# Pre-Retirement Planning Course (FERS Participants Only) Canonical URL: ## Overview Obtain the information you need to make fully informed decisions about retirement. Gain valuable retirement planning information related to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). Learn how Social Security benefits are calculated, and how your health and life insurance benefits carry over into retirement. Learn about Medicare and Thrift Savings Plan withdrawal options. Receive an overview of financial and estate planning. ## What you'll learn - Determine when you are able to retire and explain the major steps involved in the retirement application process. - Understand how your basic annuity will be computed and what benefits will be payable to your survivors. - Identify your federal health and life insurance benefits after retirement, as well as your entitlement to Social Security benefits, including Medicare, and how/whether your Social Security benefit will be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision. - Identify your retirement income needs. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Introduction to Federal Benefits - Overview some elements of planning for retirement. - Introduce the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). #### Module 2: Retirement Eligibility - Identify the types of retirement available under FERS. - Determine when you are eligible to retire. - Using the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) chart, identify your minimum retirement age under FERS. - Determine your optimum retirement date. - Explain the eligibility requirements for special provision retirements (i.e., air traffic controllers, military reserve technicians, law enforcement officers, and firefighters). #### Module 3: Annuity Computations - Define creditable service under FERS. - Define “high-three average salary.” - Explain how the basic annuity is computed. - Identify the types of adjustments that can be applied to annuities under FERS. - Define Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), and explain how they are applied to FERS annuities. #### Module 4: Processing the Retirement Application - Identify the various retirement application forms under FERS. - Explain the steps that must be taken by the retiring employee and the agency to ensure that the application process is managed properly. - Identify sources of information available to federal employees and retirees. - Explain how to avoid common problems in the retirement application process. - Understand the new Online Retirement Application (ORA). #### Module 5: Survivor Benefits - Identify who may be eligible to receive a survivor benefit. - Explain the types of benefits payable to survivors of deceased federal employees. - Identify the types of survivor benefit elections that can be made by FERS employees at retirement. - Explain the types of benefits payable to survivors of deceased federal retirees. - Describe how court-ordered survivor annuities can affect survivor benefit elections made by retiring employees. #### Module 6: Health Benefits (FEHB), Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP), and Life Insurance (FEGLI) - Identify important features of FEHB. - Explain eligibility requirements to continue FEHB coverage into retirement. - Describe FEHB coverage options and costs for annuitants. - Explain options if not eligible to continue FEHB coverage into retirement. - Understand Premium Conversion and Flexible Spending Accounts. - Understand the basic provisions of the Federal Dental and Vision Insurance Plans. - Identify features of the Long-Term Care (FLTCIP) Insurance Program. - Explain important features of FEGLI. - Explain eligibility requirements to continue FEGLI coverage into retirement. - Explain FEGLI post-retirement coverage options and costs of premiums. - Explain methods of payment options for FEGLI benefits. #### Module 7: Thrift Savings Plan Participation and Withdrawal Options - Define TSP participation requirements. - Understand the various investment funds and tax treatment options within the TSP. - Identify the TSP withdrawal options. #### Module 8: Social Security and Medicare Benefits - Define key components and key terms in the Social Security program. - Understand Social Security eligibility requirements. - Understand how Social Security benefits are computed. - Determine coverage under the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). - Understand Medicare coverage eligibility requirements for federal retirees. #### Module 9: Income Tax Considerations - Explain how basic tax rules apply to benefits received by retired federal employees or their survivors. - Explain how TSP payments are taxed. - Describe how Social Security benefits are taxed. - Identify sources of information to assist with tax questions. ## Schedule - Jul 16, 2026 – Jul 17, 2026 — Live Online - Aug 18, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 16, 2026 – Sep 17, 2026 — Live Online - Oct 19, 2026 – Oct 20, 2026 — Live Online - Nov 9, 2026 – Nov 10, 2026 — Live Online - Dec 10, 2026 – Dec 11, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Dan Kowalski — Instructor Dan Kowalski brings over three decades of HR expertise, primarily from his 33-year career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA). As a line manager for 21 years in large medical centers in the NYC/NJ area, he gained hands-on experience in managing complex HR operations. He also served on the VHA Human Resources Management Group, providing consulting services to senior leadership and representing the VHA on national labor-management and employee survey initiatives. Notably, he was part of a national action research project addressing workplace stress and aggression, designing interventions to improve employee satisfaction and service delivery. Dan has extensive experience in designing and facilitating training programs for federal agencies, including the Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Energy, and Naval Sea Systems Command. His expertise spans strategic human capital management, workforce planning, internal HR consulting, and supervisory training. He has also developed and delivered courses on HR data utilization, recruiting via social media, and job analysis, using adult action learning principles to foster engagement and practical application. His work has taken him across the U.S. and internationally, providing HR consulting and training to organizations such as the Federal Railroad Administration, Forest Service, and USAID, as well as advising governments in Japan, Indonesia, and Micronesia. A published author and active member of