Common use of Education Assistance Program Clause in Contracts

Education Assistance Program. Employees who wish to enroll in job-related and promotion oriented courses which will improve their job knowledge and performance will be compensated by the District for expenses as follows: A. When an employee is in the process of acquiring a sixty (60) semester unit or a ninety (90) quarter unit degree (e.g., Associate of Arts, Certificate of Achievement), or when an employee is properly authorized to enroll in a Certificate of Achievement Program, correspondence course and/or a specific course of study that may not result in a degree, said employee shall be reimbursed a maximum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00). B. When an employee exceeds sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units and is enrolled in upper division course work, said employee shall be reimbursed a maximum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). C. The maximum amount that an employee may be reimbursed under this program in any fiscal year is two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). D. Language Programs will also be covered by these provisions or employees wishing to learn another language. Out-of-pocket expenses for required textbooks and course materials may be included for reimbursement within the above dollar limits. Textbooks may be retained by the employee upon completion of the course. Courses must be taken at an accredited institution, or through correspondence courses or other approved vendors, whether training is delivered in-person or on-line, if comparable courses are not available in local schools or of the work assignment of the individual is such that it does not permit regular classroom attendance. Approval of other vendors under this Section and the establishment of criteria for successful completion, when those listed below are inapplicable shall be at the discretion of the Department Manager of Training and Development. Except for unusual circumstances, employees will not be granted time off from their regular work schedule to attend courses taken under this Section. Approval for said courses must be granted by the department head prior to enrollment. Reimbursement shall be made upon presentation of proper receipts and upon completion of the course with at least a grade “C” or its equivalent. At the employee’s option, an advance may be secured from the District against tuition costs by agreeing to payroll deduction of the amount of the advance if: 1. satisfactory evidence of completion of the course taken is not provided to the District within thirty (30) days following completion of the course; or 2. the course is not completed with at least a grade “C” or its equivalent; or 3. the course is failed; or 4. the employee voluntarily drops the course for any reason, including voluntary shift change or termination of employment with the District. If the employee’s course is not completed due to a District required shift change or reduction in force, repayment of the advance will not be required.