Chapter 5: Special Conditions

Reporting in Higher Education

Summary

This section provides information on retirement plan options for non-retired employees working in positions eligible for participation in a Higher Education Retirement Plan (HERP) and/or for a DRS administered plan through their employment at an institution of higher education. This section also contains information on reporting a retiree from a DRS-administered plan that returns to work for an institution of higher education. The following public higher education institutions have authority to sponsor a HERP:

• University of Washington (UW)
• Washington State University (WSU)
• Western Washington University (Western)
• Central Washington University (Central)
• Eastern Washington University (Eastern)
• The Evergreen State College (Evergreen)
• The State Community and Technical Colleges

Each of the four-year institutions listed above has developed rules for participation and each administers the plan for its employees. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges sponsors the HERP applicable to employees of the community and technical colleges and adopts rules governing participation. However, each community or technical college locally administers the plan. Please check with the appropriate individual at your institution for details about the requirements for HERP participation.

An employee who is eligible for HERP participation and is a current PERS or TRS member may be given certain options for retirement coverage. This section provides general information about these options for PERS or TRS members working in higher education. As noted above, please check with the appropriate individual at your institution for information specific to an individual or situation.