If you are new to the area, welcome to Wichita Falls!  

Prior to or on your first day, new employees will complete and provide the following:

  • Form I-9 - Prior to or on your first day of work, complete section I and provide original unexpired documents for completion of a Form I-9 (required of all employees); list of acceptable documents are included on the Form I-9 instructions page.
  • Social security card. For payroll purposes, employees must be able to present a copy of his/her social security card even if you choose not to use this card to complete your I-9.  Your name for payroll will be exactly as it appears on your card.  If you do not have a social security card, please locate the nearest Social Security office for a replacement.
  • Bring bank account information to set up direct deposit information, complete tax information (W-4) in our Payrolldepartment, Hardin, Admin Bldg., Room 209.

All forms and documents will be turned in to Human Resources, Hardin Admin Bldg., Room 210

In addition to the information listed above, new employees will receive notification on the following:

New to campus?  Take a virtual tour of our beautiful campus online.  Or see what's happening around Wichita Falls! 

On behalf of the Human Resources Department, we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Questions? Contact Ivon Mendoza at ivon.mendoza@msutexas.edu or (940) 397-4207  

The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) administers our insurance benefits.  During new employee orientation, you will receive benefit & retirement information in detail and have an opportunity to ask questions prior to making your insurance elections. Please review the New Employee Benefits Guide or our Human Resources Insurance Webpage for an overview of benefits and coverage. 


Please also take time to review the following information below prior to New Employee Orientation.

  • 60 Day Waiting Period – There is a 60 day waiting period for medical coverage to begin. After 60 days, the state pays the premium for full time employee health insurance. The state pays for ½ of the premium for eligible dependents’ health insurance. (benefit eligible, part time employee amounts prorated). If you will be adding dependents (spouse and /or children) to your benefits, please be sure to have their social security numbers and date of births with you during orientation.
  •  HIPAA Notice 
  •  (TRS) online questionnaire  - Please complete in regards to plan year 2023-2024. 
  • Summer Insurance Billing – If your earnings will be paid in less than 12 months, please complete in regards to your benefit premium payment.
  • Benefits Overview    
Please contact Liza Villadiego, Benefits Administrator, (940)397-4133 if you have any questions or would like more information.

If your new position deems you eligible to choose your retirement plan, the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), the choice between TRS and ORP is a one-time, irrevocable decision, and you have a 90 day window of opportunity to choose between the two. 

Overview of TRS and ORP 

TRS - Defined Benefit Retirement Program

  • Provides stability and does not require investment decisions by individual members; annuity at retirement for life in form of fixed formula.
  • Vested in 5 years
  • Provides death and disability coverage from first day of membership
  • System administrative costs are paid with very small percentages of investment income
  • Employee contribution of 8.25%, employer contribution of 8.25%. The university manages the contributions on your behalf
  • Simple Option

ORP - Defined Contribution Plan

  • Based on your accumulated contributions, employer contributions and investment earnings.  Contributions are invested in a 403(b) account, similar to a 401(k) plan, and you are responsible for monitoring your own investments. Entails more individual risk and responsibility; and allows you more ownership and flexibility. 
  • Vested in 1 year and 1 day
  • No provisions for death and disability benefits
  • Administrative costs are paid by the participant in the form of fees, loads, and /or amount of interest paid
  • Employee contribution of 6.65%, employer contribution 6.6%

TRS is the default retirement plan for the state of Texas and will continue to be deducted from your pay unless or until you make a positive election toward ORP in your first 90 days of employment.

Please contact Courtney Grimes, Assistant Director, Human Resources (940) 397-4784 if you have any questions or would like more information.