Educational Assistance Plan

Bradley University recognizes that the skills and knowledge of its employees are critical to the success of the organization. The educational assistance program encourages personal development through formal education so employees can maintain and improve job-related skills or enhance their ability to compete for reasonably attainable positions within Bradley University .

Bradley University will provide educational assistance to all eligible employees who have completed 365 calendar days of service in an eligible employment classification. To maintain eligibility employees must remain on the active payroll and be performing their position satisfactorily through completion of each course. Employees in the following classifications(s) are eligible for educational assistance:

Regular full-time employees defined as employees who work a minimum of nine (9) months per year and 30 hours per week.

While educational assistance is expected to enhance employees' performance and professional abilities, Bradley University cannot guarantee that participation in formal education will entitle the employee to automatic advancement, a different assignment or pay increases.

The Bradley University Educational Assistance Plan in intended to comply with the tax provisions of IRC Sections 127 and 117(d). Under Section 117(d), undergraduate tuition reduction provided to the employee, the employee's spouse or dependents as defined under IRC Section 132(h) is excluded in full from gross income. Under Section 127, payments received by an employee for tuition for coursework beginning January 1, 2002 is excludable from gross income up to $5250. This includes graduate tuition remission, but only to the maximum of $5250. These exclusions apply as long as the benefit does not discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees. Graduate tuition remission for the spouse or dependents remains taxable as no exclusion is provided under either Section 117(d) or Section 127.

Tuition Provisions

Those eligible for tuition remission include:

• The employee
• The spouse of the employee who is married to the employee on the first day of the academic term for which the benefit is being requested.
• The dependent(s) of the employee who qualifies for admission to Bradley University. Dependent is a natural child, adopted child, stepchild, or legal ward of an eligible employee who was claimed as a dependent on the employee's most recent federal tax return. Otherwise eligible children of eligible employees not claimed on the employee's most recent federal tax return due to divorce or legal separation agreements are considered eligible dependents
   
  No application fees shall be required for those who are eligible for tuition remission.
   
  Any and all exceptions to these regulations must have the recommendation of the appropriate Vice President and approval of the President. In order that registration may be processed promptly, any request for exception should be made in ample time for consideration to be given before the applicant appears for registration.
   
  A Tuition Remission Application form must be completed at the Office of Financial Assistance by each participant in tuition remission so that the appropriate credit is posted to the student's registration form. The Tuition Remission Application will be available during the registration period. The Office of Financial Assistance may request the participant to present the employee's ID card in order to verify eligibility.
   
  The above procedure is applicable each session of school and applies only to courses offered on-campus.
   
  The Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development may permit Bradley employees, spouses and dependents to attend non-credit community service courses, institutions, seminars or extension courses at reduced rates.
   
  Applicants will be asked to certify compliance with the above eligibility requirements.
   
  Employees should contact their supervisor or the Financial Assistance Director for more information or questions about education assistance.

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