Heads Up, Educators: Landmark Resolution on Faculty Retirement Announced
In a significant administrative development, the Farhangian University has issued a detailed statement clarifying the legal and procedural framework governing the retirement of a specific group of its faculty members, underscoring its commitment to both its educators and adherence to national regulations.
A Decade of Advocacy and Legal Hurdles
The university’s announcement detailed a complex, decade-long process. It began in 2013 when the university integrated instructors from previous teacher training centers as internal faculty members. While many were later formally converted to full faculty status or hired through public calls, a remaining group continued their educational duties under the original internal faculty framework.
A primary challenge emerged as national pension funds did not recognize these internal faculty appointments. After ten years of persistent effort by university management and with the valuable support of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, a resolution was achieved. However, this hard-won approval was conditional upon the retirement of these specific faculty members by the end of the current Iranian year (March 2025).
Adherence to Law Amidst Challenges
The university emphasized that it is bound to follow higher-level laws and the directives of relevant administrative bodies. Despite a recognized shortage of faculty members and a desire to retain the valuable experience of these educators, the Administrative and Employment Organization did not authorize the extension of their service due to explicit legal barriers.
The statement clarified that these faculty members, with an average service record of 37 years, had also completed their mandatory 10-year service commitment in their faculty roles. Their retirement, for a total of 250 individuals, is therefore a legal necessity, not an optional decision by the university.
High-Level Efforts for a Solution
The university’s president, Dr. Borzouei, was noted to have left no opportunity unexplored. He held numerous meetings and corresponded with the Minister of Education, Dr. Kazemi, to find an alternative path. This led the Education Minister to appeal directly to the respected President, Dr. Pezeshkian. The President’s office directed the matter to relevant agencies for review.
The definitive response from the President’s office, while not the desired outcome, confirmed the legal prohibition. The university stated that failure to proceed with the retirement process would constitute unlawful inaction, making it liable in legal courts.
Official Endorsement of the Process
The university’s actions have received official validation. Ehsan Azimi-Rad, spokesperson for the Parliamentary Commission on Education, Research, and Technology, highlighted that a recent commission meeting thoroughly evaluated the issue. He stated that despite various opinions on the matter, all executive bodies opposed the request to halt the retirements. The commission emphasized that Farhangian University’s performance in this process was confirmed and that the retirements were carried out in full compliance with the law.
The university’s statement concluded by firmly rejecting any characterization of “forced retirement,” asserting that its hands were tied by binding national statutes, and its every effort was made within the legal framework to support its faculty while upholding its duties.