Frequently Asked Questions

         GENERAL INFORMATION:

How do I know if I am eligible for Fee Waiver?

Fee waiver eligibility is determined by employment status and bargaining unit. Generally, full-time permanent and part-time employees are eligible. Temporary employees whose appointment is 6 months + 1 day and spans the semester in which courses are held are also eligible. For a full description of eligibility, including eligibility for dependents, go to:
http://www-admn.csun.edu/ohrs/development/eligibility.htm

What is the process for enrolling in the CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction program?

Visit our web page at: http://www-admn.csun.edu/ohrs/development/feewaiver_enrollment.htm. Scroll down to the appropriate semester and click to enroll. The application is dated and should be completed at the beginning of each new term for which you wish to use the fee waiver benefit. Requests may be submitted several semesters in advance. Your request will be electronically submitted. Once you have clicked "Done" at the end of the application process, you will be redirected to the CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction Program Web page.

Is there a deadline for applying for Fee Waiver?

Yes. Fee Waiver requests must be completed online by the posted dealine:

http://www-admn.csun.edu/ohrs/development/feewaiver_deadlines.htm

How will I know if my application was electronically submitted?

An e-mail indicating receipt of your request, your eligibility status and final procedures will be sent to all participants one week after the application deadline. If you do not receive an e-mail receipt, please follow up with the fee waiver office at 818-677-2173 or via email at feewaiver@csun.edu to verify that our office received your request.

Under what circumstances may temporary employees take advantage of Fee Waiver?

Subject to Collective Bargaining Unit Agreements (CBAs), many temporary employees are eligible for fee waiver if their appointment is 6 months + 1 day and spans the semester in which courses are held.  For a full description of eligibility, go to:

http://www-admn.csun.edu/ohrs/development/eligibility.htm

Are University Corporation, University Student Union and Associated Students employees eligible for this program?

Because it is funded by the State, Fee Waiver is a program exclusively for state employees.

When are Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP) employees eligible for fee waiver?

FERP employees are eligible for fee waiver during semesters in which they are actively employed.

Is the CSU application fee waived or reimbursed through the fee waiver program?

The CSU application fee is waived by the Office of Admissions and Records.

What course fees are waived or reduced?

The particular fees that are waived or reduced are determined by your bargaining unit contract. E-mail Sue Talavera at feewaiver@csun.edu for further clarification.

When is a new employee from out of state eligible for Fee Waiver?

New employees are eligible for fee waiver upon hire; however, out-of-state fees apply until residency is established.

Can the CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction program be used at any CSU campus?

Eligible employees and their dependents may use fee waiver at any state-funded CSU program.  Each campus has its own application and enrollment schedules. Make sure to contact the fee waiver coordinator at the campus of enrollment to ensure timely application and enrollment.

Can this program be used at a UC campus?

This program is exclusively for use within the CSU system.

Are Extended Learning courses covered through this program?

Fee waiver is a state funded program for those courses that are offered and funded by the state. It excludes extension and extended learning programs.

Can I enroll in more than two classes?

Students may enroll in as many classes as they are accepted into, and as fit into their schedules; they pay for classes in excess of the fee waiver limits.  Fee waiver may be applied to more than two classes if the number of units is still six or less; Fee waiver covers any combination of six units or two classes, which ever is greater, per semester. There are several other combinations of courses that are eligible through this program. If the number of units exceeds 6 units and the number of classes enrolled in exceeds two classes, you will need to pay any additional fees to be enrolled in full-time status.

How do I enroll in my classes and view charges on my account?

Enrollment can be done quickly and easily by accessing your Web portal and clicking on the Services for Students link. A list of options will display. Click on the Enroll in a Class link followed by the semester in which you intend to enroll. If you have any questions, contact Admissions and Records. You can view charges on your account after you have successfully enrolled in your classes.  To do so, click the Charges and Payments link followed by View Account Information and then the Current Charges Due link to ensure that your fees were waived and reduced accordingly.

How often do I have to apply for the program?

You must submit an application to this program each time either you or your dependent intends to register for classes. The application must be submitted by posted deadline.

          EMPLOYEE INFORMATION:

Do I have to apply to CSUN or fill out a CSU application in order to take classes?

You have to apply to the CSU of your choice only if you are taking classes toward a degree program. If you are taking work-related or personal development classes, the CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction Program application acts as an application to the University.

