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Volume LXV Number 1

July/August/September 2011

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin


July/August/September 2011 - Volume LXV Number 1

In this quarters TACT newsletter...


Page 3 Letter from the President
by Peter Hugill
TACT Board of Directors 2011-2012 President Peter Hugill Texas A&M University Past-President Gary Coulton University of Texas San Antonio VP of Financial Affairs Frank Fair Sam Houston State University VP of Membership Mark Gaus Sam Houston State University VP of Legislative Affairs Cindy Simpson Sam Houston State University Directors At Large Elizabeth Lewandowski Midwestern State University Allen Martin University of Texas - Tyler Debra Price Sam Houston State University Executive Director Chuck Hempstead (512) 873-7404

Page 5 Executive Directors Report


by Chuck Hempstead

Page 6 The Legacy of TACT Page 7 Legislative Update Page 8 Faculty Salary Comparison from THECB Page 9 2011 ORP Study Page 13 Fall Conference Page 14 GRF Contributions Page 15 Membership

TACT
Texas Association of College Teachers 5750 Balcones Dr., Suite 201 Austin, Texas 78731 tact@bizaustin.rr.com [p] (512) 873-7404 [f] (512) 873-7423
Copyright 2011 by the Texas Association of College Teachers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced in any form without permission; Chuck Hempstead, Editor.

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

Presidents Letter
by Peter Hugill TACT President

By all accounts the State of Texas is approaching a crisis in Higher Education. No, not the problems being caused by the unwarranted and irresponsible interference of the Governor and the Texas Public Policy Foundation, though those are certainly bad enough. But we face a much more serious problem, and it has been very clearly identified by the Texas Association of Business. The State is simply not graduating enough welleducated students to fuel the high tech economy it aspires to. By 2018 it is estimated that 45% of all jobs in the United States will require a bachelors degree and 65% of all new or replacement jobs will require at least some college education. In todays Texas only just over 30% of Texans hold an Associates degree or better. Simply put, we are failing to educate enough Texans to ensure the States continued prosperity. We produce two things in higher education: new knowledge and welleducated students. And we need to go on doing that to the very best of our abilities. I think we generally do very well at the first, and we measure our ability to do this ourselves and well in the number of publications we produce and the grant dollars we bring in. Our merit system, tenure, is designed to focus on this. What our reward system doesnt do so well is

to focus on what business and the public believe, with justice, we are paid to do: produce students. My intent here is not to be critical of my colleagues, but to ask us to think seriously about our professional responsibilities. We measure research output well, but we need to do better at measuring our teaching. If we dont, the odds are that someone else, such as the TPPF, will try and do it for us. We are all aware that graduation rates are not what they need to be in too many schools, and that too many students, for whatever reason, take too long to graduate. We could, it is true, fix the problem by simply lowering standards, the direction the TPPF reforms as well as some unscrupulous administrators would push us towards. This would be beneath us as professionals and a dereliction of our duty to our students and the people of Texas. So let us push to take teaching even more seriously in our annual evaluation process than we currently do. Let us have a serious dialog about how we might get graduation rates up without losing quality. Although I dont always see eyeto-eye with our State Commissioner of Higher Education, Raymond Paredes, he has some useful ideas. He helped keep in place the Texas Grants for lower income

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TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

Presidents Message (contd.)


students, a major TACT initiative this past legislative session, when many legislators wanted to end them. He also argues for more students taking 2+2 degrees in dual admission programs, with students taking their first two years at a community college before transferring to a senior institution. Such programs would not be for all, but they would greatly help students from lower income families who need to work and cannot either be in full-time residence at senior institutions or commute to them. My own institution, Texas A&M, already has a dual admission program in place with Blinn Community College and it seems to work well. Commissioner Paredes has also proposed more intensive mentoring for at-risk students to reduce their drop-out rate, which seems to me an unimpeachable goal. These are not problems anyone can fix quickly, but they are problems that will lead groups like TPPF to try and impose destructive quick fixes upon us if we do not respond to them. As professional educators we need to evaluate teaching as seriously as we evaluate research, work to increase graduation rates, and resist administrators and outsiders who want to lower quality in favor of increased productivity. If we do not do this as professionals, we will have irresponsible amateurs imposing seven breakthrough solutions upon us.

