Introduction

This guide provides general information to help you plan for your retirement and understand the process and benefits associated with retirement.

This guide should be used in conjunction with the Virginia Retirement System’s (VRS) publication “Optional Retirement Plan for Higher Education Handbook for Participants”, which can be found at www.varetire.org. You can also contact the JMU retirement specialist for a copy.

The Human Resources office offers a retirement readiness workshop twice per year through Talent Development. If you are interested in attending a session, enroll online through MyMadison and search for Optional Retirement Participants- What to Expect When You Retire.

When preparing for retirement, you will make very important financial decisions. Although JMU does not administer benefits for VRS, Social Security, or Medicare, we have included information about these programs and benefits in this guide for your reference.

When making decisions on various retirement-related benefits, you should contact the respective agency as they are the authoritative source. A contact list is included in the back of this guide on the resources page.
The JMU Human Resources office considers retirement matters confidential. Human Resources does not notify your supervisor or department of your retirement. You are responsible for notifying your supervisor and/or department of your intent to retire.