We are implementing an important update to the telecommuting agreement process for the Academic Affairs Division. Effective immediately, we are shifting to a calendar-year model for all telecommuting agreements, regardless of an employee’s hire date. Here’s what you need to know:

• Calendar Year Model: We are in the process of transitioning all of our telecommuting agreements to a January–December schedule. This update will standardize agreements across the Division to streamline tracking and renewals.
• Standard Campus/Remote Model: The standard schedule for telecommuting is a 3-day campus / 2-day remote model. Any department or unit requesting a schedule other than this 3/2 split must be prepared to submit written justification from the Appropriate Administrator if requested by the Office of Equal Opportunity.
• Agreement Cycle: When an employee’s current Telecommuting Agreement expires, the new agreement must have an end date of 12/31/25 to align with the calendar year model. For agreements ending on 12/31/2024, please submit a new agreement in December to allow for approval processing and ensure an effective start date of January 1, 2025.
• Guidelines and Resources: Review the telecommuting process – including the policy, signing authority, and agreement guidelines – on the AA Resource Hub. As a reminder, please use the AAD-specific Telecommuter Agreement, also available on the AA Resource Hub.
• Telecommuting Help and FAQs: For more information, check out UP’s Telecommuting Help and FAQs webpage.

If you have any questions, please consult with your DRO/manager or reach out to ABSO at abso@sjsu.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation in this transition to a streamlined telecommuting process.

Following up on the Provost’s message regarding Budget Adjustments for FY 24/25, please do not submit any recruitments, classification/compensation reviews, stipends, overloads, etc., until the Provost approves your College’s/Unit’s plan for the 6% budget cut.

Additionally, University Personnel has updated the Rationale to Recruit form to be a PowerForm. Please note that we now require the Dean, Vice Provost, or AVP to sign off as the Appropriate Administrator. We also recommend that the DRO or unit manager initiate the request. Please review the process in the Academic Affairs Resource Hub.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Larsen at jessica.larsen@sjsu.edu.

With the implementation of the soft hiring freeze, effective immediately, the President’s Cabinet will review the justification for all recruitments before posting and at the final stage before an offer is extended. As such, the new Rationale to Recruit DocuSign form is now available and includes multiple levels of approval within the Division and up through the Cabinet. The Cabinet will also review all Temporary Appointments, including Special Consultants and Emergency Hires. The updated process is outlined on the AA Resource Hub.

For job cards awaiting approval in CHRS Recruiting, you must complete the new Rationale to Recruit form. Once approved, upload the signed Rationale to Recruit form to the existing job card, click Submit, and notify the pending approver.

For other requests (Emergency Hire, Casual Worker, Retired Annuitant, Special Consultant) previously submitted and yet to be approved, you must re-submit the request using the new Rationale to Recruit DocuSign form.

Lastly, there will be an updated form for Classification/Compensation requests, including stipends, overloads, etc. More information coming soon.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Larsen, jessica.larsen@sjsu.edu.