HR

HR News Updates | October 2020

Click through each link below to learn about various resources and updates. We invite you to regularly visit the Human Resources webpage at http://www.csun.edu/hr for more information regarding other important updates.

Benefits Open Enrollment: Now through Friday, October 16, 2020

Open Enrollment continues through Friday, October 16th. Remember, adding or making changes to your benefits as part of Open Enrollment is an easy online process via the eBenefits module in the CSUN portal.

If you have reviewed the Open Enrollment information, the plan premium rates, and are satisfied with your current elections and do not wish to make any changes, no further action is needed. Your current elections for these plans will automatically continue for plan year 2021. However, if you want a Health Care or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, you must re-enroll every year.

CSUN Employee Early Exit Program Application Period | Now through Friday, October 9, 2020

As part of its efforts to manage budget reductions, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is implementing an EARLY EXIT PROGRAM (“EEP”), to provide employees who choose to voluntarily separate on or before December 30, 2020 with a financial severance package.  In exchange for voluntarily separating and executing separation agreements, including the release of claims, as part of the EEP, Employees will receive six months’ salary or a minimum of $25,000 (whichever is higher) up to a maximum cap of $70,000.  This is a one-time, non-precedent setting program. Participation in the EEP will also require the execution of irrevocable separation agreements, which will include a standard general release of claims.

One additional virtual informational session facilitated by Human Resources will be held on Tuesday, September 29th. If you wish to attend, please select the button and register.

If you are interested in participating in the EEP, please read the Timeline, Terms and Conditions, and all other documentation as provided on the CSUN Employee Early Exit Program website.

CalPERS Regional Office Offering Virtual "Planning Your Retirement Classes | September 30 & October 9

The CalPERS Sacramento Regional Office just announced they have scheduled two virtual “Planning Your Retirement" classes just for CSU Employees (Yes. CSU is special.). You may enroll in either class.

Wednesday, September 30: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or 
Friday, October 9: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

While all employees are welcome, this class is intended for members within 10 years of retirement.

TO ENROLL 

Go online to: https//my.calpers.ca.gov (Login ID and Password are required)

- Click on the Education tab
- Click Classes
- Click on View Class Details link for the desired class (Planning Your Retirement)
-Enter desired Start Date
- Scroll to the desired class and click Enroll
-Confirm Contact Information
-Click Enroll
Call toll free at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377)

Spring 2021 Fee Waiver Priority Processing Period | September 28 - November 6

The CSU Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program provides for the waiver or reduction of tuition and certain fees for eligible employees. In addition, an eligible CSU employee may transfer their fee waiver benefit to a spouse, domestic partner, or eligible dependent child. CSUN employees who want to complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree, enhance job skills, or even prepare for a future career, are encouraged to participate in the program.  Eligible employees or their eligible dependent may have tuition and fees for a maximum of two (2) courses or six (6) units, whichever is greater, waived/reduced each semester.

The CSU Fee Waiver module will be available September 28, 2020 for Spring 2021 applications. In order to ensure timely processing, please submit your application no later than November 6, 2020.

Partnering with Admissions & Records, and Student Accounting, we will be offering an online workshop on the Fee Waiver and Reduction Program on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join us and get your questions answered!

For more information, visit: http://www.csun.edu/benefits/fee-waiver-reduction-program.

Join Us! CSUN's Virtual Annual Benefits & Wellness Fair - Registration Required | October 1

Benefit Plan and Human Resources representatives will be virtually present to answer your questions. In addition, gain access to additional benefit information during the pandemic. You must Register at https://csyou.calstate.edu/Employee-Resources/Benefits/open-enrollment/Pages/virtual-open-enrollment.aspx.

Blue Shield Of California Offering One-on-One Consultations During Open Enrollment

Blue Shield of California has created helpful tools and resources to support you during Open Enrollment:

Book a one-one Consultation:

Blue Shield is offering one-on-one, 15-minute consultations to CalPERS members. Visit our consultation scheduling tool to select a date and time convenient for you to meet with a Blue Shield representative.

View Blue Shield’s 2021 Benefits Presentation video:

This video presentation summarizes the key points you should know about our Trio HMO and Access+ HMO plans. Whether you are looking for affordable high-quality care or a broad network with flexibility, Blue Shield has you covered. Watch this to learn more about your options with Blue Shield as a CalPERS member .

