To provide the faculty of 4-year universities with the means to inform the Texas public, Governor, Legislature, other state and private agencies of the views and concerns of higher education, as well as keep TACT's members and constituents informed of the various issues that impact upon higher education.
90 Days to Decide: ORP or TRS?
If you're a new appointee who is qualified for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), you have just 90 days in which to decide which retirement program you will use. Even visiting professors and those in Texas on short term assignment need to make this decision if there is even the slightest chance of returning to Texas higher education. Veteran faculty should make sure that all new faculty members receive a copy of the TACT Bulletin, are aware of the importance in making such a decision, and are encouraged to join TACT. Did you know . . . that Texas law requires all full-time university employees to participate in either ORP or Teacher Retirement System (TRS)? Did you know . . . that as new employees, you will automatically be placed in TRS unless you have elected ORP before your first paycheck? Did you know . . . Faculty, librarians and other professionals, not including anyone in a classified position, may choose the optional alternative but must make this choice during the first ninety days of employment in a qualified position. Once made, the decision is irreversible and will continue in force for the full duration of employment in any Texas public institution of higher education. Changes in positions or institutions and interruptions in service notwithstanding, the decision for ORP or TRS will hold for all time.
The Texas Association of College Teachers was founded in 1948 to provide services and representation to faculty, staff, and librarians of Texas Senior public colleges and universities. TACT employs full-time legislative representatives to advocate for Texas faculty on issues of salary, benefits, retirement, academic freedom and the like. They work at both the legislative and state agency levels and have succeeded in having the legislature increase salary and benefits in the past and in staving off a tax on benefits.
The "TACT Legislative First Alerts " provide members with same-day developments on public policy issues, enabling them to contact their legislators with up-to-the-moment knowledge.
Two annual conferences in Austin bring members together to network, visit with elected and agancy officials and interact with invited experts who influence Texas higher education.
"The TACT Quarterly eBulletin", highlighting association news and developments in the profession, is sent to TACT members, legislators, libraries, and other relevant agencies. The annual ORP issue, now in its 34th year, has gained international attention as the only comparison vehicle of financial products offered as part of the Optional Retirement Program for Texas faculty.
The Educators' Professional Liability Insurance protects TACT members' careers and assets. The TACT State Office, located in Austin, provides administrative and program support for the association leadership and membership.
The TACT James M. Puckett, PhD Government Relations Fund is used for programs approved by the GRF governing board for public policy advocacy in political affairs -- beyond the traditional activities funded from the Association's operating budget.