Eligibility for Retirement and Health Insurance Benefits

Under some circumstances, adjunct faculty may become eligible for retirement and health insurance benefits.

Adjunct faculty who teach 50% or more of a full-time teaching load are eligible for health insurance and retirement benefits at the beginning of the second consecutive quarter of 50% or more employment. Spring and fall quarters may be considered consecutive quarters for benefits purposes only.

It is the adjunct faculty member’s responsibility to notify Clark College and other Washington colleges each quarter in writing, of employment at more than one state higher education institution. In addition, adjunct faculty members must inform Human Resources if they are, or have been, a member of Teachers’ Retirement System Plan I, II or III.

Adjunct faculty who subsequently fall below 50% or more of a full-time teaching load may continue retirement contributions as long as continuously employed, excluding summer term.

Under certain conditions, adjunct faculty who meet criteria for health benefits eligibility may be qualified to continue Clark-paid benefits during subsequent terms, even if they do not teach at a 50% level. Adjuncts who are considering retirement should contact HR.

Adjunct faculty who subsequently lose eligibility for health insurance benefits will have the ability to self-pay for a period of time. For additional information or assistance, contact Human Resources at (360) 992-2105.