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Optional Retirement Program (ORP)

ORP is a defined contribution plan governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 403(b). You choose the investments made and the benefits are based on their performance. You're vested after one year and one day of participation with a right to both your and your employer's contributions. ORP is more portable than TRS. But, federal tax law prohibits 403(b) plans from providing disability benefits like those provided by TRS.

The university is required to notify ORP participants of their responsibilities. An ORP participant is responsible for the selection and monitoring of ORP companies and investments. The university has no fiduciary responsibility for the market value of a participant’s ORP investments or for the financial stability of the ORP companies chosen by the participant.

Eligibility

To participate in ORP, you must initially be appointed in an ORP eligible position on a full-time basis for at least 4.5 months. The following positions are generally ORP-eligible:

    • Faculty member whose duties include teaching and/or research as a principal activity.
    • Faculty administrator responsible for teaching and research faculty
    • Executive or other key administrator
    • Professional librarian
    • Athletic coach
    • Specialized professional (such as a physician)

See the University of Texas System ORP Policy for more detailed definitions of positions.

Enrollment

An election for ORP is a once in a lifetime decision and can't be revoked. You have 90 days to enroll beginning on your date of eligibility. You'll be temporarily enrolled in TRS in the meantime. If you choose ORP, you'll give up any of the university's contributions made to TRS during those 90 days. If you don't choose ORP, you'll become a permanent member of TRS.

If you've vested in ORP at another public institution of higher education in Texas before coming to the university, contact HRSC. You'll need to re-enroll in ORP as of your date of eligibility at the university by submitting the ORP Acknowledgement and Authorization for Reduction for Employee Contribution for Employees Returning to ORP form [PDF].

If you've never participated in ORP, you'll receive notice if you're eligible for ORP, and should visit UTRetirement Manager to enroll. If you don't receive notice and believe you're eligible for ORP, contact HRSC as soon as possible to begin the enrollment process.

If you're a first-time UTRetirement Manager user, see "Getting Started" before following the steps below.

Steps for enrolling through UTRetirement Manager:

  1. Select one or more approved providers.
  2. Log into UTRetirement Manager and choose “ORP Enroll/Change.”
  3. Complete the account application for the providers you have selected and submit them directly to the provider.
  4. Complete TRS Form 28, Notice of Election to Participate in Optional Retirement Program [PDF], and submit the original, notarized copy to HRSC. This is required of all new ORP participants.
  5. If you have an account balance with TRS, complete TRS Form 29, Application for Refund [PDF], and mail the original notarized copy to HRSC. You can check "My Earning Statements" (EID required) to confirm if you've contributed to TRS.

If you don't want to use UTRetirement Manager:

  1. Select one or more approved providers.
  2. Complete the account application for the providers you have selected and submit them directly to the provider.
  3. Complete the ORP Acknowledgement form [PDF] and submit it to HRSC.
  4. Complete the Authorization for Reduction for Employee Contribution form [PDF] and submit it to HRSC.
  5. Complete TRS Form 28, Notice of Election to Participate in Optional Retirement Program [PDF], and submit the original, notarized copy to HRSC. This is required of all new ORP participants.
  6. If you have an account balance with TRS, complete TRS Form 29, Application for Refund [PDF], and mail the original notarized copy to HRSC. You can check "My Earning Statements" (EID required)

Making Changes

It's possible to redirect your contributions to another provider. Any of these changes can be accomplished online in UTRetirement Manager, or by submitting the Purchase/Change Agreement [PDF] If you would also like to transfer existing funds to a new approved provider, you'll need to complete the Transfer Verification Form [PDF], which HRSC must also sign.

Contact your provider directly if you want to change how your funds are invested.