September is a time for new beginnings, making it the perfect month to take another look at one of the many benefits available to UMD employees: tuition remission.
Whether you're interested in taking a class yourself, supporting a spouse or dependent pursuing their first undergraduate degree, or simply looking for new ways to grow, tuition remission can make education more accessible.
Here are four things to know about this valuable UMD employee benefit:
1. Tuition remission isn't limited to UMD.
One of the key benefits of tuition remission is that eligible faculty and staff can utilize this benefit at institutions throughout the University System of Maryland (USM). Full-time regular-status employees can use tuition remission at any USM institution, as well as Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM), and Morgan State University (MSU), in accordance with each institution's policies and eligibility requirements. Eligibility rules apply.
Full-time regular faculty and staff can use tuition remission at any USM institution, as well as Baltimore City Community College, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Morgan State University, subject to each institution's policies and eligibility requirements.
2. Your family may be able to use it, too.
Tuition remission isn't just for employees. Eligible employees can submit tuition remission applications for a spouse or dependent child attending a participating institution towards their first undergraduate degree. Once the Faculty/Staff member reaches two years of USM service (based on USM service rules), the spouse or dependent child can use Tuition Remission for classes that go towards their first undergraduate degree.
If you're considering using the benefit for a family member, please review the eligibility requirements and have the student's campus ID available when applying. Employees hired before 1990 are subject to different eligibility criteria.
3. Know your credit limits.
Tuition remission benefits are based on Regular Employment and are prorated by FTE. In addition, our deadlines/restrictions chart for each academic term, along with the Tuition Remission policies, have very important details to evaluate before applying for the benefit. Limited Benefits apply to Contingent II employees.
For example, eligible full-time regular faculty and staff may receive tuition remission for up to eight credits during the fall and spring semesters, with different limits applying to winter and summer sessions. Credits are prorated by FTE; for example, a regular employee who works 30 hours a week (75% FTE) would be eligible for up to 6 credits.
Before registering, review the current UHR guidelines to understand how many credits are eligible for your specific situation.
4. Apply through the USM Tuition Remission Portal.
The tuition remission process has moved online, making it easier to submit applications and manage the benefit. Paper Tuition Remission Application forms (found on the UHR Website) are still required for some of the reciprocal institutions (St. Mary’s College of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College).
Eligible employees can use the USM Tuition Remission Portal to apply for tuition remission. Be sure to check the current semester deadlines and guidelines in the USM Tuition Remission Portal before submitting your application.
If you have any questions regarding tuition remission or program eligibility, please submit an AskHR case and choose “Tuition Remission” as the category.
Additional Information: