Retirement & Emeriti/BESI

Retirement

Under provisions of Minnesota law, most state employees are members of a state retirement plan. Classified employees are enrolled in a defined benefit plan with the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) General Plan. Employees contribute 5 percent of gross salary and the university contributes 5 percent.

Unclassified employees are enrolled in one of several retirement funds – MSRS General Plan or Unclassified Plan, Teachers Retirement Association (TRA), or the Defined Contribution Retirement (DCR) Plan. Both the employee and the university make contributions to the employee’s retirement fund. The amount of contribution is determined by the fund. Effective with the third year of full-time employment for unclassified employees, a 5 percent of gross compensation in excess of $6000 will be deducted for the Supplemental Retirement Plan. The amount of supplemental deduction is determined by the bargaining agreement. The university matches the employee’s contribution to this fund.

• Minnesota State Unclassified (IFO, MSUAASF, and Administrators) retirement information

There is no mandatory retirement age for employees. Employees are eligible to draw retirement benefits upon retirement at age 55 or older or after 30 or more years of state service. Employees participating in a defined benefit plan (TRA or MSRS General Plan) must complete a minimum of 3 years of state service to draw retirement benefits. If state service is terminated prior to three years of service, a refund of the employee’s contribution can be requested. A proportionate annuity is available for employees in a defined benefit plan with as little as one year of service provided they work until age 65 or over. There is an immediate vesting period for participants in a defined contribution plan.

MSRS and TRA send annual Statements of Account to active members. The investment providers send quarterly statements to DCR Plan participants.

Emeriti

St. Cloud State University has achieved its fine reputation through the efforts of many dedicated, creative and hard-working faculty and staff. Many have served SCSU and its students for a major portion of their working lives. It is, therefore, fitting that the university honor these valued employees through a special designation and benefits accompanying that designation. The following outlines the benefits and the criteria for this designation.

• St. Cloud State Emeriti Status Policy & Procedure (University Policies)

Eligibility

To be awarded emeritus status, an employee must have:

• Separated, or be separating, from the university with a minimum of 10 years full-time equivalent service;
• Established a record of distinguished service while employed at the university (achieving the rank of full professor automatically fulfills this requirement for faculty); and
• Separated from employment in good standing. 

Benefits

• Complimentary parking permit
• Listing in the campus directory
• Social activities hosted by the President and/or Alumni Association
• Continued use of faculty/staff identification card enabling access to cultural events, recreational facilities, the library, and employee rates for ticketed events
• Academic e-mail and computer support (except for research projects or other extensive uses)
• Business cards that identify emeriti status are available for purchase through SCSU Printing Services

Volunteer Opportunities

Many retired SCSU employees have expressed an interest in performing a variety of volunteer tasks for the university. These include:

• tutoring
• assisting with alumni events and correspondence
• international programs
• thesis committee member
• student recruitment
• campus beautification
• general studies advising

Questions about volunteer opportunities may be directed to the Office of University Advancement, 320-308-5370.

General Information

Notification regarding retiree status will come from the Office of the President.