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FAQ’s Employee Referral Program

I work part time at UCMerced.  Am I eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Program?

Full or part-time policy-covered career Professional and Support Staff (PSS) employees and Managers and Senior Professionals (MSP) Career Tracks Manager 3 and below and equivalent positions are eligible for ERP cash awards if, at the time of the award, they:

  • Are an employee at UC Merced;
  • Are on active pay status or on an approved unpaid leave; 

Eligibility for represented employees will be determined by collective bargaining as appropriate.

 

I would like to refer a friend of mine who worked at UC previously.  Is my friend an eligible referral?

ERP cash awards may not be provided for referral of current University of California employees, former University of California (UC) employees with a break in service within 12 months of the plan year, students, temporary/casual employees, and employees working at UC Merced through an agency.

 

What is the amount of the reward?

$1000 Designated for all career and contract (2yr +) vacant posted positions.  Minus tax deductions.

 

When is the reward paid out?

ERP cash awards will be paid as soon as practicable in the month after the month when the referred employee completes three (3) months of employment.  

To be eligible to receive an ERP Cash Award, the person who made the referral and the referred and hired employee must both still be employed by UC Merced, in good standing and in pay status at the time payment is to be made. 

ERP awards must be paid through the payroll system, are considered taxable income and are subject to withholding. For compensation purposes, cash awards are non-base building.

 

How do I know if I am a ‘designated departmental personnel representative’? (not eligible for ERP award for a particular recruitment)

Employees responsible for or with influence over the hiring of the referred employee. This includes, recruiters, leaders with general oversight for hiring in their areas, interviewing committee members, team interviewers or others providing feedback throughout the interview process.  

Examples include instances where the referring employee:

  • is involved in the interview for the referred employee
  • is involved in resume or application review for the position
  • is asked for feedback related to the hiring decision
  • is part of facilitating the interview process (e.g. coordination of dates and times, etc)
  • whose role puts them in a position to refer employees to the application process (e.g. HR Leaders who are contacts for job seekers)
  • is an Administrator in a department or unit who is responsible for the general leadership of the department where the position is open

 

I referred an employee that was hired last month, will I be eligible for an award?

The Employee Referral Program is effective March 1, 2022.  Career and Contract positions of 2 years or more posted on or after March 1, 2022 are eligible for an award.

Applicant MUST include referring employee name in order to be eligible for an ERP award. 

 

Is there a limit to the number of awards I can receive?

Employees are eligible to receive no more than three ERP awards in a plan year. Plan year is a fiscal year.

 

I referred an employee that was hired last month, will I be eligible for an award?

The Employee Referral Program is effective March 1, 2022.  Career and Contract positions of 2 years or more posted on or after March 1, 2022 are eligible for an award.

Applicant MUST include referring employee name on their original online application in order to be eligible for an ERP award. 

  • In step 5 of 7 of the Talent Acquisition application process, titled “Referrals”, the applicant must complete the following: (to declare a referral)

    • How did you hear about the job? – select “other”

    • Additional Information? – select “other”
    • Specific Referral Source – type in “name of referring employee

 

Can awards be split between employees?

No, awards cannot be split.

 

 

Who should I contact for more information on the Employee Referral Program?

You may view the Employee Referral Program Policy or email ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu for questions on the program.