Ever since the University of Oregon began its Tenure Reduction Program in 1981, most faculty eligible for the program have chosen to participate in it. At the time a faculty member signs up for tenure reduction, he or she receives a six- percent increase in base salary for up to three years of full-time employment. Upon retiring, the faculty member may continue to work part time for up to five years. All part-time appointments must be taken within the time period of the dates given in the letter of agreement.

The Tenure Reduction Program is often referred to as the “600 Hour Program” because until recently retired employees have been allowed by PERS (the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System) to work part time for up to 600 hours per calendar year without jeopardizing their retirement benefits. (“600 hours” is equivalent to full-time employment for one academic term, or half-time employment over two terms.) As of October 1997, PERS retirees working for PERS-covered employers may work up to 1039 hours per calendar year and still receive full retirement benefits. The 600-hour appointments for participants in the Tenure Reduction Program are paid by the University centrally; however, any employment beyond the 600 hours must be paid from department or other funds.

Faculty frequently praise the University of Oregon for providing a program that allows for a graceful transition from the demands of full-time academic life to the rewards of retirement. Complaints about the program are few, and chiefly relate to having to give up one’s office, share a telephone, or compete with a younger colleague for a particular course assignment.

When this program was initiated in 1981, the mandatory retirement age for university faculty was 70. At that time, faculty typically signed up for the program at age 62, worked full time for three years with a six percent salary increase for those last three years, and then began their 600-hour appointments at age 65. Mandatory retirement is now a thing of the past, but this pattern of retirement continues, with faculty typically entering the Tenure Reduction Program anywhere between the ages of 55 and 62. Participants in the program still usually sign up for five years of reduced tenure, although many elect, for a variety of reasons (including travel, grandchildren, other interests, and health concerns) not to work for the full five years.

This program was initially developed for financial reasons. At first, the money from the salaries of those on reduced tenure was retained centrally, and thus was eventually available for reallocation. This is no longer the case. However, in the meantime the program has proven to be of value for many other reasons.

University of Oregon faculty value their “600 Hour” program, often describing it as a “humane” way to enter their retirement years. The University administration also values the program; by providing faculty members with incentives to retire, it facilitates turnover. The program has been in place for more than eighteen years, and during that time has proven to be both effective and successful for all involved.

Rev. 4/2000
Office of Academic Affairs