I will be out your way again week after next. PM to follow at some point.

Interesting about having to choose pension. How do they provide junior staff? When I was an employee of the state of South Carolina, even though I was on a limited number rolling contracts, I could choose pension or ORP. (ORP was obviously the better deal, so I didn't have to think too hard.)

Keep me posted -- last night I had to hold for bretheren down in OC was a fail.

Oh, dear!:eek: Sorry that it didn't work out!:(

I'd be 12 month professional staff vs. acedemic staff. Bump up happens after 4 years instead of the usual 5 years. They do have 10 month academic staff I noticed.

I may not have that part with the system I'd join. I noticed the vesting is immediate vs. the usual 5 years.

I would be under the alternative pension plan which is a mandatory 403K plan (gov't version of 401K) vs. the regular lucrative state pension plan. So 5% to that, 1% to parking fee. Well at least I won't have union dues.

ORP is a rocking deal in TN - 10% in addition to wages with no employee contribution. Further, if employee contributes funds to a personal 401(k) the first $50 a month is matched. Automatic retirement contributions of 10% and $600 a year is highly competitive.

Junior staff (clerical, support) simply don't have an option - they are only eligible for the pension plan and have to stay long enough to vest or lose the contributions. Senior staff get a choice between the pension and ORP.

As it turned out, I ended up seeing my cousin and her husband and also my aunt (who just moved to PSP and was visiting), so at least I wasn't on my own.

Nothing wrong with a 10-month academic contract ;)

This guy doesn't even have the job yet but it looks like he is busy planning how he is going to take the vacation, personal, and sick days. :rolleyes:

I noticed the option to spread everything out though July and August for the 10 month peopl if they want. Health insurance is covered in those two months automaticly.

I would pay to see that.

I've landed on CMT showing a cut-up version of an out-of-character interview with Larry the Cable Guy. ^^

I like the way this guy plans his life around the coupons, discounts, and sale specials. ^That explains the repeating mussels. Tell them to put the shrimp on at 2 for 1. :)

As a ORP contributor, my percentage of income goes straight into an alternate 401(a). On top of that tax law allows me to contribute to a 401(k) and a 457 up to the maximum of each. The last two years I did indeed max out the 401(k) and moved on to the 457. Sadly my wage level is much lower as faculty.

You will not be shocked to learn that the ORP in SC was significantly less generous.

Sounds kinda like mine. 4 weeks paid vacation (set times according to academic calendar) plus a few holidays sprinkled in there! No sick days that I know of but will have to check. The HR manager is not the best!

I know. I am actually headed to Houston for an Easter celebrations there! Bunnies on the Bayou!!

Just realized the event came with a release form, this should be good!!

Hmmm... will I have problems heading south on 65 tomorrow on the way to Huntsville. AL??

Here the year-round benefit status is due to a salary hold-back - although there are no teaching requirements in the summer, pay is paid in even monthly payments so the state plans give credit for continuous employment. There are still rare cases (e.g. "not public universities") where one only gets paid during the actual contract term.