PRTB Help and FAQs

• When do I have to decide whether or not to enter the PRTB program?

  • We encourage each faculty member to consult with their Chair, Counseling Services Director or Library Dean as early as possible about entering into the PRTB program. After consultation, the PRTB Participation Request form [pdf] should be completed. 

    The applicant must also obtain the three (3) required signatures (those of the candidate, the Chair and the Dean) and submit the completed form to the Office of Faculty Services no later than February 26, 20XX.

• When does the program begin and how long can I participate?

  • Entry into the program begins at the start of the academic year (Fall semester)

    The maximum length of time one can participate in PRTB is five (5) consecutive academic years

• How much can I reduce my time base?

  • Participants in PRTB may request a reduction in time base to two-thirds (2/3), one-half (1/2), or one-third (1/3) of full-time for the academic year

• Can I go back to full-time employment at any time during the PRTB program?

  • No, once the reduction has been granted, the participant may not return to full-time employment unless the President approves a request to return to full-time employment

• How is service credit accounted for while I’m in the PRTB program?
  • Both the CSU and the faculty member continue to make contributions to PERS or STRS based upon the regular full-time rate of pay; this allows participants in PRTB to continue to earn full service credit toward retirement while working a reduced schedule
• Can I take a sabbatical or difference in pay leave while in the program?
  • No, PRTB participants are ineligible for sabbatical and difference in pay leaves
• Will I continue to accrue sick leave?
  • Yes, sick leave will accrue on a pro rata basis
• Will I still get monthly paychecks?
  • As with regular full-time employment, PRTB participants are paid in twelve monthly payments
• What is the effect on FERP eligibility after completing 5 years in the PRTB program?
  • A pre-retirement reduction in time base is a permanent reduction in a faculty member's “regular time base,” and therefore establishes a less than full-time basis upon which the University must calculate the 50% work load allowed during the FERP eligibility period
• What are the service responsibilities while in the PRTB program?
  • While in the PRTP program, faculty participants are required to perform normal responsibilities, duties and activities pro rata
• Does this mean that faculty members in PRTB may serve on RTP or search committees, and the faculty hearing panel?
  • Yes
• I am currently a full-time tenured faculty member and am considering joining the PRTB program. If I decide to enter the program, how would it affect my current University Faculty RSCA Assigned Time award? 
  • You would no longer be eligible for the award as only full-time faculty members can receive the benefit of the University Faculty RSCA Assigned Time award. 
• How can I compare entering the PRTB program with entering into the FERP program?

  • See the PRTB and FERP Calculator

    Disclaimer for Retirement Calculator