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
CWU Student Fashion Association visits New York to network with industry leaders
April 29, 2024
by Rune Torgersen
NESSP to host challenge day at CWU for NASA Artemis ROADS II teams
April 29, 2024
by Darci Snowden