2.1.040 Educational Development Program

The University of Central Missouri recognizes the importance of life-long learning. This policy attempts to encourage all employees to continue their education at any level, as well as to educate their dependents.

This policy applies to all employees and dependents as outlined below. The benefits in this policy are applicable to retirees on the same basis as for active employees. The dependent benefits outlined herein are applicable to dependents of deceased employees that died while serving as full-time employees.

For Credit Courses

Employees, their spouses, and legally dependent children may enroll for credit classes offered by the University of Central Missouri, and be eligible to have tuition and certain fees paid by the university according to the following provisions:

A. Full-time employees will have their UCM in-state and out-of-state tuition and mandatory fees paid by the university for not more than 15 semester hours per year. A year begins with the fall semester and continues through the following summer sessions. This provision does not provide for the payment of room and board charges, textbook rental/purchase fees, private lesson costs, program fees, etc. Appropriate handbooks should be consulted for specific procedures and regulations. This benefit cannot be combined with an additional benefit if the employee is also the spouse or dependent child of a benefits-eligible employee.

B. Part-time employees will have their in-state and out-of-state UCM tuition and mandatory fees paid by the university for not more than six semester hours per year. A year begins with the fall semester and continues through the following summer sessions. This provision does not provide for the payment of room and board charges, textbook rental/purchase fees, program fees, private lesson costs, etc. Appropriate handbooks should be consulted for specific procedures and regulations. This benefit cannot be combined with an additional benefit if the employee is also the spouse or dependent child of a benefits-eligible full-time employee.

C. Personnel leaving the employment of UCM prior to the completion of the semester/term in which the employee or dependent(s) are enrolled must pay full fees for the semester/term. Based on the refund schedule, applicable refunds shall apply, up to the amount paid by the individual, should withdrawal from classes accompany the resignation.

D. Spouses and legally dependent children of qualified full-time UCM employees who are not entitled to their own "employee" benefit are eligible to have the university pay 50 percent of the applicable UCM tuition and mandatory fees during the associated employee’s first five years of employment with UCM. After five consecutive years of full-time service, the percentage shall increase to 100 percent for all sessions of enrollment where the first day of the term falls on or after the associated employee’s fifth anniversary date without a break in employment with UCM. Eligible students may enroll up to the maximum number of hours allowable each semester in accordance with university policies for full-time students.  This benefit is not applicable to room and board charges, private lessons, textbook rental fees, program fees, etc. Dependents must remain eligible for enrollment according to university policies in order to receive this benefit in the succeeding enrollment period. This benefit is not applicable to spouses or dependents of part-time employees.  Benefits per student are capped at 144 attempted credit hours total toward a bachelor degree and 36 attempted hours total toward a graduate degree. Each degree level is considered separately for the purpose of this policy.  

Noncredit Courses

Full-time employees may receive assistance to help pay course fees to enroll in noncredit courses offered by the University. UCM will pay up to $175 per employee, per fiscal year, for enrollment in noncredit courses offered by the University. This benefit is for course fees only and is not applicable for book, lab fees, required course materials and supplies, etc. This benefit is only for eligible employees; it does not extend to family members.

A. Financial Application:  The student's account will be credited from the Educational Development Program up to eligible tuition and mandatory fees.  Institutional scholarships/aid are not refundable.

B. The University will comply with IRS regulations as it pertains to reporting benefits that are considered taxable income.

C.  All eligible employees taking classes themselves must have supervisory approval prior to class enrollment. Non-exempt employees are required to make up any time missed from work to attend class, or a flexible schedule may be granted in the supervisor’s discretion.