Human Resources
The HR Department at Sonoma State celebrates the intrinsic value of each individual and the power that’s harnessed when we work together. We recognize our role as cultural architects on campus, and we are committed to supporting, transforming and bridging all of life’s employment transitions from recruitment to retirement and everything in between. Everything matters. We are committed to creating a collaborative work environment that promotes high-performing teams and supports Sonoma State’s mission to prepare students for an exciting future. We are experts in our fields and genuinely care about employees and their success. You can count on us to provide thoughtful, integrated solutions that are crafted with integrity and vision.
Mission
Our mission is to help employ, develop, motivate, and retain a diverse and engaged workforce. We are committed to meeting the needs of the University through the highest level of consultation, responsiveness, and accuracy in our service delivery. We don’t just believe in service excellence – we celebrate it! Our collaborative, results-oriented approach helps to build healthy partnerships, successful outcomes and high-performing teams throughout the Sonoma State campus community.
Services
The Human Resources Office reports under the Vice President for Administration and Finance and provides a variety of services to the campus community, including:
- General Employment
- Benefits
- Class/Compensation Administration
- Employee Relations & Compliance
- Payroll
- Student Employment
- Training/Development
Announcements
This year's Open Enrollment period begins on September 15th and ends on October 10th. The on-campus health fair will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd from 12pm - 2 pm in the Student Center Ballrooms. Visit our website for information on changes occuring in 2026!
The benefits of a myCalPERS account don't stop at retirement-they continue well beyond. Join CalPERS on Thursday, September 18th at 12 pm for a helpful walkthrough designed specifically for retirees, beneficiaries, and survivors. Learn how to set up your account, view retirement checks and tax statements, update direct deposit and contact info, manage beneficiaries, and more. Whether you're newly retired or supporting a loved one's benefits, this video will help you take full advantage of everything myCalPERS has to offer.
Updated payroll calendars for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are now available.
Students graduating in Spring 2025 may continue working during the summer up until the start of the Fall semester August 17, 2025.
The summer bridge period begins June 1, 2025 and ends August 17, 2025. The 40 hour work week begins May 25, 2025. If a student will be continuing employment into the summer, please submit a Student Employment Form to avoid a break in service.
The 40 hour work week for student employment begins 12/20 and ends the day before the spring semester begins on 1/16. During this time Student Assistants may work up to a maximum of 40 hours per week but shall not be scheduled, nor permitted, to work overtime.
Student employment for the academic year (Fall 24-Spring 25) begins 8/19/24 and ends 5/31/25.
Summer employment automatically ends 8/18/24. If a student will be continuing into the fall, please submit a Student Employment Form (available on the Forms page) to avoid a break in service. The 20-hour work week resumes.
The current schedule of activities can be found here.
This September, unlock exclusive savings with Working Advantage! Get ready for fall with unbeatable deals on back-to-school essentials, autumn travel, and more. In celebration of National Women’s Health and Fitness Day on September 25th, Working Advantage will be honoring wellness all month long with special discounts on health and fitness favorites, designed to help you feel your best this season.