Section 2.1
Date:    February 1989 (revised)

SURVIVOR BENEFITS

I.        PURPOSE:

            To advise the family of a deceased employee on what steps to take to obtain survivor benefits associated
            with employment at the University.

II.        RESPONSIBILITY:

            The Assistant Vice President for Human Resource Administration will administer the policy and advise the
            family of a deceased employee via the Employee Benefits Section of the Office of Human Resource
            Administration.

III.        POLICY:

            The University offers members of the surviving family special assistance during what is often a difficult and
            trying time in initiating the process of obtaining survivor benefits.

IV.        PROCEDURE:

            A personalized letter is sent to each family of a deceased employee outlining the specific survivor benefits
            and the procedures required to obtain them, as well as offering the assistance of the Office of Human
            Resource Administration in processing the necessary forms.  A sample of survivor benefits and requisite
            procedures follows:

            1.    Employee's Retirement System

            a.    In Service:

                   In the event of an employee's death while in service from any cause other than occupational, the
                  designated beneficiary of the employee's estate is entitled to receive a lump-sum refund of the employee's
                  accumulated contributions (if the optional annuity protection plan was not elected).  In addition to the
                  refund, a death benefits equal to $800 a year, subject to a maximum of $16,000 and a minimum of $4,000
                  is payable to the beneficiary.

            b.    Accidental:

                   If the employee's death is a direct, result of the performance of duties or occupation, a refund of total
                   contributions to the system will be made to the designated beneficiary. in addition, the board may grant
                   an annuity of one-half of the deceased employee's salary, which was received upon the date of death
                   to the spouse until the spouse's death or remarriage.  If there is no surviving spouse, the monthly benefit
                   is payable to minor children until they attain the age of 18. If there is no surviving spouse, or children
                   under the age of 18, the monthly benefit is payable to a dependent father or mother for life.  The monthly
                   amount of this benefit is to offset any Worker's Compensation payment that may be made to an eligible
                   survivor.

            The Employees Retirement System Office requires notification and a copy of the death certificate in order
            to process benefits.

            2.    TIAA/CREF Retirement Plan

                    The full current value of the deceased employee's TIAA/CREF accumulations, including the University's
                    contributions, is payable to the beneficiary.

                    There are four options for payment of this death benefit (which has been predetermined by the employee
                    or left to the discretion of the beneficiary).

                    a.    Income for the lifetime of the beneficiary with payments ceasing at his or her death.

                    b.    Income for the lifetime of the beneficiary with a minimum number of payments guaranteed.

                    c.    Income for a fixed period of years.

                    d.    The accumulation may be left on deposit for later payment under any of the above options.

            The family of the deceased employee should contact TIAA/CREF at 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
            (1-800-842-2776) in order to process benefits.  To arrange for more detailed information concerning the
            beneficiary options, TIAA/CREF also requires the deceased employee's contract numbers.  The Office of
            Human Resource Administration has a record of these contract numbers.

            3.    Social Security:

                    Social Security should be notified as soon as possible.

                    A list of the state's social security offices is maintained in the Office of Human Resource Administration.

            4.    Health and Life Insurance:

                    The family of a deceased employee may maintain the employee's family health insurance coverage for
                    36 months by paying for it at the special University group rate.  At the end of the 36 month period, the
                    family may convert to a direct payment plan.  The family should contact the State COBRA office located
                    at One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 (222-3279).

                    If the deceased employee carried the University's life insurance, the family should contact the State
                    Employee Benefits Office at One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 (222-2770).

            5.    Paycheck Refunds:

                   The immediate family goes to the Treasury Office at 198 Dyer Street, Providence, RI 02903 in order
                   to sign for and obtain paycheck refunds. A copy of the death certificate is required.