1. (a) Arkansas Code § 24-7-1002 requires certain employees of state universities, colleges, and community colleges to be enrolled in the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System, rather than the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System or the College Alternate Plan.
2. (b) Beginning November 20, 1997, those individuals first employed by the various colleges, universities, or community colleges in pay Grade 17 and below shall become members of Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System.
3. (c) All members of Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System who are promoted to a position Grade 18 and above will automatically become a member of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System or the College Alternate Plan unless they choose to remain in the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System.

4. (d) Notwithstanding this section in effect on November 20, 1997, any employee first hired by a state college or university (other than an institution in the University of Arkansas system), after the effective date of Acts 2001, No. 765, may choose to participate in:

   1. (1) The Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System;
   2. (2) The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System; or
   3. (3) An alternate plan as offered by the college or university.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows: "307 – 1997 (5) – Participation in APERS Under the Provisions of Act 76 of 1997 (as amended May 2001)"