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This program's general goal is to encourage staff members to develop their skills and knowledge through participation in educational programs. The fee payment program is designed to provide maintenance fee payment for an employee who takes credit courses in a degree program and who takes the courses at any Tennessee public institution while continuing work responsibilities at the home institution.
2.4.1 Eligibility
A. This program is available to all regular part- time and full-time clerical and supporting staff members who have been employed by Tennessee Technological University for at least six months. Staff members shall be defined as not including faculty, administrators/professional staff, graduate assistants, post-doctoral fellows or personnel holding faculty rank or status. Regular part-time employees may receive a pro rata portion of assistance based on percentage of contract for employment. Employees with prior temporary service immediately preceding regular employment shall receive credit for such service if they qualify for leave accrual and longevity adjustments.
B. In addition, employees who retire with at least ten (10) years of service maintain eligibility under this program.
C. The status of an employee on the published first day of classes for each term determines eligibility for participation in this program. Any change in status after the first day of classes shall not affect eligibility for that term or the amount of assistance received.
2.4.2 Fees Paid/Type Course Paid/Number of Hours
A. This program is designed to provide maintenance or tuition-related fees for a maximum of six (6) credit hours per term. Tuition-related fees may include maintenance fees, tuition, debt service fees, service charges and incidental fees payable at the time of registration. The employee will be responsible for application fee and required deposits, laboratory fees, etc.
B. Employees must meet the requirements for admission and are subject to institutional regulations and academic procedures.
2.4.3 Payback Provisions
A. Participants must complete with passing grades all courses in which they enroll under this program in order to take subsequent courses in this program. A grade of incomplete or withdrawal after the drop/add deadline is not considered as achieving a passing grade. The employee must pay for and successfully complete the same number of semester hours before again being eligible for this program. Exceptions will be made only in cases (1) where a course is failed for valid health reasons or (2) where another substantial reason has been approved by the president or a designee.
B. Complete materials supporting individuals' requests shall be maintained. Each recipient shall be required to provide the president with affirmed grade reports for the course(s) taken.
2.4.4 When the Participant May Attend
A. After the employee has made application and received final acceptance, the employee must submit the request to his or her supervisor two weeks prior to registration. Employees, in counsel with their supervisors, must limit the number of credit hours in which they enroll so as to maintain an optimum level of job performance.
B. Except for retirees, courses should be scheduled at times other than during regularly scheduled work hours unless make-up time is scheduled by the supervisor.
2.4.5 Accounting/Budgeting Provisions
A. Requests for approval to participate in the Clerical and Support Staff Maintenance Fee Payment Program shall be submitted on an Application for Staff Scholarship (See Exhibit EB-6) which is available in departmental offices.
B. The institution where the person is an employee shall account for the chargeback as an employee benefit to indicate the institution is paying the cost for the benefit of the employee. The charged institution shall remit the tuition fees to the institution providing instruction as maintenance income.
2.4.6 Where the Participant May Attend
Employees may enroll in courses at any Tennessee public institution.