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Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Employee Fee Waiver

 

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Page Last Revised on 12/10/2008

 

[HREO Home]  [What is Fee Waiver?]  [Employee Eligibility] [Description] [ Types of Fee Waiver] [How to Apply]  [Dependent Eligibility]  [Applying for Dependent Fee Waiver ]  [Other Important Information ]   

I. WHAT IS FEE WAIVER?

The Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program is a benefit for eligible employees of the CSU system. It allows eligible employees to participate in CSU general fund courses at reduced rates and the waiver of some fees.  In most cases an employee may enroll in a maximum of two courses or 6 units, whichever is greater, per semester or quarter. As defined in the collective bargaining agreements (CBA), an employee may transfer the fee waiver and reduction benefit to a spouse, registered domestic partner or dependent child.   

At California State University San Marcos the Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program is administered by Human Resources and Equal Opportunity. Questions regarding the program can be directed to Deborah Coronado, Associate Director, HREO, at dcoronad@csusm.edu, or by phone 760-750-4416.

Guidelines for administering the Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program can be found in:

Executive Order 712  - Delegations of Authority and Procedures for the Administration of Fee Waivers and Reductions for the Employee Training and Career Development. Date: 1/1/2000(supercedes and updates EO 491).

 Technical Letter HR/Benefits 2004-25 CSU Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program (supercedes HR 2002-30).        

C
ollective bargaining agreements (CBA) listed below.   

    Unit 1 (Physicians)– Article 25
 
   Units 2, 5, 7, 9 (CSUEU) – Article 22
    Unit 3 (Faculty) – Article 26
   
Unit 4 *(Academic Professionals) – Article 16

    
*Mutual Modification of Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 3. 6/6/02
   
Unit 6 (Skilled Trades) – Article 27
    Unit 8 (University Police) – Article 20
   
Unit 10 (IUOE) – Article 28        

In cases where provisions in Executive Order 712 are in conflict with the CBA, the CBA shall govern for persons in that CBA unit, except for the fee schedule. 

II.  ELIGIBILITY
    A.    Employee Eligibility

Bargaining Unit Eligibility Requirements

Units 2,5,7,9 (CSUEU)
Unit 4 (Academic Professionals) 
Unit 6 (Skilled Trades)
Unit 10 (IUOE)

Full -time employees (i.e. permanent, temporary and probationary) and part-time permanent employees.
 
Unit 3 (Faculty) Tenured* and probationary faculty unit employees, and temporary faculty unit employees with at least 6 years of full-time equivalent service in one department.
 

Unit 1 (Physicians)
Unit 8 (Public Safety)
C99 (Confidential) **
E99 (Excluded) **
M98  (Executive)

 

Full or part-time permanent and full-time probationary employees (no temporary). FERP employees are only eligible for fee waiver during the semesters/quarters when they are actively employed.
** C99 and E99 employees can only attain permanent status in part-time positions as a result of completing a probationary period in a full-time position and, subsequently, reducing their time-base.
 
M80 (MPP) Full-Time employees (includes temporary).

*FERP employees are considered tenured faculty and are eligible for fee waiver only during the semesters/quarters when they are actively employed.   

Note:  Please check Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for provisions concerning the appointment of part-time permanent employees.

B.    Dependent Eligibility

Bargaining Unit Eligible Dependents
Unit 2,5,7,9 (CSUEU)
Unit 3 (Faculty)
Unit 4 (Academic Professionals)
C99 (Confidential)
M80 (MPP) 
M98 (Executives)
Spouse, Registered Domestic Partner**, or dependent Child *.
   
Unit 8 (Public Safety) Spouse or Dependent Child*
   
Unit 10 (IUOE)
E99 (Excluded)
N/A

* Dependent Child - child or stepchild under age 23, living with you in a parent-child relationship who is economically dependent on you, and  has never been married, or your child or stepchild age 23 or above who is incapable of self-support due to a disability which existed prior to age 23.    Dependent child age limit for CSUEU employees ONLY is age 25.

** Registered Domestic Partner - Criteria for domestic partners shall be those used to determine eligibility for health benefits.
 

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III. DESCRIPTION OF EMPLOYEE FEE WAIVER BENEFIT

A.  State University Fees Waived Up to two courses or six units, whichever is greater, per term.  Employees taking courses in addition to the fee waiver courses shall pay any difference in fees. All other fees shall be at the regular rates. 

