Skip to main content

Kean University

Apply
Visit

Language selection

Exclamation_Point_2_x2C__Caution_2_x2C__Warning_2 Created with Sketch.

Impending Winter Storm

Due to the impending storm, all classes and activities at Kean’s main campus in Union, Kean Ocean and Kean Skylands will operate remotely on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. 

The University will observe a Winter Wellness Day on Tuesday, January 27, following the storm. Classes and activities will not run, and employees are not expected to work. 

Due to ongoing power problems at the Kean Ocean Gateway Building, all classes and activities at Kean Ocean will also be conducted remotely on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24. This only applies to Kean Ocean. 

Only essential personnel should report to work as scheduled during the remote period or on Tuesday. Employees with questions about their status should consult their supervisor. 

Keanu’s Kitchen will remain open for residential students on the Union campus from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. 

All vehicles parked on the Union campus must be relocated to the Vaughn-Eames overnight parking lot by 6 p.m. on Saturday to allow for storm cleanup. Vehicles parked elsewhere on campus are subject to relocation. 

Self Service Supplemental Retirement Elections

New - Employee Self Service Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit Elections now offered for 403(b) plans in Workday

Beginning Monday, February 2, 2026, all full-time employees and adjuncts will be able to make employee self service 403(b) supplemental retirement plan benefit elections in Workday.

This applies exclusively to the voluntary 403(b) retirement plans, including both pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) options, offered by the following designated service providers:

  • Corebridge (formerly VALIC/AIG)
  • Empower Retirement (formerly Mass Mutual) 
  • Equitable 
  • MetLife/Brighthouse 
  • TIAA 
  • Voya Financial 

This Workday guide will walk you through the enrollment process step-by-step. Once you complete a request to elect/waive 403b payroll deductions in Workday, your request will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources Benefits Team.

  • To explore options: You may enter the Workday “Change Benefit” item under the Benefits and Pay app to explore plan and provider options. No changes will be saved unless you hit the submit button.
  • To make changes: If you would like to elect/update/waive these plans, follow the prompts to submit your selections. You are encouraged to print the 2026 Benefits Summary (which will appear after you submit your elections) as a personal reference.
  • To leave it all as is: If you do not want to make any changes to your 403(b) plan(s), no action is required.
 

Effective Date

All elections processed in Workday for the 403b will be effective as of the first day of the pay period which includes your event date.

 

Active 403(b) account required

Making a request to start a 403b deduction in Workday or to change to a new service provider, does NOT create an automatic 403b enrollment with the designated service provider. Please note that you are required to have an active 403b account with a designated service provider of your choice so that we are able to remit funds to them.

 

Important Reminders:  

  • Newly hired employees that are within the first 60 days of employment must make their 403b elections on their new hire forms. 
  • Employees that are not actively enrolled in a mandatory NJ State administered retirement plan, such as ABP, PERS or PFRS, due to temporary status or being retirees of a NJ State retirement system, that are interested in enrolling in a 403b may contact benefits@kean.edu for special instructions.  If you are in these categories, you will be unable to use the self-service portal to start and/or update your 403b payroll deductions.
  • You may make future 403b changes (elect/waive) as of the start date of any future pay period. See the 2026 Payroll Calendar for details.
  • You must use today's date or a future date for your deduction start date within the current calendar year. The deduction start date cannot be in a future calendar year. You may NOT modify 403b deductions that have occurred in the past or in a completed payroll.
  • This election will represent an electronic 403b Salary Reduction Agreement and shall be legally binding and irrevocable while your employment continues, unless you make a future change.

 

403(b) and 457(b) Contribution Limits Increase in 2026

Annually, the IRS establishes maximum contribution limits for employees who participate in 403(b) retirement savings plans. The 403(b) plan maximum contribution amounts for 2026 are as follows:

  • $24,500 – Annual contribution maximum for individuals ages* 49 and under
  • $8,000 – Catch-up contribution** for individuals ages* 50 to 59 and 64 or older  ($32,500 total annual maximum)
  • $11,250 - Catch-up contribution** for individuals ages* 60 to 63 ($35,750 total annual maximum)

*Age for this purpose is defined as age by the end of the calendar year (i.e., on December 31, 2026).

 

Mandatory Roth Treatment for High Earners

Effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, catch-up contributions to the 403(b) made by employees who earned more than $150,000 (based on prior year compensation on W-2, Box 3) must be designated as after-tax Roth contributions. Employees earning $150,000 or less are exempt from this mandatory Roth treatment and can continue to choose between pre-tax and Roth catch-up contributions.

Resources & Questions

Resources 

403(b) Worksheet – For employees who want to reach a maximum

My Guide - Change Benefits - Enroll/Update 403b & 403b ROTH

Questions

The HR benefits team is here to support you. If you have questions regarding your benefits, please free to contact us:

  • Via email benefits@kean.edu
  • Via phone - Paige O’Brien (908-737-3302) or benefits team contacts
  • In Person - Administration Building 2nd Floor
    • Walk Ins welcome for general questions.
    • Appointments recommended for in-depth topic reviews.