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TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

Executive Directors Report: Laugh till it hurts?


by Chuck Hempstead TACT Executive Director

Ya gotta love dark political humor, like when the Education Governors self-appointed higher ed reformers produce Seven Breakthrough Solutions and the business lobbyist calls them the Seven Deadly Sins. And the chief author works for weeks at UT System before earning his $70,000 buy-out. Oh well, institutional research was nice while it lasted. When the conservatives rail that professors should teach more and publish less, I guess they arent addressing the third leg of the academic stool - public service. Is that still a good thing? Remember when we used to say public universities went from state supported to state assisted to state located? What now, state regulated? State lambasted?

University appropriations were reduced by $1 billion as enrollments rise, but at least we were successful in bottling up the proposal to siphon some of whats left for outcome-based funding. This proposal would reward institutions for hitting quantitative benchmarks such as degrees awarded in a timely fashion or historically underserved populations admitted. TACT is still waiting for the qualitative benchmarks to be measured, like the increased happiness and societal contributions of former students who had enhancing personal interactions during their years on campus. I know you sociologists wrote your dissertations about this, but were told that research doesnt count unless its read by more than 250 people. Which brings our irreverent review of the 2011 TACT Legislative Agenda to faculty salaries. Dont think we helped you in a big way on that one. I can only hope that you are enjoying your fat property tax reduction four years ago that was to be replaced by the underperforming business margins tax. Or the federal stimulus infusion (with borrowed money) two years ago that prevented this pain from occurring then. Tea (Party), anyone?

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TACT claims legislative victory when the Texas Grant scholarship program was reduced only ten percent, after the early draft bill called for a 50 percent cut. And guns on campus? Studies showed that 85 percent of faculty opposed changing the gun law, and we were only assured success on that one in the eleventh hour, despite that bill sponsors in both chambers claimed voting majorities as co-sponsors.

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

This Fall, were celebrating the Legacy of TACT: a history of legislative advocacy, faculty camaraderie, and reliable benefits. Visit our History page at www.tact.org/history to learn more about TACTs efforts over the last 60 years.

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TACTTube has launched and is hosting a variety of TACT-related videos. Visit TACTTube today and subscribe!

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

TACT Legislative Update


Below is a partial list of Legislation from the 82nd Session of interest to college professors in Texas. TACT will continue to keep you informed via our online Legislative Tracker, our new member benefit to help streamline the process of keeping college teachers in-the-know.

HB 9 - Relating to student success-based funding for and reporting regarding public institutions of higher education HB 33 - Relating to schedule of classes and textbook affordability requires textbook information to be included in class schedule HB 3577 - Relating to eligibility requirements for the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant SB 28 - Relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to the administration of the TEXAS grant program SB 29 - Relating to the eligibility of certain postdoctoral fellows and graduate students to participate in health benefit programs at public institutions of higher education For a more comprehensive list of bills that passed, see the report here.

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TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership
FY 2011 FY 2010 FY 2009 FY 2008 FY 2007 FY 2006 Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States Texas Ten States

Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 from THECB


Below is a table from The Higher Education Coordinating Board website, outlining the Average Salaries of the Ten Most Populous States for Fiscal Year 2011. In the last two years, the percentage gap between Texas and other populous states has steadily grown and is trending toward the 10% gap of 2003-2004.
Average Faculty Salary Comparison - Texas Public Universities and Ten Most Populous States Fiscal Year 2011
Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor Instructor Lecturer Total Includes All Faculty Total Excludes NonRanked Faculty

