FAUW President David Porreca (left) and UWRA President Ron Champion mark the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement supporting faculty throughout their careers and into retirement.
FAUW and UWRA Formalize “Association for Life” Model Through New Memorandum of Agreement
The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) and the University of Waterloo Retirees Association (UWRA) have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that strengthens the connection between active and retired faculty and ensures continuity of key member services into retirement.
“It’s my great pleasure to sign this agreement between FAUW and the UWRA,” said David Porreca, President of FAUW. “It will assist with UWRA’s programming efforts for the benefit of current retirees, while enhancing a sense of community and belonging for future faculty members who cross into retirement.”
The agreement enables UWRA to continue, in retirement, core services traditionally provided by FAUW, including advocacy, representation, and community engagement. Under the MOA, FAUW members are eligible for no-fee lifetime membership in UWRA upon retirement, with membership costs funded by FAUW.
“The University of Waterloo has always prided itself on building community,” said Jim Frank, Past President of UWRA. “This MOA reflects FAUW’s ongoing commitment to supporting faculty not only during their working years, but throughout retirement as well.”
As part of the agreement, FAUW will make a one-time payment to support UWRA activities and lifetime memberships during the first year of the agreement (ending April 30, 2027) and will continue to cover the cost of UWRA lifetime memberships for FAUW members who choose to join on or after May 1, 2027, at the applicable rate.
The MOA also establishes expectations for annual reporting, privacy protection, joint promotion of membership opportunities, and regular communication between the two organizations, while affirming that FAUW and UWRA remain fully independent in their governance, programming, and communications.
“Life doesn’t end when you retire — retirement opens up a new world of opportunities,” said Ron Champion, President of UWRA. “The Association for Life agreement ensures seamless representation and advocacy through FAUW and the UWRA.”
The agreement was signed on April 8 at the FAUW Spring General Meeting and comes into effect on May 1, 2026, reinforcing both organizations’ shared commitment to supporting faculty throughout their academic careers and into retirement within the University of Waterloo community.