Virtual Retirement Fair Recap – Feb. 9-13, 2026
Human Resources hosted its third Virtual Retirement Fair Feb. 9-13. This week of expert-led webinars provided Ohio State employees with valuable knowledge to maximize their retirement benefits and plan for their financial future, regardless of their career or life stages.
What was covered
Employees had the opportunity to connect with our community of experts to gain valuable knowledge, enhance their financial future and better understand retirement plans.
The sessions focused on Ohio State retirement options, including:
- Mandatory plans: OPERS, STRS and Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
- Additional plans: Supplemental Retirement Accounts (SRAs)
- Financial topics: Investment choices, Social Security, Medicare, Cybersecurity and more
Additional group sessions are not scheduled at this time.
Session Resources
While we are happy to provide materials for some of our sessions, please be advised that presentation materials for the sessions Inflation Impacts, Let’s Get Down to Benefits, Health Care in Retirement, Social Security Part 1 and Part 2, Cybersecurity, Understanding Pretax, Roth and After-Tax and Budgeting for Life Situations are not authorized for digital distribution or public archives.
Note: The presentations from the Retirement Fair have been updated to meet digital accessibility standards. Although these versions may visually differ from the original live presentations, the core content remains identical.
Presented by OPERS
This session assessed financial wellness, reviewed spending and identified strategies to close the income gap between anticipated needs available resources, helping to ensure a more secure future.
Presented by Aon Investments
Attendees learned how to use the options within the university-sponsored retirement plans by exploring the three-tier investment structure, ranging from professionally managed Target Date funds to self-directed brokerage accounts. This educational session provided the information needed to align 403(b), 457(b), Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) or RCP/415(m) Executive Plan options with long-term financial goals.
Presented by Aon Investments
This session took a deeper dive into the investments available through university-sponsored retirement plans to help meet long-term financial goals. Designed for those who wanted to build on the ‘Basics of Investing through the University-Sponsored Retirement Plans’ presentation, this session provided the necessary tools for participants to take the next step in planning their financial future.
Presented by Human Resources
This session helped participants understand their distribution options, the differences between transfers and rollovers and the eligibility requirements for moving account balances. Attendees also received an overview of Legacy Accounts.
Presented by Human Resources
This session provided an overview of the 403(b) and 457(b) SRAs, including Pretax vs. Roth options. Attendees received a detailed look at the new 403(b) After-tax option, which allows you to maximize your savings beyond standard IRS limits.
Presented by Human Resources
Designed for those within five years of retirement and enrolled in OPERS or ARP, this session provided a step-by-step roadmap for a smooth transition. Topics included eligibility, a practical timeline, final paycheck details and post-retirement benefits review.
Presented by Human Resources
Designed for those within five years of retirement and enrolled in STRS or ARP, this session provided a step-by-step roadmap for a smooth transition. Topics include eligibility, a practical timeline, final paycheck details and post-retirement benefits review.
Next steps
The university-sponsored retirement plans are administered through approved providers. As an ongoing benefit, employees can schedule one-on-one sessions, at no additional cost, with current providers for guidance and retirement planning.
View the providers list and schedule a session today.
Additional resources
To learn more about your retirement options and Ohio State retirement plans, review the links provided below.
Retirement resources
- Ohio State Retirement
- Ohio State Retirement Providers
- Supplemental Retirement Accounts (SRA’s)
- 403(b) After-tax and After-tax Roth Conversion
- Investments
- Fees
- Distributions, Transfers, Rollovers
- Retirement Videos and Slide Presentations
Supplemental Retirement Account resources
Medicare resources
Please note, this information is for educational purposes and is not financial or tax advice. We strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified financial or tax professional before making any decisions about your retirement savings.