E16.0 Tuition Assistance for Faculty and Staff Attending Other Colleges

The university encourages faculty and staff to undertake credit courses which will contribute to their professional development. The following policy and procedures outline the conditions under which the university may provide tuition assistance, which is administered in accordance with the university’s educational benefits. These are subject to modification or cancellation at any time.

Regular full-time faculty and staff and part-time faculty and staff who work at least 80% of a full-time workload as defined in Policy E01.0.

The usual expectation is that the individual will continue employment at the university after completion of any approved course(s). Only enrollment in job-related credit courses at accredited colleges and universities or RIT's CPD courses will be approved. Approval of tuition assistance for courses under this policy does not alone excuse the applicant from usual job responsibilities.

Since circumstances vary widely, the university reserves the right to determine on an individual basis if tuition assistance will be approved in combination with other faculty education and development and instructional activities, e.g., faculty leave of absence, faculty leave for professional/career development, and projects relating to productivity. Usually the recommendation of the dean/vice president will be decisive.

Up to a maximum of $750 tuition assistance (excluding fees and any other charges) may be approved per term for job-related credit courses taken at another college or university.

For purposes of this policy the year is divided into terms, fall, spring and summer. Individuals attending classes on a quarter or other calendar basis can receive this benefit only once during each term, for a maximum of three reimbursements per year.

Applicant completes the form entitled, "Application for Tuition Assistance," and submits it to the department head/director for approval. If approved by department head/director, the form is forwarded to the college dean or division vice president for approval.

The purposes of the above approvals are to:

1. Evaluate the proposed course(s) in terms of job relatedness and potential contribution to the applicant and the university, and possibly provide guidance regarding the applicant's professional/career development.

2. Verify that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements stated above.

The approved form is submitted with a copy of the tuition bill to the Human Resources Department for final approval. Reimbursements are made through the Payroll system as a non-payroll reimbursement.

Responsible Party: Human Resources

Effective Date:
Approved September 9, 1959

Policy History:
Last revised September 2000
Edited September 2010
Edited October 2010

Edited November 2023