Welcome to the October issue of HR News!
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This month is full of opportunities for employees, including Annual Open Enrollment and applying to be a part of the next CSUN Engage Cohort—both with an October 9 deadline. Be sure to check out Campus Updates for events and initiatives promoting leadership development, sustainability, and participation in the CSU AI Survey.
October’s Professional & Personal Development offerings include workshops and webinars focused on communication, productivity, mental health, retirement planning, and emerging technologies such as generative AI. Make time to engage, grow, and take part in the next wellness challenge, Nourish, with registration opening October 12.
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Thank you for the important work you do every day to serve our campus community. Please contact us if you have any questions or feedback, or want to see an upcoming event included in a future issue of HR News.
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Explore HR Updates to learn about resources available to you and important employment updates:
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Spring 2027 Fee Waiver Priority Processing Period | October 2 - November 13
The CSU Employee Fee Waiver and Reduction Program provides for the waiver or reduction of tuition and certain fees for eligible employees. In addition, an eligible CSU employee may transfer their fee waiver benefit to a spouse, domestic partner, or eligible dependent child. CSUN employees who want to complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree, enhance job skills, or even prepare for a future career, are encouraged to participate in the program. Eligible employees or their eligible dependent may have tuition and fees for a maximum of two (2) courses or six (6) units, whichever is greater, waived/reduced each semester. The CSU Fee Waiver module will be available October 2, 2026, for Spring 2027 applications. To ensure timely processing, please submit your application no later than November 13, 2026. Read more here.
- Celebrating a Birthday in December? Complete the CalPERS Dependent Re-Verification Requirement | Deadline: December 1
Dependent Re-verification (DRV) is the process of re-verifying the eligibility of your spouse, domestic partner, children, stepchildren, and domestic partner children (family members) enrolled for state health and dental benefits. Read more here.
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Calm and HR Present: When You’re Feeling Down, Calm Can Help
If low mood and sadness impact your daily life, you are far from alone. One survey revealed that a fifth of adults had experienced symptoms of depression within the two weeks prior. When you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, it can be hard to know where to turn. Calm offers mindfulness resources to uplift your mood, support your well-being, and help you get back to feeling your best. Read more here. Activate your free premium membership to CALM and take advantage of this benefit.
- Annual Open Enrollment Going on Now through Friday, October 9, 2026
Open Enrollment continues through 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 9th. Remember, adding or making changes to your benefits as part of Open Enrollment is an easy online process via the Benefits module in the CSUN portal. -
Benefit election changes selected during Open Enrollment become effective January 1, 2027.
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Visit our 2026 Open Enrollment website to read about plan changes and updates, view the Open Enrollment Guidebook, view the 2027 health premium rates, access various resources, and visit vendor websites to enroll or re-enroll in voluntary plans. A virtual Open Enrollment Benefits Fair will take place Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- If you have reviewed the Open Enrollment information, the plan premium rates, and are satisfied with your current elections and do not wish to make any changes, no further action is needed. Your current elections for these plans will automatically continue for plan year 2027. However, if you want a Health Care or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, you must re-enroll every year.
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Nourish is Coming | Registration Opens October 12, 2026
Human Resources and Kaiser Permanente are excited to announce a new challenge program called Nourish! A new well-being challenge that helps turn healthy eating intentions into lifelong habits. Learn more and register to participate as an individual or a team at: Nourish- Registration opens Monday, October 12, 2026
- Activity Challenge and Logging begins Monday, October 19, 2026
- Registration closes Monday, October 26, 2026
- Activity Challenge Ends Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Activity Logging closes Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Employee Resources:
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Summary of CSU provided benefits - View an overview summary of systemwide benefits to eligible employees on the webpage Employee Benefits Summary.
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Cal Employee Connect - Sign-up for easy online access to your monthly pay, W-2 information, Direct Deposit, and Withholdings changes. Read more here.
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Total Compensation - This includes your salary and the value of your benefit package, based on your appointment type. To see the equivalent value of your total compensation, use the Total Compensation Calculator
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Dive into this section to find campus news, events, and programs you can participate in this month.
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- Be Part of the Next CSUN Engage Cohort | Deadline to Apply: October 9
CSUN Engage is an in-person professional and leadership development program created to invest in our faculty and staff. In line with our university’s commitment to education, inquiry, curiosity, and lifelong learning, this Office of the President-led initiative offers participants the opportunity to better understand how the university operates and how our people and work are deeply interconnected. For more details about the program—including session dates, time commitment, and how to apply—please visit the CSUN Engage website.
- Great California ShakeOut - Rave Alert & CSUN Safe App Test | October 13
As part of this year's Great California ShakeOut, CSUN Department of Police Services (DPS) will test the university's emergency notification systems on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The test is timed for midday specifically to minimize disruption to campus operations. A test alert distributed via Rave Alert, the system DPS uses to reach the campus community by text, email, and voice call during a real emergency. A concurrent, first-time test of CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) messaging within the CSUN Safe App. Questions about the test, or interested in a preparedness briefing for your department? Contact CSUN DPS Emergency Preparedness at nelson.cox@csun.edu.
