State Benefits
Sul Ross State University is a member of the Texas State University System. As a state agency, employees are eligible for State benefit programs. All State benefit programs and contribution rates are subject to change by the Legislature.
Social Security Program
All non-student employees participate in the Social Security program as a condition of employment. The tax rates set by federal law are 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare for the employer and 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare for the employee.
Teacher Retirement System (TRS)
All non-student employees employed at least half-time and appointed for 4 1/2 months participate in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). New Employee’s TRS membership begins on the employee’s first active duty date. Employees contribute 8.0% and the State contributes 8.0% of the employee’s wages. Employee contributions are tax deferred. Members vest after five years of creditable service. TRS is a defined benefit program offering death, survivor, disability and retirement annuity benefits.
Optional Retirement Program (ORP)
Full-time faculty, executive staff and some designated unclassified staff are eligible to elect Optional Retirement Program (ORP) in lieu of TRS. Employees have 90 days from their first active duty date to make an irrevocable choice between ORP and TRS. Employees contribute 6.65% and the State contributes 6.60% of the employees wages. Employee contributions are tax deferred. These contributions are deposited with the employee’s selected ORP carrier. Participants vest after one year and one day of ORP participation. ORP is a defined contribution plan with benefits based upon individual investment decisions.
Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA)
This program is voluntary and participation is in addition to the required retirement program. The SRA allows employees to accumulate investment funds through salary reduction, thereby deferring the payment of income tax on contributions until a future time. The SRA is subject to all applicable internal revenue codes. Contribution limits are based upon internal revenue catch up and maximum contributions provisions.
TexSaver
TexSaver voluntary program is similar to the Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA) and may be selected in addition to an SRA.
Vacation Leave With Pay
Staff employees accrue vacation leave with pay based on length of service. Employees may earn from two to six weeks of vacation time per year.
Sick Leave With Pay
Employees accrue eight hours per month. A sick leave pool for catastrophic illness is provided.
Longevity Pay
Longevity pay is available for full time staff employees based on length of service.
Electronic Check Deposit
Available for faculty and staff employees
Paid Holidays
Approximately 12-15 days of approved State paid holidays for staff. Faculty follow the academic calendar. The number of holidays will vary annually based on the calendar.
Group Insurance
Group Insurance is administered by The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Basic health, life and AD&D is paid by the state for employees to be effective on the first of the month following the 90th day after the employee’s first active duty date. Medical, dental, life, and AD&D are available to the employees’ dependents through payroll deduction. Long and Short Term Disability, Premium Conversion, Dependent and Health Care Reimbursement Accounts are also available to employees. Link to About Health Select and Health Select Primary Care Physician Finder. Link to Humana Dental Choice Plan for information and the Dental Choice Provider Finder or for information on the Humana Dental DHMO plan and DHMO Provider Finder. or State of Texas Dental Discount Plan and Provider Finder.
Wellness Tools and Employee Discount Programs
Wellness is important to everyone. It improves the quality of life and increases longevity, and even if a long life isn’t important or desired it’s better to feel as good and healthy as you can while you’re here, link to Wellness Tools and Information.
Employees, retirees, and their immediate families can use the program site to get discounts on many products and services, from computers to theme park passes. There is no sign up fee, registration or cost to you. Visit today to start saving at the Employee Discount Programs through the ERS website.
Professional Development
The purpose of this Sul Ross State University Staff Development Policy is to promote institutional and staff development by providing progressive training opportunities that support lifelong learning and assist employees in working effectively within their departments and throughout the University community.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored by Sul Ross State University on any basis prohibited by applicable law, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.