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Financial Future

Retirement Plan

Whitworth's retirement plan, a 403(b) administered by Principal Financial Group, gives you a convenient and generously subsidized way to save for a more comfortable retirement through payroll deductions.

  1. Participation in the retirement plan is mandatory for all eligible employees at a contribution rate of 2 percent of your base salary. Your participation in the retirement plan starts on the first day of the month following your first day on the job.
  2. Whitworth contributes a mandatory 2 percent of your base salary each month to the retirement plan.
  3. Whitworth matches your discretionary contributions up to an additional 2 percent.
  4. You are always 100 percent vested in the current of your contributions, Whitworth's contributions and all investment earnings. You may choose how to invest your funds within an approved list of investments.

Deadlines

For exempt (salaried) employees, changes to your discretionary contributions (elective deferrals) must be made by the 15th of the current month for changes to be effective on the last pay day of the month. For non-exempt (hourly) employees, changes to your discretionary contributions (elective deferrals) must be made seven days before the end of the pay period for changes to be effective on the following pay day.

Principal Login

  • Website: principal.com. If you have forgotten your password, or wish to make a change, select "Forgot Your Password" on the password entry page. You may also contact a representative for assistance at 1.800.986.3343.

Emeriti Retirement Health (Employees hired before July 1, 2024)

The Emeriti Retirement Health (ERH) program helps employees with healthcare expenses in retirement. Benefits-eligible employees who have attained age 35+ may participate in the program. You must work for Whitworth for at least five years before being vested in the ERH. Note: Lecturers were ineligible to participate

Resources

  • Personal Meeting: Virtual 1:1 schedule a meeting with a Principal Retirement Specialist
  • On-demand Video: Understanding Your 403(b) Plan overview of general retirement strategies plus Jan. 1 changes to the WURP
  • On-demand Video: Principal Website Demo learn how to login to your account, make changes to your deferrals, check your wellness score and access Principal's participant resources
  • WURP Plan Document: review the revised plan document effective Jan. 1, 2023