Employee Separation FAQ
Common questions and answers for separating faculty, staff, and MPP employees. Some of these responses may not apply to your classification; please contact Human Resources with any specific questions.
You are eligible for retirement if you have 5 years or more of CalPERS service and are at least age 50 or 52 (depending on your retirement formula). If you retire within 120 days of your separation date, you are eligible to continue your medical and (reduced) dental coverage into retirement for yourself and your eligible dependents, unless you are subject to the 10-year vesting requirement for continuance of medical and dental (check with H.R. for your specific requirement) . If you have a disability that precludes you from work and you have at least 5 years of CalPERS service, you may be eligible for CalPERS disability retirement. Service retirement brochures are available on the CalPERS website (www.calpers.ca.gov). For retirement advising, please contact the CSUMB Benefits Program Specialist at 831-582-4426.
Staff & MPP: Submit a Resignation/Separation form to your manager at least two weeks before your last day physically worked. It is important to include both your Last Day Physically Worked and your Separation Date (paid through date). Although it is customary to provide at least 2 weeks’ notice, such notice is not legally required. Remind your manager to forward the resignation form to HR in Tide Hall. Submit any absences (or report no leave taken) online via Absence Management Self Service in CMS.
Faculty: Employees should notify their dean as early as possible due to the scheduling of courses. Submit a Resignation/Separation form to your dean at least two weeks before your last day physically worked. It is important to include both your Last Day Physically Worked and your Separation Date (paid through date). Although it is customary to provide at least 2 weeks’ notice, such notice is not legally required. Remind your dean to forward the resignation form to Human Resources in Tide Hall. Submit any absences (or report no leave taken) online via Absence Management Self Service in CMS.
An employee who voluntarily resigns or retires from employment must be paid wages earned no later than 72 hours from the date of separation. However, if an employee provides at least 72 hours' notice of the impending separation, they are entitled to earned wages at the time of separation. The availability of your check depends on timely submission of all required documents and an absence report. Employees will pick up their final paycheck at the Student Services Building, Sixth Avenue. Your final pay includes your unpaid earnings and any unused vacation or personal holiday. It does not include unused sick leave. Under the California Labor Code Sections 201 and 202, an employee who is discharged (separated from service other than voluntarily) must be paid wages earned immediately.
Faculty who separate mid-semester or at the conclusion of a semester will receive a lump sum payment of their remaining pay. Faculty who taught during spring semester may choose to extend their separation date in order to continue receiving monthly payments over the summer months.
A benefits exit consultation can be scheduled with the Benefits Program Specialist to get advice about your retirement account and benefits. Premiums for benefits are paid a month in advance. Therefore, the pay warrant you receive for the last pay period of your employment will pay for coverage through the end of the following month, provided your pay is sufficient to cover the deductions.
COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is a federal law that allows continued health coverage for you and your eligible dependents for a maximum of 18 months unless you were terminated for gross misconduct. The CSU also allows you to also continue your dental and vision coverage. You must make this election within 60 days from the end of your coverage and make the first premium payment within 45 days of your election. You pay the full monthly premium including the University's contribution, plus a 2% administrative charge as provided under COBRA.
Medical: The Benefits department will provide you with the COBRA election documents by mail. Complete the main COBRA election form and submit/mail to HR - Benefits within the appropriate deadlines.
Dental/Vision: If you elect to continue your group coverage for any of the Dental and/or Vision plans in which you are enrolled, complete the appropriate enrollment form in the COBRA document packet and mail directly to the address on the enrollment form along with your first month’s premium payment.
The State Controller’s Office ("CSO") will automatically mail your W-2 statement to the last address on file. If your address has changed, update your address using CMS-HR Self Service so that your W-2 statement will be mailed to the correct address. Use your username and password to log in. If you have forgotten your password go to https://csumb.okta.com/signin/forgot-password to request a password.
If you have other questions related the W-2, please visit the Payroll website.
Return University property and clear outstanding financial obligations before your last day at work.
Submission of your Resignation/Separation form initiates the Clearance Process. HR will notify the appropriate campus offices of your intent to separate. Your manager can assist you in the collection and return of University property. Examples of things that need to be returned or cleared include travel, salary and payroll accounts receivables advances (to Accounting), procurement card (to Procurement), and office keys (to the Lockshop), cabinet keys, laptop/computers, and cell phones (to your department office manager). Please turn in your Otter ID card at the Campus Service Center. Your parking permit should be returned to the Parking Services in Valley Hall (Bldg 82) Suite E, and you will be provided a temporary permit to use through your last day of work.
All separating employees are asked to complete an online exit survey to express their views on a variety of topics concerning their employment, such as overall job satisfaction, work environment, training opportunities, salary/benefits, and their supervisor. Information you provide will be consolidated with the responses from other Exit Survey participants, analyzed for trends, and translated into program development priorities for University planning purposes. Responses will not become part of your personnel file. All exiting employees are also invited to participate in an exit interview. This invitation will be extended during your exit process and we encourage your participation.