The issue of exempt versus nonexempt status is raised on a regular basis. Below is a brief explanation of the difference between the two designations. If you have questions regarding exempt/nonexempt status or issues, please contact Employee Relations or your assigned HR Manager at Extension 2101.

Employees classified as nonexempt are employees who do not qualify for exemptions from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These employees must be paid at a rate of time and one-half the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a work week. Overtime is not required for hours over 8 in a day until 40 hours have been worked in that week. Nonexempt employees are charged for absences, to include absences of less than a full day.

Employees classified as exempt are salaried employees who are exempt from FLSA provisions for overtime payment requirements. Exempt employees do not earn overtime either as cash or as CTO. Exempt employees are not charged for absences of less than a full day. Exempt employees are expected to accomplish assigned work without regard for number of hours worked.

When school is in session, student assistants may work up to 20 hours per week on an ongoing basis. The Internal Revenue Service guidelines for student assistants to remain exempt from social security and Medicare deductions, limits their normal working hours to 20 during the school year. An exception is allowed during inter-session, spring break, and summer session, or if the hours exceed 20 for a short period of time (up to 5 weeks) and infrequently. The CSU policy states that only under emergency or other unusual situations, it is permissible for student assistants to work up to 30 hours in a week while school is in session. Exceptions to this policy require prior approval of the Office of Human Resources, but effective immediately we are delegating authority to approve such exceptions to the Financial Manager in each department.

To serve as a student assistant, a person must be enrolled at California State University, Northridge and be regularly attending classes during the semester of appointment. Undergraduates must be enrolled for at least 6 units and graduates need to be enrolled for at least 4 units in graduate-level courses.

Fee waiver is an excellent way to earn your degree or to take classes for your personal growth. This benefit allows for significant cost reductions in attending university classes. In addition, staff members can transfer their benefit to a spouse, domestic partner, or dependent child. Costs for classes range from $3 to $33 for the employee for 3 to 6 units of university classes. This benefit is easy to use and Fall '05 semester applications are now being accepted. Visit http://www-admn.csun.edu/hrs/benefits/feewaiver.html to review guidelines, deadlines, and to obtain enrollment applications.

The deadline to enroll for Fall '05 semester is May 4, 2005. Simply complete the forms obtained from the website and mail them to Fee Waiver at Mail Code 8229 prior to the May deadline. An email will be sent one week after the May 4th deadline confirming that forms have been received. If you do not receive an email by May 16th, it is your responsibility to contact our office for follow up. We promote accountability by adhering to the fee waiver website posted deadlines. Get your forms in early to ensure your benefit is activated.

In the near future all Human Resource forms will be located on the HR website in one location. This change is being made to make them easier to find and to ensure that we offer only the most current version to users. Forms will be listed under Human Resource Forms at http://www-admn.csun.edu/hrs/forms/atozformindex.html rather than in the function area's website.

To view or update your personal information, login to the portal and from "My Menu" click on "Services for Faculty & Staff" to open the folder, then click on "My Personal Information" link. You will be able to view your leave balances and update your home address, phone numbers, or emergency contacts. See http://www-admn.csun.edu/hrs/selfsvcref.pdf for complete instructions.

Several Human Resource forms have been modified as a result of the availability of the new PeopleSoft functionality called Managers Workbench. Departments are no longer asked to enter funding strip information on the following forms:

• Authorization for YRO Summer Session Pay
• Faculty Personnel Action Request Form
• Limited-Term Temporary Appointment Requisition Form
• Personnel Requisition Form
• Request for Change in Staff Employee Status Form

Funding strip information will default to the department, or the position as predetermined. Departments can view and change funding information directly in PeopleSoft via the Managers Workbench in a new streamlined process.

If you have questions about completing forms or the Managers Workbench, please contact PeopleSoft Campus Support at pshelp@csun.edu or call x6685.