B. Fees Fully Waived - Application Fee, Identification Card Fee and Instructionally Related Activity Fee.  The Health Services Fee is fully waived for Units 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 6, 8, C 99, E 99, M 80, and M 98.  The Health Services Fee is not waived for Units 3, 4 or 10.  

C.  Fees Reduced to $1.00 each Student Body Association Fee, Student Body Center Fee/Student Union Fee and Health Facilities Fee. 

D.  Dependents Eligible employees in some classifications may choose to transfer their benefit to their spouse, registered domestic partner or dependent child.  Dependents must be matriculated toward a degree or the attainment of a teaching credential in the CSU.  Campus administration must determine that there is space available before accommodating a dependent that wishes to enroll on a fee waiver basis.

E. Dependent Fees The dependent fee waiver applies only to certain fees that can be waived or reduced. The Application Fee, Identification Card Fee, Instructionally Related Activity Fee and State University Fee (6 units or 2 courses) will be fully waived for eligible dependents.  The Health Services Fee is fully waived for eligible dependents in the following units: 1,2,5,7,9,6,8, C99, M80, and M98. The Health Services Fee is not waived or reduced for dependents of employees in Units 3 and 4. The Student Body Center Fee/Student Union Fee and Health Facilities are reduced to $1.00 each for eligible dependents. Dependents taking courses in addition to the fee waiver courses shall pay any difference in fees at the regular rates. A dependent that does not meet in-state residency requirements will be responsible for paying non-resident tuition charges.

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 IV. TYPES OF FEE WAIVERS

For Employees Taking Courses

When enrolling in the fee waiver program, eligible employees have two options from which to choose, work-related or career development plan.

A.  Work-Related – Necessary for improving skills for existing employment within The California State University.

B.  Career Development Plan – Enrolled in classes as part of an approved individual career development plan. Career Development Plan applicants must submit an application to the University and be officially admitted.

C.  Eligible dependents must apply, be accepted and seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificated program offered through the CSU.

D.  Self–support programs are not fee-waiver eligible.

V. APPLYING FOR THE FEE WAIVER BENEFIT AT California State University San Marcos

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Check your Bargaining Unit contract regarding Professional Development and Fee Waiver Benefits.  Attend a Fee Waiver Workshop, contact Deborah Coronado, Associate Director, HREO (x 4416), or visit the website (http://www.csusm.edu/HR/ ) to find forms and process information.

Step 2

Choose your Option – Work Related or Career Development Plan (CDP)


Step 3

 

Fill out proper forms (note links in blue) Fill out all necessary forms and get all signatures needed to process paper work.  Career Development applicants are encouraged to contact HREO to review career plan and verify eligibility. The Fee Waiver Admission Reduction Eligibility Form must accompany the application in order to waive the $55.00 fee.

Work-related: (non-matriculated employees)

- Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program for employees

- Fee Waiver Work Related Registration Form

 -Fee Waiver Eligibility form

Career Development Plan (CDP):(matriculated employees)

 -Application to CSU

- Fee Waiver Admission Reduction Eligibility Form                   (accompanies application)
-
Career Development Plan one time only ,when applying to the CSU

-
Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program for employees

Step 4

Fee Waiver Forms require department MPP signature,

Step 5

FEE WAIVER APPLICATION - Send completed forms to Deborah Coronado, Associate Director, HREO.
If attending CSUSM, forms are due to HREO prior to registration (CDP) or  three weeks prior to first day of semester (work-related).

Step 6

REGISTRATION - Continuing Career Development Plan (CDP) students (including dependents) Register via the SMART SYSTEM at CSUSM or as determined by the campus of enrollment. Work related students will receive a registration date from the Office of Registration & Records, and register via the SMART SYSTEM.

Step 7

FEE PAYMENT - Pay fees to  CASHIERS OFFICE - See Course Catalogue for payment schedule. Visit Student Financial Services for more details. Fee Waiver students are subject to dis-enrollment and late fees.

Step 8

Notify HREO of any changes/adjustments to your schedule, Deborah Coronado, Associate Director, HREO, dcoronad@csusm.edu.

Step 9

Enjoy your classes.  All fee waiver courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Step 10

Repeat Steps 2 – 9 in advance of each semester

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VI. ELIGIBILITY FOR SPOUSE, REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNER, OR DEPENDENT CHILD

Eligible employees may transfer their fee waiver benefit to a spouse, domestic partner or dependent child following the criteria listed below:

1.      A dependent child is defined as your child or stepchild under age 23, living with you in a parent-child relationship who is economically dependent on you, and  has never been married, or your child or stepchild age 23 or above who is incapable of self-support due to a disability which existed prior to age 23. Dependent child age limit for CSUEU employees ONLY is age 25.

