Public schools and specific 501(c) tax-exempt organizations both offer three 403(b) plans, also known as tax-sheltered annuities, which Tulane also offers. This plan is referred to as a tax-advantaged or tax-sheltered annuity plan that allows employees to make elective deferrals to their retirement savings from their paycheck. To compare the 403(b) plans and determine which one you may be eligible for, view our options below.
- Tulane also offers a 457(b) plan for eligible employees.
- Click here to view our Tulane Retirement Overview PDF for more details on how to get started.
Retirement Capabilities
TIAA provides flexibility when making contributions to your retirement account at TIAA:
- Online enrollment and salary deferral. You can enroll in the retirement plans or change your contribution amount by accessing your TIAA account using the link provided below in the "Additional Information" section. Once you provide your Tulane user ID and password, you will be logged into your account. Once logged in to your TIAA account, select Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, then choose Manage My Contributions.
- Maximize your contribution. You can elect to contribute the maximum amount allowed under the annual IRS limits. Log in to your account and select Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, then choose Manage My Contributions. When you elect the maximum amount option, your contributions will automatically stop when you reach the IRS maximum contribution limit and will also automatically resume the following year.
- Self-directed auto-increment. Set up a self-directed automatic increase to help build your savings faster. Log in to your account and select Change Your Contributions under the Actions menu. You can choose when you would like to automatically increase your contributions, the rate of the increase (%), and when you would like to start and stop the automatic increase.
Retirement Plan Options
Our retirement package is comprised of four types, including options for all employees as well as for staff and faculty with 2+ years of service at Tulane.
Below you will find the four retirement plan types at a glance and essential details, such as who is eligible.
Additional details on the four plans are provided below. We encourage you to carefully review your options to best meet your future financial needs. If you have questions concerning your retirement, please contact the Human Resources Benefits Office at tubenefits@tulane.edu.
How To Access Your Account
To log into your account at TIAA, click here and enter your Tulane user ID and password.
To log into your account at TIAA, click here and enter your Tulane user ID and password.
The TIAA microsite is your centralized place for accessing your retirement account, making changes or updates, and tapping into additional details on investment options—such as requesting a call or appointment with an advisor. Options include:
- Online enrollment and salary deferral. You can enroll in the retirement plans or change your contribution amount by accessing your TIAA account by clicking here and logging in with your Tulane user ID and password. You will then be logged into your account. Once logged in to your TIAA account, select Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, then choose Manage My Contributions.
- Maximize your contribution. You can elect to contribute to the maximum amount allowed under the annual IRS limits. Log in to your account and select Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, then choose Manage My Contributions. When you elect the maximum amount option, your contributions will automatically stop when you reach the IRS maximum contribution limit and will also automatically resume the following year.
- Self-directed auto-increment. Set up a self-directed automatic increase to help build your savings faster. Log in to your account and select Manage Contributions under the Actions menu, then choose Manage My Contributions. You can choose when you would like to automatically increase your contributions, the rate of the increase (percentage), and when you would like to start and stop the automatic increase.
- Learn more about scheduling a free session with a TIAA financial consultant.
Need Help? View The TIAA Online User Guide
Additional Information
One-on-one consultations are available throughout the year with TIAA-CREF. These consultations are private face-to-face or over-the-phone sessions. The representatives are ready to help you if you need assistance. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may reserve an appointment with a representative by calling or clicking on the appropriate link below.
Representative: Louis Bundy
1-866-843-5640
www.tiaa-cref.org/letstalk1
Customer Service
1-800-842-2776
www.tiaa-cref.org/public/index.html
Tulane employees can begin their retirement journey by logging into the Tulane TIAA Retirement Microsite. From here, you can review investment options, explore benefits, as well as enroll when you're ready by selecting Ready to Enroll on the main page.
Paychecks will now show updated naming conventions for your retirement contribution line items. For more information, click here.
In order to request a withdrawal from your Tulane retirement plans, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You are at least age 59 ½ when you request the withdrawal.
- You have been voluntarily or non-voluntarily terminated from the university.
For 457(b) plan withdrawals, no in-service withdrawals are permitted. Therefore, you must be completely terminated, either voluntary or non-voluntary, from the university. The age 59 ½ criteria does not apply to 457(b) plan withdrawals.
If you meet one of the above requirements, you may request a withdrawal by following the steps below.
TIAA Plan Withdrawals
- Call 1-800-842-2776 to request forms.
- Sign all forms. If you are married, your spouse's signature must be notarized, or a plan administrator at the Office of Human Resources can witness the signing of papers. To have a plan administrator witness the signature, you must make an appointment in advance by emailing Benefits at tubenefits@tulane.edu.
- You will then return the forms to TIAA, or human resources can send them for you.
- The vendor will then contact us, and we will approve the withdrawal via an online portal.
Hardship Withdrawals
Hardship withdrawals are limited to the Tax-Deferral 403(b) plan with specific IRS regulations. For more information on Hardship Withdrawals, contact the Office of Human Resources at (504) 865-4748 or hr@tulane.edu.
The Tax-Deferral Plan is a 403(b) employee-funded retirement plan. All employees may enroll in this plan from day one of employment. You make contributions and have them taken out of your paycheck.
Universal Availability Notice 403(b)
Tax-Deferral 403(b) Plan SPD - Employee Contributions
Tax-Deferral 403(b) Plan Investment Notice
Changes to the TIAA Self-Directed Brokerage Account
The Staff Retirement Plan is a 403(b) university-funded retirement plan. Staff employees are eligible to enroll in this plan after 2 years of consecutive service, having worked at least 975 hours in each year. After you become eligible and take the steps to enroll, Tulane will contribute 8% of your base salary.
The Faculty and Administrative Plan is a 403(b) university-funded retirement plan. Faculty and administrative employees are eligible to enroll in this plan after 2 years of consecutive service, having worked at least 975 hours in each year. After you become eligible and take the steps to enroll, Tulane will contribute up to 10% of your base salary. The percentage depends on your annual base salary.
Faculty and Administrative Plan Investment Notice
Faculty and Administrative Retirement Plan — Summary Plan Description
The 457(b) plan is an employee-funded retirement plan. All employees currently earning or expected to earn $250,000 during the current year are eligible to participate in this plan. You make contributions and have them taken out of your paycheck.
FAQs
Help find relief from student loan debt. TIAA has joined forces with Savi, a social impact technology company, to offer eligible Tulane employees the opportunity to take advantage of loan forgiveness programs and determine optimal repayment plans.
