Retirement
Retiree Perks and Privileges
The Retirement Connection recognizes that retired faculty and staff are valued members of the Mason community. As you move on to retirement, please stay connected to Mason by utilizing any of the special privileges and resources outlined on this page.
Within several weeks of retirement, each eligible Mason retiree is mailed a packet with information about redeeming the following complimentary items:
- Tickets to a performance at the Center for the Arts
- Tickets to a Mason basketball game
- A pass to Mason Recreation facilities
- A special Retiree ID (see more information below)
- A campus parking pass (see more information below)
Retirees can obtain a special ID card, which has no expiration and is designed to provide retirees with the same privileges and discounts as a Mason faculty or staff member:
- Reduced rates at the Aquatic and Fitness Center
- Discounts at the EagleBank Arena and the Center for the Arts
- Discount at the Mason bookstore
- Use of field house facilities
- Library privileges
- Discounts that you enjoyed as a Mason employee
Obtain your retiree ID at the Mason Card Office at 1203 Sub 1.
Retirees who will be visiting the Mason campus can obtain a parking pass.
Which Permit Can I Receive?
- Retirees with less than 15 years of state service receive one year of free general permit parking.
- Retirees with 15 or more years of state service receive one year of free general permit parking. Each year after, retirees receive indefinite general permit parking for the production cost of a permit, currently $15 per year (as budget and space permit).
How to Receive a Retiree Parking Permit
- Upon retiring, please visit the Parking Services Office to turn in the pass you had while employed and receive your retiree parking pass.
- Please contact Parking Services at 703-993-2710 or parking@gmu.edu for more information.
Terms and Conditions
- Hang tag is not transferrable.
- Misuse may result in termination of parking privilege.
- Retirees may upgrade to a deck or reserved lot permit for the cost difference between general parking and deck or reserved lot parking permit.
- 15+ retiree hang tags must be renewed annually.
- One hang tag per retiree.
All retirees are welcome to continue using their current mason email address! Please remember, the same policies apply to using a Mason email even after retirement.
The Retired Faculty Association invites all Mason retired instructional, research and administrative faculty, and those nearing retirement to become members. The Retired Faculty Association provides a connection to colleagues, community, cultural activities, news and information.
Please see the Retired Faculty Association website to learn more and become an active member.
There are many opportunities to continue learning and growing in your retirement years.
Osher Lifelong Institute at George Mason University
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI) offers intellectual and cultural experiences in a welcoming atmosphere to Northern Virginia residents in their retirement years. Enjoy access to unlimited courses with no homework, no exams, no required college degree and no age threshold.
Encore Learning
Encore Learning offers a wide variety of college-level noncredit courses, clubs, special events and activities to meet the continuing educational and social interests of anyone over age 50. Members explore and share new ideas and develop new friendships inside and outside of classrooms.
Senior Citizen Waiver Program
Eligible Virginia residents (requires legal domicile for one year) that are 60 years of age or older are entitled to enroll to audit (no academic credit received) up to three academic credit courses per semester and pay no tuition or fees, except fees established for the purpose of paying for course materials or laboratory fees.
Retirees who choose to return to work at Mason should keep the following guidelines in mind:
- The retiree must complete a bona fide break in service and can only return to Mason in a part-time, non-benefited (e.g., wage, adjunct faculty) capacity.
- The bona fide break must be a minimum of 26 weeks from the effective date of retirement.
- The retiree cannot have the same duties or hours that she/he worked before retiring. There cannot be any discussion or agreement of pre-arranging a return from retirement.
- Visit Mason’s open career opportunities for part-time and temporary employment.