2.     The spouse, domestic partner or dependent child must be matriculated toward a degree or the attainment of a teaching credential in the CSU and the course(s) enrolled on a fee waiver basis must be for credit toward the completion of that degree or credential.

3. Campus administration determines that space is available in the course offering before accommodating a spouse, domestic partner or dependent child.

4.    The dependent fee waiver applies only to certain fees incurred by California residents. Any spouse, domestic partner or dependent child who does not meet residency requirements, will be responsible for paying non-resident tuition based on the total number of units in which they are enrolled.

5.      The Student Body Association Fee cannot be waived or reduced for a spouse, domestic partner or dependent child.

6.      Fee waiver eligibility can be transferred to only one person at a time – regardless of the number of units taken.

7.      The spouse, domestic partner, or dependent child must maintain normal academic standards each semester to continue participation in the fee waiver program.

8.      Eligible spouses, domestic partners or dependent children may use the fee waiver benefit at any CSU campus.

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VII.  APPLYING FOR DEPENDENT FEE WAIVER

 The Fee Waiver Application process always begins at the campus of employment.  The benefited, eligible employee is responsible for completing and submitting all forms required for participation in the Fee Waiver and Reduction Program.  The following fee waiver forms are to be completed and sent to HREO at California State University San Marcos prior to the first semester of attendance.

When the spouse, domestic partner or dependent child attends another CSU campus, some coordination between campuses is required.  The campus of employment must provide the following information to the campus of enrollment

  • verification of the eligible employee’s qualifying employment

  •  verification that the employee will not be using the fee waiver benefit during the semester/quarter at issue       

  • verification that no other family member will be using the fee waiver benefit during the semester/quarter at issue.

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VIII. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Employee Roles and Responsibilities: Plan ahead. Make sure all forms are filled out completely, including a manager’s signature on all forms. Take the time to speak to your manager in advance regarding your plans and make arrangements for release time well in advance. Turn in all forms as soon as possible, and no later than three weeks before the first day of classes. Register through the Smart System unless otherwise notified.  Pay your fees early to avoid dis-enrollment. If you alter your schedule in any way, please contact HREO as soon as possible. 

Attending another CSU:  The Fee Waiver benefit allows eligible employees, or their dependent to attend any CSU in the system. Eligibility is established at the campus of employment.  All forms must be signed by California State University San Marcos before being sent to another CSU campus.  Release time does not apply to courses taken at off-campus locations. Flex time scheduling and vacation time may be applied to allow for courses offered during normal work hours.

Release Time:  Release time for on-campus fee waiver courses is described in the bargaining unit contracts.  Please check the details of your specific contract. Release time does not apply to courses taken at off-campus locations. Flex time scheduling and vacation time may be applied to allow for courses offered during normal work hours.  Take time to discuss release time with your manger/supervisor before registering for courses during your normal work hours. See attached memo.

Summer Sessions:  Employees eligible for Fee Waiver benefit may apply for state supported courses offered during summer months.  

Credit/No Credit All Fee Waiver courses must be taken for a letter grade.  Credit/no credit, or auditing a class is not acceptable under the CSU Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program.  In order for an employee to continue participation in the program, normal academic standards shall be maintained.

Academic Records Fee:  California State University San Marcos has an Academic Records Fee of $6.00 per semester.  Employees taking advantage of the Fee Waiver benefit are required to pay this fee.  Resource: See Graduation and Transcript Fee memos dated July 30, 2002 and August 7, 2002.

Late Registration Fee:  Fee waiver recipients are subject to late fees of $25.00 if fees are not paid by the due date.  Please note that you will not be sent a billing statement.

MBA Program:  The courses required for this program, including the prerequisite courses are applicable under the Fee Waiver benefit. Participants must complete the GMAT before admittance to the MBA program. For more information regarding the MBA Program, contact Julie Pick, College Operations Administrator, at x 4243 or jpick@csusm.edu.

Orientation:  Employees participating in the Career Development Plan are encouraged to attend an Orientation session in order to register as a matriculated student. Release time is not granted for these sessions; however there are some orientation sessions during non-work hours.  

Taxability Schedule – See Attached IRS Tax Guidelines in Technical Letter HR 2003-30 Attachment C
 

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Last Updated: December 10, 2008

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Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
California State University San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001