Economic underpinnings of retirement incentives and case law leading to the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act (1986) are reviewed; implications for early retirement incentives for college faculty are considered. It is concluded that congressional intent is not to foreclose such incentives and that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act…

This report discusses whether the special circumstances of tenured faculty in higher education justify a continued exception to the national policy prohibiting age discrimination in employment, and examines a number of practical steps that are available or could be made available to address the problems raised by the elimination of mandatory…

Changes in retirement patterns at colleges and universities can be expected because of demographic reasons and because of federal and state legislation uncapping mandatory retirement. Institutional policies that will encourage reluctant older faculty to retire need to address the three fundamental components of successful employee retirement: (1)…

The uncapping of college faculty retirement age in 1994 has implications for tenure, retirement programs, and potential for age discrimination litigation. Institutions should carefully examine the probable impact of the change on the quality of their academic programs and financial situation and develop contingency plans as early as possible. (MSE)

For those institutions endeavoring to increase the likelihood of older workers' leaving, a diversified set of retirement options is suggested. Many employers are offering an interim period of part-time employment before final retirement. Evaluations should not be used to drive employees into retirement. (MLW)