the Academy of Management, Dan has presented at national and international conferences on organizational development and evidence-based management. He holds a B.A. from Canisius College and an M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. With a career dedicated to advancing HR practices and leadership development, Dan continues to share his wealth of knowledge as an instructor and consultant. ### Judy Mintze — Instructor Judy Mintze is a retired Federal HR instructor with over 30 years of experience specializing in Federal Human Resource Processing and Personnel Actions (FPPA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and has dedicated her career to teaching federal HR professionals. Judy is known for creating engaging and inclusive learning environments where participants feel empowered to ask questions and apply federal laws, rules, and regulations to their work. Her expertise spans a wide range of HR topics, including recruitment, pay setting, and personnel action processing. During her tenure as an HR Specialist at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), Judy served as a Senior Human Resource Instructor, training newly hired HR staff on complex topics such as developing assessment materials, adjudicating veterans' preferences, and setting pay. She also developed course materials, lesson plans, and examinations, ensuring her students were well-equipped to navigate the complexities of federal HR processes. Judy’s passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as she has also conducted federal resume writing workshops and contributed to process improvement projects to streamline hiring practices. ### Natalya H. Bah — Instructor Natalya Bah has been a part-time instructor at the Graduate School USA for over fifteen years. Natalya teaches across multiple curricula, including Leadership and Management, Project Management, and Human Resources. She has created a curriculum for the school, including Change Management Workshops and project management courses. She has served as an action learning coach, instructor, and facilitator for government leadership programs in the Center for Leadership and Management. Natalya also provides self-assessments and dynamic team-building sessions on behalf of the Graduate School USA. Outside of Graduate School USA, Ms. Bah is a self-employed business owner providing executive coaching, training, and consulting services to the public and private sectors. She created the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process™ and is a certified Birkman Method© Consultant. She received her Master of Science degree in Project Management from George Washington University’s School of Business, where she served as a teaching assistant and received the Project Management Award. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). ### Richard Rodieck — Instructor Richard Rodieck is a seasoned human resources professional and instructor with over 50 years of experience in federal HR management, specializing in position classification, staffing, and organizational development. A retired federal employee, Richard has held leadership roles in agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, USDA, and the Department of Justice, where he managed classification programs, developed HR policies, and supervised large teams of HR specialists. Notably, he served as Chief of the Corporate Classification Team for the U.S. Forest Service, where he reviewed and certified over 2,600 Standard Position Descriptions (SPDs) and resolved complex classification issues. Richard’s expertise extends to developing training programs, authoring HR handbooks, and providing technical guidance to senior leadership. Since 1998, Richard has been an instructor at Graduate School USA, where he has authored and revised numerous HR textbooks and self-paced courses. His teaching portfolio includes a wide range of federal HR topics, with a focus on classification principles and practices. Richard’s dedication to excellence has earned him multiple Faculty Excellence Awards from Graduate School USA, including recognition as HRM Instructor of the Year. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Richard also holds advanced coursework in public administration from California State University, Sacramento. ### Victoria Cox — Instructor Dr. Victoria Cox is a seasoned professional with over 31 years of distinguished service in the federal government. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and brings a wealth of expertise to her role as an instructor. Since joining Graduate School USA in 2023, Dr. Cox has been dedicated to teaching Human Resources courses, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and inspire the next generation of HR professionals. ### Adrianna Harden — Instructor Adrianna is a retired federal Human Resources (HR) Senior Leader who dedicated her civil service career serving America’s veterans. She retired after spending over 32 years in HR, working at Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Regional Office, and Field facilities. She passionately shares her wealth of HR knowledge to all who are interested. She loves learning and intentionally commits to learning “something new” every day. In addition to her extensive HR experience, she has a Master’s degree in Management Technology and HRM. She is certified as a Senior HR Professional with the Society of Human Resources Management organization. ### Sarah Gurwitz — Instructor Sarah Gurwitz brings over 30 years of expertise in Human Resource Management, currently serving as an HR consultant for both federal and private sector organizations. She is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Administration, where she designs and teaches graduate-level courses in Human Resource Management for the MPA program. Sarah’s career includes more than two decades as the Director of Human Resource Management at a VA Medical Center in New York City, alongside 10 years as an HR Consultant to the office of the Under Secretary for the Veterans Health Administration. Her recent work spans HR training, the development and delivery of diverse Human Capital programs, HR program assessments, technical HR guidance, organizational evaluations, workforce planning, and policy development. She has collaborated with several federal agencies, including Homeland Security, the Defense Logistics Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Justice, as well as private-sector not-for-profit religious organizations. Sarah has also volunteered with the Peace Corps in South America and currently works as a tour guide specializing in New York's historic Lower East Side. