The Optional Retirement Program (ORP) - one of your mandatory programs to which you make mandatory pretax contributions and receive employer contributions from the The Texas A&M University System. Upon hire, you choose between ORP and TRS (Teacher Retirement System). For more information about ORP eligibility, visit the The Texas A&M University System web page at http://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/.

To enroll in the ORP Plan, visit www.netbenefits.com/texasam or call 1-800-343-0860. If you are choosing to participate in the ORP with Fidelity, you will need to complete the ORP enrollment event you receive in your Workday inbox. For more information about ORP eligibility, visit the The Texas A&M University System web page at http://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/.

Annual additions to the ORP (your contributions and the The Texas A&M University System's contributions combined) may not exceed 100% of your pay or $70,000 for 2025 (whichever is less). On an annual basis, employees contribute 6.65% as a payroll deduction, and the The Texas A&M University System contributes an amount that is determined by state legislation into the ORP. If you would like to increase your contribution amount, please open a The Texas A&M University System Tax-Deferred Account.

You are always 100% vested in your contributions to the ORP, as well as any earnings on them. You become vested in any employer ORP contributions after one year of service.

If the idea of getting professional help to manage your investments appeals to you, your plan offers Target Date Funds. With Target Date Funds, the investment mix of stocks and bonds automatically becomes more conservative as the target retirement date approaches. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the fund’s target date. Choose the fund that represents your anticipated year of retirement.

For those desiring the most investment flexibility and choice, the Plan offers Fidelity BrokerageLink^®, a self-directed brokerage account, which provides you with the opportunity to select from thousands of mutual funds beyond those offered in the standard plan lineup. More information about BrokerageLink^®, including an overview, the commission schedule, and a fact sheet that outlines the Plan-level restrictions and other settings, is available online at NetBenefits. Click on "Quick Links," then select "BrokerageLink."

If you have not already selected your beneficiaries, or if you have experienced a life-changing event such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or a death in the family, it’s time to consider your beneficiary designations. You can change your beneficiary designation by requesting a form online.

No ORP funds (including employee contributions and net earnings) can be withdrawn until the earlier of termination of all Texas public higher ed employment or reaching age 73. Loans and Hardship withdrawals are not permitted.