Retirement Checklist

Once you know that you are ready to retire, there are a number of steps you need to complete. This page provides a “checklist” of the steps to complete.

Notify your Department

• Inform your department in writing about your upcoming retirement and what your last day at work will be. 

  • Most departments request a minimum of two months notice prior to your last day at work. Some bargaining units may require additional lead time – check your collective agreement.

  • Once your retirement notice has been accepted, it is irrevocable.

• Make arrangements to use up all your vacation/floater prior to your last day of employment.
  • ​​​​​For individuals who use up their remaining vacation immediately prior to retirement, your last day of employment could be after your last day physically at work. 
• Speak with your department about their last day procedures.  You may need to hand in equipment, keys, etc. Parking passes are returned directly to the Parking Office
• Please note:
  • Under the UPP, retirements are processed on the last day of the month.   Your retirement date and last day as an employee would both be the last day of a month.

Contact Human Resources

Contact Human Resources a minimum of three months prior to retirement, ideally after you have provided notice to your department, email upp@uoguelph.ca to request your retirement package.   Include your date of retirement in this email.   Human Resources will then provide you with your retirement package.     

Apply for Government Benefits

• Apply for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security government benefits well in advance of your actual retirement