After receiving feedback from the Staff Senate and to better align with our Cornerstone Plan, we are piloting changes to the Education Benefit in 2017 to increase funding for those taking courses toward a degree. Modeling UVA’s values of lifelong learning, our Cornerstone Plan guides us to invest in employees to foster a culture of excellence and achievement.

In order to prepare the system for these changes, the online application process will be closed December 16 and will be available again in the first week of January.

Good news as you set learning and development goals for the new year!

Pilot Program Highlights
NEW! Increased Tuition Benefit (total of $4,360 per year) for employees enrolled in college credit courses, working towards an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, or a for-credit certificate program.

REVISED Professional Development Benefit ($2,000 per year) for courses, certification training, and conferences that enhance the staff/faculty member’s contribution to the University. In order to assess professional development opportunities, they must meet one or more of these criteria:
  • Job-related
  • Career growth-related
  • Developmental opportunity outlined in the staff/faculty member’s development plan;  for staff, the development plan is part of the Lead@UVa performance management process.

For both benefits: 

  • Maximum combined amount annually - $4,360
  • Approval needed prior to the educational event
  • Books, travel, and equipment are not reimbursed
  • Appeals process available

What's being eliminated?

Personal enrichment courses (those formerly offered by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies and other entities as part of community education). The funding used for these courses is being redirected into payment for degree-related courses.

Who has been involved as part of the decision-making process? 

Staff Senate, University Human Resources, HR in the Academic Community, Payroll, Office of Sponsored Programs, and the President's Cabinet.

Coming soon for you:

  • Program guide
  • Self-service how-to resource
  • Website updates to help you understand the changes

Next steps for HR (both planned for early 2017):

  • System changes
  • Policy revision