Greater attention has been focused on the role that employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual savings must play in ensuring retirement income security. Alternative tax retirement planning opportunities currently available to college personnel are explored. (MLW)

Alternative college retirement programs and features of a desirable retirement program are discussed. The historical, social, and economic forces that prompt institutions to consider alternative programs are identified. The present position of college faculty in terms of retirement options is also addressed. Since its inception, the Teachers…

The chief executive officer of the Teachers' Insurance and Annuities Fund-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) discusses the current widespread concern over retirement issues in general and the ending of mandatory retirement ages for college faculty. Changes in TIAA-CREF policies and practices affecting range and coverage of retirement…

Discussion of college faculty retirement benefits looks at trends in early and delayed retirement among faculty and the general population, public policy affecting retirement, a study of college pension plans, and a survey on retiree health benefits. Development of organizational climate where retirement is viewed as normal and attractive is…

A variety of ways in which retired college faculty benefit from social services and commercial and professional perquisites, in addition to retirement income, are discussed. It is proposed that these faculty are benefiting at the expense of their younger colleagues and should in turn participate in volunteer public service. (MSE)

The debate about the "cashability" of faculty pension benefits raises questions about intent, fairness, and who controls what. Boards must weigh whether to allow faculty and staff to withdraw or transfer pension funds such as TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund). (Author/MSE)

To offset declining enrollments, financial constraints, younger faculties, and high tenure ratios, some institutions are considering early retirement programs to facilitate faculty turnover. A University of Virginia faculty committee reviewed several early retirement options and selected a cost-effective bridging program with ample incentives and…

Results of a survey of 15 colleges and universities switching away, at least in part, from investment in the Teachers' Insurance and Annuities Fund and College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) for faculty retirement illustrate a trend toward increased competition and some definite patterns in fund preference. (MSE)

This article explains why college faculty benefit by taking large portions of their compensation in fringe benefits, presents data showing trends in the provision of fringe benefits to college and university employees, and suggests that academic supply and demand conditions during the 1990s may lead to resumption of the upward trend in…

Given the right incentives, many college faculty will retire early. With mandatory retirement of tenured faculty soon to be abolished, institutions may need to revamp their pension plans and introduce voluntary retirement-incentive options. These options include phased- and full-retirement programs. (Author/MSE)

This report focuses on the group benefits available to Illinois public higher education employees. The study provides a perspective on the range of benefits and the differences in the administration of institutional benefits. Findings reveal the availability of retirement annuities that increase with each 10 years of service; optional retirement…

Indiana University's experiences with trying to cancel an increasingly expensive early retirement system illustrates some of the ways in which faculty retirement benefits are subject to attack and some of the potential and weaknesses of the traditional faculty governance mechanisms in trying to shape a response. (MSE)

To inform faculty and staff about the new state retirement plan and help them compare its benefits with those of the only existing employer-sponsored retirement plan for educators, a defined-benefit plan, Georgia Institute of Technology used an electronic spreadsheet and a series of seminars for analyzing and illustrating investment options. (MSE)

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This April 29, 2005 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Reproductive Success for Working Scientists" (Simmons, Gail M.); (2)…

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…