Tuition Reimbursement Any regular full time employee covered by this contract is eligible for financial assistance for tuition cost for college or university courses taken in a technical, undergraduate, or graduate program after one (1) complete year of full time County employment. The Employer shall reimburse fifty percent (50%) of tuition cost of up to a maximum of $1,000.00 per year if:
1. Recommended by the employee's supervisor and approved by the Chief Judge of the applicable Court prior to enrollment in the course; and,
2. The course taken meets one (1) of the following criteria:
(a) it is directly job related, as determined by the Chief Judge;
(b) it is in preparation of a job related promotion;
(c) it is required or is elective subject mandatory to obtain a diploma, certificate, or undergraduate degree in preparation for advancement to a higher classification in employment with the Court.
3. Under special circumstances a supervisor may authorize an employee to attend classes during normal working hours. HOWEVER, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE TO ENSURE THE INDIVIDUAL MAKES UP ALL LOST WORK TIME.
4. Prior to being reimbursed for tuition expenses, the employee must present to the Employer a receipt for payment and proof of a grade of C (or its equivalent) or higher.
5. Employees eligible for education compensation under the veterans G.I. Xxxx or other government sponsored programs will have to exhaust their other benefits prior to being eligible for Employer education benefits.
6. Reimbursement includes tuition only and does not include registration, books, lab fees, etc.
7. Reimbursement is subject to and conditioned upon money being appropriated in the Employer's budget for this specific purpose and employees must apply for the tuition reimbursement by August prior to the calendar year for which the funds are requested so the applicable court can seek funding for the request through the annual budget process.
8. Tuition reimbursement is subject to all IRS required tax withholdings.
9. Repayment to the Employer in one lump sum will be required by an employee who voluntarily resigns or is discharged from employment within three (3) years following completion of coursework. In the event the employee does not continue employment for the prescribed period, the employee will be required to reimburse the Employer on a prorated basis for tuition reimbursement received as follows:
