PEF/PSTP Tuition Reimbursement Program
OVERVIEW
Program Description
PEFs Tuition Support [Voucher) Program allows students to take a course of their choice at a PEF/PSTP approved school. Tuition, up to the program maximum, will be paid by PEF/PSTP directly td the school. Vouchers may generally be used for up to $600 per semester for graduate/undergraduate study, unless otherwise restricted or noted in the PEF/PSTP catalog.
Eligibility and Priority System for Receiving a PSTP Voucher
In order to be eligible to participate in the PEF/PSTP Tuition (Voucher) Program you must be a PEF represented State employee in the PS&T bargaining unit or be on a Civil Service Preferred List. Employees working less than half time and those on full-time educational leave shall receive 50o/O of *e current benefit - seasonal employees are not eligible.
Vouchers will be issued for only one (1) course per applicant, Maximum voucher value for the one course will remain at $600.
Vouchers will be issued to individuals aubmitting timely received applications:
- Who did not receive a voucher for the previous semester.
- Based on remaining program semester funds to those who received a voucher for the prior semester and have greater seniority than other current applicants for this semaster.
Additionally, previous voucher recipients whose course status for the past year shows non completion (withdrawals, incompletes, or failures) for PSTP supported coursework will be disallowed for participation in the current semester. They will be eligible to apply for a voucher for the following semester. Written appeals of the voucher denial because of such non-completion status (withdrawals, incomplete, or failure) can be made in writing directly to the PDC Committee, c/o PSTP Voucher Program Education & Training Department. The committee's decision will be final and binding. No appeals will be accepted for receipt of application forms after the published deadline date. Contact the PEF office for deadline information.
Beginning Fall 1996, applicants records that show at least 3 non-completion status semesters will result in that applicant being barred from continued participation in the PSTP Voucher Program.
Applicants so affected can contact the PEF/PSTP office at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252.
Student Responsibilities
With the voucher system, greater responsibility is placed on you, the student, to get the advisement needed before selecting a course. As a PEF/PSTP student, you must adhere to the guidelines and procedures outlined below.
- You may apply for up to $600 of tuition support per semester at a PEF/PSTP approved school with a fiscal year cap of $1200.
- Seek academic advisement from the school and/or your agency's Training or Personnel Office or PEF/PSTP before selecting your course. Do not wait for schedule to become available to make your course collection. If the course you pre-select is not offered during the semester; you may change your course selection after you've been approved for a PEF/PSTP voucher.
- Complete and return this Voucher Application to PEF/PSTP. It must be received (not just postmarked) by PEF/PSTP on or before the Final Application Deadline. Contact the PEF/PSTP Office at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252 (from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) for deadline information. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- If you are approved for a voucher, you will receive the voucher at your home address. You must bring the voucher to the school and formally register for your selected course. You must comply with the school's registration procedures within the school's registration period.
- If you are not going to use your PEF/PSTP Voucher to attend a course at the school you selected, or if you cannot complete the course, you must immediately notify the school by complying with its official drop procedures, and return the unused voucher to PEF/PSTP.
- Under the voucher system, PEF/PSTP will be billed by the school based on your registration for a course. Each school has a specific date by which a student may withdraw without tuition charges or with reduced tuition charges.
- If you must drop a course and PEF/PSTP is charged partial or full tuition for you, you will incur a non-completion status. If you do not complete the requirements to change your non-completion status, you may become barred from future participation in PEF/PSTP.
Expenses Covered
- Expenditure levels for participants are set each semester by the PDC (Professional Development Committee)a joint contractual labor management committee.
- Currently a maximum of $600 per participant per semester for graduate/undergraduate credit courses has been set.
- Partial payment for a course exceeding PEF/PSTP's tuition coverage limit of $600 per semester or a cap of $1200.00 per fiscal year.
Expenses Not Covered
- Lab fees
- Academic fees/Application fees
- Books or supplies
- Late or penalty fees
- Student service fees (i.e., activity, athletic, drop/add, etc.)
