Maroon intertwined block letter "U" and "M" sculpture sign on a concrete base near the Madison street bridge close to the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT with grass and trees in the background.

Alumni

Thank you for your service to the University of Montana! The University of Montana is honored to provide the following privileges to its retirees in recognition of their tremendous contributions to the institution and the campus community. Retiree privileges will be reviewed and updated annually and are subject to change. Please check back here regularly for updates. Go Griz!

Definitions

Eligibility

For PERS and TRS members to qualify for UM retiree privileges, employees must elect to receive their pension immediately following the termination of their employment. For TIAA-CREF members, to qualify for the privileges, the member must be at least 50 years of age with at least five years of TIAA-CREF participation at termination of employment.

Retiree vs. Lifetime Retiree

Those who qualify as retirees based on the above descriptions will be classified as “Retirees” if they worked less than 15 years and “Lifetime Retirees” if they worked 15 or more years at the University of Montana.

Retiree Privileges

Campus Dining Discount*

UM retirees can receive 10% off the retail entry fee at The Lodge Dining Center when paying with Bear Bucks. To add Bear Buck funds to your Griz Card, visit the Campus Dining main office (Lommasson L114). More information, including locations, hours and menus, are available on the Campus Dining webpage.

Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Borrowing Privileges*

Retirees receive the same privileges as a "Montana Borrower."

MOLLI Course**

UM employees retiring during FY25 will receive one free Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (MOLLI) course during the 2025-2026 academic year (MOLLI membership purchase required). A coupon with more information will be emailed to those with an email address on file with the UM Alumni Association. (Update your contact information with UMAA.)

Montanan Magazine**

Retirees with an email address on file with the UM Alumni Association will receive a digital copy of the Montanan Magazine. (Update your contact information with UMAA.)

MUS Wellness

Eligible Retirees electing to continue on the MUS insurance plan will receive Wellness benefits, including the WellCheck twice a year and flu shots (when applicable). For more information, visit the MUS Benefits website or call the MUS Benefits Office at 1-877-501-1722.

Retiree Brick

New retirees will have their name and years of service engraved on a brick surrounding the Grizzly Bear statue. A certificate will be sent to each new retiree with more information about the brick.

Retiree Celebration**

All retirees are invited to attend the UM Retiree Celebration, where new retirees are honored. An email invitation will be sent to all those with an email address on file. (Update your contact information with UMAA.)

Retiree Griz Card

All retirees can obtain a retiree Griz Card upon retirement by visiting the Griz Card Center in the University Center. A document verifying your retiree status will be given to retirees by Human Resource Services upon the filing of your retiree paperwork. Griz Cards cost $25 for Retirees and are free for Lifetime Retirees. Retiree Griz Cards do not expire.

UM Retirees’ Association Happenings and Newsletter**

The University of Montana Retirees' Association (UMRA) is open to all retirees from the University of Montana-Missoula and Missoula College. A calendar of activities and events is available on the UMRA website and retirees with a valid email address on file will also receive notices and announcements directly from UMRA. (Update your contact information with UMAA.)

Lifetime Retiree Privileges

UM employees retiring with 15 or more consecutive years of service receive all of the above privileges in addition to:

College of the Arts and Media Tickets

Two complimentary tickets to FY26 productions of the UM School of Theatre & Dance and the UM School of Music. Signature events, such as the Odyssey of Our Stars, the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, Holiday Swing and Fusion, are not included. 

There are two ways retirees can obtain a pair of comps to our five mainstage shows for the School of Theatre and Dance’s 2025-2026 season:

To claim tickets for School of Music performances, contact Program Coordinator Laura Clague: laura.clague@mso.umt.edu

Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Borrowing Privileges*

Faculty Lifetime Retirees receive the same checkout status as current UM faculty, administrators, research/professional staff and faculty affiliates, and all other Lifetime Retirees qualify for the same checkout status as current UM students and employees. For more information, please visit the Mansfield Library webpage.

UM Athletics Tickets: Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

Season tickets – Not applicable

Single-game tickets – Lifetime Retirees can claim up to two complimentary tickets for each regular-season game. Tickets must be claimed in person at the Adams Center Box Office before the day of the game. No tickets may be claimed at the event

*A valid Griz Card is needed to access this benefit. See the “Retiree Griz Card” information above about how to receive a retiree Griz Card.

**A valid email address must be on file with the UM Alumni Association to receive this benefit. Update your contact information with UMAA.