Human Resources
Benefits and Leave
Investing in You
CWU's comprehensive benefit package includes an annual contribution of over $13,000 toward health insurance, over $10,000 toward retirement, and a combined total of 40 days off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Depending on plans selected, your cost will vary for health insurance from $26 - $341 per month and 5-15% for retirement. CWU waives up to 50% of tuition for employees' dependents and employees may be eligible for the public service loan forgiveness program.
Insurance & Retirement
CWU offers a comprehensive benefit package to keep you healthy and plan for your future.
Get and Stay Healthy:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Care: reasonable monthly medical premiums - the university pays majority of premium cost. Vision and dental coverage included at no additional cost!
- Life Insurance: Basic coverage provided at no cost, and term policy available with group rates and guaranteed coverage.
- Stay Fit: CWU offers a wellness incentive and access to join our fitness facility.
- Support for You and Your Family: The Employee Assistance Program includes access to legal, financial, eldercare, ID theft, and home ownership resources.
Plan for the Future:
- Retirement Plans: CWU offers the option of pension plan or a hybrid retirement plan and access to supplemental pre-tax savings plans.
- Financial Planning & Education: As a CWU employee you have access to certified financial planners at no cost to you alongside financial and retirement planning tools and trainings.
Leave & Holidays
As a member of our Wildcat Family, you receive the following:
- Up to 25 days per year of Vacation
- 11 Observed Holidays
- 12 days per year of Sick Leave
View more detailed information regarding leave and holidays.
Perks & Discounts
Several perks and discounts are available to CWU employees.
- College Savings Plan: The Washington State GET Program is a 529 savings plan created to help save money tax-free for eligible education expenses.
- Dependent Tuition Waiver: CWU waives up to 50% of tuition for eligible staff and faculty dependents and distinguished retirees.
- Discounts: CWU employees can receive discounts at various restaurants, wireless service providers, and the local Central Transit in Ellensburg by showing your CWU Connection Card.
- Employee Assistance Program: The EAP resources are available to you, your spouse, and children up to age 26 for help with a wide-range of issues.
- Employee Tuition Exemption: CWU employees who wish to start, continue, or finish their educational journey may waive tuition for up to eight credits each quarter.
- Faculty and Staff Transitional Housing: A limited number of on-campus apartments are available for rent with 6 to 12 month leasing options. These units are subject to availability.
- Guaranteed Education Tuition: The Washington 529 Education Savings Plans help families save for a variety of college and education expenses.
- RecWell Membership: CWU Recreation offers a wellness membership for current Faculty and Staff.
- SmartHealth Wellness: Eligible employees can qualify for an annual $125 wellness incentive.
- Student Loan Forgiveness: CWU employees receive access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Washington Secretary of State Productivity Board Program: The Productivity Board incentivizes state employees to help our government operate more efficiently.
- Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter: Faculty and staff may purchase a Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter monthly Transit Pass via pre-tax payroll deduction.
CWU News
Desire to help others drives future HR professional
May 15, 2024
by David Leder
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May 13, 2024
by University Relations