WELCOME TO CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY New Employee Guide
Table of Contents Welcome................................................................... 1 CWU Vision, Mission, and Values........................1 CWU Campus Locations.......................................2 Key Student and Employee Metrics....................2 Policies to Review...................................................2 Employee Reporting Responsibilities.................2 Required Training....................................................2 Development Opportunities................................2 Education Benefits.................................................3 CWU Perks...............................................................3 Human Resources...................................................3 Employee Leave......................................................3 Holidays and Personal Leave................................4 Time and Attendance.............................................4 Pay Day, Direct Deposit, Tax Info, and W-2s.....4 New Employee Checklist........................................5 Benefit Enrollment Checklist................................5 Questions? Contact Us...........................................5
Welcome New Employee Welcome is designed to help you begin your journey at CWU with a strong foundation. As you get settled into your new role, your supervisor , department ambassador , and your department’s administrative support staff are great first points of contact for everyday questions. Throughout this orientation, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the university’s mission, values, and culture, and how your role contributes to our shared goals. You’ll also be introduced to key policies, benefits, and resources to support your success as a member of the CWU community. While much of the information applies to all employees, some content may be tailored to your specific position. For more detail about the information provided in this guide, visit the Faculty and Permanent Staff - Welcome page. CWU Vision Central Washington University will be a model learning community of access and opportunity. CWU Mission To build a community of access and opportunity, Central Washington University fosters high-impact practices, sustainability, and authentic community partnerships that are grounded in meaningful relationships. CWU Values Unifying Value: Student Success Central Washington University creates pathways for students of all backgrounds to reach their academic and professional goals. Through providing a supportive learning environment, faculty and staff inspire students to become engaged professionals, active citizens, and lifelong learners. Engagement Central Washington University nurtures authentic relationships built on mutual respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. Our various communities engage in a network of mutuality and interdependence to advance collective learning and growth. Belonging Central Washington University believes that a diversity of peoples, cultures, and ideas are essential to learning, discovery, and creativity. Collectively, we take responsibility for welcoming and integrating diverse perspectives into our community to advance our vision and mission. Stewardship Central Washington University advances environmental, social, and economic sustainability in ways that support an ecologically and socially responsible world and that honor the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial and who continue to reside here. We nurture our internal talent through professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and accountability enacted with care and compassion.
— 1 —
CWU Campus Locations In addition to our main residential campus in Ellensburg, CWU includes six university centers across Washington State:
Employee Reporting Responsibilities
As a responsible employee, you are required to report any potential sexual harassment or misconduct brought to your attention. Reports should be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator at crc@cwu.edu or x2050, or through the Concern and Support Form in MyCWU: • MyCWU > Other Links > Concern and Support Form Reporting ensures the university can respond appropriately and take action to address the situation. For more details on reporting obligations and incident types, refer to the policy Reporting Concern and Employee Reporting Responsibilities: CWU 701-09. Required Training All CWU employees are expected to complete required training to help ensure a safe, respectful, and informed campus community. You’ll receive email reminders when your trainings are due. Training requirements may vary depending on your role, such as supervisor-specific trainings. To view assigned training in MyCWU, go to the Learning tab and search on the term: required . For more information, visit the Required Training web page.
• CWU–Lynnwood • CWU–Des Moines • CWU–Pierce County • CWU–Yakima • CWU–Moses Lake • CWU–Wenatchee
CWU-LYNNWOOD CWU-DES MOINES CWU-PIERCE COUNTY
CWU-WENATCHEE
CWU-MOSES LAKE
ELLENSBURG
CWU-YAKIMA
Key Student and Employee Metrics For official data snapshots on key student and employee metrics, see CWU’s Dashboards website. Policies to Review In addition to position-specific policies/bargaining agreements, all employees are expected to review and follow key university-wide policies. Important General Expectations policies include: • Alcohol and Other Drugs: CWU 701-04. CWU is a Drug-Free Workplace, in compliance with federal law. • Ethical Conduct Standards: CWU 701-08. • Conflict of Interest in Relationships: CWU 701-06. • In addition, familiarize yourself with Conflict of Interest Standards Policy - All Employees: CWU 301-26. You’ll also receive a Conflict of Interest Disclosure form via your CWU Outlook email from Compliance@cwu.edu within your first 7 days. Please complete it promptly.
