The 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan available to all employees, including student employees.

To begin making contributions to the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan an employee must:

  • If you already have a Fidelity account:
    • Login to Fidelity in order to choose contribution percentage, investment options, and beneficiary elections for the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
  • If you do not have a Fidelity account:
    • A login may be created and an account may be opened at Fidelity (plan # 71146) then you may choose a contribution percentage, investment options, and beneficiary elections for the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.

New elections and changes to existing contribution rates may be made at any time by logging into your Fidelity account or call Fidelity at (800) 343-0860. Changes in contribution rates generally take one to two paychecks to take effect.

An employee may elect to deduct a percentage of their pay, up to 75 percent, to a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan at Fidelity. Contributions may be made on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis or both. Contributions are remitted to accounts on a bi-weekly basis, the week following each pay date.

A participant may withdraw funds from their plan account upon (1) attainment of age 59 ½ or older while employed or (2) upon retirement or termination of employment. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ are not subject to early withdrawal penalties.

Loans and hardship distributions from the plan are not allowed.

Employees are immediately vested at 100 percent in the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
  • Ball State approved provider of independent retirement investment advice for participants in the APP and 403(b) and 457(b) voluntary retirement plans through Fidelity
  • Free online evaluation at EdelmanFinancialEngines.com/forBSU 
  • Retirement investment advice services for a fee
  • Phone: (877) 401-5762

Ball State University selected Fidelity as the sole recordkeeping service provider beginning November 2, 2020.

If you wish to transfer available 457(b) funds from a former vendor to Fidelity please make an appointment to meet with a Fidelity representative or contact Fidelity at (800) 343-0860.

  • TIAA - Login or call (800) 842-2252  

The Ball State University Phased Retirement Program is designed to give professional and staff employees an opportunity for pre-retirement reduction of full-time service while phasing into retirement over a period not to exceed three years.

Interested professional or staff personnel may submit a request to participate in the Phased Retirement Program at any time. Professional and staff should apply with as much advance notice as practical.

On December 17, 2021, the phased retirement was closed to faculty members for the indefinite future.

For more information, reference the Phased Retirement webpage and FAQs.