Texas California Florida Georgia Illinois Michigan New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania 10 States Average National Average

111,482 117,087 108,755 103,278 109,609 115,890 134,090 117,120 111,209 110,172 118,930 114,911 108,212
Professor

76,942 81,227 76,155 73,191 76,129 80,908 95,351 85,887 78,771 77,730 84,879 80,839 77,386
Associate Professor

67,311 72,132 66,001 62,703 67,746 68,317 77,303 70,694 67,120 65,868 68,512 68,545 65,612

45,568 60,392 48,034 43,347 40,449 46,961 51,452 57,101 57,503 43,341 49,985 47,111 45,424
Instructor

51,125 62,617 57,491 48,852 44,840 51,296 59,384 60,569 46,612 47,415 49,562 54,982 51,698
Total Faculty

78,395 93,400 77,965 74,505 78,631 85,296 101,736 88,815 79,332 81,139 83,304 84,852 79,783

78,891 93,343 78,552 74,601 78,617 86,084 101,945 88,815 81,642 81,520 83,819 85,366 80,127

History
Assistant Professor Texas Total Faculty Weighted Average Compared to Ten States

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FY 2005 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2002 FY 2000 FY 1998 FY 1996

111,482 114,911 111,944 113,763 109,235 111,625 104,518 107,935 99,683 102,752 95,970 98,610 91,529 95,517 86,130 93,668 85,405 91,244 84,449 87,164 76,192 80,563 70,350 73,830 63,660 69,101

76,942 80,839 77,044 79,931 75,467 78,713 72,612 75,943 69,646 72,593 67,173 69,918 64,400 67,974 60,914 66,703 60,450 65,689 58,942 63,076 54,026 58,990 50,310 54,660 39,988 51,608

67,311 68,545 67,057 67,607 66,140 66,359 63,795 64,057 61,159 60,982 59,187 58,704 56,026 56,921 53,190 55,508 52,051 54,395 50,468 51,895 45,742 48,008 42,520 44,720 39,085 42,697

45,568 47,111 45,251 46,400 44,338 45,383 43,484 43,918 41,943 42,488 40,118 40,674 39,512 39,427 37,869 38,300 36,948 37,860 34,783 37,262 34,195 34,361 32,470 32,490 29,176 30,789

78,395 84,852 78,505 84,126 76,981 82,250 74,076 79,596 71,608 76,197 69,118 73,622 66,582 71,896 63,449 70,824 62,671 69,565 61,965 66,623 57,352 62,782 53,360 58,620 48,490 55,499

-8% -7% -6% -7% -6% -6% -7% -10% -10% -7% -9% -9% -13%

Source: AAUP Survey, Includes all public 1, 2, and 3 institutions reporting to AAUP (27 of 38 in Texas). Salaries adjusted to standard nine month salary. Report excludes data where institutions reported one individual for a given institution. THECB May 2011

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

TACT
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE TEACHERS TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

