Special Consultant

Individuals appointed to the Special Consultant classification are employees of the California State University, and as such, are required to complete appropriate employment paperwork.

A Special Consultant performs special assignments of a temporary nature, based on a particular knowledge, ability or expertise. This classification should be used for work that meets the “exempt” criteria of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not to be used for non-exempt work. Incumbents in this classification are paid on a daily rate.

  • To initiate an appointment of a Special Consultant, please complete the Special Consultant Agreement Form (PDF), and submit along with the individual's CV/Resume.
  • Please note, if this individual is currently a faculty member of SSU, please go through the Faculty Affairs Office for appointment.  All other individuals, including those who are currently a faculty member at another CSU campus, should go through HR for a special consultant appointment.
  • To initiate an appointment for an Independent Contractor, please review and complete the Independent Contractor Review Request Form (PDF)

Special Consultant should sign agreement BEFORE on campus approvals are completed. The form must be completed and fully approved prior to the beginning of the assignment.

Review the SSU Special Consultant Processing Guidelines.  For questions please contact Human Resources at hr@sonoma.edu.

CSU Additional Employment Policy

The California State University (CSU) Additional Employment Policy establishes reasonable limits on the total amount of employment an individual may have within the CSU system.

Additional Employment refers to any CSU employment that is in addition to the employee’s primary appointment. Additional employment limitations are based on time-base, not salary. A maximum of 125% time-base is allowed under certain circumstances. The salary rate for additional employment may be the same as the rate for the primary appointment; however, a different salary rate is permitted if appropriate for the work performed and if allowed by the funding source. When determining the 125% additional employment under the CSU Additional Employment Policy, all CSU employment and all outside CSU foundation and other CSU auxiliary employment are considered together.

Outside Employment refers to any employment not compensated through the CSU payroll. Employment directly compensated by a CSU foundation or other CSU auxiliary that is not compensated through the CSU payroll is considered outside employment. Employment that is compensated through the CSU payroll and is reimbursed by a foundation, other auxiliary, or other funding source is considered CSU employment. CSU employees may, consistent with campus policies governing outside activities, be employed outside the CSU system. However, conflicts of interest are not permitted. 

Please contact Employment Services prior to assignment of additional work to any current CSU employee for further review.