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and Education from SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia NY and a Master of Arts in Education from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. She has taken numerous continuing education classes in Human Resource Management, computer skill development, and leadership. ### Sineta Scott Robertson — Instructor With nearly four decades of distinguished service in federal Human Resources leadership, Sineta Scott Robertson is a seasoned executive and educator recognized for her expertise in Title 5 Human Resources, workforce planning, organizational design, and employee engagement. She has dedicated her career to advancing strategic human capital management across Cabinet-level agencies, serving as both a transformative leader and trusted advisor to senior executives and policymakers. Throughout her career, Sineta has held pivotal leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Housing & Urban Development, and Department of Agriculture, where she guided national HR policy, labor relations, workforce innovation, and program oversight. Notable achievements include leading the Department of Transportation’s efforts to become a “Telework Ready” agency, implementing its HR Accountability and Pathways Programs, and spearheading process improvements that significantly reduced error rates and enhanced performance management scores. Beyond government service, Sineta has extended her expertise to the classroom as an Adjunct Human Resources Instructor with Graduate School USA, where she equips HR professionals, supervisors, and executives with practical and technical knowledge in federal human resources systems, policies, and practices. In 2014, she founded Perspectives for Peace, LLC, a consulting and Christian coaching practice. Through this work, she partners with organizations to strengthen HR effectiveness and provides faith-based executive and life coaching, helping leaders align purpose, performance, and peace. Her career is marked by a commitment to people—helping agencies build high-performing, motivated workforces while guiding individuals to unlock their potential and live with clarity of purpose. Sineta holds a master’s in Christian counseling from Newburgh Theological Seminary (2024) and is a Doctoral Candidate in Christian Counseling (expected 2026). She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Washington Baptist Theological Seminary. A respected professional, mentor, and faith-driven leader, Sineta Scott Robertson continues to merge her passion for organizational excellence with her calling to serve others through coaching, teaching, and ministry. ### DeShanta Hinton — Instructor DeShanta N. Hinton is a Human Resources Professional who has experience serving in various capacities across the HR industry. She has a proven track record of leading Staffing, Recruitment, and Classification teams. During her 35-year tenure as a federal government employee, she has worked in 5 different agencies where she became well-versed in the following HR areas: Recruitment & Staffing, Personnel Processing, eOPF administration & maintenance, Quality Assurance, Benefits & Compensation, and Employee & Labor Relations. DeShanta is enthusiastic about writing and mentoring. In 2018, she became a published author. Collaborating with other women of influence and information, this humbling experience provided DeShanta with a therapeutic process for healing, growing, maturing, and becoming a better version of herself. Through her heart’s work, in 2016, DeShanta began partnering with a few non-profit organizations across the Washington, DC metro area to formally mentor low-income Washingtonians. Leaning into her love for learning, DeShanta furthered her education by obtaining the following degrees: an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, as well as a Master of Science in Human Resources and a Master of Business Administration. Her passion for Human Resources ignited her journey to becoming an Instructor at the Graduate School, where she now facilitates Human Resources Management courses. She is a native Washingtonian and enjoys spending time with her family, spending time outdoors, and growing plants in her spare time. ### Caren Eirkson — Instructor Ms. Eirkson has over 32 years of experience in Federal Human Resources. She retired in June 2010 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. She began her Federal career as a GS-2 Mail Clerk for the Department of the Army in 1978. But in a short time, she was promoted to a GS-4 Teletypist with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and realized that human resources would be her calling. Ms. Eirkson was selected as a Personnel Intern with VA in 1981 and subsequently served as an HR Specialist in Staffing, Classification, and Employee Relations at the New Orleans and Coatesville VA Medical Centers. Ms. Eirkson furthered her career by holding management-level positions within VA Human Resources. She was the Chief Human Resources Officer for the National Cemetery Administration for 7 years. She also served as one of VA’s specialists for the Executive Resources Service managing performance for the Department’s SES, as technical expert on employee relations issues, and as the Assistant Personnel Officer at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center. Ms. Eirkson was appointed to the position of Director for VA’s Central Office Human Resources Service on October 1, 2006, and served in that capacity for 3.5 years. Prior to that, she held the position of VA’s Suitability and Adjudication Program Manager for 3 years. In this capacity, she managed the suitability and adjudication program in VA. She was also responsible for the implementation of e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigative Processing) in VA and was a key member of the Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Project Team. She also provided assistance and guidance on all other Title 5 and Title 38 staffing issues. Ms. Eirkson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro State University in Pennsylvania and has done graduate work at the University of New Orleans. She is a graduate of the Leadership VA Program, Class of 1998. Ms. Eirkson is now enjoying retirement and occupying her time consulting and training in Federal HR and primarily serving as an instructor for the Graduate School USA. She saves lots of time for other pleasures in life, such as family and friends, travel, scuba diving, reading, and good food and wine. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $899