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information on retirement as well as links to other retirement related sites can be found
on the Plan’s website. You can also use the pension calculator to estimate future account
balances(s) and monthly annuity you may receive upon retirement from the UBC Faculty
Pension Plan (FPP).
2. One-day sessions for members who are at least 60 years old, and their spouses,
coordinated by the Pension Administration Office, featuring guest speakers on wills and
estates, the Faculty Pension Plan, retirement options, and other related topics;
3. Customized 2-day retirement workshops for members who are at least 60 years old, and
spouses, which provides a holistic approach with an external consultant; and
4. Individual counselling with a University-approved financial consultant, up to three hours
per member.
Does the Faculty Association provide any retirement counselling for me?
Yes, the Faculty Association in conjunction with UBC Continuing Studies also offers a
financial planning lecture series every spring. Contact the Faculty Association for information.
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