- Transportation, parking, or vehicle registration fees
- Graduation or optional fees
- Auditing classes
- Non-credit courses
- Summer Semester courses
- Maintenance of matriculation fees
SELECT A SCHOOL
About Selecting a School
Participating schools are listed and described alphabetically (descriptions are not yet online) in the School Descriptions section of this catalog. An alphabetical listing of all participating schools is listed in this catalog. Some schools offer both undergraduate and graduate courses and may have a separate heading in the School Descriptions section for each.
If your college is not listed in this catalog, please call the PSTPLine at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252 for more information. (Please note only New York State colleges are eligible for the PSTP Voucher Program.)
Questions to Ask in Selecting a School
- Does the school offer the type of program and degree that you want?
- Are there any special programs for adult students that will be helpful for you? Does the school offer free workshops on career planning and returning to school for adult students?
- Is the school conveniently located to either your home or work site? Are there extension sites where the classes are offered?
- Is it easy to get advisement for selecting a course and choosing a major?
- What is the tuition, in case you need to take additional credits or courses without a PEF/PSTP voucher? What fees would you be required to pay?
Using the School Descriptions
- School Name, Address, Code, and Types of Programs (Graduate, Undergraduate):
This information appears at the top of each school description. The school's name and code are required on the Voucher Application. Some schools have different codes for undergraduate/graduate courses which are listed under two separate headings. It is important to use the correct school code for the type of course for which you are applying (undergraduate/graduate). If you use an incorrect school code on your application, PEF/PSTP cannot correct your error.
- Degrees:
The types of degrees or certificates offered by the school are listed here.
- Associate's degrees usually require about 60 credits (20 courses) and are offered at community colleges and some SUNY and CUNY colleges.
- Bachelor's degrees generally require at least 120 credits (40 courses) and are offered at all four year colleges.
- Master's degrees generally require 30 or more graduate credits. Individual schools set their own requirements as to program entry, pre-requisites and the number of credits needed on a particular course/major.
- Doctorate degree requirements vary by the institution.
- Semester Dates:
PEF/PSTP vouchers may be used for a course taken within a specific semester only. The dates of that semester are listed here.
- Schedule Available:
The date by which the school's class schedule will be available is listed here. If that date falls outside of PEF/PSTP's application period, be prepared to make your course selection from last year's schedule or from another source (e.g. Department Chair, professor, etc.); do not wait for the schedule to become available to make your course selection. If the course you pre-select is not offered during the semester, you may change your course selection after you've been approved for a PEF/PSTP voucher (see "Changing Courses").
- Restrictions:
At some schools there are restrictions on the courses, number of credit hours, level of study, or types of programs which are covered by PEF/PSTP. Any such restrictions, including PEF/PSTP's tuition coverage, will be listed here.
- Major Programs:
This section lists many of the major academic programs offered by the school. "Programs" are groups of courses leading to a degree or certificate and are not to be confused with individual courses. You will need to review the school's catalog or class schedule to select a soecific course. Do not use a program name listed under this section as the course title on your Voucher Application.
- Notices/Special Conditions:
This section lists services offered by the school, special requirements, or other information you may need to know. Schools include information such as:
- Fees that are the student's responsibility
- Orientation or advisement sessions available
- Required assessment or placement tests
- Notices on new programs, special services or other assistance for new students
- Campus tours
- Extension Sites:
These locations may be more accessible than the institutions' main campus.
- Registration Information:
If you are approved for a PEF/PSTP voucher, you must then register at the school in order to attend the course. Follow the school's registration instructions, which are listed here. Bring the voucher with you to the school when you register; it represents payment from PEF/PSTP to the school.
- Drop/Add Course(s):
See the information regarding your responsibilities in this area.
- Phone Directory:
A phone directory is also provided for your use. It lists a number of different contacts for various services available at the school. Feel free to call and ask questions! If calling these numbers doesn't answer your question or solve your problem, call the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext252.
