In accordance with Ohio University Policy and Procedure 40.015 (Educational Benefits for Ohio University Employees), employees are eligible for participation in the educational benefits program.  This OU-COM policy addresses application of the University policy/procedure specifically to OU-COM.

For guidance on approving professional development activities, refer to Ohio University Policy and Procedure 41.134 for classified employees and 41.129 for administrative employees.  In addition to the OU policies, the employee and supervisors must follow these guidelines:

1. Employee must request approval from the supervisor to enroll in a course.
2. Each term must be requested and reviewed separately; i.e., a commitment cannot be made for more than one term.
3. In reviewing the request, the supervisor and the relevant department head will consider:
   1. The capacity of the unit to function effectively, without emergency or part-time help, and with no significant loss in response time or efficiency;
   2. The employee’s length of service to the COM; and
   3. The work record of the employee – attendance, punctuality, quality of work, efficiency and effectiveness, attitude and commitment.
4. If a request is reviewed and approved, the commitment by the supervisor is binding for the term.

Requesting Waiver of the General Fee

OUCOM will only consider requesting a waiver of the general fee if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The supervisor, with approval of the department head, requires the employee to take the course;
2. The course is directly related to the position;
3. The department must cover the cost of the general fee using departmental funds; and
4. The Dean must approve and sign the fee waiver form (only if requesting waiver of general fee).

Note:If the general fee is being waived, a copy of the form should be sent to the College Accounting Office

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Last updated: 03/17/2011