§ 180. Definitions. Wherever used in this part V of this article:

1. The term "eligible employee" means each employee of the education
department who occupies a position which is designated by the
commissioner as requiring the rendering of professional services within
the field of supervision of higher education, and who, at the time of
his initial employment with the department or within one year prior
thereto, owns or owned a contract which may legally be continued
pursuant to this part. An eligible employee who has elected to be
covered by the education department optional retirement program shall
not be deemed ineligible by virtue of a subsequent assignment within the
education department to a sphere of responsibility outside of the field
of supervision of higher education. No person receiving a retirement
benefit from any retirement or pension system of New York state or any
political subdivision thereof shall be eligible to elect the education
department optional retirement program.

2. The term "education department optional retirement program" means
the retirement program established pursuant to part V of this article.

3. The term "electing employee" means any eligible employee who
exercises his election pursuant to this part V of this article to
participate in the education department optional retirement program.

4. The term "state salary" means all amounts paid by or for the state
as compensation for services rendered by an eligible employee.

5. The term "insurer" means a life insurance corporation, or other
corporation, subject to department of financial services supervision.