In 2005, TIAA-CREF sponsored its first-ever "Retirement Confidence Survey of College and University Faculty" to discover the answer to this question: How well are faculty members taking advantage of employer-sponsored pension plans and saving for retirement? An additional objective of the project was to compare the survey's findings for higher…

Faculty members should consider becoming more involved in the oversight of their personal retirement funds. Both price and inflation risks are best controlled by taking a balanced or diversified approach to investing, with a portfolio based on a predetermined percentage of each type of investment. (MSE)

The factors faculty should consider in selecting from two investment alternatives in estate planning--the individual retirement account and tax-sheltered annuities--are outlined: maximum annual investment, fund management, contribution timing, penalties, ownership transfers, taxes, and rollovers. Common questions are answered. (MSE)

The drop in the stock markets around the world focuses attention on the role of equities in retirement plans. Steps that faculty members--and specifically those in TIAA-CREF--should consider are presented. (MLW)

Four steps to retirement planning, intended to demystify retirement investment, are offered for college faculty: (1) establish diversification goals; (2) urge their institutions to offer more investment options; (3) coordinate retirement investments with other investments; and (4) take steps to guarantee against inflation. Typical age-related…

As universities become more like businesses, they risk squandering the academic loyalty and public support on which they depend. College and university officials must not be seduced by the spectacular investment returns of the past decade as they put their assets at risk in the pursuit of profit. (Author/MSE)

College and university employees are exposed to considerable risk in the management of their retirement funds, but there are also extraordinary opportunities for careful investors. Colleges should help employees gain knowledge of investing and ensure that a broad range of adequate investment options are available. (MSE)

Variations on the traditional methods of planning for retirement are offered to college faculty, focusing on use of Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) investments, and other pension options. It is concluded that with careful planning, faculty can retire with close to full preretirement…

An officer of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund responds to an article criticizing the funds' pension policy issues and performance. (MSE)

In their use of endowment, real estate, and intellectual property, entrepreneurial institutions are moving aggressively to develop their assets. Although thoughtful and moderate uses of these assets can be financially important during periods of financial pressure, overeager institutions may find the results disastrous, as Boston University's…

Faculty perceptions of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and the College Retirement Equities Fund are noted and the funds' performance in the recent market are criticized for inflexibility and lack of leadership. (MSE)

The advantages and disadvantages of the Teachers Insurance Annuity Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) as investment vehicles for college faculty are examined, and guidelines for faculty to use in evaluating their investment options are offered. Some data on TIAA-CREF performance are included. (MSE)

The Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association (TIAA) is criticized for inadequate financial disclosure of its mortgage and real estate investments, especially in the current market. A TIAA vice president responds that the company has not been remiss in reporting changes to its constituents and outlines its present financial status. (MSE)

Prudent asset-allocation policies, diversity in selection of investment managers, and pursuit of stocks with records of strong performance and controlled volatility averted disastrous losses encountered by the general U.S. market in the October 1987 stock market plunge. College and university endowment spending policies are discussed. (MLW)

The 1980s college enrollment crisis never materialized because demographics are not the sole determinant of enrollment trends. The actual employment and earnings experiences of graduates will heavily influence the economic well-being of most postsecondary institutions. If private investment in postsecondary education remains high, enrollments will…