2011 Analysis of Possibilities for ORP/TDA


The Texas Optional Retirement Program (ORP) A law passed in 2011 by the Texas Legislature alis designed for full time faculty at state supported lows institutions participating in the Optional Retireinstitutions of higher education. Created by the Texas ment Program to supplement the state contribution of Legislature in 1967, it is offered as an alternative to 6 percent of salary for all participants by 2.5 percent, participation in the Teacher Retirement System of regardless of when they were hired. Texas (TRS). Upon employment at an institution, an Whether the choice is ORP or TRS, most employemployee is given 90 days to choose whether to invest ees are eligible to place additional pre-tax contribuhis or her retirement fund in ORP or TRS. This choice tions into a Tax Deferred Account (TDA). A TDA is a is irrevocable. Therefore, new employees are urged to supplemental investment that may be made in addition make this decision carefully. to the mandatory program. TDAs receive no state The Teacher Retirement System is for all persons contribution. who choose not to be in ORP or are not eligible for An important federal overhaul of retirement rules ORP. TRS is a defined benefit program, in which the was included in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief employees retirement benefit is 2.3 percent of average Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). This law salary in the highest three years (five years for newer raised the limits of pre-tax contributions to deferred employees under recent provisions), multiplied by the compensation plans, and also provided for catch up number of years of participation. The vesting period for contributions for participants over 50. The law also TRS is five years. (If an employee does not vest, the repealed the Maximum Exclusion Allowance, a comstates monies are returned.) A Rule of 80 (when the plex formula that limited the tax-advantaged treatment combination of age plus years of service entitles TRS of combined contributions to deferred compensation members to retire without penalty) applies for those programs. Higher education employees should seek the hired before September 1, 2007, but change thereafter advice of a financial advisor to learn how any changes for new hires, imposing a minimum age of 60 for an may affect retirement planning. unreduced annuity. Most companies have incorporated TDA loan Historically the majority of new faculty members provisions into their policies or custodial have participated in ORP, though TRS agreements under the Tax Equity and Fishas gained in popularity in recent years. Convenient links cal Responsibility Act of 1982. The IRS The state will contribute the constituand each firm have guidelines that must be tional minimum contribution of 6 percent followed or the loan could be considered a to the most of salary next year. The employee conwithdrawal or premature distribution and tribution has been 6.65 percent for over subject to tax and ten percent penalties. For twenty years. The TRS Web site is www. popular ORP specific information, the investor should trs.state.tx.us. contact representatives of the company. For ORP, a defined contribution carriers in Texas All performance figures quoted in program, there is a contribution of up this study are net of all administrative or to 15.15 percent of salary placed into a higher education management fees for the years mentioned. retirement plan. This is the sum of the Net performance is a good starting place employees contribution (6.65 percent are now for comparison. Neither low nor high of gross salary), local supplements, and expenses and charges assure the best the states contribution (historically from investment. Is an investment that has a available at 6.0 to 8.5 percent). The retirement savgain of ten percent and charges only one ings plan is self-directed, and the vesting percent per year (nine percent net) better period is one year and one day. The rewww.tact.org. than an investment that has a gain of 30 tirement benefit is based on contributions percent and charges three percent per year and earnings on those contributions.

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Editors Note: For the thirty-seventh consecutive year, this analysis has been made available to members of the Texas Association of College Teachers and the Texas Community College Teachers Association to assist in retirement planning. The staff of the two associations remain grateful for the efforts of Frank L. Wright, who managed the project for most of its history, and to the professionals of the ORP/TDA companies who cooperated in making this service possible. No investment decision should be based solely on data reported in this analysis. Past performance does not guarantee future success.

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

Formulating the Decision

What will be my financial

needs at retirement, and ORP with other

should I supplement my investments such as a tax

What is the likelihood of a good return throughout

Is it diversified enough to

? 1 2
deferred account? the term of my investment? ensure stability? good management?

