Welcome to UMBC!
Regular, benefit-eligible UMBC employees (Exempt and Faculty) must select a retirement plan: either the MD State Retirement and Pension System retirement plan OR the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). Maryland State Law requires employees to make a retirement plan selection PRIOR to their first day of employment.
Steps for New Hire Retirement Selection:
- Review the short video below (2 mins) and the Choosing a Retirement Program handbook.
- Review the Retirement Plan Comparison Chart and the additional resources at the bottom of this webpage.
- Complete and submit the Retirement Selection Form via DocuSign as soon as possible but at the latest by the hiring department’s deadline.
Employees should make this selection as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the start of their benefits.
The retirement plan selection is irrevocable. If new employees have questions about the retirement plan differences, please email hrbenefits@umbc.edu.
Please note: Regular Nonexempt employees should not complete the Retirement Plan Selection form. Nonexempt employees are required by MD State Law to enroll in the MD State Employees’ Pension system.