1. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Thinking About Going Back to School? Deborah Covin Wilson, CPLP, SPHR Office of Human Resources

2. www.ohr.gatech.edu Decide What should I do? Where should I go? What major or degree should I pursue?

3. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Selection Considerations Majors offered Resources / services available Commuting Distance Costs

4. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Find Your Major or Degree Research and find out where the major is offered. (Go to www.usg.edu to locate a school in the University System.) www.usg.edu Schedule an appointment with OHR staff (Call Kim Watkins at 404.385-2377 or Deborah Covin Wilson at 404. 894-3850)

5. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Apply to Schools Double-check to ensure that application materials are correct and complete before they are mailed. Follow-up with schools to confirm receipt of application and transcripts.

6. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Admissions Requirements Checklist Schedule appointment with counselor Obtain transcripts Obtain application Arrange for testing or obtain test scores

7. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu How Do I Pay for School? Questions to ask: – Is major available at a USG school? – If yes, BOR/ GTRC may help. – If no, STRAP may help – Consider alternative financing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ U.S. Dept. of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml?src=ln)http://www2.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml?src=ln

8. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu What is the USG Tuition Assistance Program? The USG Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is an educational assistance program for full time employees who have been employed a minimum of six (6) months by the application deadline date, that waives up to nine (9) hours of academic credit at a USG school. for more information on the policy go to: http://www.usg.edu/hr/benefits/tuition_assistance_program_tap/

9. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Eligibility for TAP Must be a full-time (100 %) employee for a minimum of 6 months by the application deadline date Attendance at a University System school Application must be submitted to OHR by established deadline date – Fall Semester - July 15 – Spring Semester – November 15 – Summer Semester – April 15

10. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Procedure – Submit and application by the deadline date – Register for classes only during the employee registration period. These dates are listed on the USG website. – Up to 9 hours can be waived. – Must obtain a grade of C or higher for each course – If employee withdraws from class, they will have to sit out for one semester.

11. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu What is Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance (STRAP) Program? Eligibility: – Full-time (100%) classified employment for a minimum of 12 months – General job related career* – Attendance at either DTAE or private school – Application must be submitted to OHR by established deadline date – Fall Semester - July 15 – Spring Semester – November 15 – Summer Semester – April 15 – Tuition only is reimbursed up to 6 hours* (currently 3 hours) – Must obtain a grade of C or higher for each course * Reimbursement rate is determined at the beginning of the fiscal year. Applicants will not receive 100% of the costs of tuition. Career does not have to be specifically related to your current job.

12. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Website http://www.ohr.gatech.edu/careerdevelopment/tuitionassistance This site provides up to date information on the Tuition Assistance Programs.

13. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Things to Consider Commitment Balancing Family, School, and Work Finances Maintaining Adequate Energy Level Studying Time it will take to complete degree

14. Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu Questions? Please contact either Kim Watkins at 404.385-2377 or Deborah Covin Wilson at 404.894.3850