Faculty Association - WUFA
Windsor University Faculty Association
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University of Windsor
401 Sunset Avenue
Windsor, ON Canada N9B 3P4
(519) 253-3000 ext. 0


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University of Windsor




Sessional Instructors and the University Pension Plan

Sessional instructors must meet certain qualifications in order to be included in the University of Windsor Retirement Plan for Faculty and Certain Others.

Eligibility of part-time employees to the Plan has certain restrictions under the pension legislation. Our understanding is that Sessionals who have earned at least thirty-five percent of the year's maximum pensionable earnings in each of the two immediately preceding calendar years are entitled to have the option to join the Pension Plan. Each year the maximum pensionable earnings may change according to pension legislation (i.e. in In 2008 the maximum pensionable earnings were $44,900 and in 2009 the maximum was $46,500). According to the Pension Plan text, sessional instructors have to earn 35% of the the maximum pensionable earning amount OR work at least 700 hours at the University as Sessional Instructors in each of the two preceding consecutive years.

Membership in the Pension Plan is entirely voluntary. However, once you decide to opt in, you cannot change your mind and opt out at a later date. When you make contributions to the Plan (6%), the University essentially makes an equal contribution (6%). When you terminate your employment, your pension account will be kept open for one year from the end date of your contract before you have to 're-qualify' for eligibility to participate in the plan (as per paragraph 1).

When you terminate employment while in the pension plan, you have the option to take your contributions, plus the University's contributions and roll it into a locked-in registered retirement savings plan (LIRA). You may also leave the money in the Plan until you reach normal retirement age. In some instances, you may be able to transfer your pension into your new employer's Pension Plan. Among other factors in this regard, the new employer will need to have a similar plan to that of the University of Windsor. If you wish to transfer your pension entitlement instead of having it kept open, contact the Pension department at 519-253-3000 ext. 2090 or 2048.

If you are contemplating joining the Pension Plan and believe you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact the Benefits department at the University at (519) 253-3000 ext. 2048/2049 to arrange for a consultation.

Last updated:January 28, 2009