Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Thinking About Going Back to School?

Deborah Covin Wilson, CPLP, SPHROffice of Human Resources

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Decide

• What should I do?• Where should I go?• What major or degree should I pursue?

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Selection Considerations

• Majors offered• Resources / services available• Commuting Distance• Costs

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Find Your Major or Degree

• Research and find out where the major is offered. (Go to www.usg.edu to locate a school in the University System.)

• Schedule an appointment with OHR staff (Call Kim Watkins at 404.385-2377 or Deborah Covin Wilson at 404. 894-3850)

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Apply to Schools

• Double-check to ensure that application materials are correct and complete before they are mailed.

• Follow-up with schools to confirm receipt of application and transcripts.

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Admissions Requirements Checklist• Schedule appointment with counselor• Obtain transcripts• Obtain application• Arrange for testing or obtain test scores

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

How Do I Pay for School?• Questions to ask:– Is major available at a USG school?– If yes, BOR/ GTRC may help.– If no, STRAP may help– Consider alternative financing

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)

• U.S. Dept. of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml?src=ln)

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

What is the USG Tuition Assistance Program?The USG Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is an educational assistance program for full time employees who have been employed a minimum of six (6) months by the application deadline date, that waives up to nine (9) hours of academic credit at a USG school.for more information on the policy go to:

http://www.usg.edu/hr/benefits/tuition_assistance_program_tap/

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

• Eligibility for TAP• Must be a full-time (100 %) employee for a minimum of

6 months by the application deadline date• Attendance at a University System school• Application must be submitted to OHR by established

deadline date – Fall Semester - July 15– Spring Semester – November 15– Summer Semester – April 15

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

• Procedure– Submit and application by the deadline date– Register for classes only during the employee registration

period. These dates are listed on the USG website.– Up to 9 hours can be waived.–Must obtain a grade of C or higher for each course– If employee withdraws from class, they will have to sit out

for one semester.

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

What is Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance (STRAP) Program?

• Eligibility:– Full-time (100%) classified employment for a minimum of 12 months– General job related career*– Attendance at either DTAE or private school– Application must be submitted to OHR by established deadline date

– Fall Semester - July 15– Spring Semester – November 15– Summer Semester – April 15

– Tuition only is reimbursed up to 6 hours* (currently 3 hours)– Must obtain a grade of C or higher for each course

* Reimbursement rate is determined at the beginning of the fiscal year. Applicants will not receive 100% of the costs of tuition. Career does not have to be specifically related to your current job.

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Website

http://www.ohr.gatech.edu/careerdevelopment/tuitionassistance

This site provides up to date information on the Tuition Assistance Programs.

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Things to Consider• Commitment• Balancing Family, School, and Work• Finances• Maintaining Adequate Energy Level• Studying• Time it will take to complete degree

Office of Human Resources www.ohr.gatech.edu

Questions?Please contact either Kim Watkins at

404.385-2377 or Deborah Covin Wilson at 404.894.3850