Each fall, Open Enrollment gives SJSU employees the opportunity to review and update their benefits for the coming year. It is one of the most important times on the University Personnel calendar, and behind the scenes, the Benefits and Leave Administration Team works diligently to ensure the process runs smoothly.
“We meet employees on their first day, support them through life changes like marriage or growing families, and celebrate with them as they retire and begin their next adventure. Our work touches every stage of an employee’s career and life and we deeply value the trust they place in us.”
— Yazmin Perez, Interim Director of Benefits and Leaves Administration,University Personnel
The Benefits Team collaborates closely with third-party partners such as the State Controller’s Office, CalPERS, and the Chancellor’s Office to process and finalize individual employee health coverage transactions. This coordination can occasionally require additional steps to complete, but the team’s top priority remains ensuring that every employee’s benefits are accurate, timely, and easy to manage. Recognizing how deeply benefit decisions affect employees and their families, the team focuses on making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
In preparation for Open Enrollment, the Benefits Team audited hundreds of employee records to prevent technical issues and ensure smoother transactions. This behind the scenes work, though often unseen, made a noticeable difference in reducing errors and improving the overall experience. Their proactive approach also led to a steady rise in participation, increasing from 609 enrollments in 2025 to 737 in 2026, showing greater employee engagement and awareness.
Open Enrollment is just one part of what this dedicated group handles throughout the year. As highlighted by Yazmin Perez above, from onboarding to retirement, the Benefits Team supports employees at every stage of their SJSU journey, helping new hires get started, guiding families through major life events, and assisting retirees as they transition into their next chapter. Their role is both technical and deeply personal, built on the trust employees place in them to manage sensitive and meaningful aspects of their lives.
This year, the team expanded their reach to ensure that all employees, regardless of location, felt included in the Open Enrollment experience. They hosted a virtual session for the Moss Landing Marine Labs, a group physically separated from the main campus, and plan to visit the site in person next year. The goal is to strengthen connections across all parts of the Spartan community.
The Benefits and Leave Administration Team, supporting Spartans at every stage of their SJSU journey. Pictured: Yazmin Perez, Interim Director of Benefits and Leaves Administration. Benefits Services Analysts, Christina Hill, Linda May, Connie Le, and Reuben Soto.
Learning Spotlight: Understanding Benefit Rate Changes
Each year, benefit rate adjustments are determined and released by the California State University Chancellor’s Office, which sets standard rates for all 23 CSU campuses. While SJSU’s Benefits Team helps communicate these updates and support employees through any changes, they do not determine or control the rate structures. New rates will be reflected in your January 1 paycheck. Be sure to review your pay statement through Cal Employee Connect to verify your updated contribution.
Employees are encouraged to explore the resources on the University Personnel website and learn more about benefit options, rate updates, and year-round support opportunities.