STRS and OPERS Retirement Plans

Faculty | STRS

As a faculty member, you are automatically enrolled in STRS at the time of hire. Full-time faculty also have the choice to elect the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP). All faculty members are eligible to participate in the voluntary retirement plans. 

Full-time faculty who select to participate in an ARP must submit an election form to the Office of Human Resources no later than 120 calendar days from, and including, the effective date of your eligible appointment. If an ARP election form is not received timely, you will automatically remain in STRS. If you remain in STRS, you have 180 calendar days from your date of hire to select an option within STRS. 

If you elect to participate in an ARP and waive your right to participate in the STRS, it is irrevocable while continuously employed at BGSU. You must have a break in service of 365 days or more, in order to change to STRS. 

To compare the difference between the STRS plans and an ARP, please see retirement plan comparison chart provided by STRS within their brochure. 

Both you and the University contribute to your retirement account. Your contributions are made on a pre-tax basis; federal and state taxes are deferred until benefits are paid. Benefits are exempt from local and municipal taxes within Ohio, except school district income tax. Any investment return on your account is also tax-deferred. 

STRS Contribution Amounts

Administrative/Classified Staff | OPERS 

As a staff member, you are automatically enrolled in OPERS at the time of hire. Full-time staff have the choice to elect the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP). All full-time and part-time staff members are eligible to participate in the voluntary retirement plans. 

If you elect to participate in an ARP, an election form must be received by the Office of Human Resources no later than 120 calendar days from, and including, the effective date of your eligible appointment. If an ARP election form is not received timely, you will automatically remain in OPERS. If you remain in OPERS, you have 180 calendar days from your date of hire to select an available option within OPERS. 

If you elect to participate in an ARP and waive your right to participate in OPERS it is irrevocable while continuously employed at BGSU. You must have a break in service of 365 days or more, in order to change retirement options. 

Both you and the university contribute to your retirement account. Your contributions are made on a pre-tax basis; federal and state taxes are deferred until benefits are paid. Benefits are exempt from local and municipal taxes within Ohio, except school district income tax. Any investment return on your account is also tax-deferred. 

OPERS Contribution Amounts