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Tuition Reimbursement

Going back to school? We can help you pay for it.

Associates working in an incentive eligible full-time or part-time position consisting of at least 15 regularly scheduled hours per week are eligible to apply for the Tuition Reimbursement Program after the completion of one year of employment at Catholic Health.

Full-time associates will be paid up to 100% of the cost of the course(s) based on SUNY rates (up to $6,200/year undergraduate and $8,200/year graduate), based on grade point average.

Part-time associates will receive prorated benefits based on budgeted hours.

Payment for books, registration, and fees will also be reimbursed not to exceed $1,000 per calendar year (excluding costs for medical coverage, parking, computers, and related equipment and/or transportation).

For a list of incentive eligible positions, contact your Human Resources representative or call  1-877-247-5989.

Eligibility

Associates working in a full-time position or regular part-time position or part-time position consisting of at least 15 regularly scheduled hours per week are eligible to apply for this benefit after the completion of one year of employment. In addition, associates seeking benefits from this program must have no corrective action (written warning or above) currently on file and for one year prior to application for tuition reimbursement benefits.

Procedure for Course Approval

Coursework

Coursework must be toward a degree or certification in an identified incentive eligible position with site leadership approval.
NOTE: Home study, correspondence, and Internet courses are eligible for tuition reimbursement only if the course is offered through an institution accredited by one or more of the following:

• Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools - Commission on Higher Education (Accredits institutions in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands).
• New England Association of Schools & Colleges - Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (Accredits institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
• North Central Association of Colleges & Schools - Higher Learning Commission (Accredits institutions in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Accredits institutions in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington).
• Southern Association of Colleges & Schools - Commission on Colleges (Accredits institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia).
• Western Association of Schools & Colleges (Accredits institutions in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific).

Applications

Applications must be submitted to Corporate Human Resources at least 30 calendar days prior to or within 14 calendar days after the course begins to be considered for reimbursement.

Promissory Note

Associates will be required to sign a promissory note for repayment of the tuition in the event of resignation or termination for cause from Catholic Health.

Only those associates whose employment is terminated due to job elimination are exempt from the repayment provisions.

Reimbursement Criteria

Upon successful completion of a pre-approved course(s), the following tuition reimbursement will be provided:

Full-time Associates

Pay up to 100% of cost based on current SUNY rate. As of January 1, 2007, this is equal to $6,200 per year/annually undergraduate and $8,200 per year/annually for graduate. The graduate cost will be applied to doctorate degrees, however additional funds may be approved on an individual basis. Reimbursement is based upon the grade received:

• GPA: 3.0-4.0 - Percentage of Tuition Catholic Health to Pay: 100%
• GPA: 2.5-2.99 - Percentage of Tuition Catholic Health to Pay: 80%
• GPA: 2.0-2.49 - Percentage of Tuition Catholic Health to Pay: 60%
• GPA: Below 2.0 - Percentage of Tuition Catholic Health to Pay: 0% (unless otherwise approved by Catholic Health)
• If the associate is a full-time student, reimbursement will be based on the semester’s overall GPA.

Part-time Associates

Regular part time associates working at least 15 regularly scheduled hours per week receive pro-rated benefits based upon their budgeted hours. If the associate is a part time student, reimbursement will be based on each individual course.

Payment for books, registration and fees will also be reimbursed by Catholic Health not to exceed $1,000 per calendar year. This payment excludes costs for medical coverage, parking, computers and related equipment, and/or transportation.

All monies paid out through this program are subject to all applicable taxes.

Successful Completion of Course

Successful completion of a pre-approved course, within 60 days of the completion date of the course, is demonstrated by:

• Submission of an authorized grade report or official transcript from the educational institution documenting the grade received OR passing grade if course is deemed “pass/fail” only.
• AND submission of a current itemized paid invoice or receipt from the educational institution detailing all coursework and costs at the end of the semester. Note: the invoice/receipt must include all details and offsets including tuition, fees, financial assistance, loans, payment, etc.

Financial Aid

Associates must apply for financial aid and scholarships available through the higher education institution. The amount reimbursed will be contingent upon the amount of financial assistance received through other sources, not limited to grants, TAP, PELL, Scholarships, and University/College Financial Aid.

Maximum payment to an individual is based on the cost per year times the number of years needed to attain each degree. For example, total payment for a four year undergraduate degree cannot exceed $24,800 ($6,200 x 4), in today’s dollars.

Process

Associate must remain in good standing and continue to have satisfactory or above performance evaluations. Associate must adhere to all Catholic Health standards necessary for employment in good standing with Catholic Health.

Associate must obtain from Human Resources a Catholic Health Tuition Reimbursement Course Approval Request Form HR36(A); complete Parts I, II, and III; and submit the form to their department manager for recommendation.

Associate must confirm the institution meets accreditation and educational requirements.

Upon completion of course, submit grade report and invoice to Corporate Human Resources.