Retirement: Perks and Privileges
Identification and Communication
Picture ID
Retirees are provided a permanent ID card. The current card format with color photo and bar code identifier data is particularly useful at Morgan Library and in other settings when a backup picture ID may be requested.
eID
Colorado State University's Electronic Identity (eID) system facilitates a simplified and secure form of authentication and authorization across multiple university electronic systems and services, those which require an electronic login. Your eID consists of 1) a login name (eName) and 2) password of your choice which must adhere to certain rules. Most retirees will already have an eID which moves with them into retirement.
Central Email Account
All Colorado State University students, faculty, staff and retirees are given a free email account with the creation of an eID. Generally this will be housed on the lamar server. Unless the individual chooses some other alias, the default format will be the university's generic firstname.lastname@colostate.edu. Retirees must provide their own Internet access, either by subscribing to CSU's Dial-up Modem Access or by using a 3rd-party Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Quest, AOL or MSN. Cost to retirees for Dial-up Modem Access is currently $48 per year but page loading speeds will be limited to that of the individual's home modem.
Personalized Web Portal
Some retirees may wish to build a personalized web portal with content specific to their own special interests. RamPoint is available to retirees just as it is for faculty and students. Point your web browser to http://rampoint.colostate.edu and login using your CSU eID.
Special Access to Selected Services
Access to CSU Libraries
Many retirees find the university's libraries to be an invaluable source of enjoyment, stimulation and resources for new interests, adult learning and second careers. Retired faculty are accorded access exactly as are regularly employed faculty. Key among the services available to retired faculty are 1) six month check-out, 2) full InterLibrary Loan (ILL) service, 3) assistance from reference librarians, and 4) remote access to various proprietary data bases. Due to losses resulting from the 1997 flood, ILL services can be essential to the wide-ranging reading and creative interests that often emerge in retirement.
Library users should be aware that two conditions will trump one's retired status for library (and parking) services in the university's computer listings. One is a post-retirement affiliation with CSU in one of the "Associate" statuses (such as guest associate) which do not carry faculty privileges. The second is formal enrollment as a student for adult learning or a new certificate or degree. Since this is considered more active than retired status, one's privileges convert to those of a regular student.
Parking Permits
Free parking is authorized for any former employee who is retired from CSU. Retirees are notified by mail of a date in July after which they can pick up their permits for the coming year. Parking Services has, in some past years, had to build their database of retirees manually for lack of an alternative system. If problems occur, discuss these directly with Parking Services at 201 Green Hall.
Note that from mid-2008 through 2010, on-campus parking will be particularly scarce due to an expected $500 million construction program which will temporarily, and permanently in some cases, close some inner campus parking lots.
Recreation and Exercise Facilities
Campus recreational facilities are available, for a fee, for use by academic faculty members, administrative professionals, staff and retirees in all categories. Contact Campus Recreation for information regarding the use of the Student Recreation Center, and contact the Department of Health and Exercise Science regarding programs offered in the Moby Gymnasium and the South College Gymnasium.
University Club
Membership in the University Club is available to retirees at much reduced rates, currently $67 per fiscal year beginning each July 1st. Club membership includes complimentary continental breakfasts on weekdays, 20% discounts at the Aspen Grille, 10% discounts at the CSU bookstore, a full bar happy hour on Thursdays and several other facilities. A great place to meet old friends and colleagues.
Software Discounts
RAMtec (formerly the Software Cellar) offers retirees with more than 20 years service very significant discounts on software purchases. Call RAMtec at 970-491-7625.