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 interactive process as well as your responsibilities:

1. Determine your Fee Waiver option.

A Fee Waiver Application must be submitted for each term the fee waiver is utilized.

• Work-Related - Employees may take courses specifically to improve their performance in their current job or to acquire additional skills needed to perform newly assigned duties and responsibilities. These employees are not matriculated students and are not working toward a degree.
• Career Development – Employees must apply to CSU and be matriculated students working toward a degree. Employees may complete more than one degree through fee waiver.

2. 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.
• After being admitted to Sacramento State, registering for courses, and submitting a Fee Waiver Application (see #4), then you may email a completed Application Fee Refund Form along with your application payment confirmation to feewaiver@csus.edu to determine your eligibility for a refund of the application
  • If you are attending a different campus, you may have to submit an application fee refund form directly that the campus of attendance, which you will receive upon the approval of your application from the prospective
• Under the Fee Waiver Program, only one set of fees is waived at the campus in which the employee enrolls. This includes only one waiver/reimbursement of one application fee regardless of the number of applications an employee submits. There are no exceptions to this policy and campus Fee Waiver Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that employees/dependents are not erroneously reimbursed or provided additional waivers for multiple application fees. Application fees should be paid at the time the application is submitted; the fee will be reviewed for reimbursement once the applicant is admitted and enrolled in courses.

3. Talk to your Administrator:

• Discuss your Career Development Plan and/or proposed class schedule with your appropriate Administrator.
• Most employees shall be granted reasonable release time for one (1) on-campus course per term. Discuss with your appropriate administrator to ensure the operational needs of the department are met.
• Your appropriate administrator will need to sign your Fee Waiver Application. Communicate with your appropriate administrator once you have submitted the application to ensure timely approval.

4. Complete the Fee Waiver Application form:

• Prepare all the necessary information before completing the application.
• Course Information
  • Course Name(s), Section #, # of units, Days of the week, and start/end time.
    • Applicants should provide the anticipated course(s) of enrollment for the applicable term.
    • “TBD” is not acceptable on the application. If the anticipated course(s) are unknown, then it is too early to submit a Fee Waiver application.
  • Employee Statement
    • Career Development: Describe briefly how the above course(s) relate to your Career Development Plan.
    • Work-Related: Please provide a brief explanation supporting how the enrollment in the above course(s) applies to and is required by your position.
  • Career Development Plan
    • How long do you anticipate it will take to complete your academic goal?
    • What is your long-term career objective?
    • How will this academic program assist in accomplishing your long-term objective?
  • Click on the link to access the: CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction Application (OnBase Form). The Fee Waiver application must be accessed by the employee even if using the Dependent Tuition Transfer Option. (It is recommended to use Firefox when accessing the OnBase Form. Safari and Microsoft Edge are not compatible.)
    • Fee Waiver applications should be submitted at the time of your registration window.
    • Applicants should provide the anticipated course(s) of enrollment for the applicable term.
  • Career Development and Work-Related
    • Inform your appropriate administrator that you have submitted your Fee Waiver Application form.
  • You will be notified of your Fee Waiver status within approximately 10 business days of your submission of a completed Check your campus email for a determination of your Fee Waiver status.

5. 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.
6. REMEMBER: A Fee Waiver Application must be submitted for each term the fee waiver is utilized.
7. Should you have additional questions, you may contact the Benefits Office at feewaiver@csus.edu.