The Shorthorn - University to grant tuition discounts to qualified employees, spouses, dependent children

University to grant tuition discounts to qualified employees, spouses, dependent children

Written by Larissa M. Robinson

Tuesday, 29 July 2008 09:13 PM

The university will offer a 50 percent discount on flat-rate tuition to qualified employees effective Aug. 1.

Faculty and staff spouses and their dependent children may also qualify to participate in the enhanced employee tuition assistance plan called Mav TAP.

President James Spaniolo made the initiative, said Human Resources vice president Jean Hood. Fewer than 100 university employees participated in the old program and it only offered a 25-30 percent discount.
Under the new program, someone taking six hours at $1,850 will receive $925 off the flat-rate tuition fee only. The discount does not include enhanced designated tuition or other fees.

“I’m sure we’ll see an increase because many employees have called me and said they are pleased with the enhanced benefit,” she said. “It will also aid in the retainment and abatement of employees.”
Spaniolo said the program was part of the university’s continuing commitment to provide valuable benefits to its employees.

“Now faculty and staff will have an additional opportunity to truly be a Maverick,” he stated in an e-mail.
Employees hired on or after Aug. 1 are eligible to participate in the program once they have completed one year of continuous employment with the university. Those hired prior to Aug. 1 without a break in service are eligible for tuition assistance, according to the policy document.

Spouses and dependent children may also apply if accepted into an eligible academic program. Retirees and student employees do not qualify.

The University of North Texas offers a similar plan called the Faculty, Staff, Retiree and Dependent Educational Scholarships program.

Under its policy, scholarships are awarded based on the number of enrolled semester credit hours. UNT faculty, staff, retirees, spouses and dependents that qualify may apply for assistance.

Officials from the UNT Human Resources office said 249 employees and 250 of their dependents used the program in spring 2008.

They said the UT System Board of Regents decided to include retirees in its program and that “it’s a nice addition” for its employees.
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Comments (1)

1 University to grant tuition discounts to
Written by Sandra, on 07-31-2008 17:40
I am so glad this benefit to employees and families has been initiated. It is long overdue. The waiver for fees was a great benefit but this tuition reduction is much needed for employees who wish to continue their education. This benefit will greatly enhance the university with staff who are better educated and faculty who are able to continue their graduate degrees.

Thank you, Dr. Spaniola for this provision for the employees and their families.

Sandra Warner
Retiree - 2001

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 September 2008 03:39 PM )

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