STEPS TO RETIREMENT
If you wish to retire from The University of Akron, you must retire under one of the State of Ohio public
retirement systems (STRS, SERS, or OPERS-LE) or the Ohio Alternative Retirement Plan. You must complete
and file a formal application with the appropriate system. In order to be considered a retiree you must leave
UA employment and immediately begin receiving retirement benefits.
State of Ohio Public Retirement Systems (STRS, SERS, OPERS-LE)
1. It is advisable to schedule an individual counseling session at least three years before you plan to retire
and again six to 12 months from retirement. This session can take place in Columbus, at a field
location near your home or school, or by phone through and individual teleconference.
2. Decide on your retirement date (1st day of the month).
3. Complete and file application with the state retirement system no fewer than 90 days before your
anticipated retirement date. Be sure to include all necessary documents.
4. Notify your department in writing of your specific retirement date which should always be the last day
of the month. You are “officially retired” on the first of the following month. For example, your
retirement date with UA should be March 31st if your retirement date with the state is April 1st.
5. You will receive an “Acknowledgement of Retirement” document from the retirement system. This is
your proof that you are retiring. Once you have this form, follow the instructions below that pertain to
your job classification:
a. Full-time employees must schedule an exit interview with Benefits Administration (ext. 7090).
Bring your “Acknowledgement of Retirement” document with you to this meeting.
b. Part-time faculty/contract professionals must send “Acknowledgement of Retirement”
document to Benefits Administration at Zip +4704. No exit interview is required.
c. Part-time staff need to notify their department of their intent to retire. The Payroll
Department will receive the retirement documentation directly from the retirement system.
Payroll will then process any final payments due to you.
Ohio Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
1. Set up an appointment with your ARP provider prior to your anticipated retirement date.
2. Complete and file any necessary paperwork with your ARP provider. Selected retirement date should
be the 1st day of the month.
3. Notify your department in writing of your specific retirement date which should always be the last day
of the month. You are “officially retired” on the first of the following month. For example, your
retirement date with UA should be March 31st if your retirement date with ARP is April 1st.
4. Request that your ARP provider supply you with written confirmation of your anticipated retirement.
This is your proof that you are retiring.
5. Schedule an exit interview with Benefits Administration (ext. 7090). Bring your confirmation
document from your ARP provider to your meeting.