Tuition Reimbursement

Overview

Washington and Lee University believes that investments in employee training and development contribute to a high level of job satisfaction and improve institutional productivity. The University offers a staff tuition reimbursement program for educational opportunities at other accredited institutions. Reimbursement is considered for employees seeking to obtain a college level degree, attend educational courses not leading to a degree, or to attend educational courses in preparation for work-related certification or license. Requests may be funded fully or partially for courses that will benefit the employee in their current position, improve job skills, or position the employee for advancement opportunities at the University. Conditions for tuition reimbursement are outlined below.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for this program, an employee must:

  • be an active, full-time employee in a staff or administration position
  • have satisfactory job performance, and 
  • preference will be provided to employees with at least one year of continuous service

Eligible Programs

  • Certificate Programs
  • Associate Degree Programs
  • Baccalaureate Degree Programs
  • Master's Degree Programs

Ineligible Programs

  • Second Associate, Baccalaureate or Master's Degrees
  • Conference registrations

Eligible Costs

  • Tuition costs
  • Academic fees associated with the program
  • Related course materials

Funding Priorities

Normally, perference will be given to requests in the following priority order:

  • Work-related courses that will assist an employee in current position
  • Enrollment in a work-related degree program. Associate or baccalaureate degree programs considered first, then master's degree or Ph.D. programs

Timing of Requests

 Requests are considered as received, reviewed on a rolling basis, and subject to the availability of funds.

Policy Details

Any courses for which this program will be applied require pre-approval by the employee's supervisor and the appropriate Vice President or Dean. Approved requests are submitted to the Office of Human Resources for review and consideration.

The educational program must take place and be completed during the fiscal year for which it was approved (exceptions may be made for summer courses that span two budget years).

The higher education institution providing the course must be an accredited college or university (i.e., listed in the US Department of Education database of accredited institutions).

Classes are expected to be scheduled outside of working hours. Any special considerations or exceptions require prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources in consultation with the appropriate Vice President or Dean.

Eligible employees may request tuition reimbursement for 100% of tuition at the beginning of the course by submitting receipt of itemized payment of tuition or invoice from the institution.
Within 60 days of course end-date, the employee must submit a transcript or other official document indicating the grade achieved. The employee must receive a grade of C or better for the course(s) to receive funding. If the employee does not receive a grade of C or better, the employee must reimburse the University for the received funding.

Funding for an employee is limited to a maximum amount of $5,250.00 per calendar year with the following exceptions:

  • An employee who is enrolled in a program for the first time during a fall semester, third quarter, or fourth quarter will receive up to one half ($2,625.00) of the maximum calendar year limit.
  • An employee who is completing their program at the end of a spring semester, first quarter, or second quarter will receive up to one half ($2,625.00) of the maximum calendar year limit.

Washington and Lee University will comply with IRS rules regarding taxation of tuition reimbursement funds. (The Internal Revenue Code Sec. 127 allows employees to receive up to $5,250 of tax-free tuition assistance in a calendar year. Tuition assistance in excess of $5,250 will be reported as taxable income, except in cases where the course of study is directly connected to your current job requirements. Employees receiving tax-free tuition assistance may not claim the amount of tax-free assistance as a tax credit when filing income tax returns. Please consult with your tax advisor for further clarification.

Pre-Approval Process

  • Employees interested in pursuing degrees should apply for financial aid first. Requests for funds from the University's Professional Development fund will be offset by loans, grants and other financial aid.
  • Employees wishing to apply for Professional Development funds should discuss their professional goals with their supervisors and seek out departmental funds first. Departments should only fund courses that are consistent with the eligibility criteria and funding priorities outlined above.
  • Employees interested in participating in the Professional Development Program must complete and submit the Pre-Approval Form to their Supervisor for approval.
  • If approved by supervisor, the supervisor is asked to provide a memo supporting employee request for funds and forward the memo and pre-approval form to their Vice President or Dean for approval.
  • Vice President or Dean approves and returns form with signature to supervisor.
  • Supervisor notifies employee of approval and sends signed pre-approval form to HR.

Reimbursement Request Process

  • Employees may request up to 100% of tuition at the beginning of the course(s) by providing the Office of Human Resources with an official receipt from the institution showing evidence of registration for course(s).
  • Upon receipt of required documentation, HR will process tuition reimbursement to the employee or make payment directly to the educational institution at the beginning of the course.
  • Upon completion of the course with a grade of C or better, the employee must submit required documentation within 60 days of course end date. A transcript or other official document indicating course completion is required. If the employee does not receive a grade of C or better, the employee must reimburse the University for the funded course payment.

Termination of Employment

If employment at W&L is terminated and the termination date is on or before drop/add, eligibility for this benefit ceases and the employee is responsible for full tuition. If the termination date is after drop/add, the course may be completed under the terms of this benefit.