Auburn University Emeriti Organization Weebly uses cookies

For the Membership


​This page presents the basic elements of the Auburn University Emeriti Organization

Subscribe to the Emeriti Listserve

The following link can be used by anyone to subscribe or manage their subscription:
  • https://listserv4.auburn.edu/mailman/listinfo/emeriti
  • PLEASE NOTE: The URL won't work off campus unless you are using the AU VPN.
  • If you are off campus and don't want to run the VPN, send the following to:            [email protected] 
  • From the email address you wish to be subscribed to:
  • subscribe  (OR unsubscribe)
  • You may also need to reply to a confirmation email.
Daily Digest Mode
  • You may or may not want a sudden flurry of emails at random times when discussions break out. If so, there is a solution. You can adjust your subscription to receive a daily digest rather than individual messages. To do that:
  • Send an email to [email protected]
  • In either the body or the subject, put the following
  • set digest mime.​
Note that none of the above addresses is the group's mailing address. 
  • The list email is [email protected].
  • Do not use this address for individual subscription adjustments.

By-Laws

By-laws for the AUEO were approved by Qualtrics Survey as reported to the September 5, 2025, Emeriti Meeting. They are posted on the documents page. ​

Leadership

Provisional leadership is offered by: ​

Advisory Board

The following volunteers serve on the Advisory Board: ​

Meeting Program Format

  • We meet most month during the Calendar year, usually at lunch.
  • Our programs feature Emereti sharing their post-retirement experiences in their chosen discipline or in entirely new pursuits.
  • The Biggio Center has been most gracious in supporting the development of the AUEO and its meetings.
​

Leave No Emeriti Behind

  • Our fundamental commitment is to each other as colleagues and our shared connection to Auburn University
  • Auburn University provides guidance on software access and other issues post-retirement

Our Mission 

  • The collective sentiment of the emeriti reflects a wish to continue serving Auburn through mentoring, teaching, research, creative activity, and other forms of ongoing engagement in a supportive community structure. 
  • ​The AU Emeriti Organization may be one way to realize these aspirations. 

Five common stages of retirement adaptation for emeritus faculty

1. Pre-Retirement (Anticipation & Planning
  • Faculty members begin thinking about retirement, often years before the actual transition.
  • They may attend retirement workshops, consult financial planners, or negotiate emeritus status.
  • Emotions range from excitement to anxiety about leaving an academic identity behind.
2. Honeymoon Phase (Initial Euphoria or Relief)
  • Immediately after retirement, many experience a sense of freedom and relief from teaching, administrative duties, and committee work.​ 
  • They may travel, pursue hobbies, or enjoy unstructured time.
  • Some remain academically active through writing, conferences, or mentoring.
3. Disenchantment (Letdown or Identity Crisis)
  • The novelty wears off, and some emeritus faculty feel a loss of purpose without their former roles.
  • They may miss intellectual engagement, collegial interactions, or institutional influence.
  • This stage can involve frustration, boredom, or even depression if meaningful replacements for work are lacking.
4. Reorientation & Exploration (New Identity Formation)
  • Emeritus faculty begin adjusting by finding new roles, such as:
  • Continuing research or writing books
  • Teaching part-time or guest lecturing
  • Engaging in consulting, public service, or advocacy
  • Exploring non-academic passions (arts, volunteering, family time)
  • They redefine their identity beyond being a professor.
5. Stability & Fulfillment (Acceptance & New Routine)
  • A balanced lifestyle emerges, combining intellectual engagement with personal interests.
  • Many emeritus faculty settle into advisory roles, mentorship, or selective academic projects.
  • They achieve contentment by integrating past professional identity with new retirement roles.
  • Additional Considerations for Emeritus Faculty:
  • Institutional Ties: Some maintain office space, library access, or affiliation with departments.
  • Gradual Retirement: Many transition slowly (e.g., phased retirement or adjunct roles).
  • Social Networks: Staying connected to colleagues is crucial for well-being.
​These stages are not strictly linear—some individuals revisit phases or skip others.
Successful adaptation often depends on financial security, health, social support, and proactive engagement in meaningful activities.
Auburn University Emeriti Organization