New benefits-eligible employees have two options to save for retirement. The deadlines for choosing an option depend on your employee group.
Update
For employees hired on or after January 1, 2023: The university is changing the “Option 1” retirement plan; this includes removing the 401(a) defined contribution of 8% over $9,000 for all new benefits-eligible employees who are hired on or after January 1, 2023, and electing the Option 1 retirement plan.
Deadline: Beginning July 31, 2021, all benefits-eligible employees must make their choice about participation in the Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System within 30 days of their date of hire.
Participation: Beginning July 1, 2016, all new employees eligible for either 401(a) Defined Contribution Plans described on these pages must complete a 12-month waiting period before entering the plan and receiving contributions from the university. This update was approved by the OU Board of Regents at their June 2016 meeting.