Role exit or transition? Continuity and change for retired faculty at a liberal arts Midwestern University

Bibliographic Data

ID21537366
AuthorsMohammad A Chaichian (0000-0002-5504-2190, Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume47
Issue3
Pages87-102
Publication date2021-03-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational Gerontology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0360-1277 • E-ISSN: 1521-0472
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03601277.2021.1881867
OpenAlexW3126840802
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited30

Using the theory of continuity, and based on quantitative and qualitative data collected from an online survey and one-on-one interviews from a nonrandom sample of retired faculty, this exploratory study examines guiding considerations for transition to retirement at a mid-sized University in the Midwest. Abolition of mandatory retirement requirements in higher education institutions since the early 1990s has put the senior faculty at the helm of deciding when to retire. Findings indicate that the post-retirement period is part of a life-time continuum – both during the “contemplation period” when respondents plan their retirement, and when most share with ease their final decision to retire with colleagues and administrators. Furthermore, transition to retirement for most is a non-traumatic experience, with involvement in diverse activities including working in their areas of expertise (“bridge employment”). However, respondents’ overall expressed sentiment was to have limited post-retirement contact and involvement with the University and campus-related activities, including serving as mentors for junior faculty or students. For some, heavy teaching loads was the reason for their reluctance to contribute to campus life (the “burnout” factor). But their lack of enthusiasm to reconnect with the institution may also be an indication of the presence of an implicit, yet unresolved conflict between some retired faculty and the administration

Contemplation · Enthusiasm · Exploratory research · Higher education · Institution · Liberal arts education · Medical education · Political science · Public relations · Social science · Sociology · Diversity and Career in Medicine · Employment and Welfare Studies · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Retirement, Disability, and Employment · Social Psychology

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