Fee Waiver FAQ

Introduction

This informational guide is to provide answers to frequently asked questions for the Employee Fee Waiver benefit. Please direct questions to the Payroll & Benefits Office at 707-664-2178 or fax 707-664-2024. Individuals in need of a telecommunications relay service may contact the California Relay Service (TTY) at (877) 735-2929.

What is the Fee Waiver Program?

The Fee Waiver Program provides the opportunity for eligible staff, faculty, dependent children, spouses or domestic partners to take classes at any CSU campus at significantly reduced rates, during the current academic semester.

Who is eligible?

The following employees or their dependent children, spouses or domestic partners are eligible to participate:

Are employees on an approved leave of absence eligible for Fee Waiver benefits?

Yes, if otherwise eligible.

How do I participate in the Fee Waiver Program?

Complete a CSU Application for Admission along with the Waiver Request for CSU Application Fee form. Submit the Waiver Request for CSU Application Fee form to Payroll and Benefits for approval. Once approved, the form will be returned to the employee. The form should then be attached to the CSU Application for Admissions and submitted following the instructions on the CSU Application for Admissions. If you apply for admission online, physically submit the Waiver Request for CSU Application Fee form to Admissions and Records at about the same time as your digital admissions application submission. After you are admitted and registered in classes, complete and submit the Fee Waiver Application form. There may be additional paperwork necessary for admission to a campus. For additional information on the application process, contact Admissions and Records at the campus at which classes will be taken.

How many Fee Waivers am I entitled to?

Each employee is entitled to one Fee Waiver per semester for use by the employee, dependent children, spouse or domestic partner.

How many classes are eligible to be waived using the Fee Waiver?

Each employee or his/her dependent child, spouse or domestic partner may take two classes or six units, whichever is greater. If registration is for more than two classes, fees waived will be prorated.

Is the CSU Application Fee waived under the Fee Waiver Program?

Yes, the fee is waived once the Waiver Request for CSU Application Fee form is approved and submitted with the application for admissions.

How many CSU Application Fee Waivers am I entitled to?

Each employee or dependent child, spouse or domestic partner is entitled to one CSU Application Fee Waiver per degree.

Can the Fee Waiver be used at other campuses?

Yes, it can be used at any CSU campus. Enrollment at other CSU campuses requires completion of enrollment and fee waiver forms available from the campus chosen by the employee, dependent child, spouse or domestic partner. Employee Relations and Compliance Services will forward the approved paperwork to the campus to be attended. Application and registration deadlines vary from campus to campus.

When should I complete the Fee Waiver Application form?

After you are registered in classes. This form must be completed every semester the fee waiver benefit is to be used.

What are the deadlines for submitting a Fee Waiver Application form?

Deadlines depend on the registration schedule at each CSU campus. You should immediately submit your Fee Waiver Application Form after you have registered. To view SSU’s registration schedule, go to http://www.sonoma.edu/ar/index.shtml

Are there course limitations?

Yes. Only courses in regular academic programs may be taken under the fee waiver program. Fee waiver is not applicable to courses offered through Extended Education. Fee Waiver for Summer Session is available only at certain CSU campuses, Sonoma State not among them. Auditing a course is not permitted.

What defines a dependent child?

A dependent child is defined in the same manner as the term is used for other CSU benefit programs, namely:

Why is there a difference in the amount that the Fee Waiver covers for employees versus their dependents, spouses or domestic partners?

The Education Code and Collective Bargaining Agreements forbid waiving or reducing certain fees for non-employees.

What is the difference between Work Related and Career Development?

Work Related
Work related courses are taken for the purpose of improving the level of skills needed to perform existing duties and responsibilities, or acquiring additional skills needed to perform newly assigned duties. Work Related fee waiver participants must complete the Waiver Request for CSU Application Fee form every semester.
Career Development
Courses that are to be taken must be linked to the present and future needs of the CSU. An Individual Career Development Plan must be completed by employee and approved by the employee’s Appropriate Administrator. Career Development fee waiver participants only need to complete the Waiver Request for CSU Application Fee form the initial semester of participation.

Does the Dean or Department Head have to approve and sign the Faculty and Staff Fee Waiver Application form?

All CSU Bargaining Units need to obtain the Appropriate Administrator and Dean or Department Head signatures except for CSUEU Units 2,5,7&9 (formerly CSEA), for which only the Appropriate Administrator’s signature is required.

If I take a class during work hours, does my supervisor have to allow me release time to attend?

No, release time is granted at the supervisor’s discretion.

What is an adjusted work schedule and when do I need to have one?

If release time is not granted, an adjusted work schedule may be authorized. An adjusted work schedule is a temporary schedule that allows the employee to take classes during normal work hours by making up class time. The supervisor approved adjusted work schedule must be attached to the Fee Waiver Application form.

Is the Fee Waiver Benefit Taxable?

Where are the forms available?

Forms are available at the Sonoma State University Payroll & Benefits web site. For easy access to a particular form, click on the link for that form where you find it mentioned in this FAQ. These forms are also available in hard copy at the Payroll & Benefit office.