After you select a school, make a copy of its School Description information for your records. The registration and phone directory will be helpful to you in using the PEF/PSTP voucher at the school.
SELECT A COURSE
Once you have chosen a school, you must select a specific course based on the school's anticipated course offering for the upcoming semester. Steps to take a select course are as follows:
- Review PEF/PSTP's Course Eligibility Criteria below.
- Review "Restrictions" in the School Descriptions section of this catalog to see if the use of a voucher is restricted in any way.
- Call the schools that you are interested in attending and request a catalog and class schedule (use the phone directory provided in the School Description). Your agency's training or personnel office may have these materials already. If the school does not have a current schedule, ask for last Spring's schedule and use that as a guide.
- Review the class schedule and course description found in the school's catalog. Don't base your decision only on the course title. If a current class schedule and list of course descriptions are not yet available, use prior semester information to select a course.
- Get academic advisement from your school, your agency's training or personnel office.
- Some courses will require that you take an assesmnet test before you can register at the school. An assessment test will determine if your reading, writing and/or math skills are suited to the course you selected, or if a more basic course would be a better place to start. If an assessment test is advised, make arrangements to take it as soon as possible.
- Check to see if the course you have selected requires a prerequisite. A prerequisite is another course or a particular skill that is required before you may begin the course. If you do not have the required prerequisite, the school will not allow you to register for the course. Some schools will also require matriculation or formal admittance to a graduate school degree program.
- If, after receiving a voucher, your course is not available or is full, you may change your selection and register for another eligible course without prior approval from PEF/PSTP (see "Changing Courses").
PEF/PSTP Course Eligibility Criteria
The following course eligibility criteria have been developed to enhance career mobility and meet State workforce needs. PEF/PSTP will pay your tuition up to program limits in a course only if it meets the course eligibility criteria; it is your responsibility to make sure it does.
A course can only be selected at schools that are included in the School Descriptions section of this catalog. You may not apply for more than one course per semester through PEF/PSTP and you cannot exceed a voucher payment of $600.
Credit Course Criteria
- Undergraduate and graduate credit bearing courses (see limits on Physical Education), Certified Addictions Counselor Certificate Programs, certain specialized certifications and certain certification exams such as the Occupational Competency Exam. (Any questions, call the PEF/PSTPLINE.)
- Specific credit courses must be selected from the school's class schedule or catalog, or special announcements.
- Extra tuition over the maximum provided by the PEF/PSTP voucher is the responsibility of the student.
- PEF/PSTP vouchers can not be used for Physical Education courses unless the course is required for a degree major, such as Physical Education or Recreational Education.
Note: See Section 6 - Additional Educational Resources for information on additional monies available to PSTP participants.
Payment Policy
- PEF/PSTP vouchers can be used at most schools as partial payment for a single course that exceeds PEF/PSTP's cost coverage maximum ($600). Any costs incurred over the $600 dollar amount are the student's responsibility.
- A PEF/PSTP voucher will provide only partial payment for graduate courses at some participating institutions.
APPLY FOR A PEF/PSTP VOUCHER
Get an Application
Your agency's training or personnel office and local PEF leadership has a supply of PEF/PSTP voucher application forms. An application form is also included in the back of this catalog; you may use a copy of this form if you are unable to obtain an application from your agency's training or personnel office. (Make sure to copy and read this form.) If you are unable to obtain an application from any of these sources, call the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252 to request one. Get all necessary academic advisement before you apply.
Meet the Deadline
Mail the completed Voucher Application directly to: PEF/PSTP Public Employees Federation, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road, P.O. Box 12414, Albany, NY 12212-2414 or fax your application to PEF/PSTP at 518/782-1796, please do not fax and mail the same application. PEF/PSTP will be unable to confirm receipt of applications by mail or by fax transmittal. Applications must be received in the PEF/PSTP office (not postmarked) by the Final Application deadline for the upcoming semester. Applications received after the deadline will be rejected.
