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Vassar College

403(b) Retirement Plan – Self Directed Brokerage Window Training Sessions

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Available as of August 19, 2025
Self Directed Brokerage Window for the 403(b) Retirement Plan

On Behalf of the Retirement Committee 

Why were changes made to the 403(b) plan?

In Fall 2023, Vassar's Retirement Committee held open forums to discuss whether or not the College should be offerring only one Retirement Provider  for the 403(b) plans or remain with two Providers. As part of the discussions we were asked to consider adding a Self Directed Brokerage Window. Part of our due diligence is to review and discuss with advisors the potential benefits and risks for the eployees. As of August 19, 2025, the Self-Directed Brokerage Window was available through both Providers, Fidelity and TIAA, giving employees the option to independently select from a wider range of investments.

Use of the Self-Directed Brokerage Window is entirely optional and does not affect the investments of those who choose not to participate. For those who do, both Retirement Providers will be offerring informational sessions on how to use their platform as well as the advantages/disadvantages to using a Self Directed Brokerage Window. 

Upcoming Training Sessions

Below you'll find the first in a series of training opportunities on the new Self-Directed Brokerage Window. TIAA will be offering live one-hour presentations to explain how this feature works, its benefits, and how you can take advantage of the expanded investment choices now available. Each session will include a Q&A at the end as well.

Vassar Brokerage Presentation with TIAA

Description: For investors with specialized needs, more choice can mean more opportunity. The TIAA Self-Directed Brokerage account, now available through Vassar College, lets you direct reitrement plan contrbutions across a variety of investments beyond the plan's core lineup.

Fidelity virtual trainings are forthcoming...

What you should consider before choosing to open a Self Directed Brokerage Account? 

  • You will need both a legitimate U.S. residential address and a mailing address. (P.O. boxes are not acceptable as a residential address but may be used for mailing, if a residential address exists.)
  • You will need an established retirement account in Retirement Plans for each brokerage account you want to open.
  • There’s an initial minimum transfer of $1,000 up to 50%, from your retirement account (employee contributions only) to establish the brokerage account.
  • There will be a minimum initial investment of $500 or the required prospectus minimum, whichever is greater, and additional minimums apply for subsequent investments.
  • This account is self-directed. The investments in the brokerage account are not monitored by TIAA, Fidelity or Vassar College.
  • There’s no annual fee or maintenance fees; however, some mutual funds do have investment minimums.* Carefully read through all of the investments before choosing so that you are well informed before making your decisions. 
  • Transaction fees may apply. See the Commissions & Fees section of your Customer Account Agreement for complete details.
  • Returns for mutual funds and other securities are not guaranteed, and you assume all the risks associated with your investment choices. 

Best,
Sonja Krekun
Director, Benefits and Leaves Administration