New York State law mandates participation in a retirement system for full-time members of the instructional staff. New staff members have 30 days from the effective date of their appointment to choose a retirement program, and the choice is irrevocable. If no choice is filed within 30 days, the law mandates that the member be assigned to the New York City Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
Full-time instructional staff members may choose between the New York City Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). Those who elect the optional retirement program may choose investment options through the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) and investment choices provided by the alternate funding vehicles offered by The Guardian or MetLife. More information may be obtained from the college personnel office.
Decision must be made within the 30 days of employment and it is irrevocable.
Adjuncts employed by CUNY are only eligible for membership in TRS and may join at their option. See Adjunct Pension Benefits