Job-related assistance is available to employees if the coursework relates to current job duties, provides new knowledge and skills to enhance job performance, supports the University’s mission, and/or enhances the University’s ability to respond to current and future needs.

Career Development assistance is available to obtain degrees that will increase employees' opportunities within the University. Employees need to submit a letter of intent stating how the particular degree will be of benefit to themselves and the University. Degree or major changes must be approved by the Benefits Manager for assistance to continue.

Coursework should be done at Old Dominion University and degrees should be obtained through Old Dominion University, unless Old Dominion does not offer the coursework or degree. If not available, employees can obtain degrees through another state institution (i.e., William & Mary, Norfolk State, etc.).   Degrees sought at other four-year Virginia colleges and universities must be job–related.  Employees seeking degrees at other four-year Virginia colleges and universities must sign an agreement stating that they will continue employment at Old Dominion University for at least one year following the completion of the academic year in which the course was taken.

TELETECHNET site employees may take coursework and pursue degrees at colleges and universities other than Old Dominion University and other state institutions, in certain circumstances. The same qualifications and guidelines apply.

Tuition may either be paid through deferment which allows employees to attend courses without payment at the beginning of the semester, or remission which reimburses employees at the conclusion of a course when all qualifications have been met.

Tuition assistance applies only to tuition. It does not apply to books, travel, supplies, etc. Employees who register for courses must follow the same academic policies that apply to students.

Several options are available to accommodate employees' absences from work to attend approved education courses during regular work hours. Employees' supervisors (those who sign the performance evaluation forms) must sign the application forms indicating their approval when release time, adjusted work hours, or personal leave are used for time taken for educational purposes during the workday. All requests are granted at the discretion of supervisor.

Release Time - Classified employees only (not hourly employees) may be allowed to take up to three hours away from work per week without charge to their personal leave balances. Release time will be prorated for part-time classified employees based on their work schedule. Requests for release time are granted at the discretion of supervisor. NOTE: Time excused during regular work hours for educational purposes under this policy is considered time worked and, therefore, will be counted as hours worked when calculating overtime. This release time must be reported on the Time and Attendance forms that are maintained by the departments for non-exempt employees, but NOT reported on the Leave Activity Reporting forms that are sent to the Payroll Office.

Adjusted Work Hours - Employees may be allowed to adjust work hours so as to work their
required hours per week at the discretion of supervisor.

Use Personal Leave - Classified employees may be allowed to use their annual, compensatory or overtime leave at the discretion of supervisor.

The following conditions shall determine the tuition support provided by the tuition assistance program: