Retired Faculty Association
Founded in 2015, the Towson University Retired Faculty Association (TURFA) fosters relationships among retired faculty and librarians, helping them remain connected to both the university, and the larger Towson community.
TURFA is a collaborative venture of retirees and the Office of the Provost. See the About page to learn more of our history, our governing structure, and where you might fit in and feel most comfortable. TURFA provides opportunities for members to share information, experiences, scholarship, service, and engage socially. In addition, TURFA is the chief advocate for the privileges and benefits afforded all retired faculty and librarians by Towson University.
Advocacy
The Maryland General Assembly did not pass the legislation to restore our state prescription benefits before the end of the 2024 legislative session. This means that you will lose your state prescription benefits on December 31, 2024. You will have to choose a Medicare Part D prescription plan during the Medicare open enrollment period this fall. The State will offer some assistance for you to make this transition. They plan to have one-on-one counseling available to answer your questions and help you choose a plan. TURFA will also help. We will create educational materials and hold seminars that will inform you about the change. We know that change can be stressful and there are many unknowns, but TURFA will help you find out about Medicare Part D prescription insurance plans available.
Become a Member
TURFA membership is open to all retiring full time faculty, adjunct faculty and librarians as well as those who have a long-term association with the university or are partners of members. The fee is nominal.
Membership Information
Get Benefits of Membership
TURFA actively works to expand and codify the benefits of TURFA membership
Benefits of TURFA Membership
Take Part in TURFA Activities
Activities include trips to local sites, special interest discussion groups, speakers, bike rides, happy hours, and dinner get-togethers, etc.
Events & Activities
Committees
Four standing committees are responsible for organizing most TURFA's activities. Members are encouraged to serve on these committees.
Committees
Share Your Talents
Members can mentor students and do volunteer work in the Towson community and beyond.
Volunteer Opportunities
Resources for Retirement and Personal Enhancement
Seminars and videos offering information on enhancing the retirement experience. Also become involved in activities that allow you to grow your mind and body.
Retirement Resources
Check Out the Oral History Project
Watch video interviews of retired faculty at the archive for the Towson University Retired Faculty Association Oral History Project.
Watch Videos
The advocate
TURFA’s biannual newsletter, The Advocate, provides articles written to inform and entertain. It includes in-depth interviews with retirees and others from TU, updates about issues of concern, information about recent activities and current initiatives, and brief In Memoriam notices.
AROHE
TURFA is a Proud Member of AROHE
Towson University is the first University System of Maryland institution to join the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE). AROHE advocates for and serves campus-based organizations for retired faculty and staff. Through its network we share TURFA successes and initiatives and learn about those of sibling organizations.
Information Resources
AROHE offers recorded webinars that may be of interest to retired or retiring faculty.