Staff Tuition Reimbursement Policy Revised

Updates to an administrative policy are hoped to encourage greater participation in one of the supplemental benefits available to Georgia Tech employees.

President G.P. “Bud” Peterson recently approved amendments to Georgia Tech’s Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP) Policy. Changes are in response to staff feedback regarding the types of continuing education programs that are eligible under the program. In particular, the amended policy notes that an employee may pursue education or training in a field not directly connected to their current position, as long as it falls into a job category at Tech.

“Georgia Tech supports educational advancement for all its employees,” said Lynn Durham, associate vice president and executive liaison to the Staff Council. “We want to thank members of the Staff Council for their advocacy in bringing this to the attention of our leadership.”

According to newly updated policy Administrative Policy 13.9, to qualify for tuition reimbursement, coursework must be taken for academic credit toward completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree, and related to a career field at Georgia Tech. All full-time, classified employees who have worked at Tech for 12 months are eligible to apply.

The issue has been a pet project of David Brown, an electrician and 2019 chair of the Georgia Tech Staff Council who brought the initial proposal forward as chair of the Council’s subcommittee on benefits and compensation. He believes news of the change will be a morale boost for staff.

“Programs like STRAP show Georgia Tech is willing to invest in its people and support those who want to grow in their current job, or cross over to a new line of work,” he said. “When your organization invests in your career, it gives you a stronger sense that you belong here.”

Learn more at hr.gatech.edu/education-assistance.