Farewell but not goodbye? Ten commandments for meaningful engagement with one’s academic department after retirement

Retirement from an academic department is usually marked by a farewell ceremony, a few speeches, a bouquet of flowers—and, eventually, the removal of one’s name from the departmental faculty board. For some, this marks a welcome transition to a different phase of life. For others, particularly those who have spent decades building a department, training colleagues, and nurturing academic programs, it raises a less frequently discussed question: can one continue to contribute without continuing to occupy the chair? Some institutions formally recognize this transition by conferring the title of Professor Emeritus. Many do not. More importantly, there is little guidance on what meaningful post-retirement engagement should actually look like. There are no universally accepted rules, templates, or blueprints. It is, quite literally, uncharted water. The challenge is to find the right distance. Too much distance wastes accumulated experience; too little risks creating a “shadow” Head of Department. Retirement should therefore mean relinquishing authority, not necessarily relinquishing contribution. Based on experience and reflection, I suggest ten simple commandments—five things to do and five to avoid.