Independent Contractors

Campuses must comply with State/Federal laws and CSU policies regarding the proper classification of employees and independent contractors. Misclassification of a worker as an independent contractor can result in considerable wage and benefit obligations, financial penalties, tax consequences, and other liabilities.

For more information, refer to the CSU Independent Contractors Guidelines [pdf]. 

Department Responsibilities

In accordance with CSU Tech Letter HR/Salary 2021-07 [pdf], all individuals will be considered “employees” unless approved as Independent Contractors by University Personnel. Approval is required before work is permitted to begin. A current employee cannot be engaged as an independent contractor.

1. Follow the guidelines on University Personnel | Independent Contractors Page.
   • Questions about University Personnel's [UP] review? Please contact classcomp@sjsu.edu [staff] or up-facultyservices@sjsu.edu [faculty].

2. Please submit your request for an Independent Contractor via CSUBUY [CSU login required].

   CSUBUY is the first step in transforming the way the CSU manages the Source-to-Pay process.

If Not Approved as an Independent Contractor

These workers must be hired as employees. Contact your staff recruiter or Faculty Services [up-facultyservices@sjsu.edu] to review the eligible classifications.