Retirement Benefits

State law requires all regular faculty and staff to enroll in a retirement plan immediately upon employment. Regular faculty and staff and contingent faculty and staff may also participate in the voluntary supplemental retirement plans.

Retirement Plan Options

retired couple

Regular Faculty and Exempt Staff

Regular faculty and exempt staff can choose between the Employees’ & Teachers’ Reformed Contributory Pension Plan and the Optional Retirement Program (ORP).  Prior membership in either retirement plan may affect selection.

Choosing Your Retirement Plan

Review the documents below for help with choosing your retirement plan. 

For more information about the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, you can schedule an appointment, email or call

For more information on ORP, you can schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with a Fidelity representative or TIAA representative.

Non-Exempt Staff

Non-exempt staff must join the pension plan available through the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System.

Law enforcement officers are required to join the Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System (PDF) available through the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System and should contact the Employee Benefits unit in the Office of Human Resources for additional information.

How to Apply

Thinking of Retiring?

Pension participants:

ORP participants:

Ready for paperwork or have planning questions?  Please request an appointment with our Retirement Benefits Specialist via email  

Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plans 

All faculty and staff are eligible to contribute pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) dollars through payroll deduction to supplemental retirement plans offered through  following vendors: Fidelity Investments, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, and TIAA. 

Participation is voluntary and may be initiated any time during the year. IRS calendar year contribution limits apply to all accounts.  Contribution limits are as follows:

Type 2023 2024
401(k)/403(b) $22,500 $23,000
457(b) $22,500 $23,000
Age 50+ Catch-up  $7,500 $7,500

Getting Started

To initiate, change or cancel a supplemental retirement account, please complete the appropriate form below. 

Schedule an Appointment

You can schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with a retirement vendor representative to get more information about voluntary supplemental retirement plans.