(27 percent net)? Historical investment performance does not and cannot guarantee future results. However, many individuals will use past performance to assist in the decision process. Flexibility and portability should also be considered. As an investor, it is important to analyze front end charges (which reduce the amount of money that goes to work immediately), and contingent deferral charges (which tend to limit flexibility and the portability of the investments). In order to maximize potential gains in the future through new products or innovations, flexibility and the allowance of change are important factors. Fixed Accounts Fixed accounts are traditionally investments in the general accounts of an insurance company. These accounts function similar to a banks Certificate of Deposit. The dollars on deposit are lent to the insurance company. The insurance company agrees to repay both principal and a contractually-guaranteed minimum interest rate. Most companies pay the current interest rate, which is normally higher than the contractual minimum. This rate may change daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually. The current rate of interest is derived from the companys earnings, and is set by the board of directors. The actual formula for the current interest rate varies from firm to firm. It is often an unknown and discretionary formula, subject to change. Other types of fixed accounts offer more specific information regarding their yields. They may offer a rate based upon a pool of specific underlying assets such as government bonds, treasuries, or other securities. These are sometimes called Market Value Adjusted accounts. Only when a firm will disclose and contractually guarantee the formula can investors be assured of the interest crediting method for their contract. While most insurance companies work on an old banking principle, paying policyholders two percent less than the company earns on its investments, the choice of formulas is still at the discretion of the companys board. Insurance companies credit or pay interest in many different methods. A widely used method is to band interest rates. As money is received by the company the current interest rate is applied. The current interest rate can be guaranteed for any period of time. However, as the rate changes, monies received from that point forward would be considered a new band and credited at the new rate. The old money, or band, may continue to earn the former rate of interest for the specified period of time. Once that time has elapsed, a new rate may be applied to that band. Over time, the contract may have many bands of different rates. Some firms band for a year and then the dollars drop into a pool or portfolio. The current rate paid on the pool or portfolio may be higher than the initial band. If the rates are quoted on a portfolio basis, the dollars earn the stated interest rate when deposited. To attract new participants, many companies will increase or enhance third quarter current rate declarations, when companies receive the lowest contributions of the year. Not all companies engage in this practice; however, one should be aware that this strategy is used to entice participation in certain programs. Another tool to entice participation is the two-tier crediting process. This process enhances the rate for dollars that are annuitized at retirement, and credits less interest to those wishing a cash option. Annu-

What are the outside rating firms evaluations of the carrier? Does the

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company have soundness

and experience to fulfill

its contract and provide

ity contracts have two phases, accumulation and distribution. Annuioverview of the rules tization is a distribution and rate histories of phase. By utilizing this distribution process, a TRS and ORP, provided participant can buy an annually by the Texas income stream. The insurance company will Higher Education guarantee, according Coordinating Board, to the contract choice made, to provide an visit www.thecb.state. income the annuitant tx.us/reports. cannot outlive. Other options can include: receiving money for a set period of time, or even an income stream for the spouse upon the annuitants death (known as joint and last survivor option) or any other mutually-agreed combination. The loss of flexibility and liquidity for the dollars annuitized is assured, since the purchase of an income for life guarantees the accumulation in the account to be with the insurance company for a very long time. When comparing interest rates, be careful of the manipulations that companies may use to enhance their contracts. The highest interest rate is not necessarily the best bargain. Since interest rates have declined, a number of companies will pay a first-year bonus thereby enticing a move to that company. However, the enhanced first-year rate can be at the expense of the renewal rate. Not all enhancements to contracts are negative. Some bonus contracts truly provide a positive enhancement to earning potential. Annuitization is necessary to some peoples financial planning, but is typically not recommended for all accumulations. Keep in mind, the firms currently available for ORP and TDA are focused upon creating competitive products for accumulations. At retirement, shopping for the best annuitization rate is a very prudent decision. In addition to checking with ones current firms, there are several companies that specialize in the distribution phase (annuitization). At retirement, all accumulations in both ORP and TDA accounts become 403(b)s. 403(b) is the section of the Internal Revenue Code that allows for these retirement programs. Therefore, all dollars could be comingled. By placing a larger sum on deposit, one could purchase a higher income stream, but do not forget to shop because it is a lifelong decision. Most fixed contracts, like CDs, will have a penalty for early withdrawal. The term for this is surrender or withdrawal penalty. This charge is usually assessed on payments made to the contract that have not been ondeposit for a specified period of time. Finally, it is important to consider ratings of firms if the dollars are invested in the fixed side of any contract. Since the money is guaranteed by the insurance company, solvency of the firm should be a factor for consideration. When placing assets in a fixed account, utilizing two or even three different rating services is considered prudent. (See Table 1.) Each rating service (such as A.M. Best, Standard and Poors, Duff and Phelps, and Moodys) has a different area of expertise and specific evaluation criteria. Some of those areas include solvency and claims-paying ability. However, be advised that even these rating services are not infallible. In the past, several companies have

