Procedure

Individuals interested in exploring a phased-retirement program should begin by initiating discussions with their department head/manager and their Human Resources Strategic Partner (HRSP).

The applicant must complete a Phased Retirement Application and Agreement and submit it with a written proposal for phased retirement to their department head or manager approximately 2 to 6 months prior to the intended start date of the program. The proposal should include, but not be limited to, such items as:

• Starting date
• Length of the phased retirement program
• Percent of reduction in the work responsibilities in each year of the program (and the corresponding reduction in compensation);
• Type of work assignments in each year
• Perceived benefit of the program to the department and college or administrative area. 

After the proposal is approved by the participant, the department head/manager, and the dean/administrative officer, the Phased Application and Agreement and a copy of the written proposal shall be forwarded to the Vice President for Human Resources or their designee for final processing.

For academic appointments, the application and proposal must be submitted to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, who will then forward the information to the Vice President for Human Resources or their designee for final processing. Penn State Human Resources will forward a copy of the completed and processed application to the participant’s HRSP. For complete information regarding phased retirement, see Policy HR29 Voluntary Phased Retirement Program.