Contract College Retiree Benefits

Cornell offers a wide variety of benefits and programs for contract college faculty and staff during your employment at the university. While some of these benefits end upon retirement, others will continue throughout your retirement years.

The information in this brochure has been prepared to assist you in your planning for retirement. It describes the benefits that are available to you when you retire and answers some of the questions you may have about your future relationship with Cornell.

There is no mandatory age for retirement for Cornell faculty or staff. To receive certain benefits, though, you must be at least age 55 and have ten years of credited service at the university. An employee who retires under any New York State early retirement incentive program adopted by Cornell will be considered a Cornell retiree.

Retirement and Beyond Guide

Retirement and Beyond is intended to be read as an all-inclusive guide to your retirement. Sections should be read in their entirety to ensure important dates and requirements are not missed. 

Download the Contract College Retirement Booklet

While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document, the legal documents, policies, or certificates pertaining to the various benefits prevail in the event of any discrepancy. This booklet does not constitute a legal document. The policies summarized here are subject to change. The language is not intended to create a contract between the university and its retired faculty and staff. 

The university reserves the right to amend, modify, or withdraw in its sole discretion any provision contained herein. Neither this document, nor any of its terms or provisions, constitute a contractual obligation by the university. Policies and benefits for members of collective bargaining units may differ from those described herein. If you belong to a collective bargaining unit, refer to the terms and conditions of your contract for more information.