For a comprehensive

A2

ORP/TDA Analysis

10

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

been placed into receivership despite having high ratings by these services. Texas does have a guarantee program. This program offers protection of up to $100,000 of account value with each company. Mutual Funds Mutual funds are available for ORP and TDA deposits. An investment company or a mutual fund is either a corporation or a trust in which investors pool their funds and invest them in a wide variety of securities. An investment company or mutual fund is engaged in the business of investing in securities, managing funds for people more effectively than individuals ordinarily could for themselves. A fund operates as a single large account that is owned by many shareholders. Today, there are more mutual fund choices available than companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As the world economy continues to grow, opportunities for investing beyond our shores become increasingly viable options. Additionally, most funds are now grouped in families that offer a broad array of funds within one package or company. Here is a brief description of the kinds of investments available.

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1. Money Market Funds invest in securities that mature in less than one year. These funds can be composed of one or more of the following: Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, Eurodollar CDs, and notes. The objective is to maintain a constant share value while producing a return slightly above bank money market funds. 2. Bond Funds can come in many varieties, including a government bond fund, a corporate bond fund, high yield bond fund, or others. Typically, the investment criterion requires that any holding purchased be a bond. 3. Stock Funds can be classified in three categories. Equity-Income Funds focus on income, with capital appreciation as a secondary concern. Growth and Income Funds attempt to produce both capital appreciation and current income. Growth Funds seek capital appreciation first while current income is a distant secondary concern. 4. Balanced Funds are also called total return funds. The objective is to provide total returns through growth and income. The fund typically purchases stocks, bonds, and convertible securities. Weighting of each asset class will depend upon the managers perception of the market, interest rates, and risk levels. 5. International (Global) Equity Funds consist of two types. International or Foreign Funds may only invest in stocks of foreign companies. Global Funds can invest in both foreign and U.S. stocks. The objective of either category is growth of capital. 6. Aggressive Growth (Small Company) Funds are mutual funds that focus strictly on appreciation, with no concern about generating income. 7. Special Funds are grouped in two categories: Metal Funds and Non-Diversified Funds. A metal fund purchases metals in one or more ways: bullion, gold stocks, and mining stocks. Non-Diversified Funds are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as holding more than five percent of the funds total holdings in the security of one company. These funds can also be industry specific. The above definitions have been modified from those found in the Certified Fund Specialists guide.
ORP/TDA Analysis

Each mutual fund comes with a prospectus, which must be provided to the investor before purchase. This prospectus will provide information such as the name and credentials of the fund manager, the goals and objectives of the specific fund, and information regarding fees and other expenses. It will also describe the limitations placed on the manager. All funds instruct the investor to read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending any money. Unfortunately, the prospectus is written in such technical terminology, most people would have difficulty interpreting its contents. All mutual funds have fees, including so-called no-load funds. The investor ultimately pays these expenses, which include marketing, research, administrative support, reports, fund managers, and other costs. Accepting the fact that there is no free lunch, what charges should one review before investing? The investment advisor or advisors, making the daily decisionsto buy, sell, or hold the investments of the fundmust be paid. The research and overhead costs for administering the fund must also be paid. These are usually described as investment advisory expenses or management fees. It is always best to find out what the management fees are, since the fee amount can affect the performance of the fund. While one does not want to make this an overriding concern, an investor needs to be comfortable and understand the fees assessed. Generally, net performance, not internal cost, is the most important factor to consider when investing. There are three pricing strategies for mutual funds. A-share mutual funds are front-loaded funds. The cost to invest will usually range from zero percent for Money Market Funds to more than five percent for International Funds. The load immediately reduces the amount going to work. These funds will typically be presented by a salesperson who receives a commission to represent that company. B-share mutual funds are sometimes known as noload with a contingent deferred sales charge. These shares have an early withdrawal penalty if the amount does not remain on deposit for a specified period of time. These funds typically have higher management fees than the A-shares and are often clones of an Ashare fund. C- and D-share mutual funds are no load in, and if held for a period of time (up to one year), no load out. These are deemed no-service or self-service funds. This class of funds can be brought to the investor in two ways. The old line of funds has no sales force; transaction are made using a toll-free phone number. The new line of funds uses salespersons that may or may not receive an up front commission. The management fees will probably be higher than B-shares, therefore one should check the prospectus. More families will begin offering C- and D-shares. Another fee that may be assessed is a 12-b-1 fee, named after a federal government rule. This fee pays for distribution costs, including advertising and dealer compensation. The 12-b-1 fee may provide a venue for use, compensating a professional to work with an investor in the design of an investment plan. The professional will be paid based upon the amount invested and the performance of the account. If applicable, this fee will be found in the prospectus. It has long been the subject of much discussion whether paying an up front charge is best or if it is

