California State University Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association

History/Biography

CSU-ERFA, the California State University Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association (formerly known as CSU Association of Emeriti Professors), is a nonprofit organization of emeritus and retired faculty members from all 23 campuses of the California State University system. The association was formed in 1985 in response to threats and attempts to reduce or eliminate CSU retirees’ rights, privileges and benefits, and to support the activities of retired faculty as continuing members of the academic community. The association nominates candidates for the retiree member of the state Academic Senate and provides recommendations on curricular and academic policy to the Academic Senate and the Office of the Chancellor.

A major function of CSU-ERFA is to safeguard the pension and health care benefits for both active and retired California State University faculty and staff members. In addition to its efforts to protect retiree benefits, the association provides guidance to emeritus and retired faculty associations at individual CSU campuses.

Sidney P. Albert, whose files are also included in the collection, was the first president of CSU-ERFA. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., and a graduate of Syracuse University. In 1939 Albert earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Yale University. After serving in the Army during World War II, Albert taught philosophy and studied drama in the East and Midwest. In 1956, he received an appointment in philosophy at CSU Los Angeles (then Los Angeles State College).