Development Opportunities
CWU encourages ongoing professional growth and personal development. A variety of training opportunities are available to support your learning goals. Training and eLearning • Central Learning Academy (CLA): Offers in-person and virtual workshops, including First Friday Leadership Talks.
• CLA Online (Percipio): Provides 24/7 access to thousands of courses, videos, and books for self-paced learning. MyCWU > Homepage tab > Applications > CLA Online.
— 2 —
Education Benefits CWU provides tuition waivers for eligible employees and dependents. • Staff Education Benefits: CWU 301-02. • Dependents and Retiree Education Benefits: CWU 301-03. CWU Perks In addition to comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, CWU employees have access to a variety of added perks and savings opportunities. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Offered through First Choice Health, the EAP provides free, confidential support for you, your spouse, and dependents (up to age 26). Services address a range of personal and work-related issues. Explore EAP resources. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) CWU is a qualifying employer for the federal PSLF Program, which may forgive student loan debt for eligible employees. Employee Wellness CWU supports your well-being with access to recreation, fitness, and outdoor adventure opportunities—all conveniently located at the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC). • CWU Recreation Center: Enjoy a full-service gym with cardio and strength equipment, an indoor track, and a climbing wall. Group fitness classes are available throughout the week. • Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR): Rent gear for your next adventure, including paddleboards, kayaks, snowshoes, camping equipment, bikes, and even yard games like cornhole. OPR also hosts guided trips and clinics throughout the year as well. Whether you’re looking to stay active, try something new, or explore the outdoors, CWU Recreation offers something for everyone. Learn more about University Recreation including membership information.
Local Business Discounts Many local businesses offer discounts to CWU employees who show their Connection Card. Learn more about local business discounts. Washington State Productivity Board Program State employees can earn financial rewards by submitting cost-saving ideas: • Employee Suggestion Program: Earn 10% of net savings (up to $10,000). • Teamwork Incentive Program: Teams can earn up to 25% of net savings. Human Resources We partner with employees and supervisors to provide guidance on benefits, pay, policies, and more. Located on the 1st floor of Mitchell Hall Phone: 509-963-1202 Email: hr@cwu.edu | payroll@cwu.edu Employee Leave Leave benefits begin accruing upon your hire date and are available for use dependent on your hire date. Vacation Leave • Exempt employees: accrue 16.67 hours/month, prorated by FTE. • Civil Service employees: start at 9.33 hours/ month, increasing with service (max 16.67 hours), prorated by FTE. • Accrual limits apply: max 280 hours on your anniversary month. Track in MyCWU > Employee tab > Employee Leave Summary. Sick Leave • Accrued at 8 hours/month, prorated by FTE. No cap on sick leave accumulation. • May be supplemented by:
P Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) P Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
Bereavement Leave • Paid leave available for the death of a family or household member.
— 3 —
Holidays and Personal Leave • CWU employees receive 11 paid holidays each year. P New Year’s Day P Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday P Presidents’ Day P Memorial Day P Juneteenth P Independence Day P Labor Day P Veterans Day P Thanksgiving Day P Native American Heritage Day P Christmas Day Personal Holidays and Personal Leave Days also apply based on your employee classification or union agreement.
