As a NYS employee appointed for the summer to the Research Foundation for SUNY, please review this information carefully.
Retirement Plan
The Research Foundation has a one-year vesting period for its TIAA retirement plan. If you are already vested the appropriate level of contribution will be paid when you move to the Research Foundation payroll.
For faculty not yet vested, there is a one-year waiting period before contributions begin; the SUNY academic year plus the Research Foundation summer employment comprises the year. The Research Foundation may use your State service as a credit towards participation and vesting in the Research Foundation Retirement Plan. You must request prior service credit for vesting purposes by completing Part I of the Prior Service Credit form submitting it here.
Tax-Deferral Opportunities
The Research Foundation offers an optional tax-deferral program with TIAA.
If you enroll, your total tax deferral for 2026 cannot exceed $24,500. If you are age 50 and over, you may defer up to $32,500. This includes any amount you tax deferred as a State employee.
To contribute to the 403b plan, you must log into the RF Employee Self Service portal to elect the percentage of your salary you wish to contribute.
http://www.rfsuny.org/Information-For/Employee-Center-/Self-Service/
PFL Waiver
During your Summer RF appointment, you have the option to waive coverage of the Paid Family leave benefit. If you regularly work 20 hours or more per week but won’t be employed by The Research for Foundation for 26 consecutive weeks; or work fewer than 20 hours per week and will not work 175 days in a 52-week period, you can opt-out of the paid family leave deduction. Please complete the waiver form and submit here.
RF Handbook
All RF employees are required to receive the most updated copy of the employee handbook. By typing submitting this form, you are acknowledging receipt of this handbook. By acknowledging receipt, you are also acknowledging that you have access to a work computer. If you do not have access to a work computer, please indicate that on the form and we will send you a physical copy of the handbook.