KCTCS Retiree

Announcing Updates to the KCTCS Retirement Program

Our records indicate that you currently have a balance in a KCTCS 403(b) or 457 retirement account, and we want to share an important update regarding the KCTCS 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans.

To enhance the management of these plans, KCTCS partnered with CAPTRUST, an independent advisory firm that supports more than 180 universities nationwide, including several in Kentucky. CAPTRUST was engaged to provide expert guidance and ensure our plans follow best practices and meet all legal requirements.

One of CAPTRUST’s key recommendations was to establish a Retirement Plan Oversight Committee. After reviewing our current structure, the Committee determined that updating the plans would strengthen their long-term effectiveness and reduce investment and recordkeeping fees for most participants.

What’s changing? 

KCTCS will reduce the number of service providers from four to two. TIAA and Fidelity will remain, but American Century and Voya will no longer be available.

Other changes include:

  • Updating the plans’ investment lineups to continue offering a diversified mix of investments for you to choose from, with some options available at a lower cost
  • Adding new investing services
  • Increasing fee transparency so you can continue to track your expenses.

How the changes impact you 

  • If you have a TIAA account, your eligible balances may move to a new account and investment service based on how you are invested today. You may also be affected by investment changes that took effect Mar. 31, including the addition of a self-directed brokerage option, as well as share class changes taking effect on July 3.
  • If you have a Fidelity account, your available investment options were updated on Mar. 31, including a new self-directed brokerage account option. And depending on how you’re invested today, your existing balances may transfer to new investment options on Jun. 30.
  • If you have an American Century account, your current balance will move to a new TIAA account and into a new investment service. If you prefer, you may choose to transfer your balance to Fidelity instead. Please contact Fidelity directly to complete this process. Representatives are available to help with that transition.

If you prefer to keep your balance at American Century, please contact American Century to discuss your options.

  • If you have a Voya account, the changes will not impact you. Voya balances are not impacted by the changes and will remain at Voya.

Do I need to do anything? 

No. You may choose or change your service provider and investments at any time, but the Committee designed these updates so that no action is required on your part.

TIAA and Fidelity webinars 

If you currently use—or will be choosing between—TIAA or Fidelity, you can join a webinar explaining how the changes affect accounts and what to consider when selecting a provider.

Register for a webinar with TIAA – Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. 

Register for a webinar with Fidelity – Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. 

  • Visit bit.ly/kctcs-fidelity
  • Choose “Virtual Event” in the Select Event Type drop-down menu to complete your registration.

A comprehensive transition guide will be mailed to you on April 15, 2026 

KCTCS has developed a comprehensive transition guide. This handbook provides an overview of the upcoming plan changes and applies to all participants enrolled in a KCTCS 403(b) or 457(b) account. Additionally, it includes key resources and carrier contact details.

While the guide is being mailed on April 15th, it may take a few days to reach your mailbox.

If you have questions now 

If you have questions before TIAA and Fidelity begin communicating in April, please reach out to us at employeebenefits@kctcs.edu or call us at 859-256-3456.

Thank you,

KCTCS Benefit Operations