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Benefits

Fee Waiver & Reduction Program

Eligible Fresno State employees and their dependents have the chance to enroll in CSU courses at reduced rates across all 23 campuses. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity for affordable education and professional growth!

Spring 2025 Waivers Processing Now!

Spring 2025 Fee Waiver Bulletin
The Fee Waiver & Reduction Program is a benefit available to eligible faculty, staff, and management employees of the California State University (CSU) system. This program allows you or your eligible dependent (spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent child) to enroll in CSU general-fund courses at a reduced rate.

Key Features:
  • Eligibility: Available to eligible CSU employees, with the option to transfer the benefit to a dependent.
  • Covered Courses:
    • CSU state-supported (general fund) courses.
    • Summer term courses (including Summer Arts) are eligible.
  • Excluded Courses:
    • Self-support courses (e.g., Continuing Education, Global Education).
    • Joint doctoral programs where fees are paid to a partner university.
California Residency Requirement:
  • The fee waiver applies only to certain fees incurred by California residents. Employees who do not meet established in-state residency requirements will be responsible for paying non-resident tuition charges based on the total number of units in which they are enrolled.
  • For information on residency requirements, please contact the Admissions office at (559) 278-2261.
Important Notes:
  • Fee Waiver approval does not guarantee admission to the university.
  • The Fee Waiver & Reduction process is separate from the university’s application process.
Explore the full details on how to apply and the steps for utilizing the Fee Waiver benefit below.

Want to apply for a Fee Waiver for the first time for yourself or need to make a change to your CDP on file?
Complete the Career Development Plan (CDP) as the first step of your application.

Career Development

The Career Development Fee Waiver supports employees who are pursuing a degree or advancing their academic qualifications to enhance their career within the CSU system.

Requirements:
  • Degree Matriculation: Employees working toward a degree or academic advancement.
    OR
  • Career Advancement: Employees enhancing their career within the CSU system.

Key Points:
  • Career Development Fee Waiver participants are considered university students.
  • Participants must meet the university’s entrance requirements.
  • Employees must maintain Good Academic Standing and remain on a degree track.
Steps to Apply:
  1. Apply and enroll in classes.

  2. Employees pursuing this option must complete a Career Development Plan (CDP). The CDP is created in collaboration with the employee and an advisor, subject to approval by the appropriate administrator. Once submitted, the CDP does not need to be resubmitted with future waiver applications, but it must be updated periodically—especially if there are changes in the degree program or if the employee hasn't attended courses for over a year.
    Complete the AdobeSign form for the CDP Form (A-L) or CDP Form (M-Z).

  3. Submit Fee Waiver Application
    Complete the AdobeSign application for Fee Waiver Application (A - L) or Fee Waiver Application (M - Z).
Once all documents (Enrolled Class schedule, CDP on file, Fee Waiver) are received, you’ll get confirmation that your request is under review.

Work-Related Courses

Employees may take courses to improve job performance or acquire new skills for additional responsibilities. These are not degree-seeking courses.

Requirements:
  • Courses for the purpose of improving level of skill needed to perform existing duties
    OR
  • Aquiring additional skills to perform newly assigned duties and responsibilities
Key Points:
  • Academic evaluation process waived for acceptabce by Admissions Office
  • Unable to declare a majoy, nor can a degree by conferred
  • Required to remain in good academic standing
  • Documents below must be submitted each semester
Steps to Apply:
  1. Submit Fee Waiver Application
    Complete the AdobeSign application for Fee Waiver Application (A - L) or Fee Waiver Application (M - Z).

  2. Provide Written Documentation
    Submit a signed/approved memo from your Administrator explaining how the course relates to your current role. Email it to your Fee Waiver Coordinator.

  3. Complete Admission Data Form
    Submit the form via MoveIt (instructions available here).
Once all documents (Fee Waiver, memo, and Admission Data Form) are received, you’ll get confirmation that your request is under review.

Dependent Fee Waiver

The Dependent Fee Waiver allows eligible employees to transfer their Fee Waiver benefit to their spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent child.

Applications:
Transfer of Fee Waiver:
  • The Fee Waiver benefit can be transferred to your spouse, domestic partner, or dependent child.
Required Documentation:
  • Proof of Relationship Document: If submitting a dependent Fee Waiver and your dependent is not currently on your CSU Fresno medical/dental plan, you must provide proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate) along with your Fee Waiver application.
Overage Disabled Dependents & Fee Waiver Eligibility:
  • The Fee Waiver is a professional development benefit, and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) do not extend the benefit to overage disabled dependents.
  • Overage disabled dependents are only eligible for CalPERS Health Benefits and other core benefits (e.g., dental and vision).
For questions, please contact the Fee Waiver Coordinator.

Fee Waiver Coordinator (A-L)

Debra Penner
Benefits Analyst
dpenner@csufresno.edu
559.278.4657

Fee Waiver Coordinator (M-Z)

Magdalen "Rosie" Ricca
Benefits Analyst
magdalen@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.7178

Frequently Asked Questions

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