INTERNAL OPERATING PROCEDURE

Mississippi University for Women provides a Tuition Remission Program that enables eligible employees, including MSMS employees to enroll in courses of study at the University in order to enhance personal and professional development.  The Tuition Remission Program does not include laboratory fees, class fees, course materials, or housing fees. Also excluded are independent study courses, distance learning fees, and all self-supported institutional activities (e.g. short courses, institutes, and independent study courses or non-credit courses).

PROCEDURES

1.    Eligibility

A.    Employees

Regular full-time benefits - eligible employees are eligible to have tuition remitted for up to six (6) undergraduate or graduate credit hours per semester (fall, spring, or summer) with a maximum of eighteen (18) credit hours per calendar year.  Employees are responsible for certain required fees. Employees are eligible for this benefit on the first day of their regular employment provided the employment began on or before the last day to add courses.  Employees who are adjunct, temporary status or less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for the Tuition Remission Program.

B.    Regular part-time benefits - eligible employees (20 – 39 hours per week) are eligible for up to three (3) undergraduate or graduate credit hours per semester (fall, spring, or summer).

C.    Retirees

Retired employees who were eligible for the Tuition Remission Program at the time of their retirement may continue to be eligible under the same terms and fee schedule as regular employees. The term retirees shall mean employees who have attained official retirement status from the University. Retirees age 65 or older may enroll tuition-free at the University in scheduled courses on a first-come, first-serve, space-available basis.
   
D.     Leave of Absence

Regular benefits - eligible employees on an approved leave of absence may continue to be eligible for the Tuition Remission Program for the duration of the approved absence.

2.    General

A.    Employees may enroll for one 3-hour course during their normal working day with the prior approval of the responsible department/division head provided the employee is not on flextime.  Additional courses must be taken during non-work hours.

B.    In order to receive tuition remission, employees must gain admission/readmission to the University and complete the Application for Tuition Remission – Employee form. The application must be completed and forwarded to the Financial Aid Center prior to the last day to add a course.

C.    Employees will pay the actual tuition for those credit hours taken in excess of the limits specified in this policy.