Note: PEF/PSTP cannot accept responsibility for lost or misdirected mail or incomplete transmissions.
Release Time
PEF/PSTP is intended to be used before or after your work hours. If your course is only available during work hours or you must leave work early to attend class, you must obtain your supervisor's approval.
REGISTER AT THE SCHOOL
Notification From PEF/PSTP
If you receive a PEF/PSTP voucher, you must follow the school's registration instructions and schedule. Bring the voucher with you when you register. It represents payment to the school from PEF/PSTP for your course. Remember, a PEF/PSTP voucher does not guarantee you a seat in a class. You must register at the school as soon as possible. Registration instructions are included in the School Descriptions section of this catalog.
Changing Courses
If you will not be able to attend the course that you pre-selected on your application for a PEF/PSTP voucher, you can use the voucher to register for a different course at the same school under the same school code without prior approval from PEF/PSTP. You may not use your PEF/PSTP voucher at a school other than the school listed on your voucher. The new course must also meet PEF/PSTP's course eligibility criteria. Call the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252 if you are uncertain.
Dropping Courses
Dropping a course after tuition liability has been incurred may lower your priority to receive vouchers in the future. If you must drop a course, it is very important to follow the school's drop procedures carefully. If you register for a course but withdraw within the school's 100% refund period (if available), PEF/PSTP will not be required to pay for your participation in the course, and you will not incur PEF/PSTP's non-completion status.
Information regarding the availability, dates or time period for a 100% refund, as well as information on the school's drop procedures, can be obtained by contacting the school directly or by calling the PSTLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252. Dropping a course after the refund period may negatively affect your future PSTP participation.
NON-PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
Exhaustive efforts have been made to include colleges and universities that bargaining unit members have historically used. Some institutions have chosen not to participate. You however may be interested in attending a non-participating school. If you are interested in attending such a non-participating school please call the PSTP Line at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252. Have the school name, campus location and course name and number available when you call. PEF/PSTP staff will once again attempt to sign-up the non-participant school.
The catalog of providers will be updated each Fall and Spring semester. Periodic updates on new providers will be mailed to PEF local leaders and agency training offices. If the school still refuses to participate, you will be notified and informed of other funding available.
Non-participating schools usually cite little contact with PS&T members as students as the main reason for not participating. Your contact with the PEF/PSTP staff is a crucial step in convincing colleges of our interest in their institution.
Course work completed at non-participating schools is eligible under the PEF/NYS Voucher Alternative Program. Please consult those guidelines (Section 6) for program use and limits.
REIMBURSEMENT/VOUCHER ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
General Instructions
- The Voucher Alternative Program replaces the former Tuition Reimbursement Program. Program limits are 50% of final tuition costs, not to exceed $600 per participant per fiscal year.
- Voucher Alternative Reimbursement is for job or career related approved coursework at accredited non-participating PEF/PSTP voucher institutions. Accreditation and approved coursework are defined as (click links below):
Accreditation
Approved Coursework
A. Accreditation
For any coursework to be eligible for reimbursement, the institution, school or organization providing the course or program must be:
- Chartered, approved or authorized to confer a degree by the New York State Board of Regents or an equivalent recognized educational accrediting body; or accrediting body; or
- Licensed or registered by the New York State Education Department or an equivalent recognized educational accrediting body; or
- Licensed, registered or approved by a department or agency of the State of New York to provide specific course(s) of instruction; or
- A non-profit private or college/university affiliated consultant group, or a nationally-recognized professional association or their state or local chapter.
B. Approved Coursework
- Tuition for credit-bearing coursework including college courses, external degree or non-residential college degree programs, proficiency exams and correspondence courses for which college credit is granted is reimbursable if it is given by a school that does not participate in the PEF/PSTP Voucher Program. Non-participating schools can be either in New York State or out-of-state. Sponsoring institutions must meet at least one of the above accreditation criteria.
