Directives

Procedure

.

PURPOSE

To provide professors and other College employees with support in acquiring degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level at postsecondary institutions to better serve the needs of the students, the strategic directions of the College, and to assist employees in achieving their professional development goals.

SCOPE

All permanent, full-time employees excluding those on probation

DEFINITIONS

POLICY

1.  Algonquin College is committed to providing ongoing professional training and development of its employees to ensure the best possible learning experience for its students.  This policy offers assistance to employees to obtain degree level credentials appropriate to their work at the College.
2. The College will provide reimbursement of tuition fees paid to an accredited postsecondary institution by employees to acquire additional credentials in support of their professional development plan and the College’s staffing needs.  Consideration may be given to other studies at the postsecondary level.
3. The degree program chosen by employees must align with the College’s strategic direction and goals and be consistent with the employees’ professional development plans.
4. The participation of employees in a degree program will not interfere with the regular operations of the College.
5. Tuition fee reimbursement will be considered only for the successful completion of pre-approved courses leading to a degree at an accredited postsecondary institution, as approved by the Tuition Assistance – Degree Completion Committee.
6. The maximum amount the College will reimburse employees for tuition fees in Canadian funds is as follows:
   -   Bachelor’s  degree:         $  5,000
   -   Master’s degree:             $ 10,000
   -   Doctoral degree:              $ 20,000
7. Each eligible employee will be entitled to a tuition fee reimbursement equal to 50% of the tuition paid per pre-approved course, or semester if studying full time, subject to the maximums identified in  #6.
   a)   Reimbursement will occur upon receipt of ‘successful completion’ of a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course.
   b)   Reimbursement will occur upon receipt of ‘successful completion’ of a Doctoral Degree course or ‘proof of registration’ if undergoing dissertation/thesis stage of the post graduate program.
8. Over the span of their employment at the College, employees are eligible for a maximum lifetime degree tuition fee reimbursement of $ 30,000.
9. Those previously approved for tuition reimbursement prior to March 31, 2010 will continue to receive financial support.
10. In order to be eligible for tuition fee reimbursement, employees are required to provide proof of successful completion of their pre-approved course(s).  Those who are not successful must reapply for tuition funding reimbursement as outlined in #13 and #14 below.
11. Upon completion of the degree, employees are required to work at the College for a period of two years for each credential obtained, failing which they shall repay the College 50% of tuition reimbursement received.
12. The number of applications for tuition fee reimbursement approved on an annual basis will be subject to the resources available.
13. Applications for tuition fee reimbursement are to be submitted annually to Human Resources as outlined on the Application Form (Appendix 1).
14. The Tuition Assistance – Degree Completion Committee is composed of three members: the Vice President, Human Resources, as chair; Dean, Academic Development and one Academic    Chair.  Based on the criteria found in #16, the Committee will meet and approve the employees who are to receive a tuition fee reimbursement.
15. If there are more requests received in a given year than funds available, preference will be given to employees previously approved who are continuing their studies.
16. The Tuition Assistance – Degree Completion Committee will approve employees to receive tuition fee reimbursement using the following criteria:
    a)   The proposed degree program of study must align with the College’s strategic direction and goals.  Preference will be given to activities which enhance college programs and services on a long-term basis.
    b)   The proposed program of study must be directly related to the employee’s current position, program, and department.
    c)   Preference will be given to applications that represent areas of critical need specific to the objectives of the strategic direction of the College.
17. Funds are normally reserved for those applicants who do not receive financial support from other College funds.
18. Taxable benefits are determined according to Canada Revenue Agency rules and regulations.
19. All concerns are to be referred to the Tuition Assistance – Degree Completion Committee through the Vice President, Human Resources.
20. Any exception to this policy requires the approval of the President.

PROCEDURE

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Appendix 1         Tuition Assistance – Degree Completion Application Form

Appendix 2         Tuition Assistance – Reimbursement Form

RELATED POLICIES
HR 02                     Professional Development Leave
HR 06                     Professional Renewal Leave
HR 03                     Tuition Assistance – Algonquin College Courses

RELATED MATERIALS
None