What are the expenses involved with the program? Do transfer

fees, surrender charges, and other costs permit ment needs change? flexibility as my invest-

Is my contract surrender able for cash value, in whole or in part, after

leaving covered employment for ORP, and af-

ter I turn 591/2 for TDA? Does it allow lump sum

4 5 6
A3

withdrawals in lieu of annuitization at retirement?

Do I have sufficient variable types of

choices between fixed and investments and can I and without cost?

shift between them easily

11

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

Are my companys reporting and servicing policies sufficient for my needs?

7 8

Have I checked my companys Web site for the most current

information?

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A4

Variable Annuities Variable annuities can be described as a combination of fixed annuities and mutual funds with a twist. Variable annuity contracts are life insurance contracts that have as few as one or as many as 30 variable investment options. These options are referred to as sub-accounts. The sub-accounts are, by law, separate accounts. The variable choices offered differ from the fixed account in that the investor, not the insurance company, absorbs the investment risk. There are no guarantees. The money is never commingled in the insurance companys general account. All earnings or losses are tied to investment performance of the underlying account. Many variable annuity contracts have fixed accounts. Research shows that almost 60 percent of assets in variable annuity contracts are in fixed accounts. While this may be prudent for a particular investor, the discussion provided in the fixed annuity section applies here. In some cases, the fixed portions of these contracts are not as competitive as a fixed only contract. Variable annuities are by design variable investments. The variable annuity is a product that is constantly evolving. The horizontal integration of these contracts is an innovation that seems to be growing. Previously, all programs were vertically integrated. Management, marketing, administration, and sales were all performed by the same company. In the late 1980s, several firms began adding external fund managers to the proprietary funds offered in the contract. Today, an investor can even cross fund families in one contract. Remembering that the variable annuity contract is offered by an insurance company may assist an investor with the following discussion regarding fees. The expense risk and mortality charge are fees assessed in most variable annuities. The expense charge guarantees from the date a contract is signed that the charges for management and annual contractual charges will not increase for the life of that contract. The mortality charge is unique to variable annuities. Mortality charges are guarantees by the insurance company that in the event of death, heirs will receive either the contributions (deposits) or the face value of the contract, whichever is greater. Today, several contracts have expanded the mortality feature. This is called a stepped-up death benefit. If available, the contract will increase the amount invested at a certain rate (e.g., five percent per year) or at a contract anniversary date (e.g., the fifth contract year). This value is the new floor that the heirs will receive. This can be a very attractive feature for older faculty investing in stock accounts late in their careers. Another fee assessed by the variable annuity is the investment advisory fee and, if applicable, a 12-b-1 fee. The surrender or withdrawal structure of the variable annuity is very similar to B-share Mutual Funds (no-load with a contingent deferred sales charge). Most contracts will not have front end charges, but will have surrender charges. These charges may be level (say,

preferable to have a contingent charge. One position holds that if the investment is for the long term (ten years) it will be better to pay up front charges, since this will make the annual management or investment charge significantly lower. However, this argument does not take into consideration personal, economic, or product changes. The original investment chosen today may not be the best investment for an individual in the future.

