Rice University Human Resources Policy No. 432-98

As evidence of its commitment to academic achievement and professional development, Rice University helps its employees increase the effectiveness of their performance in their present University positions. The University also encourages them to obtain skills, knowledge and abilities that may improve their opportunities for career advancement within the University.

Subject to approval and availability of funds, all faculty who are eligible for benefits and staff who are eligible for benefits, upon completion of their six-month probationary period, may enroll in job-related courses and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level at educational institutions other than Rice. Employees will be reimbursed for 75 percent of the tuition and fees, up to $600 per fiscal year, upon submitting to their supervisor and to Human Resources proof of the successful completion of the course. If the course has been taken for credit, the person must earn a grade of B or better. Before enrolling in a course, the employee must take an application for tuition reimbursement form to his or her supervisor, who will make the judgment as to whether or not the proposed course is job related. After the supervisor has signed, the employee must send the form to Human Resources which also must approve the course as being job related.

Job-related courses are defined as those in which the course content is of direct and significant assistance to the employee in carrying out present duties and responsibilities or in his or her professional development. Courses that are not directly related to a specific job, but form part of a job-related degree program, may also qualify for this benefit. Under this program employees may be reimbursed for up to two job-related courses per fiscal year (one course per semester).

Courses must be taken for credit at an accredited, degree-granting college or university. Also covered under this program are language and work-related courses including courses in the Rice University School of Continuing Studies and the Rice University Office of Executive Development Programs. Courses may be taken in either a non-degree or degree status. Courses should normally be taken after working hours. However, if the course is not offered at that time and the course is taken during working hours, the employee must have the approval of his or her supervisor, who must verify that the employee's attendance at classes will not adversely affect department services. The employee will make up the time devoted to classes taken during working hours. Enrollment in courses by one employee in a department should be managed so that it does not create extra work for co-workers.

Courses specifically excluded from reimbursement under this program are workshops, seminars, conferences, institutes, and courses at non-degree granting institutions. Where these are determined by a department to be directly related to the performance of an employee's job, departments may send an employee but must fund the cost from their own budget. In these cases, departments may determine their own eligibility requirements.

See also:

Tuition Waiver Policy

Tuition Remission for Dependents

Supersedes:

Policy No. 432-94

 

Revised January 15, 1998