M 3 Frequently Asked Questions

3.10 MODULE 3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Frequently Asked Questions

New Employee Welcome Orientation

How do I set up direct deposit for my paychecks, choose my health benefits (for those with at least six units of assignments) and discover all the benefits that accompany my position?

The Human Resources page in this resource will point you to key websites on their page to find this information. There will be benefits workshops which outline/describe all the different options to choose from as well. 

 

What can I do in an emergency on campus?

CSUN's Department of Police Services suggests you:

  • Implement department protocols/procedures—utilize emergency posters (available from DPS)
  • Consider environmental factors—e.g., arrangement of office furniture
  • Know emergency and evacuation procedures—“Run, Hide, Fight”
  • Be prepared for law enforcement response and comply with their commands

 

If a student discloses something to me that seems like it may be a Title IX violation, how do I know whether I have to make a mandatory report?

Contact the Office of Equity and Diversity.  You can explain what you heard, and they'll help you determine whether this is an instance that requires report, and then work with you to take the report if deemed necessary.

 

What if I need software that isn't listed on CSUN's Software Downloads page?

Contact your department's technicians with your questions.  Some colleges and departments have access to additional software.

 

How do I find out what is expected of me in order to retain my position and obtain tenure?

Start by asking this question to your department chair. One of the things they will bring up is something called Section 600 and your Department Personnel Policies and Procedures (if your department has one).  The expectations should be written down, but it is helpful to have a mentor assist to interpret or elaborate what is written.  The Faculty Affairs  Office will be especially helpful here too.

I'm a lecturer. How do I find our what is expected of me in order to secure more job security at CSUN?

CSUN lecturers follow Section 700, and you should also check with your your Department Personnel Policies and Procedures (if your department has one).  After satisfactory work (how this is measured is outlined in Section 700 and by your department) over a certain length of time, lecturers can become eligible for one year contracts with a department (called Y1), and then three year contracts with a department (called Y3).  These contracts assign you what are called "entitlements" on our campus; that is, you are entitled to be offered a certain number of units per academic year by the department prior to anyone without a contract being offered units.

 

Should I join committees? Which ones? How many? 

Later in this handbook, you'll discover an entire module dedicated to explaining "service" at CSUN and how this relates to how you might be evaluated. For tenure-track faculty, check with your department chair about service needs and the service expectations for tenure in your Department’s Personnel Policies and Procedures. Departments typically are mindful of the transition of first-year faculty and may protect you from major committee obligations (e.g., chair of a standing committee, university committees).  Ideally, the committee/s you join are personally interesting to you.  We also recommend talking to other junior faculty about what service looked like their first year. It may also be helpful to ask faculty who are current or former members of committee to ask about workload and logistics.  Lecturers are not required to perform service in order to obtain Y1 or Y3 contracts, but some campus committees do include lecturers, if you're interested in getting involved.

 

How do I pay for a membership to the SRC?

All memberships are prorated and can be purchased on a semester basis at the SRC front desk. Faculty and Staff who are 12-month employees are also eligible to enroll in payroll deduction in order to pay for their membership by filling out a Payroll Deduction Form at the SRC front desk.