Go to blueshieldca.com/calpers or us the quick links below:

  • Find a Doctor
    • Get instructions on how to search for a doctor and links to the Trio HMO and Access+ HMO Find a doctor tool.
  • Plan Overview
    • Find plan information with links to Evidence of Coverage, Summary of Benefits and Coverage, Open Enrollment brochures, provider network lists and more.
  • Pharmacy Benefits
    • Get detailed information about the pharmacy benefits and copays with links to drug lists, the specialty pharmacy, etc.
  • Programs and Services
    • Find a comprehensive list of Blue Shield programs and services such as Heal, Teladoc, Wellvolution.
  • New Member Enrollment
    • Learn how to enroll with Blue Shield

Trio HMO Highlights

Don’t forget to check out these services available with Trio HMO:

  • Teladoc® Medical Health - Save yourself a trip to the doctor’s office with 24/7 access to board-certified doctors, available by video and phone to treat non-emergency issues and prescribe medication as needed. All Blue Shield members have access to this service at a $0 copay.
  • Teladoc® Behavioral Health -Taking care of your mental health is as important as exercising and eating right. Trio members have access to licensed doctors and mental health professionals by phone or video to help provide relief for issues such as addiction, depression, stress and more at a $0 copay.
  • To access Teledoc, sign into your Blue Shield account to request an appointment or call Teledoc at 1-800-Teladoc.
  • Heal - For Trio HMO members, Heal lets you see a doctor at a time and place that’s best for you – your home, office, or even your hotel. The first visit is $0; subsequent visits are your standard $15 doctor visit copay. If a doctor prescribes medication during the visit, you can have it delivered with no delivery charge. You’ll just pay your standard drug copay. To schedule your doctor visit, go to the  Heal website , call Heal at  (844) 644-4325or download the app to your smartphone.

California Casualty Offering $25 Amazon Gift Card to Complete an Auto Quote During Open Enrollment

California Casualty, a long-time CSU Benefits partner,  appreciates your dedication to helping others.  In honor of your commitment to making our world a better place, California Casualty is offering a $25 Amazon.com gift card if you complete an auto quote. Click on the following link or California Casualty icon: Get your quote today! 

When the unexpected happens, California Casualty is here for you.  In an effort to help during these uncertain times, California Casualty has enhanced their “Skip Payment” policy benefit to include two consecutive months of premium deferment. Take advantage of learning more about the many other unique policy benefits/features that California Casualty offers employees.

That’s why California Casualty has been here to provide CSU employees auto and home insurance protection that is designed with you in mind.

CalPERS Webinar: Power of Attorney | October 14

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Facilitated by: 

CalPERS Staff

Description:

What would happen if you become unable to act on your own behalf? A CalPERS Special Power of Attorney allows you to designate a representative to perform important duties as it relates to your CalPERS business. Join us for this informative webinar, as we'll cover the reasons a power of attorney is beneficial as well as the duties and limitations your representative may have as relates to your benefits. 


Registration:

HR Insights: Learn About the CSU Fee Waiver & Reduction Program | October 27

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location:

 

Online via Zoom; Connection details provided upon registration confirmation
 

Facilitated By:

Nick Alexander, Admissions & Records
Frank Calderon, Admissions & Records
Shen Milunovic, Student Finance
Kristina Serrano, Human Resources

Description:

Are you interested in furthering your educational goals or transferring the CSU Fee Waiver & Reduction Program benefit to an eligible family member? If so, you will want to attend this session so you can maximize this wonderful benefit to help achieve educational goals.

For immediate information on the Fee Waiver and Reduction benefit program, visit the  Benefits Fee Waiver website.


Faculty & Staff – To register for this Workshop/Session:

  1. When ready, select the CSU Learn button below.
  2. Log into with your myNorthridge Portal credentials.
  3. Select the “Register” button.
  4. Click on the bullet next to the CSUN HR icon, and select “Submit” to enroll in this session.

If you require an accommodation to attend this program, please contact Human Resources at x5168 at least seven business days in advance of the program.

