for Faculty in the Shepherd School of Music

Faculty Enhanced
Phased Retirement Program

Program Overview for Faculty in the Shepherd School of Music

Rice University is offering this one-time, voluntary Faculty Enhanced Phased Retirement Program (Music FEPRP) for tenured faculty in the Shepherd School of Music, effective November 10, 2025. This new program honors long-serving faculty by providing flexible, voluntary pathways for planning the next phase of their careers while sustaining mentorship and scholarship for future generations.

The Music FEPRP complements Rice’s long-standing Faculty Phased Retirement Plan (FPRP) by offering a completion bonus (a lump-sum payment at retirement) based on the faculty member’s age and years of service at Rice. Unlike faculty who select the traditional FPRP, faculty who opt in to the new Music FEPRP will continue at full effort (100%) for the duration of their phased retirement (0, 1, or 2 years) before retiring fully. This Music-specific program is a one-time enhancement and is not expected to recur.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to participate in the FEPRP, faculty must meet all the following criteria:

  • Hold a tenured appointment in the Shepherd School of Music at Rice;
  • Be at least 65 years of age by November 10, 2025;
  • Have completed at least five years of service at Rice;
  • Have a Rule-of-Z score (1) equal to or greater than 80
  • Not have previously entered into, nor currently be participating in, any other early or phased retirement agreement or retirement incentive arrangement with Rice; and
  • Be in good standing with Rice at the time of election.
Election Window

The election window will be open from November 10, 2025, through February 28, 2026. Faculty who wish to participate must sign their retirement agreements by the close of the election window.

Program Documents

The official documents and resources for this enhanced, one-time program can be found:

(1) Please refer to Information Sheet for the details.