- Opening Reception for the 2026-2027 Special Collections and Archives Exhibit, Journeys of the Imagination | October 15
This exhibition explores the enduring human tradition of imagining and sharing journeys to fictional worlds. From ancient epics such as Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and The Odyssey to modern fantasy and science fiction, it examines how stories of imaginary places, peoples, and adventures help us understand ourselves and our world. The exhibition highlights the power of imagination to inspire creativity, foster connection and belonging, and encourage reflection on humanity, society, and the possibilities of better futures. RSVP here.
- CSUN's Big Show | October 17
Join Associated Students for CSUN’s Big Show on Saturday, October 17, from 3:00–7:30 p.m., featuring Swae Lee! Big Show is one of CSUN’s signature traditions, bringing Matadors together for an afternoon of live music, great energy, and campus community. CSUN staff are invited to join the celebration—and bring up to three guests along! Ticketing information is available here or you can purchase tickets from the Ticket Office in the USU.
- From Fire to Future: The Human Side of Wildfire Resilience | October 20
Join CSUN Department of Police Services Emergency Management for a session featuring Jenny Novak, author of The Anatomy of Resilience: The Story of Disaster from Crisis to Recovery and CSU Systemwide Director of Emergency Management & Continuity. Drawing from her professional experience in emergency management and her personal journey through crisis and recovery, Novak explores resilience from a distinctly human perspective. Her work examines how individuals and communities experience disruption, uncertainty, recovery, and adaptation—and how those lessons can strengthen preparedness before the next emergency. RSVP here.
- Prepare. Engage. Survive. Take Part in the CSUN Zombie Apocalypse | October 27
The zombies may be fictional, but the preparedness skills are very real. The Zombie Apocalypse uses an imaginative disaster scenario to encourage the CSUN community to think about what they would need, where they would go, who they would contact, and what resources would be available during an actual emergency. Whether facing an earthquake, wildfire, power outage, severe weather event, or another unexpected disruption, prepared communities are more resilient communities. The Zombie Apocalypse gives Matadors an opportunity to learn those skills in a fun, accessible, and engaging environment. Learn more here.
- Orchard Conference Center Weekly Gathering
Introducing weekly gatherings at the Orchard Conference Center. Every Wednesday and Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. enjoy a buffet for $25 throughout October and November (except for 11/11, 11/25, and 11/26). Reservations are required, please call 818-677-4183 to reserve your spot today. -
Have You Heard? @csunprevents is Live and They'd Love a Follow!
The Outreach, Prevention & Education team within the Office of Equity and Compliance has a new Instagram channel (@csunprevents) and is running a raffle during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October). We encourage you to participate in Purple Thursdays to show your support for survivors of domestic violence. To be entered into our raffle, you'll need to: 1. Follow us on Instagram, 2. Participate in Purple Thursdays by wearing purple on each Thursday during October, 3. Take a photo and tag @csunprevents in your post, and 4. You will be entered into a raffle to win a variety of prizes (which will be announced on our channel).
- Advancing Sustainable Transportation Through Campus Action
CSUN continues to advance its sustainability goals through investments in cleaner transportation infrastructure. Over the past month, the university added 58 new Level 2 electric vehicle chargers. This included the installation of 50 new Level 2 load-sharing EV charges in the B2 Parking Lot, and 8 additional Level 2 load-sharing EV chargers in the B4 parking lot. These improvements provide greater charging access for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors while supporting the university’s efforts to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
- Help Guide How CSU Campuses Support AI
CSUN students, faculty, and staff are invited to take the anonymous CSU AI Survey and share their experiences with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. The survey window is Monday, September 21 through Monday, October 19. Your feedback will help guide how CSU campuses support AI use. The survey will be emailed to all employees, be on the lookout and help shape the future of AI at CSUN. Participants can also enter a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card or an iPad.
- Campus Sustainability Survey Participation
The CSUN Sustainability Team is exploring how our campus thinks about sustainability, how effective outreach efforts are, and how informed the community is about sustainability topics. The results will be used to guide CSUN's sustainability goals, activities, and maintain our global rankings and reporting. We’re requesting your help by completing a short survey. Please help by taking the survey which takes approximately five minutes to complete. For questions or comments, please contact sustainability@csun.edu.
- CSUN Faculty and Staff: Physical Therapy Wellness Opportunity
CSUN faculty and staff age 50 and older are invited to participate in a free comprehensive physical therapy wellness examination conducted by Doctor of Physical Therapy students under faculty supervision. The examination will provide participants with information about several important areas of physical health and function, including strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, power, balance, and mobility. Participants will receive a personalized wellness report card summarizing their results, along with individualized recommendations to support overall health, physical function, and wellness. Participation requires a commitment to both sessions: November 17 and December 1, choose either 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 12:30–1:30 p.m. (approximately one hour each session). Space is limited, so interested participants should contact Andrew Bartlett at andrew.bartlett@csun.edu as soon as possible. Please be sure you are available to attend both dates when requesting a time slot.