Pay Day, Direct Deposit, Tax Info, and W-2s Pay Day CWU employees are paid twice a month : • 1st–15th pay period — paid on the 25th of the same month • 16th–end of month pay period — paid on the 10th of the following month If payday falls on a weekend or holiday, pay is issued the closest business day. Payment Options • Direct Deposit (recommended) P Set up in MyCWU > Employee tab > Payroll > Direct Deposit • Prepaid Visa Debit Card (U.S. Bank Focus Card) P If you do not enroll in Direct Deposit, visit Payroll Services to complete a Focus Card enrollment form. (Please note: this option may include fees.) If you haven’t set up Direct Deposit in time for your first pay cycle: • Your first one or two paychecks will be available for pickup at the Cashier’s Office (Barge 105). • You must pick up each check before the next pay date, or it will be mailed to your Home address listed in MyCWU. To update your home address: MyCWU > Employee tab > Personal folder > Personal Details > Contact Details After the first two pay periods, paper paychecks will no longer be available for pickup and will be mailed to your Home address unless you enroll in Direct Deposit or request the Focus Card alternative. W-4 Tax Information Set up your W-4 to determine tax withholding: MyCWU > Employee tab > Payroll > W-4 Tax Information . Update your form anytime your life circumstances change (e.g., marriage, dependents, etc.). W-2 Electronic Consent Go paperless by consenting to receive your W-2 electronically: MyCWU > Employee tab > Payroll > W-2/W-2c Consent.
Personal Union Holidays Days
Group
Notes
Exempt and
3 days
N/A
Use Jan-Dec; no carryover
Non-Represented
Civil Service WFSE
2 days
3 days
Must be employed
(Jan-Dec) (July-June) 4+ months
PSE
3 days
2 days
Available upon hire
(Jan-Dec) (July-June)
Teamsters
1 day
2 days
Must be employed
(Jan-Dec) (July-June) 4+ months
Time and Attendance CWU uses Time & Attendance to track hours worked and absences. Access it via: MyCWU > Employee tab > Report Time folder • Civil Service employees and overtime-eligible exempt staff must report both time worked and absences. • Exempt, non-overtime-eligible employees only report absences.
— 4 —
New Employee Checklist Morning of New Employee Welcome • Check in and receive your Welcome Packet. • Complete I-9 verification (if time allows). • Discuss afternoon plans with your ambassador. • Attend N ew Employee Welcome (in person or virtually, depending on your situation). Afternoon of New Employee Welcome • Complete I-9 verification (if not yet completed). • Get your Connection Card (CWU ID) with help from your ambassador. • Pick up building/office key(s) if applicable (must present ID). • Ask your ambassador to show you: P Emergency exits P Safety/first aid kits P Automated external defibrillator (AED) locations in your office building • Accept appointments from Central Learning Academy, Human Resources, or Dale Lonowski for follow-up onboarding items Following Days • Secure parking, if applicable. • Rely on your supervisor and ambassador for ongoing support and assistance. • Complete Benefits paperwork, following instructions given by Benefits staff. • Complete required training (see timeline below).
Benefits Enrollment Checklist Enrollment must be completed within 31 days of your start date to avoid default coverage. Health Benefits • Medical, Dental, Vision: Enroll Online at Benefits 24/7 Additional Benefits • Life Insurance (MetLife) • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Retirement • Retirement Status Verification • Retirement Plan Election • Exempt Employees: CWURP Election P If choosing PERS 3, submit DRS PERS 3 Enrollment Form • Classified Employees: DRS Plan Enrollment Form P Must choose between PERS Plan 2 or 3 within 90 days If you do not complete enrollment, you will be defaulted into standard coverage (UMP Classic with surcharges, basic life insurance, 60% LTD) and may not make changes until open enrollment. Retirement defaults are PERS 2 (classified) and CWURP (exempt/faculty). Questions? Contact Us. Human Resources hr@cwu.edu | 509-963-1202 | cwu.edu/hr
Required Training
When
Training Title
Delivery
Week after orientation Within first 30 days Within first 30 days Within first 60 days Within first 90 days
New Employee - Next Steps
Live session via Teams (calendar invite)
Understanding FERPA and Reporting Preventing Harassment & Discrimination
Self-paced online course
Self-paced (varies by employee role)
Emergency Preparedness Ethics in Public Service
Self-paced online course Self-paced online course
— 5 —
CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, email Disability Services at DS@cwu.edu. 2025CS4071BB
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator