THE ISBELL SCHOLAR PROGRAM: A SERVICE OPPORTUNITY FOR RETIRED UNA EMPLOYEES University employees who are near retirement may submit a request to their immediate supervisor to be designated as an Isbell Scholar. This program allows employees an opportunity to be employed one additional year after retirement for the purpose of establishing an endowment fund to support the mission of the University. Up to one year of additional volunteer service is permissible but it must be requested annually and approved on an annual basis by the department chair or unit head and dean or cost center head. The policies and procedures for accessing this opportunity are outlined below. Dr. Raymond Isbell first initiated the idea of contributing volunteer service after retirement in lieu of salary in 1997. In 2008, the program of funding scholarships in retirement was formalized and guidelines were developed. In 2011, the program was renamed after Dr. Isbell. Procedures Per current policy, the employee submits a letter to the President indicating his/her intent to retire. After employee planning to retire receives a letter from the President acknowledging retirement, employee writes a letter to his/her immediate supervisor expressing desire to volunteer services as an Isbell Scholar. Under this program an amount equal to his/her current salary and benefits (minus Social Security withholdings and, optionally, a minimal salary) is used to establish one or more endowment funds within the university. The letter requesting Isbell Scholar status must also provide plans for the endowment funds being created. The immediate supervisor reviews the request and the plans for the endowment. Endowment plans are intended to enhance scholarship opportunities for UNA students and/or benefit the academic mission of the institution. For unique endowment plan proposals, additional review may be merited. For faculty proposals, consultation should occur between the chair and the departmental faculty. The chair/supervisor forwards a recommendation to the appropriate dean or cost center head who reviews the proposal. He/she forwards a recommendation to the appropriate Executive Council member. The appropriate Executive Council member forwards a recommendation to the President. If approval is not granted, the Executive Council member must provide an explanation to the President prior to notification of the employee by the Executive Council member. The President reviews all supporting materials and makes a final decision. If approval is granted, the President instructs the AVPHR to contact the employee to discuss total amount of potential contribution, TRS allowable earnings, desired salary, and amount(s) to be deposited into the endowment(s). Based on the discussion, the attached form is completed and distributed to the appropriate parties.
The Provost (for faculty) or AVPHR (for staff) prepares a letter from President to the employee detailing the salary and conditions for his/her voluntary service.
The Business and Financial Affairs Office provides to the employee monthly statements showing deposits into the endowment fund(s) and the current balance(s).
The Provost and HR Offices maintain a plaque of Isbell Scholars on display in Cramer Way.
83
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting