You may identify a need to improve your job skills or to prepare for a future project or work assignment that can be met through formal education. Or, you may be interested in enrolling in a degree program.
In either case, schedule a development discussion with your supervisor.
schedule a development discussion
Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your interest in enrolling in a course(s). Be prepared to discuss how the coursework would enhance your job performance. In the case of a degree program, be prepared to discuss how the degree would assist you in your career development at the Laboratory.
select coursework and college/university
If you would like additional guidance on selecting schools or courses of study, contact the Tuition Assistance Administrator and request a career counseling appointment.
complete the tuition assistance request form
After you and your supervisor have identified relevant coursework or a degree program, complete the tuition assistance request form prior to beginning any coursework.
Coursework:
If you are enrolling in a course(s) that is not part of a degree program, write a memo to the Training and Development Department describing the on-the-job benefits that you and your supervisor agree will be derived from the coursework. Ask your supervisor to sign the memo. Attach the signed memo to the tuition assistance request form and send it to the Training and Development Department at MS107.
Degree program:
If you are enrolling in a degree program, you must complete the approval for degree program form in addition to the tuition assistance request form. You may have to secure additional approvals for a degree program based on the requirements in your division/section. Send both forms to the Training and Development Department at MS107.
It is only necessary to submit the approval for degree program form one time. After your degree program is approved, you will only have to submit the tuition assistance request form each time you enroll in a course(s) that applies to your approved degree.
tuition/fee advance
Book reimbursementYou will receive your advance request for tuition and fees at your mail station within three to five working days of the receipt of the request and submission of required documentation.
To receive a reimbursement for textbooks that you have purchased, send the itemized book receipt listing the books purchased to the Training and Development Department at MS107. Only required books will be reimbursed. Supplemental books are not reimbursed. You will receive a check at your mail station within three to five working days of the receipt of your request.
After you have completed the coursework and received your final grade(s), you must settle your advance by sending the following documentation to the Training and Development Department:
- An itemized, zero balance tuition and fee receipt.
The Bursar’s Office in the university will provide you with this receipt. The itemized receipt must indicate that expenses were for tuition and fees. The Laboratory requires a description of the specific charges so that disallowed expenses are not included. A receipt that indicates “Balance Forward” or “Paid on Account” is not acceptable since it does not describe the specific charges. The receipt must also show a "zero balance" to ensure that no credit is due the Laboratory (see examples).- An official copy of your final grade(s).
failure to settle an advance or request reimbursement within 60 days
All documentation is due upon course completion. If documentation is outstanding 60 days after you complete the course(s), a payroll deduction will be processed for the full amount of the advance. This is done to avoid adverse tax consequences related to IRS rules for unsettled advances.
If you are due a reimbursement for tuition, fees, and/or books, submit your documentation within 60 days of completing the course(s). Otherwise, you will forfeit your reimbursement.
Delinquency on tuition advances may also disqualify you from future advances.