TIAA 403(b) Auto-Enrollment FAQ

Why is Weber State choosing to implement this program?
Weber State wants all of its employees to be financially well-positioned for a successful retirement. When employers provide auto-enrollment, employees start saving sooner and contribute more to their own retirement than they otherwise would. This is a powerful tool to help employees build up retirement savings.

How does this program work?
Beginning July 1, 2025, new and existing employees will be automatically enrolled in a TIAA self-funded pre-tax 403(b) retirement plan at 2% salary deferral. Each July 1 thereafter, the deferrals will increase by 1% until they reach a maximum of 5%.

What if I don’t want to participate?
If you don’t want to participate in this program, simply access TIAA through single-sign-on using the eWeber Portal and click “Stop voluntary contributions.” Provided you complete this step by June 30, 2025, you will be permanently opted out.

Can I opt-out now, but request to participate in the future?
Once you opt out, you are permanently opted out of the auto-escalation program. However, you can always access your TIAA account through the eWeber Portal and adjust your contributions manually at any time by clicking “Manage contributions.”

Can my contributions go toward a Roth 403(b)?
For purposes of this program, only contributions to the pre-tax 403(b) plan will auto-escalate. However, employees have the opportunity to make additional contributions to a Roth 403(b) at any time. Employees electing Roth contributions will have to make manual adjustments to deferrals going forward. 

Can I participate in this program if I am already contributing more than 2% to a 403(b) account?
If an employee is currently contributing more than 2% to a 403(b) account, whether pre-tax or Roth, they will not be auto-enrolled and their contribution will not be automatically increased each July 1.

What if I am currently contributing less than 2% to an existing TIAA 403(b)?
If you are currently contributing less than 2% of your salary to a TIAA 403(b), whether Roth or pre-tax, you will be automatically enrolled in the pre-tax 403(b) retirement plan at 2% salary deferral. Example 1: If you currently contribute 1% of your salary to a pre-tax 403(b) plan, you will be automatically enrolled in the auto-escalating program, and that contribution will be increased to 2% with an annual July 1 escalation of 1% (until a max of 5% is reached). Example 2: If you currently contribute 1% of your salary to a Roth 403(b) retirement plan, you will be automatically enrolled in the pre-tax 403(b) retirement plan at 2%. Your Roth 403(b) contribution would default to zero. 

How will this impact my Utah Retirement System (URS) 401(k) contributions?
Contributions to the URS 401(k) are separate from the TIAA 403(b), so those contributions are not considered for the auto-enrollment program. If you do not want to contribute to both URS & TIAA, plan to opt out of the TIAA plan. Weber State will track contributions for employees who are contributing to both programs to help ensure they don’t exceed IRS limits. TIAA has no information on contributions made to the Utah Retirement System (URS) 401(k).

I currently contribute to a 457(b). How will this program impact me?
If an employee is only contributing to the 457(b) plan, they will be automatically enrolled in the Traditional 403(b) plan at 2% salary deferral. The 457(b) is a separate plan, so those contributions will not be considered for determining auto-enrollment status. If you do not want to contribute to both plans, plan to opt out.

What are the differences between Roth and pre-tax?

• PDF: /wsuimages/benefits/Retirement/TIAA-Supplemental-Plans-Info-2024 91·çÁ÷.PDF

Questions can be directed to Weber State Human Resources at hr@weber.edu or 801-626-6032.