What form do I have to fill out?

Visit our web page at: http://www-admn.csun.edu/ohrs/development/feewaiver_enrollment.htm. Scroll down to the appropriate semester and click to enroll.

This link is different for each term and should be accessed and completed each time you wish to use this benefit.

Do I have to take classes toward a degree?

You can attend any class offered by CSUN if:

• there is room in the class, and
• classes are taken during hours in which you are not assigned to work, or
• classes taken during work hours are related to your employment, your time away is approved by your immediate  supervisor and you make plans to compensate for that time.

So, do my classes have to be work-related?

Yes, if you request time off during the work day to attend classes.  Otherwise, no.  Work-related coursework is defined as that which either allows employees to improve their skills, knowledge or performance in their current job, or which is taken in anticipation of meeting changes in their professional role. 

Well, how do I request time off from work to attend classes?

You may request release time for one fee waiver course per semester. Release time is time excused to attend a course during your working hours. Release time is subject to the discretion and approval of your immediate supervisor. The supervisor may grant release time, provided the course is job related and the operational needs of the department are met, as determined by the appropriate administrator. If a supervisor grants release time, s/he should notify the Professional Development Department at feewaiver@csun.edu.

Can I arrange an alternative work schedule in order to take classes?

It is up to you and your supervisor to negotiate an alternative work schedule.

Can I take time off of work to attend classes?

Your supervisor, in her/his discretion, may grant permission for you to have an alternative work schedule.  If s/he grants permission, it is up to you and your supervisor to negotiate the terms.

What should I do if I want to attain a degree, but I don't know what classes to take?

See an academic advisor in the college of your choice to obtain degree-related information.

Where do I pay my fees?

You may pay your fees at Cash Services or online through the Web Portal. This program does not offer a full waiver of fees so you will need to pay any balance of fees in order to remain enrolled in your classes.

Do I have to obtain a student CSUN I.D. card?

Your employee I.D. card is all you need.

 

         SPOUSE, DOMESTIC PARTNER, or DEPENDENT CHILD PROGRAM:

To whom can I transfer this benefit?

It depends on each bargaining unit, however, most employees are allowed to transfer this benefit to their spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent child.

What are the eligibility requirements for a dependent child?

A dependent child is defined as:

For bargaining units 2,5,7 and 9, a child or stepchild under the age of 25 who has never been married.  For all others, age 23.

• A child living with you in a parent-child relationship who is economically dependent upon you, under the age 23 who has never been married.

• Your child or stepchild, age 23 or above, who is incapable of self-support due to a disability which existed prior to age 23.

Can I take one class and my dependent take one class through this program in the same semester?

Only one person can use this benefit per semester.

What form do I need to fill out?

Visit our web page at: http://www-admn.csun.edu/ohrs/development/feewaiver_enrollment.htm. Scroll down to the appropriate semester and click to enroll. This link is different for each term and should be accessed and completed each time you wish to use this benefit.

Do I have to report the classes that my dependent is taking each semester?

No, however your dependent must be enrolled in a degree program and taking courses toward the attainment of that degree or credential in order to be eligible.

What happens if my dependent child turns 23 before the start of the semester?

Unfortunately, your dependent child would not be eligible for the coming semester/quarter.

What happens if my dependent child turns 23 during the semester?

Your dependent child is eligible for the program until his/her 23rd birthday. If that occurs during the semester, your dependent child is allowed to complete the semester using this benefit but will not be eligible for the following semester.

My dependent child is over the age of 23. Is s/he eligible for fee waiver?

Only if s/he is incapable of self-support due to a disability which existed prior to age 23.

Can my dependent enroll in more than 2 classes?

Yes, however, this program covers only any combination of 6 units or 2 classes, which ever is greater, per semester. For example 2 four-unit courses is eligible, just as 1 one-unit course, 1 two-unit course, and 1 three-unit course is eligible through this program. There are several other combinations of courses that are eligible through this program. If the number of units exceed 6 units and the number of classes enrolled exceed two classes then the employee will need to pay any additional fees to be enrolled in full-time status.

Can two of my dependents take classes through this program iin the same semester?

The benefit cannot be shared; only one dependent is eligible per semester. You may, however, alternate the benefit between your dependents every other semester.

Does my dependent have to pay out-of-state fees?

Yes, out-of-state fees cannot be waived or reduced through this program.

 

 

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Last Updated 5/9/2008