Pension and Retirement

Academic Staff


UAPP Pension Plan

Most Academic Staff participate in the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP). If your position is eligible to participate in the UAPP, you are automatically enrolled from your date of hire.

As part of the online self-service benefits enrolment, you will complete a UAPP Designation of Spouse and Non-Spouse Beneficiary Form for the UAPP.

After you print and complete the applicable beneficiary form, return the signed original form as soon as possible to Human Resources - Total Rewards via campus mail. Alternatively, you can email a scan to [email protected]

Within a month from the date of hire, a welcome email is sent by the UAPP administrator to new pension plan participants. The email details the features of the UAPP website including how to access the Retirement Planner, a secure on-line tool where members can estimate their pension benefits.

Active members can access their Annual Member Statement through their secure online account in May to see their service, contributions, etc. accrued as of December 31 of the previous year.


Increasing Your Pensionable Service

You may be able to purchase a period of prior service if it is:

  • Prior employment with a UAPP employer when you did not make pension contributions
  • Prior pensionable service with a Canadian non-UAPP employer provided you meet certain conditions

For more information, review the information sheet "Purchasing Prior Service," which can be found on the UAPP website

You cannot do this more than two years after obtaining a continuing position (i.e., a position without an end date).


Benefits and Pension During Research Leave

Your current group benefit and banking arrangements will continue through your period of Research & Scholarship Leave. 

Learn more

Research Leave Retirement Program

Individuals who come very near to meeting the combined age plus service requirements may be considered for the program on a case by case basis.

Learn more

Preparing for Retirement

The University of Calgary and the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP) offer various resources to assist you when you are thinking about retiring.

Learn more

Reduced Duties

An academic staff member holding a qualifying appointment who proposes to retire from the university on the date named by the staff member will be eligible to apply for reduced duties, immediately preceding the specified retirement.

Learn more