Please refer to the 2025-2026 Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) for FAS page for the full details. If you have any questions, please email deanartsci@queensu.ca.
Retirement Resources
²Ï³Ü±ð±ð²Ô’s  has a comprehensive list of resources to help you understand your retirement options, make informed decisions, and plan for retirement. 
Frequently Asked Questions at VRP Sessions
Below are some of the commonly-asked questions and answers from the information sessions.
Adjunct 1 Appointment
Can I supervise students, access my research funding, apply for grants etc. post-retirement?
- Yes
- An applicant who retires under the VRP is still eligible to be considered for an unpaid Adjunct 1 appointment post-retirement
- Adjunct 1 appointment will allow you to continue to co-supervise graduate students or Post-docs, apply for research grants and access existing research grants
- Information on the process on how to apply can be found below in the After Retirement section
- As an Adjunct 1 you will not receive compensation
- As an Adjunct 1 you can still access your research funds, apply for grants and supervise students
- Exception – you cannot supervise Post-doc students, but are able to co-supervise with another ²Ï³Ü±ð±ð²Ô’s faculty member
Pension
How do I access my pension information – i.e. how much will I receive?
- You can access the Pension Estimate Calculator by visiting myUPP website
- You must create an account and sign-in
- This is a core feature of the UPP service experience, offering members convenient access to their pension information and specifically, the pension estimates calculator and tips on reading an estimate.
- If you do not have access to the member portal, you can contact UPP directly (1-833-627-7877)
- UPP will expedite your request (aim for 10 days). Just inform them you are considering the ²Ï³Ü±ð±ð²Ô’s VRP program
Retiring Allowance
Is the lump sum payment considered a "retirement allowance"?
- The lump sum payment(s) is a retiring allowance paid at (or following) retirement in recognition of long service
- A retiring allowance is taxable, non-employment income and will be reported to the Applicant on a T4 tax slip for the year of payment
- You have the option to split the allowance into two payments if you choose – see application form
- All payments will be subject to a withholding tax and any other required deductions
- Applicants may elect additional tax be withheld
- No deductions for Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, UPP, QUFA dues and/or employee-paid benefits will be applicable to the payments
- Those interested in the VRP are encouraged to seek independent financial advice from a financial advisor
Academic Leave
Can I still apply for / take my academic leave?
- Yes
- Faculty members eligible for a 6- or 12-month academic leave can request approval to take their leave before their retirement date.
- 6-month academic leave January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026 or July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
- 12-month academic leave January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Office Space
Can I still have access to an office after I retire?
- Yes
- There is the option to indicate on the VRP application form if you would like office space for a period of two years post-retirement.
- There is no guarantee that the space assigned will be your current office
Additional Resources
What resources are available to support me making this decision?
Transitioning to Retirement Brochure-> Core Terminology, fundamentals
- The Retirement Process
- Retiree Benefits Guideline
- MyUPP.ca and UPP Pension Estimate Calculator
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – Telus Health One: Retirement Planning
- Connect with your designated Human Resource Representative for if you have any questions