Cyclic Information for CWU Employees
CWU Cyclic Leave Information
Learn about how cyclic employment works at CWU!
Click the button below to return to the landing of our Careers page.
Careers PageWhat is a cyclic position?
Cyclic year positions are scheduled to work fewer than 12 months each calendar year, reflecting known, recurring periods when work is not needed or funding is limited. Cyclic leave applies to employees in these positions who work less than a full-year schedule.
Before the start of each fiscal year (July), employees are notified of their scheduled cyclic leave dates. Typically, leave without pay (unpaid leave) is used, though some departments allow appropriate approved accrued leave. These expectations should also be discussed during the recruitment or interview process.
CWU has many variations of the use of cyclic year positions. Here are a few examples of how it may impact an employee’s salary.
Here are two examples of cyclic positions:
Example 1: 9-Month Cyclic Position
This is a cyclic year position scheduled to work from September 16 through June 15 each year. The position is placed on cyclic leave from June 16 through September 15, when work is not required. This period is covered by leave without pay (unpaid leave).
Pay Implications: Employees should plan for unpaid periods during cyclic leave.
Example 2: 11-Month Cyclic Position
This is a cyclic year position scheduled to work 11 months each year, with designated cyclic leave periods including one week during winter break, one week during spring break, and two weeks in August. These periods reflect known reductions in workload and may be covered through a combination of accrued leave and leave without pay (unpaid leave), as approved by supervisor through department practice.
Pay Implications: Salary may be partially maintained during periods covered by accrued leave, with any remaining time on leave without pay resulting in reduced earnings during those periods.
Am I still eligible for benefits while on cyclic leave?
Yes!
Coverage of benefits continues for staff on cyclic yearly leave provided staff return to their current, eligible, paid appointment at the end of their scheduled cyclic leave period. For most employees with a 9 or 10 month service period whose cyclic yearly leave occurs in the summer, a premium deduction that covers the full summer premiums owed will be applied to the last paycheck of June. This deduction will cover insurance premiums required for coverage, including any tobacco or spousal surcharges if these apply.
Employees who have less than 12 month service periods that do not qualify for the one time summer pre-pay deduction, or whose cyclic period does not occur over summer, will have their insurance premiums continue to be deducted from any pay received and any premiums owed will be deducted from the employees first available paycheck.
CWU News

CWU Health Sciences master’s recipient brings home President’s Cup
July 1, 2026 by David Leder

CWU coaching legend celebrates 100th birthday
July 1, 2026 by Marketing and Communications