Considering Retirement
Select the image to access an extensive list of readings relevant to faculty as they prepare and experience retirement.
Retirement Tips While Still at BC
In no particular order:
1. Begin sorting through books and files at least a year in advance of retirement. Be prepared to go through them 4 or 5 times before you get them down to the ones that you REALLY want to keep.
2. Contact the Human Resources Department six months before retirement. You will get an excellent, thorough, and absolutely critical briefing.
3. Have an employment attorney look at your retirement agreement to make sure that you are getting all to which the law entitles you.
4. If you wish to teach part-time, make arrangements with your department during the year before you retire.
5. Seek out colleagues in the Retired Faculty Association for advice and counsel.
6. Make an appointment with your Dean and Department Chair, and contact the Benefits Office.
7. Contact the Social Security Administration and begin the process of applying for benefits.
8. Investigate your Medicare/Medicaid options.
9. Consider changes in insurance coverage: Life, Auto, Home, and Long-Term Care.
10. Contact your retirement plan advisor (TIAA, Fidelity etc.) to determine strategies for disbursement of funds and handling taxes.
11. Commit to playing an active role in the Boston College Association of Retired Faculty
Retirement Tips Once You are Retired
In no particular order:
1. Arrange space at home for all the books and files you will be bringing home.
2. List all the household tasks that you have been deferring for 40 years. You may find they might become a full-time job or may require outside assistance.
3. Plan to do some physically demanding tasks while you are still young.
4. Make a budget and then record ALL of your expenditures for a year or two.
5. Visit with a certified financial planner. You will likely find out that you have overlooked an item or two, or three.
6. Ask yourself what you will enjoy doing: more time with family, research and writing, part-time teaching ...
7. Audit a course at BC.
8. Consider getting involved in a local "Health and Wellness" program.
9. Volunteer for BC or community service.
10. Consider mentoring a student.
Men and Women in Service to Others
There are many ways in which retired faculty can volunteer both at Boston College and in the surrounding community. Listed below are a few of these opportunities.
If you have suggestions for other ways in which retired faculty might contribute their knowledge, expertise, and service, please contact the Web Manager to get them listed on this page.
To get involved with any of the activities listed below, contact the person listed.
Commencement
Retired faculty members can assist at the University Commencement in May by being a marshal, host, or hostess. Host & Hostess Conact: Casey Beaumier, S.J.
Coversational Partners with International Graduate Students
Many opportunities exist to host or mentor an international student. For more information, contact: Rosemary Krawczyk
Weston Jesuit Visitation
Our Jesuit Community liaison leads members who wish to provide social interaction with retired or convalescent Jesuits residing at the Campion Health Center. Contact : Fr. Joseph Duffy
Soar 55 (Service Opportunities Fater Reaching 55)
SOAR 55 is a volunteer-connector organization for adults aged 55 and over who would like to share their professional and experience-based skills with local public and nonprofit organizations that need help in Newton and Metro West. Assignments range from tutoring children, mentoring college enrolled inmates, assuming leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, to management consulting.
SOAR 55, with more than 300 volunteers serving at 90 sites, offers a personalized, professional and unique approach to matching each individual with a rewarding and satisfying volunteer opportunity.
Contact: Karen Albert Albert@soar55.org
Ignation Volunteer Corps
New England Ignatian Volunteers are mature men and women, open to participating in a year-long spiritual development program, which includes service to the community. Volunteers teach and mentor, do legal research, coach work-study students, help in soup kitchens and food pantries, locate resources for families and immigrants, offer administrative support to non-profit staff, assist with fund-raising and grant-writing, and provide companionship to recently released prisoners. Volunteers commit to the equivalent of two days per week of service, over a ten month period; meet monthly with a spiritual director; participate in two days of reflection, one overnight retreat, and monthly meetings of the volunteers. At these meetings, volunteers share their reflections and service experiences. For information, contact Dave Hinchen, IVC Regional Director, 31 Fairview Street, Roslindale, MA 02131. Their website is at www.ivusa.org.