Withdraw from Session: If you need to cancel your registration, select the “Self” icon in CSU Learn.  Select “Learning,” then “Registrations.”  Select the box next to the session you need to cancel, and select “Cancel Registration.”  In the next window, select “Confirm Cancellation.”

Return to CSUN's Professional & Personal Development Training Calendar at: http://www.csun.edu/development/training.

LifeMatters Webinar: Organization for Life 9:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. | October 28

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Location:
Online

This session is offered at 9:00 a.m. and again at Noon.

Facilitated By:

Life Matters

Description

This training will equip you with practical tips to overhaul or enhance your organization skills.

Register for the live webinar at 9 a.m. PT
Register for the live webinar at 12 p.m. PT

Live Pay Warrants Distributed Via US Mail | Save Time - Enroll in Direct Deposit

COVID-19 Live Paycheck Distribution Process

All employees not on direct deposit will have their state payroll checks distributed by U.S. Mail.  This distribution method promotes proper social distancing, as well as assists in transitioning workloads to support the Fall 2020 semester. In order to ensure timely receipt of paychecks, please follow the steps below:

  1.  Login to the myNorthridge portal and verify that your home address is accurate.  You can do this by navigating to the Staff tab and accessing the Human Resources/Employee pagelet.  In the pagelet select update my personal info.
  2.  Please respond to the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PayWarrant confirming that you have verified your address and/or updated it accordingly or that you prefer to have your paycheck mailed to an alternate address other than your official home address.

In order to avoid unexpected mailing delays, we also highly encourage you to consider enrolling in direct deposit.  New enrollment may take up to two pay periods to process, so please ensure your home address on file is also up to date. The following link provides information on Direct Deposit for CSUN employees: https://www.csun.edu/payroll/direct-deposit.

Completed forms can be mailed to:

Human Resources – Payroll Administration
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA  91330-8229

Additionally, employees may view their paycheck details and IRS Form W-2 by registering with Cal Employee Connect (CEC). CEC is a secure site run by the State of California’s State Controller’s Office and allows state employees to view paycheck information for the current tax year and two prior tax years and view Form W-2 for the past three tax years.  Access to CEC is available for current and former state employees.  More information can be found here: https://www.csun.edu/payroll/cec

Leaves Information and Resources for COVID-19

COVID-19 Related Leaves for Employees

There are currently three leave options available for employees: COVID Paid Administrative Leave (CPAL), Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSLA), and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion (EFMLEA).

Due to the distinct options available, for any time off related to COVID-19 managers and employees should reach out to Karyn Cote, Leave Specialist at Karyn.Cote@csun.edu to consult on which leave type they qualify for and to obtain the appropriate leave form. To read more information about the leave options available to employees for COVID-19 related reasons and other resources, visit the COVID-19 Information for Faculty/Staff page.


Check Out Resources for HR Services Provided Virtually and Working Remotely Resources

Human Resources is offering services remotely. Check out how we can help you and explore the latest updates related to COVID-19:

Resources abound to help you successfully work remotely, build a work-life balance, and maintain yours and your family's emotional, and physical well-being: 

You can find additional information on the COVID-19 Information for Faculty & Staff website:

Health Care Dependent Re-Verification Requirement | Celebrating Your Birthday in December?

Dependent Re-Verification (DRV) is the process of re-verifying the eligibility of your spouse, domestic partner, children, stepchildren, and domestic partner children (family members) enrolled for state health and dental benefits. Government Code section 22843.1 mandates re-verifying the eligibility of your family members. Government Code section 22959 authorizes extending this review to your family members enrolled for dental benefits.

  • The eligibility of your family members will be re-verified once every three years. The re-verification period is based on your birth month. Employees born during the following months are required to re-verify family members during 2020: March, June, September, and December.
  • For those employees with birthdays in December, you do not need to send in the Dependent Eligibility Verification Affidavit mailed to you by CalPERS. As a sustainable and convenient alternative, you will receive an email from Adobe Sign. From that email, you can complete your required Dependent Eligibility Verification Affidavit and attach the required documents.  Please complete and submit your required documents prior to December 1, 2020, in order for your dependent(s) to continue receiving health coverage and avoid cancellation on 01/01/2021.
  • For more information visit the following page: Health Care Dependent Re-Verifications