Professor Emeriti and Senior Scholars

The title of Professor Emeritus/Emerita is conferred after retirement on faculty members who are deemed to have rendered distinguished service to the University through their teaching, research, and scholarship. It is an honourary lifelong distinction. 

Process to become a Professor Emeritus / Emerita: 

A nomination for the title of Professor Emeritus or Emerita comes from the department head (if applicable) and dean/director to their respective faculty council. It is then submitted to the Chancellor’s Committee for review before recommendation to the Board of Governors for approval.

Professor Emeritus/Emerita policy

Learn about the title and view recipients

Learn more about the process to become a Professor Emeritus/Emerita (PDF)

A Senior Scholar is an individual who has retired from a full-time academic appointment, or from a reduced academic appointment at UM, but continues to engage in active research and scholarship at UM. Senior Scholars become members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and are eligible to apply for grants and contracts and supervise graduate students. 

A Senior Scholar can also hold the appointment of a Professor Emeritus/Emerita, as well as a sessional or part-time appointment (in compliance with the policy.) 

Process to become a Senior Scholar: 

• If you are involved in research or scholarly work that will continue after retirement, discussions about becoming a Senior Scholar can happen any time before your declared intention to retire. 
• A recommendation for a Senior Scholar appointment comes from the department head (if applicable) and dean/director to the Provost’s Office, for approval from the President.

A Senior Scholar is normally appointed for a term not exceeding three (3) years and can be reappointed for successive terms.

Senior Scholar policy

There are many ways to stay connected:

• Join the UM Retirees Association. 
• Discuss options with your faculty for being a guest lecturer in courses or speaker at UM colloquia and events.
• Explore opportunities to serve on faculty or university-wide committees.
• Consider being a mentor to early career faculty members or graduate students.
• Participate in UM community events.