Guidelines

• Fees are waived for a maximum of two (2) classes, or 6 units, whichever is greater. Exceptions to this limitation are made for employees on leave.
• If the unit/course limitation is exceeded, the employee must pay the difference in fees.
• All classes must be taken for academic credit and meet normal academic standards. Classes may NOT be audited.
• Fee waiver applies to CSU state-supported (general fund) courses only, including state-supported courses that are offered through summer term. Courses in self-support (i.e., Extended Education) programs may not be taken through the CSU Fee Waiver program. In addition, fees for joint doctoral programs that are paid directly to the “partner” university cannot be waived under the CSU Fee Waiver Program.
• Eligible employees enrolled in a Doctoral program are eligible for a partial fee waiver equivalent to the part-time Graduate Tuition fee. Employees are responsible for paying the difference between the applicable Doctorate fee and the part-time Graduate Tuition fee. MPP or C99 doctoral fee waivers shall be in compliance with respective CSU policy.
• An Employee Fee Waiver Application must be submitted for each term of attendance utilizing the fee waiver benefit.
• Fee waiver submission deadlines are determined by each CSU campus. Contact the appropriate campus of attendance for specific requirements. For Sac State, Fee Waiver applications will not be accepted after Census Date of the applied semester.

Enrollment Options

There are two options offered to employees under the CSU Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program:

• Work-Related Option: Work-Related courses are classified as coursework that is necessary for improving skills for existing employment with the CSU. Taking courses for the purposes of obtaining a degree is not required under this avenue. Admission for the purpose of enrolling in courses deemed work-related shall be with the approval of the appropriate campus administrator.
• Career Development Option: Career Development courses are classified as coursework established by the employee and an appropriate advisor of choice and shall be subject to approval by the appropriate administrator in the Human Resource Office. Admission for the purpose of enrolling in courses, as part of an approved individual Career Development Plan, shall be with the approval of the President or designee. These employees shall be required to complete all the forms necessary for regular admission and matriculation at a campus of the California State University.

Release Time for Class Attendance

Most employees shall be granted reasonable release time for one (1) on-campus course per semester term. Discuss with your appropriate administrator to ensure the operational needs of the department are met.

Intercampus Enrollment

Employees may enroll in classes on their own time at other CSU campuses. The Benefits Office will provide the other campus with verification of the employee's fee waiver eligibility. The campus of enrollment will provide guidance to the employee regarding appropriate admission and registration procedures as well as deadlines.

Student Services

Except for instructional services, the university may reduce the level of student services provided to employees enrolled in classes under the fee waiver program. For example, employees are not entitled to use student health services (except for work-related injuries), obtain student status for ASI, Recreational Sports, University Union/WELL activities/membership, or work as a student assistant.

Taxable Educational Benefits

Under current IRS regulations, fees waived for employee undergraduate or graduate coursework are non-taxable up to $5,250 annually.

In-State Residency Requirement

Employees who do not meet established in-state residency requirements must pay non-resident tuition.

How to Get Started

The following provides guidance on the process and your responsibilities:

Talk to your Administrator. Discuss your Career Development Plan and/or proposed class schedule with your appropriate Administrator.

Determine your Fee Waiver option. See enrollment options above. A Fee Waiver Application must be submitted for each term the fee waiver is utilized.

Apply to CSU (for Career Development). You will need to apply to and be admitted to a CSU campus before applying for the fee waiver program. You can apply to the California State University online at Cal State Apply. Once the online application is completed, pay the application fee, and save a copy of the payment receipt.

Complete a Career Development Plan. Download the Career Development Plan on the Learning & Development Career Development web page. Review and complete Steps 1 – 4. Review with your Appropriate Administrator. Once reviewed, route the form via Acrobat Sign to obtain your Appropriate Administrator’s signature. The approved Career Development Plan must be uploaded with your Fee Waiver Application.

Complete the Fee Waiver Application form. Access the Application through Optimize. A Job Aid is available to assist employees. Fee Waiver applications should be submitted at the time of your registration window. If enrolled at a different CSU campus, contact the campus of attendance for their Fee Waiver Application deadline. You will be notified of your Fee Waiver status within approximately 10 business days of your submission of a completed.

If taxable, you will be notified about your taxable amount shortly after the Census date. The additional taxes will be applied to your paycheck in the following pay period. Review the taxability information and be prepared for the additional taxation.

Should you have additional questions, you may contact the Benefits Office at feewaiver@csus.edu.