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This program is designed to provide course or maintenance fees only for an employee who takes courses on an audit or job-related non-credit basis at the home institution or another Tennessee public institution while continuing work responsibilities at the home institution.
2.3.1 Eligibility
A. Any regular full-time or part-time employee, including faculty, who has been employed by the institution for at least six months is eligible - with the approval of the president or his/her designee to participate. (See Exhibit EB-5) Regular part-time employees may receive a pro rata portion of assistance based on percentage of contract for employment. Employees with temporary service immediately preceding regular employment shall receive credit for such service if they qualify for leave accrual and longevity adjustments. In addition, contingent upon space availability, retired state employees with 30 or more years of service are eligible to audit courses at state institutions of higher education without charge.
B. Employees who retire with at least ten (10) years of service immediately preceding retirement maintain eligibility under this program.
C. Regular full-time and part-time employees and temporary employees who are 60 years of age or older during the academic quarter or semester in which they begin classes may audit courses without charge.
D. With the exception of employees mentioned in Employee Benefits, 2.3.1.C above, 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.
2.3.2 Fees Paid/Type Course Paid/Number of Hours
The program is designated to pay maintenance or tuition-related fees for audit or job-related non- credit courses to a maximum of six credit hours or two non-credit courses per semester. Tuition- related fees may include maintenance fees, tuition, debt service fees, technology access fees, service charges and incidental fees payable at the time of registration.
2.3.3 Payback Provisions
Payback provisions do not exist.
2.3.4 When the Participant May Attend
A. Employees, in counsel with their immediate supervisors, should limit the number of courses audited 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 annual leave or flextime, based on the institution's needs, has been approved.
C. Course enrollment will be permitted on a "space available" basis.
D. An employee may register only after the formal registration period as defined by the institution.
2.3.5 Accounting/Budgeting
A. Requests shall be submitted on an Employee Audit/Non-Credit Program form at least two weeks prior to enrollment in the course or courses. (State retirees shall submit forms developed by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.)
B. The employee may request sponsorship from his/ her department or administrative unit for support for maintenance or tuition-related fees for courses taken.
C. 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. Forms for state retirees shall be processed in the same manner as fee waivers for state employees.
2.3.6 Where the Participant May Attend
All such audit/non-credit courses must be accomplished at the institution where the person is/was employed or another Tennessee public institution. Employees requesting support must meet the requirements for admission and are subject to institutional regulations and academic procedures. This provision does not apply to medical, dental or pharmacy schools.