Department of Human Resources

Optional Retirement Program (ORP)

Exempt staff and faculty may elect to join either MSPS or the Optional Retirement Program.  The Optional Retirement Program (ORP) is a defined contribution plan. 

There are two participating providers in the ORP.  They are Teacher's Insurance Annuity Association/College Retirement Equity Fund (TIAA-CREF), and Fidelity.

The ORP plans are defined 403(b) contribution plans.  They differ from a defined benefit plan in that the amount of benefits paid at retirement depends upon the amount of accumulated contributions, plus earnings and dividends, in the member's account at the time the claim is made.

The University contributes 7.25% of the member's annual salary over a 20 pay cycle.  The member may not contribute any additional money.

Contributions to the plans are immediately vested and are transferable among over 4,200 private and public institutions participating across the country.

Premiums to the ORP are invested primarily in mutual funds and employees designate where contributions are made.  Percentage allocation changes can be made as many times as desired.  Employees also have the option to switch to another participating ORP carrier one time per calendar year.

There is no defined death benefit in the ORP plans.  Upon a member’s death, the member's designated beneficiary inherits the fund amounts.  There are also no allowances for COLA or disability with the ORP plans.  Accumulated Sick Leave is not factored into retirement benefit amounts.

After 16 years, Health Benefits can be continued with full state subsidy for employee ONLY, 25 years for spouse. Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 must review Pension Plan/Optional Retirement Program Comparison Chart for health subsidy eligibility.