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. Visit our website for information on changes occurring in 2026!
CalPERS offers appointments to assist you by phone, virtually, or in person. On October 16th at 12 p.m., join CalPERS as they share the top 5 things you need for a regional office visit, plus show you how to schedule an appointment and prepare for your meeting with a retirement counselor.
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.
Discover amazing offers on Working Advantage this October. Score discounts on football tickets, enjoy Halloween treats, and boost your wellness journey with special savings all month long in honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th.
A reminder to all managers that annual performance evaluations to be completed as follows:
Staff review period (July 1 - June 30), due on August 1
MPP review period (July 1 - June 30), due on September 1
Check out: Estate Planning - The Basics, 10/8 at 5:30 p.m.; and Student Loans 101, 10/22 at 5:30 p.m. Missed a recording? View the following past webinars on-demand! - Budgeting Like a Boss; Paying Down Debt; Building Generational Wealth; Understanding Social Security; Estate Planning 101; Federal vs. Private Student Loans; and Savings Strategies.
This month's promotional content includes Supporting a Friend with a Mental Health Issue and Cancer Warning Signs. Upcoming webinars for 2025 can be found here. As a reminder, you may download The LifeMatters® App for convenient access to materials.