Polk County

This program provides financial assistance to regular full time employees for courses which will enhance the knowledge, skills or abilities related to official duties they currently perform. Costs for general education courses which are not specifically job related do not qualify for reimbursement. Costs for up to nine (9) credit hours (or equivalent) may be reimbursed per semester and up to eighteen (18) hours in any fiscal year. Reimbursement for tuition will not exceed the amount published in the State University System's educational literature except when the course taken is not available in that system. Reimbursement for books and other required course material will be based on their actual cost.

Program Eligibility

Employees who have been regular full-time employees for at least one year and who have been recommended by their division and department directors are eligible to participate in the program.

Conditions of Reimbursement

As a condition of reimbursement, employees who participate in this program agree to remain with the County for at least one year after course completion. In the event, an employee voluntarily or involuntarily terminate his or her employment with the County, the employee will be required to return the amount of money received during the twelve months prior to separation from the County. Unless otherwise paid, this money will be deducted from the final paycheck and any remaining balance shall be considered immediately due and payable.

Time Off to Attend Class

Every effort must be made to schedule courses during off duty hours; however, limited time off with pay may be approved by the Department Director if there is no other scheduling alternative. Requests for time off must be submitted with the application form. Allowable time off is limited to a maximum of (160) hours per one calendar year.

How to Apply for Tuition Assistance

1. Submit a completed  Application for Education Reimbursement to your immediate supervisor.
2. You must submit a completed application prior to the beginning of courses *
3. Include a copy of the course description from the school catalog or a copy of the course syllabus with your completed application.

How to Collect Tuition Reimbursement

1. Submit official documentation of course completion and paid receipts for tuition, books or other required materials to the Organization and Employee Development (OED) Division.
2. You  must submit official documentation within thirty-five (35) days of course completion.

Tuition Reimbursement Schedule

When specific grades are not given, successful completion will result in 100% reimbursement.

* Applications submitted within (30) days of start dates will be considered if circumstances preclude earlier submission.