Cal Poly Payroll plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely and accurate distribution of compensation to students and employees. Understanding the payroll process and your responsibilities is key to receiving your payments without any hassle.
Understanding the Cal Poly Payroll Schedule
Cal Poly follows a biweekly payroll schedule, with paychecks issued every other Thursday. The payroll cutoff time is typically 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before payday. Any timecards submitted after this cutoff will be processed in the following pay period.
Types of Payroll at Cal Poly
Cal Poly offers various types of payroll, depending on your employment status:
- Student Payroll: Students who work on campus are paid through the student payroll system.
- Regular Employee Payroll: Regular employees receive biweekly paychecks covering their base salary and eligible benefits.
- Temporary Employee Payroll: Temporary employees are paid on an hourly basis and may receive their paychecks weekly or biweekly.
Calculating Your Pay
Your pay is calculated based on several factors, including your hourly rate, hours worked, and deductions.
Gross Pay
Gross pay refers to the total amount of compensation before deductions. It includes:
- Wages earned
- Overtime pay (if applicable)
- Bonuses (if applicable)
Deductions
Deductions reduce your gross pay to calculate your net pay. Cal Poly withholds various deductions, such as:
- Federal and state income taxes
- Social Security and Medicare taxes
- Health insurance premiums
- Retirement contributions
Net Pay
Net pay is the amount of money you receive after all deductions have been subtracted from your gross pay. This is the amount that is deposited into your bank account.
Receiving Your Paycheck
Cal Poly offers various options for receiving your paycheck:
- Direct Deposit: Direct deposit is the most convenient and secure method of receiving your paycheck. Your funds are automatically deposited into your designated bank account.
- Paper Check: You can request to receive a paper check by completing a pay delivery authorization form.
- Payroll Card: A payroll card is a prepaid debit card that can be used for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
Employee Responsibilities
As an employee of Cal Poly, you have certain responsibilities related to payroll:
- Submit Timecards Accurately: Ensure that you submit accurate and timely timecards to the payroll department.
- Review Pay Statements: Regularly review your pay statements to ensure the accuracy of your earnings and deductions.
- Report Errors: If you notice any errors in your pay, report them to the payroll department immediately.
Student Payroll
Student payroll is designed to compensate students for their on-campus work. Students are paid based on their hourly rate and the number of hours worked. Here are some key points for student payroll:
- Work Authorization: Students must obtain authorization to work on campus through the Student Employment Center.
- Timekeeping: Students are responsible for tracking their hours worked and submitting timecards to the payroll department.
- Payment: Student paychecks are issued on the same schedule as regular employee paychecks.
Tips and Tricks
- Use the Cal Poly Payroll portal to access your pay statements and make changes to your direct deposit information.
- Keep track of your hours worked to ensure accurate payment.
- Take advantage of the direct deposit option for faster and more secure access to your funds.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your payroll, contact the payroll department for assistance.
Compare and Contrast: Direct Deposit vs. Paper Checks
| Feature | Direct Deposit | Paper Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High | Low |
| Security | High | Medium |
| Speed | Instant | Delayed |
| Fees | None | May apply |
| Environmental Impact | Low | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will I receive my first paycheck?
Your first paycheck will be processed after the first full pay period of your employment.
2. Can I change my pay delivery method?
Yes, you can change your pay delivery method by completing a pay delivery authorization form.
3. What do I do if I lose my paycheck?
Contact the payroll department immediately to request a replacement check.
4. How do I report a payroll error?
Contact the payroll department and provide details of the error.
5. Can I request an advance on my paycheck?
Cal Poly does not offer paycheck advances.
6. What benefits are deducted from my paycheck?
Benefits deducted from your paycheck may include health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and flexible spending accounts.
7. How do I get a copy of my pay stub?
You can access your pay stubs through the Cal Poly Payroll portal.
8. Who do I contact with payroll questions?
Contact the Cal Poly Payroll Department at (805) 756-2146 or [email protected].
