Introduction

California State University, Fullerton has an outstanding package of benefits available to full-time faculty. Eligibility for those appointed less than full time depends on the type, length and timebase of the appointment. The provisions of collective bargaining agreements may modify benefits. Faculty are urged to consult with Human Resources, College Park, Suite 700, with regard to benefits. That office offers literature, enrollment forms, and personal consultation on issues related to benefits and costs.

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Basic Health and Other Insurance Plans

• Enrollment

Eligible employees have 60 calendar days following the date of appointment to enroll in health, vision, and dental benefit plans. Health coverage becomes effective the first of the month following the date of enrollment. Dental and vision coverage become effective when the deduction code appears on the employee's pay stub, approximately two months after enrollment.  Faculty should check their monthly deduction on their pay warrant to confirm enrollment.  The University pays for the major portion of the premiums for health insurance coverage.
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• Subsequent Changes in Coverage

Should needs change after employees have made their initial decision, they may change plans during the annual open enrollment. Any changes in coverage of dependents, i.e., changes of marital status or change in dependents should be made immediately by filing the appropriate form(s) with Human Resources. Employees taking leaves of absence without pay must contact Human Resources to arrange for continuation of insurance plans through direct self-payment. Employees who have medical and dental plans in effect at the time of retirement may carry these benefits into retirement (see retirement section for eligibility requirements).
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• Group Dental Insurance - Enhanced Plan

The premiums for this benefit are completely paid by the University. Two plans are available: One allows individuals to select their own dentist; another plan grants membership in a (pre-paid) group plan that requires the use of the group's dentists and facilities.
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• Group Vision Insurance

The premiums for this benefit are completely paid by the University. Pre-authorization is required before using this program. Participating doctors offer eye examinations and eye glasses for a substantial discount.
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• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy and Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

This insurance is employer paid and covers faculty members in the event of a long-term disability.
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• Flex Cash

FlexCash is an optional benefit plan that allows eligible employees to waive CSU medical and/or dental insurance plan(s) in exchange for cash if they have other non-CSU coverage.
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Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

Full-time faculty and those appointed half time or more for one year or more automatically become a member of the PERS retirement system. Each month a portion of the earnings of eligible employees is withheld for contribution to retirement accounts.  Normally, the State contributes a greater rate than that which employees contribute. Employer contribution varies by fiscal year. Vesting occurs after five years of full-time equivalent service. Vested members may retire after reaching age 50. Faculty retiring through PERS may retain group health and dental insurance. Eligible employees who become disabled may elect to apply for disability retirement.
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• Death Benefit Insurance

This benefit is available to PERS members. This insurance provides your beneficiary with a lump-sum payment of $5,000 as well as additional benefits that will vary depending on the faculty member's eligibility for retirement at the time of death.
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• Tax Sheltered Annuities (TSA) and Deferred Compensation Plans

CSUF offers eligible employees the option to participate in tax-sheltered annuities and state deferred compensation plans, 401(k). Through these plans, faculty may shelter a portion of their income from tax liability.
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• Social Security

Full-time faculty are covered under Social Security. The University and the faculty member both contribute into the faculty member's account.
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• Tax Advantage Premium Plan (TAPP)

This program allows for a share of the health insurance premium to be deducted from a faculty member's pay before taxes are calculated.
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• Dependent Care Reimbursement Program

This program allows faculty to pay for necessary dependent care through pre-tax payroll deductions.
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• Voluntary Child and Spousal Support Deductions

This program is available to faculty who may wish to authorize a voluntary payroll deduction for payment of child and/or spousal support.
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• U.S. Savings Bonds

Bonds may be purchased through payroll deduction starting with a face value of at least $100.
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• Credit Union

Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union is available to all CSUF faculty. They offer free checking accounts, payroll deductions for shares and loan payment, etc.
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• Voluntary Insurance Programs

The CSU has employee-paid insurance plans available for faculty at group rates. These include life, automobile, accidental death, disability income, cancer, personal property, homeowners, and many others.
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• Unemployment Insurance

This employer-paid program is designed to provide income assistance in the event of a job loss.
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• Worker's Compensation Benefits/Industrial Disability Leave

This insurance plan is paid by the University. It provides income and medical benefits for faculty who suffer an illness or injury related to their work with the University. When a faculty member suffers an injury in the performance of duties, it must be reported to the department chair as soon as practical, but in no case more than 24 hours later. The employee must complete a Report of Injury form and Employee's Claim for Workers Compensation Benefits form. These forms are available from the department chair and from Human Resources.
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• Non-Industrial Disability Insurance (NDI)

This insurance plan is paid by the University. It provides income for eligible employees who have lost wages because they are unable to work due to a non-work related medical condition. This program should not be confused with the Workers' Compensation or Industrial Disability Leave coverage for work-related injuries. For information regarding eligibility, waiting periods and use of leave credits, application forms and procedures, contact the Payroll Department.

