Office of Human Resources Thinking About Going Back to School? Deborah Covin Wilson, CPLP, SPHR Office of Human Resources

Decide What should I do? Where should I go? What major or degree should I pursue?

Office of Human Resources Selection Considerations Majors offered Resources / services available Commuting Distance Costs

Office of Human Resources Find Your Major or Degree Research and find out where the major is offered. (Go to to locate a school in the University System.) Schedule an appointment with OHR staff (Call Kim Watkins at or Deborah Covin Wilson at )

Office of Human Resources 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.

Office of Human Resources Admissions Requirements Checklist Schedule appointment with counselor Obtain transcripts Obtain application Arrange for testing or obtain test scores

Office of Human Resources 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 ( U.S. Dept. of Education (

Office of Human Resources 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:

Office of Human Resources 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

Office of Human Resources 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.

Office of Human Resources 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.

Office of Human Resources Website This site provides up to date information on the Tuition Assistance Programs.

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

Office of Human Resources Questions? Please contact either Kim Watkins at or Deborah Covin Wilson at