1. Policy Statement

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) supports the professional development and career growth of its employees by providing financial assistance for tuition. This policy outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, and conditions for tuition assistance.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the processes and requirements for eligibility, application, and awarding of tuition assistance to OVPR employees.

3. Eligibility

To be eligible for tuition assistance from the OVPR Tuition Assistance Program, employees must:

  • Have a regular appointment at 50% time or greater in OVPR (org 04).
  • Have been employed for at least one continuous year by the application date.
  • Have a performance rating of "Meets Expectations" or higher on their most recent performance evaluation.
  • Have no written or higher level of discipline in the past 12 months.
  • Have applied for UI Tuition Assistance Program. (Employees approved for support through the UI Tuition Assistance Program are still eligible for assistance from the OVPR program for any allowable expenses not covered by their UI Tuition Assistance award.) 
  • Be continuously employed during the course to remain eligible.

4. Tuition Assistance Details

  • Per Semester Cap: Employees may receive up to $1,000 per semester for allowed costs.
  • Annual Cap: The maximum amount of assistance an employee can receive per year is $2,000.
  • Eligible Courses: Courses must be in pursuit of a college degree, certificate program or maintain/improve skills related to the employee’s current position.
  • Reimbursement: Assistance is available for tuition, fees, books, materials, or other expenses required by the course.
  • Work Schedule: You must remain available for your regularly scheduled work hours. Any changes to work hours for classes require approval from your employing unit.

5. Application Process

  1. Determine Eligibility: Employees should verify their eligibility status.
  2. Submit Request: Employees must submit a written request to their supervisor, detailing the courses they wish to take, the costs involved, and how the coursework will benefit their current or future role within OVPR.
  3. Supervisor Review: The supervisor will review the request, affirm eligibility, and recommend approval or denial, then submit the request to the OVPR Senior HR Director.
  4. Senior HR Director Review: The Senior HR Director will review the request, affirm eligibility, and forward the request to the Senior Leadership Team.
  5. Committee Decision: The Senior Leadership Team will review requests based on fund availability. Decisions will be communicated within three weeks of the request submission.

6. Reimbursement Process

  • Employees must submit a tuition bill or itemized receipt for reimbursement. 
  • Reimbursement will be processed through the e-Voucher system.
  • Employees must submit a transcript, grade report, or proof of completion within 30 days of the end of the course.

7. Payback Period

By accepting tuition assistance, employee agrees to the specified terms and conditions, including repaying tuition assistance if you leave paid employment at the university within two years after the end of the semester in which you received assistance.