What Does Emeritus Mean?
Emeritus, from the Latin for having earned by service, is an honorary title conferred on a professor or senior administrator who has retired, in recognition of long and distinguished service. A retired faculty member might be called "Professor Emeritus of Chemistry," and a former president might become "President Emeritus."
What it means
The title signals that the person has retired in good standing and keeps a connection with the institution. It is not a continuing job, though it may come with privileges. These can include a campus email address, library access, an office or lab space, a parking permit, the right to attend ceremonies and sometimes the ability to advise students or continue research.
Appointments are usually approved by the department, dean and board, and criteria vary, such as a minimum number of years of service or a record of scholarship and teaching.
Forms of the word
- Emeritus: masculine singular, often used as a general term.
- Emerita: feminine singular.
- Emeriti: plural, for a group.
- Emerita/emeritus variations depend on the institution's style. Many now use "emeritus" for everyone, and others retain gendered forms.
What emeritus faculty do
Some stay active, writing books, supervising doctoral students, serving on committees or teaching occasional courses. Others step back entirely. Many continue to be valuable mentors and contribute to the intellectual life of their departments.
Why students might meet them
You may encounter an emeritus professor as a guest lecturer, a researcher in a lab, an author of your textbook or a member of an advisory committee. Their experience can offer perspective on the field's history and development.
Related terms
See faculty, tenure, sabbatical, provost and alumni.
Frequently asked questions
Does emeritus mean a professor is retired?
Usually yes. The title is given on retirement, though some emeritus professors continue to teach, research or advise part-time.
How do you write the title?
As Professor Emeritus of History, or Professor of History, Emeritus. For a woman, emerita is sometimes used, and many institutions use emeritus for all.
Do emeritus professors get paid?
The title is honorary and unpaid. They may receive pensions and sometimes benefits such as library or parking access, depending on the institution.