Tution Assitance Program Overview
Wake Forest University and the Campus Life Division are committed to supporting employees in their personal and professional growth through a comprehensive tuition assistance program. This program aims to align with the Internal Revenue Code Sections 117, 127, and 132(j)(8), which govern tuition reductions and educational assistance. Employees should note that the tuition assistance provided may be classified as taxable income, and departments will not cover the associated tax obligations for employees. This program reflects our dedication to fostering employee development while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-Time Employment: Only full-time employees are eligible to apply.
- Good Standing: Employees must be in good employment standing.
- Annual Approval: Tuition assistance requires annual approval from the direct supervisor and department head, with a semesterly review of performance and planning.
- Waiting Period: There is a one-year waiting period between completed degree programs.
Program Requirements
- Relevance: The course or degree program must relate to the employee’s departmental functions. Employees should attempt to connect their coursework to their position at Wake Forest University.
- Academic Performance: A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (or a “B” average) is required to remain eligible for educational assistance. Employees must attend classes during their personal time, but can attend during work hours with prior approval from their supervisor and department head.
- Reimbursement Requests: Requests for tuition assistance reimbursement must be submitted within 60 days after the semester ends.
- Status Changes: Employees affected by job eliminations or reductions will continue to receive assistance until the semester’s end. However, those who resign or are terminated may lose their benefits.
- Work Commitment: After completing their degree or receiving the last reimbursement, employees must work at Wake Forest University for one year. If they leave voluntarily before fulfilling this obligation, they must repay half of the total reimbursed amount.
Tuition Assistance Benefits
- Assistance covers tuition and required fees, not exceeding the amount actually payable by the employee.
- The maximum payment corresponds to a percentage of tuition and fees for up to 18 credit hours per academic year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with the exact percentage determined annually after the application period.
- Courses for certification or licensure may qualify for assistance, pending approval from the Associate Vice President for Campus Life, whereas other technical school or community college courses are not included.
- Eligible employees can pursue: (a) A master’s degree if they already hold an undergraduate degree or (b) an additional master’s or doctoral degree if they have a master’s degree.
- Any refunds from tuition/fees are to be returned to Wake Forest University.
Tuition Assistance Application Process
- Departmental Approval: Employee must obtain approval from their supervisor and department head.
- Application Submission: Employee must complete the Tuition Assistance Application
- Review Process: The Campus Life Executive Leadership Team reviews applications.
- Approval Notification: The Director of Talent Management will send a confirmation email to the employee and their supervisor, detailing the preliminary approval amount and post-course completion instructions.
- Key Timeline:
- Application Release Date: February 1st
- Application Deadline: February 28th
- Application Decision: April 1
- Reimbursement Steps: Employees must submit an expense report in Workday in order to receive a reimbursement. Instructions on how to complete this action will be included in your approval email. To complete this action, you will need to upload the following documentation: (1) transcript/final grades, (2) receipt/ payment confirmation of courses, and (3) a copy of your approval