Important Changes as of Sept. 1, 2023

  • If you were hired on or after Sept. 1, 2023, you have 30 days to make your mandatory retirement plan election, as well as other benefit elections for health and supplemental insurance plans. Enrollment instructions will change from the current 2023 brochures. Go to the online enrollment page for instructions and links to enroll for coverage.
  • As of Sept. 1, 2023, the University moved to TIAA as the single recordkeeper for the UNC Optional Retirement Program. Review the UNC Retirement Plan RFP Award Notice for details on this ORP change.

UNC Code Section 403(b) Program

The University of North Carolina sponsors a system-wide voluntary 403(b) retirement program. TIAA is the only approved vendor and provides a wide range of services and investment options. Agreements are in place with Fidelity, VALIC, Lincoln Financial, Horace Mann, and ING that limit these vendors to offering loans and hardship withdrawal transactions under the system-wide 403(b) plan.

Please note: An aggregation of 403(b) and 401(k) plan contributions must be made if you participate in more than one supplemental plan during a calendar year. For example, if you contribute to the 401(k) plan in addition to the 403(b) plan, the combined amount of the contribution to both plans cannot exceed the elective deferral plan limit each year. The age 50 catch-up is also a combined amount between the 401(k) and 403(b) programs. Contributions to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan are not aggregated with 403(b) or 401(k) plan limits.

403(b) Program Information

The fund lineup for TIAA has a four-tier structure:

  • Tier 1 – Target Date Funds
  • Tier 2 – UNC Risk-Based Models
  • Tier 3 – Core Fund Lineup
  • Tier 4 – Self-Directed Brokerage (employee-only contributions)

Enrollment Process

Complete the Salary Reduction Agreement Form (SRA), print a copy, sign it, and send it to your institution’s HR/Benefits office.

Remember, you must submit the completed SRA to your institution’s HR Benefits office before any contributions can be accepted into your account.

You can enroll in the program and select investments through TIAA and/or Fidelity.

  • Fidelity (click the UNC 403(b) Plan and then ENROLL NOW)
  • TIAA (select your institution and then ENROLL NOW)

Enrollment Form

Booklets

Investment Performance

Important Notices

Plan and Legal Documents

Universal Availability Notices

403(b) Archival Information

Transition Documents 2014

 

Investment Performance

Important Notices

Universal Availability Notices

Plan and Legal Documents

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