University of Arkansas Retirement Plan

The 403(b)/457(b) University of Arkansas Retirement Plan (UARP) is a defined contribution retirement plan. An employer, its employees—or both—make regularly scheduled contributions to an account set up in each participating employee’s name. Each account’s value depends on the amounts the employer and/or employee contributes, and investment gains or losses on those contributions.

Plan highlights:

• The university contributes to your 403(b) and you are required to make basic contributions. You can elect to make additional voluntary contributions on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis. This contribution design is intended to support meaningful retirement savings for all participants.
• Required employee contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, providing you with savings on federal and state income tax by lowering your taxable income.
• The university monitors the core fund lineup, providing for best-in-class investment options for all plan participants.
• For a wider array of investment options, a brokerage window is available with TIAA and Fidelity.

You can invest the money in your UARP through TIAA or Fidelity. If you need help with your retirement plan investment options or you need personalized financial advice, schedule an appointment with a TIAA or Fidelity representative.

Keep the money in your account if you leave the university. Or, transfer the vested portion (the money you own) to another tax-qualified UARP. The vested portion is always yours.

Defined Benefit Plans

The university no longer participates in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) or the Arkansas Teachers Retirement System (ARTRS). If you were employed by the university and were a participant in either plan before the university stopped participating, you were allowed to continue participating.

• APERS: If you transfer from one University of Arkansas campus to another and were participating in APERS at your prior campus, you can elect to continue in APERS at your new campus or elect to enroll in the University of Arkansas Retirement Plan.
• ARTRS: If you transfer from one University of Arkansas campus to another University of Arkansas campus and were participating in ARTRS at your prior campus, you can elect APERS or elect to enroll in the University of Arkansas Retirement Plan, but you cannot remain in active ARTRS enrollment.

Note: A transfer is defined as a break in service of 30 days or less.

Retirement Options for APERS, ARTRS and Non-Benefits-Eligible Employees

If you are a non-benefits-eligible university employee or enrolled with APERS or ARTRS, you can voluntarily participate in the 403(b) University of Arkansas Retirement Plan. The university will not contribute to your account. Contributions can be pre-tax or after-tax. You can participate through TIAA or Fidelity.

Contact your campus Human Resources for a form to elect contributions or make changes to your account(s). When enrolling for the first time, you must complete an application with TIAA or Fidelity.