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Other Benefits

• Vacation and Holidays

  Faculty in classifications which indicate a ten-month or twelve-month work year accrue vacation. Faculty in classifications which indicate an academic work year do not accrue vacation. Refer to the CBA for accrual rates and the use of vacation credits. Consult the current year's Academic Calendar issued by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the current year's Calendar Year Holiday Schedule issued by the President to determine which days will be observed as holidays. Consult the CBA to determine eligibility for compensation for holidays.
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• Sick Leave

  Faculty earn eight hours of sick leave per month, with unlimited accumulation. Part-time faculty earn sick leave on a pro-rata basis. Refer to the CBA for terms and conditions regarding the use of sick leave.
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• Fee Waiver

  Tenured and probationary faculty unit employees and temporary faculty unit employees with at least six years of full-time equivalent service in a department may be granted a waiver of fees (excluding a $3.00 payment) for up to two courses or six units of academic work in state funded programs in the CSU system. Faculty eligible for participation in the Fee Waiver Program may transfer their existing fee waiver benefit for certain fees to a spouse or dependent child provided the courses are taken by a spouse or child who is matriculated toward a degree, and the courses are for credit toward the degree's requirement; the fee waiver is applicable to in-state tuition only; and there is space available in the courses requested. The Fee Waiver Program does not apply to courses offered through extension, intersession or summer session. Refer to the current CBA for information on this benefit. Additional information and all forms are available in the office of Faculty Affairs and Records.
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• University Library Privileges

  Identification cards issued by TitanCard Center permit faculty members to borrow books, periodicals and other materials from the Library. Cards must be validated initially at the circulation counter on the first floor of the Library. Remote access to the Library's electronic resources is available from personal computers in all faculty offices as well as from home computers via the Titan Access internet service.  (The University pays for the cost of Titan Access to be provided to all faculty.)  These electronic resources include the Library's online  public access catalog, catalogs of other libraries, and a broad range of subscription web-based databases, including an increasing number of full-text sources.  Additionally, faculty enjoy borrowing privileges at neighboring universities and an extensive document delivery/inter-library loan program that provides faculty with access to resources of libraries and other information providers throughout the United States and internationally.
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• Cultural Events

  Performances are regularly scheduled by the Departments of Music and Theatre and Dance.  In addition, the College of the Arts presents the PAIR (Professional Artists In Residency) Celebrity Series held at Plummer Auditorium.  Faculty discounts are available through the Box Office in the Performing Arts Building, ext. 3371 for these events.  Student exhibitions in the East, West and Exit galleries are offered by the Department of Art.  In addition, the Main Gallery on campus and the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana serve as major visual resources for Orange County.
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• Sports Events

  Faculty may purchase season tickets for CSUF team sports at a discount. Contact the Titan Athletic Ticket Office, ext. 2783.
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• University Recreation Program

  Free membership in the University Recreation Program is available to faculty and provides access to campus handball courts, swimming pool, tennis courts, weight room and gymnastic equipment. For additional information, call ext. 3978.
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• Entertainment Discount Cards

  Discounts for faculty are available for many local attractions. Contact Human Resources for information. 
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• Legal Defense

  The CSU is obligated to provide you with a defense in litigation where it is alleged that you did something, or failed to do something, within the scope of your employment, where your conduct is not the result of actual fraud, corruption or malice, and where your defense will not create any conflict of interest with the University's interest. It makes no difference whether the University is also named as a defendant in the litigation. If you are sued for something related to your job, you should write down the time, date and manner of your receipt of the complaint, and immediately advise your supervisor, who will send that information, along with copies of all documents you are provided, to the Office of General Counsel. Contact the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for information and assistance in the event of litigation resulting from an allegation of something you did or failed to do within the scope of your employment.