The Optional Retirement 401(a) Plan  - the “ORP”- is a defined contribution plan that academic and administrative unclassified employees may choose in lieu of PERS membership. The ORP has been in operation since 1996 and was updated November, 2007. Participants have a choice of investments-plus-services programs to suit their individual retirement planning needs. The ORP offers mutual funds and both fixed and variable annuities in participant-directed account

• ORP Plan Information
  1. Decision Making Guide (PDF file)
     When considering your financial future, there are many issues you’ll want to consider. This guide will help walk you through these issues. You can compare your options to determine which of the two employer-paid retirement plans is right for you.
  2. Optional Retirement Plan Highlights (PDF file)
     This is a quick reference guide that includes information on ORP features, plan providers and detailed investment options. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions on your retirement options.
  3. Retirement Option Comparison – Tier One/Tier Two Employees (PDF file)
     Explore the unique features of the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) for those employees hired prior to August 29, 2003.
  4. Retirement Option Comparison – OPSRP/ ORP Tier Three Employees (PDF file)
     Explore the unique features of the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) for those employees hired on or after August 29, 2003.
  5. Contact Information (PDF file)
     When you have questions, you want to get to the right person right away. This is where you’ll find up-to-date contact telephone numbers for all your inquiries.
  6. How To Enroll (PDF file)
     A plan for your retirement benefits is just a few simple steps away. This guide will lead you through the process.
  7. ORP ‘What’s New’ Guide - 2012:
     This ORP ‘What’s New’ Guide for 2012 includes a summary of important plan features and information about new participant resources.

  For a PDF file containing all ORP Plan Information Pieces, click here (PDF file).

  • Distribution, Rollover and Rehire Provisions of the OUS ORP (PDF file)
  • Retirement and the ORP (PDF file)
  • OUS Retirement Plan Divorce Distribution Procedures: In a divorce your account may be subject to division through a legal document called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This document contains information about this process, and the procedure used by the OUS ORP.
• ORP Plan Forms
  • ORP Change of Investment Companies Form  (PDF file)
• Contact Program Fund Sponsors
  • ORP:ous
    • Fidelity/OUS Microsite
    • Phone: 1.800.343.0860
  • ORP:tiaa-cref
    • OUS/TIAA-CREF Microsite
    • Phone: 1.800.842.2888
  • ORP:valic
    • VALIC Website
    • Phone: 1.866.283.4892
    • VALIC Questions and Answers