FYI:

http://www.tiaa-cref.org/ras/incopt/tpa.html

"Group Retirement Annuities
GRA participants can withdraw TIAA Traditional funds using the ten-year TPA method. They can also take their accumulations over a fixed period ranging from five to thirty years, or as a single-sum withdrawal subject to a 2.5 percent fee (provided the withdrawal is within 120 days of termination of employment). "

This 2.5% fee is called a "surrender charge" in my paperwork. (Okay, now do you believe me?)