Tuition and Education Program Parameters are Set
Since the April 11, 2008 ratification of the Professional, Scientific and Technical Unit (PS&T Unit) Agreement the Professional Development Committee (PDC) has met to determine how the funds in Article 15 will be allocated for training and education programs. The PDC has established the programs described below. Program guidelines and application forms will be available in mid June.
Retroactive Programs: April 2, 2007 – March 31, 2008
These programs apply only to expenses incurred from April 2, 2007 through March 31, 2008. Applications for these programs must be postmarked July 1, 2008 or thereafter.
· College Tuition Reimbursement Program – Employees in the PS&T Unit can submit up to two (2) claims for up to $600 each for credit-bearing courses at accredited colleges or universities. The PDC has allocated up to $1.7 million for this program and reimbursement is on a first-come, first-served basis.
· Voucher Alternative (VALT) Program – Employees in the PS&T Unit can submit
one (1) claim for up to $600 for reimbursement for workshops and conferences attended between April 2, 2007 and March 31, 2008. The PDC has allocated up to $275,000 towards this program and reimbursement is on a first-come, first-served basis.
These programs apply only to expenses incurred from April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. Applications for these programs must be postmarked July 1, 2008 or thereafter.
· College Tuition Reimbursement Program – Employees in the PS&T Unit can submit claims for up to two (2) courses. The standard claim rate will be up to $600 for undergraduate courses and up to $1,200 for graduate courses. However, for a four credit hour undergraduate course, claims for up to $725 can be submitted.
· Voucher Alternative (VALT) Program – Employees in the PS&T Unit can submit claims for up to $600 for reimbursement for workshop and conference attendance.
· Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursement Program – Employees in the PS&T Unit can submit claims for up to $600 for initial licensure and certification exam fees.
In addition, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) and Workforce Initiative Grants will be available in fall 2008.
Please note, this is just a brief summary and eligibility will be governed by the program guidelines. Look for guidelines and application forms on the GOER and PEF websites beginning in mid June.
PEF website: www.pef.org
GOER website: www.goer.state.ny.us/train
Email address: PSTtraining@goer.state.ny.us
Also, the PDC has begun discussions on re-establishment of the tuition voucher program in April 2009. Additional details will be forthcoming this summer.