Johnson School
Cornell University

Tuition Aid Program

The University Policy on Tuition Aid, Encouraging Employee Growth, can be found on-line at http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/benefits/educational/tuitionAid.html.

The Tuition Aid Program allows employees to enroll in and be reimbursed for courses that maintain or improve current career skills, including courses offered at Cornell and elsewhere (see Job Related Courses). Employees do not have to be in a degree program or even take classes that are for credit to use the University Tuition Aid Program. As long as the employee meets the eligibility requirements and the course is related to their current Cornell position or current Cornell career, the Program can be used. This applies to those who take a class on their own or are asked by a Supervisor to take the class. The class must still apply to the employee’s current Cornell job or current Cornell career. If the class is for credit, the University will reimburse 80% of up to four (4) credits at TC3’s current credit hour rate per semester, with a maximum of eight (8) credits per academic year. A Tuition Aid Form must be completed; the form is available directly from Benefit Services in the University's Human Resources Office.

Tuition Payment Information can be found at www.ohr.cornell.edu/benefits/educational/tuitionaid.html.

If the class is not for credit, Cornell pays by the classroom hour, again keeping with the guidelines of the 4 or 8 credits limit. There is a calculation for the noncredit courses. The University Tuition Aid program is applicable to any training you make available to staff.

Reimbursement will be at a percentage of tuition expenses at a fixed rate per credit hour or equivalent unit upon receipt of an official grade report and tuition receipt. Expenses for fees, books and associated costs are paid by the individual. There are limited funds and applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff pursuing coursework under the Program will be granted release time ONLY when courses are not available during evenings, weekends or times other than scheduled working hours. In addition to the University's Tuition Aid Program, the Johnson School offers an Undergraduate Degree Tuition Aid Benefit enhancement. Please refer to this section as well.

It is not only policy, but in your best interest as a Manager to insist the employee seek reimbursement (at least up to the maximum of 80% of the cost) from the University’s Tuition Aid Program. A portion of this funding comes from the fringe benefit rate the Johnson School pays on all salaries. Whatever is not covered by the Program can be paid for by the department if it is a requirement of continued employment.

Courses an employee opts to enroll in for career development or in pursuit of a degree do not apply for the direct payment method via a departmental account reimbursement as in the case of a Job Related Course. Reimbursement for the portion of a non-Job Related Course should be made directly to the employee via the University Payroll System. Contact the Administrative Service Center because of tax liabilities.

Fees charged by Organizational Development and Employment Services, Information Technology or the Division of Financial Affairs for workshops held at Cornell are not eligible for partial payment through the Tuition Aid Programs.

Last Modified: May 26, 2006