Student Studies Effects of Changes in University Retirement Plan

Sarah Brasche, an undergraduate student majoring in finance, needs the help of university employees in studying the effects on retirement savings from recent changes to the University of Arkansas Retirement Plan that required mandatory contributions for all full-time employees. 

Brasche is conducting the research for her Honors thesis under the supervision of Tim Yeager, professor and Arkansas Bankers Association Chair in Banking in the Department of Finance. "The information gathered is important because it will inform our university community of the effects of the changes on employees' preparedness for retirement and on household budgets," Yeager said.  "It will also assist an outstanding student with her interesting and relevant research."

Mandatory contributions began with fiscal year 2017 at 1% and have increased by 1% each year. "Those contributions will cap at 5% in FY 2022, which begins July 1, 2021," Yeager said. He said the survey questions, which have been approved by the Institutional Review Board, should take only five to 10 minutes to complete.

"There are no foreseeable risks in taking this survey," Yeager said. "If you are uncomfortable with any question, you do not need to answer it. You may stop participating in the survey at any time." He said all responses will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law and university policy.

You can fill out the survey here. The survey must be completed by end of day July 13.

Should you have questions about the survey itself or how it will be used, you can contact Yeager at (479) 575-2992 or tyeager@uark.edu.

You may also contact the University of Arkansas Office of Research Compliance if you have questions about your rights as a participant or to discuss any concerns about or problems with the research.