- Licensing exam preparatory/refresher courses are also eligible for reimbursement, if that license is required for continued employment with New York State and/or advancement within one's current state career.
- Continuing Education Courses offered by accredited institutions (see above) are eligible for reimbursement, if they are required for continued licensure, certification or continued state employment.
C. Exclusions and Limitations
Covered tuition expenses do not include the following:
- Tuition expenses from schools that participate in the PEF/PSTP Voucher Program.
- Meals, lodging, parking or transportation;
- Student activity fees, registration fees, lab fees, assessment fees;
- Health service fees (either mandatory or optional);
- Dues and/or organized fees;
- Professional licensing fees (including original application fees and license renewal fees); or
- Books, supplies or other expenses indirectly or incidentally related to the educational experience;
- Tuition expenses incurred because of employee's failure to request a voucher in a timely fashion through the PEF/PSTP Voucher Program are not reimbursable under this Voucher Alternative/Tuition Reimbursement Program and are the responsibility of the employee.
D. Reporting Alternate Sources of Reimbursement or Assistance
- Prior to submitting an application for reimbursement, employees are expected to investigate and apply for all available alternative tuition assistance sources for which the are eligible. Alternate funding sources include, but are not limited to, agency/facility tuition reimbursement programs, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Pell Grants, Veterans Administration Educational Benefits (GI Bill), and college stipends and scholarships. Information about these programs is available from agency/facility Staff Development and/or Personnel Officers, and college and university financial aid offices.
- Employees receiving such alternate tuition reimbursement or educational assistance from any source must report the amount on the Voucher Alternative Program application form. This amount must be subtracted from the covered tuition expenses for which reimbursement is sought. An employee who fails to report the amount of alternative tuition assistance on the application must repay any reimbursement overpayment received and may be excluded from future reimbursement participation.
E. Employee Eligibility Criteria
These eligibility criteria apply to credit coursework commencing after September 1, 1995.
- The NYS/PEF Voucher Alternative Program is designed to support the professional development of career PS&T unit employees. Consistent with this goal, all individuals, except those appointed to "seasonal terms," who are State employees at the commencement of the applicable coursework, and who are members of the PS&T bargaining unit upon course completion, are eligible to receive reimbursement if they, and their coursework, meet other program requirements.
- Employees working less than half-time, and those on full-time educational leave, shall receive reimbursement at a rate of 25% up to an annual maximum of $600.
- The employee's status and work schedule on the date of the last day of the coursework will determine eligibility for reimbursement and the applicable reimbursement rate.
- Job related course means education that: (1) maintains or improves the skills required for the employee's current job; or (2) meets the express requirements of the individual's employer that, are imposed as a condition of continued employment.
- Career related courses are those which: (1) directly related to the employee's current job assignments, duties and/or responsibilities; or (2) increase the employee's opportunity for advancement within his/her title series; or (3) increase the employee's opportunity for advancement to positions to which he/she may compete on a promotional basis; or (4) are courses in a subject area requirement of a career related degree program for which the employee is a matriculated student; or (5) enable the employee to acquire those knowledges, skills or abilities for which there exists a need in State service.
F. Application Submission Process
NYS/PEF Voucher Alternative Program and Voucher application forms are now a single form which can be obtained from your agency/facility Staff Development or Personnel Officer. The form is on the last page of this catalog. Forms are also available through the following PEF Field Offices:
| Albany |
(518)-785-1900 |
(800)-342-4306 |
| Binghamton |
(607)-723-3564 |
(800)-724-4998 |
| Buffalo |
(716)-853-3100 |
(800)-462-1462 |
| Hornell |
(607)-324-6060 |
(800)-724-5001 |
| Long Island |
(516)-234-7788 |
(800)-832-5284 |
| New York City |
(212)-227-3132 |
(800)-522-8700 |
| Poughkeepsie |
(914)-473-5022 |
(800)-548-4870 |
| Rochester |
(716)-232-6980 |
(800)-724-5003 |
| Syracuse |
(315)-471-2311 |
(800)-724-5004 |
| Utica |
(315)-768-0123 |
(800)-724-5005 |
G. A separate PEF Voucher Alternative Program Application Form must be completed for each course for which reimbursement is sought. Voucher Alternative Program reimbursement applications seeking less than a $25 payment will not be processed.
