Retirement is mandatory for all non-student employees. Legislation was passed in 1997 that allows new full time faculty and administrators the option of joining an alternate defined contribution plan. We now have eight alternate retirement carriers for new employees.
Participation is mandatory for all teaching employees except for students.
Members must complete a STRS membership form as soon as they begin employment. Students are not permitted to become members of STRS unless they have previously established membership in the system. Students, enrolled at least halftime, who are already members may elect to exempt themselves from membership. They will need to complete a STRS exemption form, which can be requested from the Payroll Office. This reduces the employee's taxable income and their tax liability.