To obtain an application for tuition assistance or for more information about the program call 864-4946. The form is also available on the HR/EO website or may be picked-up in Room 103, Carruth-O'Leary.

This is not a waiver but an actual program which pays college tuition for one class a semester for eligible University Support and Unclassified Professional Staff. In some instances Faculty and Academic Staff may also be approved for a class, if they do not yet have their doctorate and/or need a class for licensure or related purposes. Those on student or temporary appointments are not eligible. Application to the program is required by the deadline listed below and late applications will not be considered. A complete application is required for each semester participation in the program is requested.

Eligibility requirements:

Six months of service at KU by the time the semester applied for begins
Regular appointment to a full time or part time (50% or greater) staff position
Supervisory approval
Newly appointed University Support Staff need to have passed their initial probation

Application deadlines:

Fall Semester: 5:00 p.m., first Friday in July (if this day falls on a national holiday then the deadline rolls to Monday)
Spring Semester: 5:00 p.m., first Friday in November
Summer Semester: 5:00 p.m., first Friday in April

Classes that are covered:

Classes at KU except for those listed in the following section
Classes at other State institutions when an employee's work location is in a different county or KU does not offer a comparable program
Both undergraduate and graduate level courses
College credit classes for professional development purposes or personal enrichment
Classes that are taken for a grade or credit
Independent Study and distance education courses through KU Continuing Education may be approved on a case-by-case basis
On-line library science classes through Emporia State University
Vocational classes at area vocational schools or Johnson County Community College
For credit classes at Johnson County Community College (JCCC)

Classes that are not covered:

Accelerated degree programs at other Universities
Thesis and dissertation hours
Internships
By appointment or directed reading, except in rare occasions
Classes that are audited and assessed tuition payment
Classes through other schools if KU offers a related program
On-line classes through other institutions, unless previously approved by the tuition assistance committee

Making application for the Tuition Assistance Program does not guarantee acceptance. A committee reviews applications each semester to make award decisions based on established criteria. Other criteria may also be applied in determining awards when the number of applicants exceeds program funds. Applicants just beginning their educational experience will receive consideration over staff with advanced degrees. Other factors may include courses that are job related, years of service and number of previous tuition assistance awards received. To date, funds have been available to accommodate most requests that comply with program guidelines.

To participate in this program, it is not necessary to be degree seeking. Classes may be taken for self development or personal enrichment; as long as the committee determines that the class benefits both the employee and the university. The award can apply to classes that are up to 5 credit hours, such as foreign language courses; however, classes cannot be combined to reach 5 credit hours. The exception is any class with a corresponding required lab, which in this instance, both may be covered. As long as program funds are available, the additional course fees (formerly known as different tuition) for each of the schools will also be covered.

Once accepted into the program, future awards are contingent upon maintaining an overall "C" average for undergraduate level students or a "B" average for graduate level students. Classes may be taken on a pass/fail basis as long as credit for the class is received.

In as much as possible, it is encouraged that classes be taken at KU. When staff work in offices located in other counties or need to pursue programs not offered on this campus, awards may be made for other educational institutions. The amount of the award will be for the KU equivalent for schools with higher tuition rates. For schools with tuition rates lower than KU's, the lower rate will be awarded. Any fees required by the other school will be the employee's responsibility.

If a tuition assistance recipient is unable to complete his or her class, it becomes the obligation of the employee to repay any tuition that is not refunded back to the University. Tuition adjustments are necessary when a class is dropped after the first day of classes. Program participants who end their employment relationship with KU before the end of the semester may be required to repay their award. Account balances can be viewed on-line at Enroll and Pay under the account summary.If it becomes necessary to withdraw from a class, consult the Office of University Registrar at (785) 864-4423 for information about tuition adjustments.

Departments and supervisors are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to facilitate academic course attendance by staff so long as the normal functions of the department can be carried out. Refer to the University Policy on Educational Opportunities for University Support Staff and Unclassified Staff (USS Handbook under Professional Development) for further information.

Those taking classes at KU should also submit the Special Rates form for Staff in order to have their required campus fees waived. This form is located on the University Registrar's home page or can be downloaded at http://www.registrar.ku.edu/pdf/staffapp.pdf.