The decision to retire is a complex one for many faculty members. The transition can raise profound questions about meaning, purpose and identity in addition to more tangible financial, healthcare and logistical considerations. For such a big step with many aspects to consider, Duke provides resources to support faculty as they navigate the stages of this milestone process.
The Office for Faculty Advancement launched a workshop series focusing on late-career faculty transitions, and a new pilot initiative for emeriti faculty who want to stay connected to Duke is underway.
Emeriti faculty can contribute in important ways to the university’s intellectual, social and service life, benefiting both Duke and its faculty across the full academic lifecycle. Beginning in Fall 2026, the Duke Emeriti Faculty Society is intended to honor Duke’s faculty, strengthen teaching and mentoring, deepen alumni and community connections, and reinforce Duke’s values across generations.
Led by Faculty Director Steve Nowicki and Assistant Vice Provost Maria Wisdom, the two-year pilot program is housed in the Office for Faculty Advancement. An advisory board, currently in formation, will provide vital guidance.
Events
There will be four workshops for retiring and emeriti faculty in 2026-27, to be announced soon. Stay tuned for additional events, including a luncheon, a lecture and possibly a book club. Emeriti faculty will receive periodic announcements via email regarding events and other opportunities.
Opportunities
Teaching and Mentoring
We encourage emeriti faculty who are interested in teaching and mentoring in their departments to work directly with their current chairs and/or deans to explore possibilities.
Other opportunities for teaching by emeriti faculty may be found in the following programs:
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Duke (email Jenny Levine at jenny.levine@duke.edu to express interest in being an OLLI instructor)
- Duke Prison Engagement Initiative
- Graduate Liberal Studies Program
Lifelong Learning
Duke Alumni Forever Learning Institute
We anticipate adding more opportunities in the future.
Resources
Retirement Planning
Duke faculty who are considering retiring have numerous resources available to them for planning for the future, including one-on-one meetings with Fidelity representatives. A wealth of information is available in the Retirement section of the Duke HR website. Also see the Retirement Planning page, the Retirement Planning Guide (including information specific to faculty on pp. 35-36) and information about Investment Carriers. Additional resources that are accessible with a Duke NetID:
- Faculty Retirement Checklist
- FAQ on Medical Coverage in Retirement
- Slides From a Presentation by Duke HR and Fidelity Investments
Faculty can access their Fidelity accounts by logging into Duke@Work, going to the MyInfo tab and finding the My Benefits heading, then selecting Access My Fidelity Account. Alternatively, they can log in at netbenefits.com/duke.
Navigating Psychological and Emotional Aspects of the Retirement Process
Faculty Group Coaching can provide late-career faculty with a supportive environment in which to plan for a meaningful retirement, in alignment with who they are and what they care about. Each session combines coaching — structured, nondirective guidance from ICF credentialed professional coach Maria Wisdom — with peer mentoring from other late-career faculty. Group coaching registration opens three times per calendar year; please contact Maria Wisdom for more information.
The Duke Personal Assistance Service offers short-term counseling for current and retired faculty. Faculty receive up to eight sessions per concern, and sessions are completely confidential and free of charge.
Logistical Aspects and Other Guidance
- Emeriti Faculty Services and Facilities Use
- School of Medicine Emeriti Guidance
- DHIP Clinician Offboarding (accessible with a Duke NetID)
- myResearchPath Researcher Offboarding
Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE)
AROHE is the leading network dedicated to faculty and staff retirement engagement. To strengthen institutional ties, it connects retired faculty, staff, associations, emeriti programs and campus retiree centers with key offices, including human resources, academic affairs, alumni relations and advancement.
Emeriti Faculty Directory
Approximately 800 members strong, an Emeriti Faculty Directory provides a searchable listing of faculty with emeriti status and links to their Scholars@Duke profiles. Emeriti faculty can update their Scholars profiles by following this guidance.
Contact Information
Duke Emeriti Faculty Society
Please email Professor of Biology Emeritus Steve Nowicki at snowicki@duke.edu or Program Director Jennifer Goins at jennifer.goins@duke.edu with any questions.
Duke Benefits
Email benefits@duke.edu or call 919-684-5600.
Fidelity
To schedule an appointment with one of the three Fidelity representatives (Yvette Mills, Alan Collins and Cleo Morgan) who are dedicated to the Duke Faculty and Staff Retirement Plan, go to fidelity.com/schedule, call 800-343-0860 or text MeetAtDuke to 343898. (While Fidelity is the primary record keeper for the retirement plans at Duke, and through that arrangement offers a broad range of complimentary retirement planning and financial advisory services, employees are welcome to use other independent companies and advisors for their financial planning and/or management.)