H. The application procedure involves 3 steps. The employee completes steps 1 and 2. Step 3 is the processing responsibility of the PEF/Voucher Alternative Processing Center.
I. All required information must be supplied. Illegible, incomplete or incorrect applications will not be processed. Type or print in ink.
J. Applications that fail to adhere to the instructions may be denied.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Agency Tuition Support
Some state agencies have set aside funding for their employees' tuition assistance. Some of this funding is from federal sources. Check with your agency training/personnel office regarding the availability of such funds and restrictions on its use.
Support Services for Disabled Students
Many colleges offer assistance to students who have physical or learning disabilities. If you have a disability and you are interested in taking courses through PEF/PSTP, it is important that you call the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252 or the school as soon as possible so that services can be arranged.
Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)
Most colleges offer this New York State free grant to help pay tuition costs for students enrolled in 6 to 11 credit hours of undergraduate study. You must have already completed 6 credits of study and have a New York State taxable income of less than $34,250. Contact your school's financial aid office for an application and further details. Also the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252 can be very helpful in this area.
Civil Service Information
Specific information on job openings/upcoming exams, transfers, etc. can be addressed to the Civil Service Department Career Center at (518)-474-8865 or the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 252.
Tuition Reimbursement Voucher Alternative Program
The Tuition Reimbursement Program/Voucher Alternative Program provides PEF-represented State employees with reimbursement for selected educational activities not covered as college-credit coursework sponsored by a PEF/PSTP voucher program participating institution. This Voucher Alternative Program is not available for courses taken at any PEF/PSTP participating institution.
The PEF/PSTP Tuition Voucher Program must be used exclusively at participating schools. Please contact the PSTPLINE at 1-800-342-4306 ext. 337 if you have questions about this Voucher Alternative Program.
TAXATION AND EMPLOYEE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
PSTP Voucher participants may apply for tax refunds on employer-provided tuition if taxes were paid in 1995 and 1996 tax years. The new small business tax law (PL 104-188) resurrects Section 127 retroactively from January 1, 1995 and will expire again after May 31, 1997. In 1997, only expenses paid for courses beginning before July 1, 1997 are eligible (See 96-34). The annual maximum exclusion from gross income remains $5,250.
PLEASE NOTE: this tax foregiveness does not extend to graduate level courses beginning after June 30, 1996. In other words, graduate level courses for the Fall 1996 and thereafter are subject to taxation, social security, and medicare deductions. One's individual W-2 will reflect such taxation on this benefit.
EMPLOYEES may file for refunds on income taxes they paid for 1995 on Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and attach to it Form W-2c, Statement of Corrected Income and Tax, from the employer. Employees who paid taxes will be permitted refunds of federal income, social security, and medicare taxes paid in 1996. If the exclusion reduces the employee's income to $26,673 or less, the employee may be eligible for the earned income tax credit. In that case, a completed Schedule EIC should be attached to Form 1040X. For expediated processing, the employee should print "IRC 127" in the top margin of Form 1040X.
For further information, call the IRS at (800)-829-1040. Forms are available by calling (800)-829-3676, by dialing up the IRS system bulletin board at (703)-829-3676, or by accessing the IRS home page on the Internet at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov.
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Training Section
Office of Human Resources Management
University at Albany
Albany, NY 12222
(518) 437-4702 (Voice) 437-4731 (Fax)
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30am to 5:00pm, Summers, 8:00am - 4:00pm
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