- Art & Design Department Faculty & Staff Exhibition | Through November 5
This exhibition presents the innovative creative work of 43 faculty and staff members from CSUN’s Department of Art & Design. Their works span two- and three-dimensional media and divergent research interests, representing an abundant range of conceptual and art making methods. Learn more here.
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Professional & Personal Development |
The Professional & Personal Development Program provides online discussions, training workshops, and development sessions available to all Faculty and Staff. Click the links for more information.
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- Resources
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Understanding Suicide - Suicide is a leading cause of death for all age groups. The friends, family, and colleagues of someone who has died by suicide often question what they might have done to prevent the loss.
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The Warning Signs of Teen Suicide - Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults (ages 10-34).
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Alzheimer's Association Live Learning Webinars - Free live learning webinars from the Alzheimer's Association offer real-time conversation, information, education and resources on a variety of brain health, dementia and caregiving topics. Register for an upcoming virtual learning program today.
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Professional/Personal Development Sessions
- LifeMatters | View Live and On-Demand Webinars in the Month of October 2026
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The Power of the 1:1 Turning Routine Check-Ins into Meaningful Conversations - CCC | October 6
- Increase Productivity with MS OneNote - CCC | October 6
- Broadcast Email Training Session | October 7
- CSU Ask Fidelity: Making Decisions About Your Pension | October 7
- Recognizing and Responding to Domestic Violence | October 8
- Foundations of Psychological Safety - CCC | October 8
- Lean How to Design Graphics and Interactive Slideshows with the New Adobe Express | October 12
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QPR (Question Persuade Refer) Training | October 12
- Kaiser Permanente 2026 Medicare Workshop | October 13
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CSU's Got Talent - Mental Health Awareness in Action | October 14
- HR Insights - Understanding the CSU Fee Waiver & Reduction Program Benefit Spring 2027 | October 14
- CSU Ask Fidelity: Get to Know Your Retirement Plan (Get Started and Save for the Future You) | October 14
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Curious About AI? Learn How to Get the Most Out of ChatGPT | October 14
- Kaiser Permanente 2026 Medicare Workshop | October 15
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CalPERS Member Education Video: Leaving Your CalPERS Employer | October 15
- Neurodiversity in the Workplace - CCC | October 20
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Unmasking Imposter Syndrome: Feeling Unsure Doesn't Mean You Don't Belong - CCC | October 20
- Anyone Can Create a Podcast with Adobe Podcast | October 21
- AI Playtime: Get Curious, Experiment, and Build Confidence - CCC | October 21
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CSU Ask Fidelity: How Consolidating Accounts Could Help You Save Time and Money | October 21
- Performance Management - for MPPs and Department Chairs | October 22
- Learn on How to Use Generative AI in Adobe Express | October 26
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Fidelity Financial Webinar - How to Begin Investing for Retirement | October 27
- Anyone Can Create a Podcast with Adobe Podcast | October 28
- Virtual Stepping Beyond Customer Service - CCC | October 28
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Work Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Elevate Employee Learning Programs - CCC | October 28
- Check Out the Professional Development with LinkedIn Learning | October 29
- Conflict Management Styles - CCC | October 30
- Accessibility Sessions
- Accessibility Pathways Certificate - A new opportunity for faculty, staff, and student employees to participate in accessibility training is one of the most effective ways to stay informed and ensure compliance. Read more here.
- Canva vs PowerPoint Design | October 6
- Enhanced Accessibility Tools in Canvas | October 8
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Accessibility for Academic Support Staff | October 13
- Web Accessibility Platform: PopeTech | October 14
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Three-Step PDF Accessibility for Faculty | October 20
- Word Accessibility | October 22
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Social Media Accessibility | October 27
- PowerPoint Accessibility | October 29
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Accessible Instructional Materials Webinar | October 30
- Faculty Technology Sessions
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Academic Technology Pathways to Build Your Skills. Apply What You Learn. Earn Recognition.
Self-enroll into the Academic Technology Pathways Certificate Canvas course. Instructions for submission can be found in the Canvas course. -
As You Prepare for Mid-Terms Check Out the Features of New Canvas Quizzes | October 1
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New CSU Community of Practice for faculty: Accessible Instructional MaterialsL | October 1
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Still Thinking About Mid-Terms? Check Out the Features on New Canvas Quizzes | October 6
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Do You Have Course Reading for Your Students? Learn How to Set Up Google Notebook LM for Your Course Materials | October 7
- Adobe ePortfolios | October 15
- Create GPTs with Your Students | October 19
- Eliminate Grade Confusion by Using Canvas Gradebook | October 20
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Learn How About a Well-Designed Canvas Gradebook! | October 22
- TurnItIn AI Detection | October 27
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