Corporation Contracts

Independent Contractor & Non-Employee Compensation

Cal State Monterey Bay’s University Corporation (UCorp) partners with individuals and organizations for services beyond traditional employment. This page provides guidelines, forms and contact information for engaging independent contractors, honoraria recipients and other non-employees.

Before Services Begin

All services must be formally reviewed and approved before work starts. Depending on the service type, this includes:

  • Completed agreement forms
  • Scope of work
  • Certificate of insurance
  • Classification approval (for individuals)
  • Purchase order (if required)

Email completed contracts and forms to ucorp_contracts@csumb.edu.

Required Documents

For individuals providing services:

  • Signed Independent Contractor Service Agreement
  • Proposal or Scope of Work (must include start/end dates and total cost)
  • Certificate of Insurance with required endorsements (per Section 11 of agreement)
  • Purchase Order (required if services exceed one year)

For companies providing services:

  • Signed Service Agreement for Companies
  • Proposal or Scope of Work
  • Certificate of Insurance and endorsement
  • Purchase Order (if service exceeds one year)

Refer to the Payment Matrix for more guidance.

All agreements must be signed by the Executive Director (or designee) to be legally binding. Departments are responsible for distributing final signed agreements to contractors.

When services involve Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT):

  • Submit an IT Contract Approval ticket
  • Attach a VPAT and HECVAT provided by the vendor
  • Review and comply with CSU IT Provisions

E&IT purchases must pass accessibility and security reviews before processing.

If you need to waive insurance requirements, submit the following to ucorp_contracts@csumb.edu.

  • Risk Identification Form — complete Sections A & B
  • Waiver and Release of Liability — signed by contractor

All waiver requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Current Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and supporting documents:

  • Auxiliaries of CSUMB Investment Advisory Services
  • RFP Appendix A – Policies
  • RFP Appendix B – Provisions
  • Addenda 1-4

Before paying an individual for services (e.g., as an independent contractor or honorarium), HR must determine the correct classification.

Steps:

  • Submit the appropriate form to Human Resources
  • HR will review and return a determination
  • If approved, proceed with documentation and payment through UCorp AP

For help, contact ucorp_independent_contractors@csumb.edu.

Employee

Performs work under CSUMB direction; paid via payroll.

Independent Contractor

Meets California’s ABC test:

  • Free from CSUMB control
  • Performs work outside the usual course of CSUMB’s business
  • Customarily engaged in an independent trade or profession

Honorarium

One-time token payment for recognition (e.g., guest speaker). Not contract-based. No invoice required.

Must not:

  • Be recurring
  • Be paid to a business or employee
  • Involve negotiated fees

Volunteer

Provides services without compensation.

Use the appropriate form:

  • Independent Contractor Form
  • Honorarium Form
  • Volunteer Form

An honorarium is:

  • A gesture of appreciation, not compensation
  • Given without negotiation or invoice
  • Typically for lectures, panels, guest judging

An honorarium is not:

  • A payment to a business or CSUMB employee
  • Based on a negotiated contract or recurring work
  • A substitute for proper contractor agreements

If unsure, use the IC Worksheet or contact us for guidance.