CSU offers employees the opportunity to contribute to voluntary tax-deferred investment accounts. These accounts can supplement your basic retirement plan.

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public education institution eligible to offer a voluntary retirement savings program as described under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (also referred to as a “403(b) Plan”). Colorado PERA also provides two voluntary retirement savings programs: a 457 plan and a 401(k) plan.

Comparison of Available Programs

• All non-student employees can participate in CSU’s 403(b) Plan through Fidelity Investments.
• All employees can participate in PERA’S 457 Plan and/or PERA’s 401(k) Plan. (For more information, visit the PERA website or call 800-759-7372.)

After the blackout period ends, you can make changes as frequently as you’d like on Fidelity NetBenefits or by calling Fidelity. Changes to your contribution amount will be effective within one to two pay cycles following your change. The contribution will apply for any payroll in which salary is paid including summer session pay for nine-month employees. Deferral changes will no longer be made via the CSU salary reduction agreement form.

Under the 403(b) plan, eligible employees may contribute on a pre-tax basis, in which investment earnings grow tax-deferred until they are distributed. The employee is responsible for investigating and selecting an investment service program (vendor) and investments from among the vendors available under the plan.

CSU has established a relationship with Fidelity to provide 403(b) arrangements for both “Traditional” and “Roth” accounts.  A Traditional account is funded with pre-tax contributions and a Roth is funded with after-tax contributions.

Regulatory Notices/Memos: 

• Universal Availability

401(k) Election/Payroll Form
401(k) Form for Non-PERA Members

PERA manages the 401(k) plan. To participate, complete a salary deferral election form and the necessary PERA application. New enrollments/changes are due by the 10th day of the month for the change to be effective for that monthly payroll cycle.

457 Form for Non-PERA Members

This plan is managed and administered by Colorado PERA and is available to all CSU employees.  

Your initial enrollment form must be submitted to PERA. You will then be sent a secure PIN by PERA which allows you to complete the enrollment process online and to make future changes to contribution amounts or fund selections. Payroll deductions are initiated the month following completion of the online enrollment process.

After the blackout period ends, you will be able to request a loan from your DCP or 403(b) at Fidelity through NetBenefits or by calling 800-343-0860. 

Outstanding loans prior to June 1, 2023: Loans from your DCP or 403(b) Plan will be available through Fidelity limited to your available account balance with Fidelity and subject to the outstanding loan limits established by the University. 

No new loans will be allowed from Corebridge Financial or TIAA and outstanding loans with these organizations will be considered in determining loan limits. Only outstanding loans from mutual fund balances at Corebridge Financial or retirement plan loans at TIAA will transfer to Fidelity. The transition does not affect the outstanding balance or interest commitment as originally established when the loan was originated.

After the transition is complete, you will need to provide Fidelity your bank information and set up an automated monthly payment debit date for loan payments to continue. Additional details, including how to set up your bank information and automated monthly payment date will be provided after the transition is complete, if you have a loan transferring to Fidelity. Outstanding loans from annuity balances at Corebridge Financial or collateralized loans at TIAA will not transfer to Fidelity, and you will continue to repay the loan directly with your provider.

Borrowing or withdrawing money from your retirement account may have income tax and other consequences. In addition, the ability to borrow or withdraw, and the limits thereon, may change as tax laws and regulations change. Contact Fidelity for more information about their loan provisions. You are encouraged to seek independent tax advice with respect to the relationship and application of all matters under the DCP to their individual tax circumstances.