Office of the Provost

Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP)

Dear Brandeis Community,

Brandeis University is introducing a Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) for faculty and staff who may be considering retirement. This program is designed to offer a generous benefit to eligible employees who choose to participate, with approval from the university, while supporting our long-term strategic vision and ensuring continued strength and resilience for years to come. 

Eligibility:
  • Full-time faculty and full-time staff
  • Must be at least 55 years of age as of December 31, 2025, and
  • Must have at least 5 years of continuous service with the university as of December 31, 2025.
Please note that certain categories of employees are not eligible for this program. Please refer to the VRP plan document on the program website for additional details. 

Incentives:
  • 5-9 years of service: 6 months of base pay/salary
  • 10-14 years of service: 9 months of base pay/salary
  • 15+ years of service: 12 months of base pay/salary
  • Continued medical, dental and vision coverage, if enrolled, at employee rates during the severance period
Across higher education, voluntary retirement programs are increasingly common. While each institution’s approach differs, they share a common purpose: to steward resources responsibly and invest in the future. At Brandeis, this is one way we can align our resources with our evolving academic and operational priorities, while supporting our colleagues and teams through this transition with the care and respect they deserve.

The program is being offered for a limited time only and participation is entirely voluntary. We understand that the decision to retire is a deeply personal one, and our goal is to offer flexibility, clarity, and support to those considering this next chapter. The university will host information sessions to further explain the program and answer questions. To attend a session, access FAQs, or to learn more, please visit the program website.

Thank you,

Carol Fierke, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Stew Uretsky, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration