Delayed: ARP and 403(b) plan changes

Changes delayed for the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) and 403(b) program

As we have shared in prior communications, UC along with many other Ohio public universities, announced changes to its Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) and 403(b) plans that were to be effective July 1, 2020.

The ARP is an offered alternative to the state retirement system (OPERS/STRS), and the university’s 403(b) is available for supplemental retirement plan savings. Changes to the ARP and the 403(b) include reducing the number of approved vendors in order to reduce plan and investment expenses as well as  streamlining investment options so that enrollees can better create diversified investment portfolios and track fees.

However, given current market conditions along with concerns associated with COVID-19, we will delay implementing these changes. Delaying the implementation will allow us to reschedule the previously planned face-to-face town hall sessions. A delay will also allow affected employees future opportunities to schedule face-to-face appointments with their chosen vendors to discuss new plan investment options, etc. Such face-to-face scenarios are not possible in today’s environment.

Once a future implementation date is chosen, faculty and staff will be notified.

Questions?

Email the UC Benefits team at benefits@uc.edu.

Related Stories

1

‘Mini-brain’ shines light on concussions

April 8, 2026

University of Cincinnati biomedical engineers developed a “mini-brain” model to study concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blunt-force trauma, revealing how cellular damage and inflammation may lead to long-term neurodegenerative disease.

2

The psychological weight of money

April 7, 2026

Psychology and neuroscience website PsyPost highlighted research led by Sharmeen Merchant, doctoral candidate in UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, that suggests a man’s sense of fulfillment at work is intertwined with his partner’s views on money.

3

'My health is priceless'

April 7, 2026

Weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are changing more than waistlines — they're quietly transforming how people spend money, what they prioritize and who can afford better health. As Local 12/WKRC-TV recently reported, for some patients, the medications are life-changing. For others, the cost can be overwhelming.