09/14/12 ks
HAYS, Kan. -- A program that took effect in fall 2005 to make it easier
for Fort Hays State University employees and their dependents to earn college credits
has passed a noteworthy threshold.
During the September meeting of the President's Cabinet this week, Dr.
Edward H. Hammond noted that the Tuition Assistance Program for Employees,
Spouses and Dependents had exceeded a million dollars.
"Someone asked me the other day what accomplishments had given me
the most satisfaction during my 25 years as president of FHSU," Dr. Hammond
said. "This would certainly be on that list. This program not only
provides a tremendous financial benefit to employees and their dependents, but
it also does the very thing we exist to do -- provide access to a high-quality
education."
The president pointed to the annual data report issued by the Kansas
Board of Regents, which showed that FHSU employees and their dependents had
received tuition assistance that totaled $1,027,021.32.
"The total is actually higher now," Hammond added,
"because the report from the Regents was through fiscal year 2012, which
ended last June 30, and does not include FHSU employees and their dependents
who are enrolled this semester."
Through the program,
FHSU provides tuition assistance in both fall and spring semesters for
employees, their spouses and their dependents. They receive free tuition but are
required to pay all applicable fees.
Employees must apply
for the tuition assistance and must qualify as a full-time worker. A maximum of
six credit hours (graduate or undergraduate) per semester is covered. Classes
cannot be taken during regular business hours unless there are extenuating circumstances
and prior approval is granted by the employee’s supervisor and appropriate vice
president or dean. Also, courses must be taken for professional development
purposes that benefit both the employee and the university.
The rules are
different in one respect for spouses and dependents of full-time FHSU employees.
They can take a maximum of 12 undergraduate credit hours or nine graduate hours
per semester.
"The Board of
Regents approved the program at our request," Dr. Hammond said. "Many
businesses help their employees with education expenses either informally or
through formal programs. We should do no less. No one knows better than a
university the value of higher education to help both individual workers and
the institutions they serve reach their full potential."