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Retirement plan transition period begins April 1; reminder of upcoming key dates

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As Vanderbilt’s retirement plan transition to the new streamlined structure nears its final stages, we want to remind you of several upcoming key dates and actions you should take to ensure your account is set up the way you want it to be.

  • Register for or log into your account and select investments for your future plan contributions by March 31. Your future contributions are those beginning with your first paycheck in April. If you already have an account with Fidelity, you can begin investing in funds from the new core lineup sooner. You will be able to make your investment elections after March 31, but until you actively make an election, your contributions will be directed to the Tier 1 target date fund aligned closest to the year you turn 65. Click here for instructions on making your investment elections.
  • Designate your beneficiary(ies). Beneficiaries on record with Vanguard, TIAA-CREF or VALIC will not transfer to Fidelity’s system and need to be designated in Fidelity NetBenefits.®

Step-by-step instructions are listed on the HR website. If you have already completed these steps, you do not need to do anything else.

  • Changes to contribution percentages or type (Roth vs. pre-tax) cannot be made between April 1 and April 13. Paper forms will no longer be needed or accepted under the new structure. Beginning in mid-April, you can make these changes in NetBenefits. Changes made online after the transition will take effect within one to two pay periods.

Account changes

In April, your existing mutual fund balances will be moved to your Fidelity account. During the transition, your ability to make investment changes or complete transactions such as loans, distributions and hardship withdrawals will be limited.

  • Changes and transactions involving TIAA-CREF accounts cannot be made after 3 p.m. CT on April 2.
  • Changes and transactions involving Vanguard accounts cannot be made after 3 p.m. CT on April 8.
  • If your existing balances are solely invested with Fidelity, you will be able to make changes throughout April.
  • As a reminder, annuity balances will remain at TIAA-CREF and VALIC, unchanged, unless you initiate a transfer of assets.

Eligible balances will transfer to the new lineup at Fidelity on April 13. We expect you will be able to make investment changes to your account at Fidelity by the end of April. If you have any questions, call the Fidelity Retirement Service Center at 800-343-0860 to speak with a service center representative.