Membership

 Membership Categories

There are 2 categories:

1. Membership in WARF is open to those University retirees who meet the qualifications to retire as “faculty” as described in Article 35: Retirement (see below). These qualifications include the required full-time service in a Board-appointed, ranked faculty position and holding tenure in an academic department at the University before the effective date of retirement.

2. Associate Membership in WARF is open to surviving Spouses/Partners of WARF members and others invited by the Steering Committee. Associate members have all the benefits of membership except voting and serving as board members. Dues Members and Associate Members must pay annual dues for the period January through December. Dues are set by the WARF Steering Committee. 

For the year 2024, annual dues are $5. To pay your dues use the form below. Members and Associate Members remain “active” as long as annual dues are paid.

2021 - 2026 Contract, Article 35, Retirement, 35.§1 Eligibility: In order for a bargaining unit faculty member hired prior to January 1, 2012, to be eligible for University retirement fringe benefits and to be considered a retiree from Western Michigan University, they: 1) must have completed at least ten (10) years or the equivalent of full-time service in a Board-appointed, ranked faculty position; 2) must hold tenure in an academic department at the University prior to the effective date of retirement; 3) must be an employee at the time of retirement; and 4) must be at least fifty-five (55) years old. In order for a bargaining unit faculty member hired on or after January 1, 2012, to be eligible for University retirement fringe benefits and to be considered a retiree from Western Michigan University, they: 1) must have completed at least fifteen (15) years or the equivalent of full- time service in a Board-appointed, ranked faculty position; 2) must hold tenure in an academic department at the University prior to the effective date of retirement; 3) must be an employee at the time of retirement; and 4) must be at least sixty (60) years old.

35.§1.1 Faculty specialists who were full-time employees at Western immediately prior to becoming academic career specialists or faculty specialists may retire under the provisions of Western’s Human Resources Policies/Procedures Manual, until such time as they meet the qualifications to retire as faculty, under this Agreement.

Membership Dues/Registration Form