three percent for three years, then dropping to zero), reducing (say, six percent the first year, then reducing one percent per year), or level for a certain period of time then declining (say, six percent the first two years, then declining each year to zero). This penalty may be assessed upon each contribution. This type of surrender charge is called a rolling surrender charge. The penalty can also be based upon contract years. This type of surrender charge is called a non-rolling surrender charge. If dollars are moved to another firm before the time period for surrender charges has elapsed, the contributions can be penalized for early withdrawal. Unlike mutual funds, most companies allow a ten percent free withdrawal, allowing a transfer to another firm. This ten percent free withdrawal is usually not a cumulative privilege. Another feature offered by variable annuities is dollar cost averaging. This allows an investor to place a systematic transfer of a specific amount each month from one sub-account to another. Theoretically, if the investor purchases shares over a period of time when prices are high and low, the cost per share will be less expensive in the long term using dollar cost averaging. The availability of this option could be an additional feature to consider. Additional Options A recent innovation in ORP and TDA investment products is the trust. This option allows the investor to design a very personal investment. Unlike investing in one family with limited options, through the trust arrangement the investor can mix different funds and cross family lines. The ability to select the top performers, or specific asset classes from several mutual fund families, is a powerful investment tool. Currently, this option is available for fund use only (not multiple variable annuities) through several different trust programs. Another innovation is on the money management side. Texas law, under the section of law that created ORP, allows the use of independent professional investment advisors. The fee for this service can vary, but may not exceed two percent annually. The recognition by the investment community that this service can be provided to faculty has added a new dimension to ORP and TDA accounts. Money management has many schools of thought. There are extremes. At one extreme are the institutional investors who typically use asset class selection with systematic rebalancing. At the other extreme are the market timers. This theory purports the ability to take advantage of upswings while limiting the downside. Of course, most theories and services fall between these extremes. Summary As with all cash accumulation plans, investment performance may vary. There are no guarantees. This study should not be the sole basis for investment decisions. The final decision regarding retirement investments should remain between the investor and the investment professional, when utilized. A properly designed program can be developed to enhance performance and maximize gains given the investors risk tolerance level.

ORP/TDA Analysis

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TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

Participate in Friday morning legislative visits to the Capitol. Support fellow colleagues as they speak to current trends in higher education. Network with members during evening social hour and banquet. Vote on important TACT items.

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Texas Association of College Teachers

TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin


The James M. Puckett, Ph. D. Government Relations Fund
The TACT Dr. James M. Puckett, Ph.D. Government Relations Fund is a result of optional contributions made by those committed to TACTs public affairs program. It is not used for candidate contributions, but for activities that will increase awareness of TACT among opinion leaders of public policy. Your contribution will assist in TACTs legislative efforts to improve Texas higher education. All expenditures are approved in advance by TACTs President, President-elect and Legislative Committee Chair.

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

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TACT Texas Association of College Teachers


Defending Academic Freedom

The TACT Quarterly eBulletin

CONTENTS
Cover Page Index Letter from the President Executive Directors Report The Legacy of TACT Legislative Update Faculty Salary Comparison 2011 ORP Study Fall Conference GRF Contributions Membership

New Membership Rates!


Please note the recent changes in our membership rates through the end of this membership year. $158 Regular Membership. Professional staff, full-time faculty, librarians, administrators and other professionals. Includes Educators Professional Liability Insurance starting 11/1/2011 and ending 10/31/2012. $113 Affiliate Membership. Administrative assistants, retired faculty, parttime faculty, graduate students, subscription members and libraries. Includes Educators Professional Liability Insurance starting 11/1/2011 and ending 10/31/2012. $250 Annual Business Membership.

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