Employee Education Retirement Program (EERP)
The EERP is designed to provide financial benefits to employees pursuing degrees at the Bachelor’s level and above, as well as professional certifications and licensures. By participating in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, advance in your chosen fields, and contribute to meeting the College’s instructional needs in high-demand areas where staffing capacity is currently limited. We believe that by investing in your education and professional development, we can improve the College’s overall performance and better serve our mission. We look forward to supporting your educational journey and celebrating your achievements.
For full details, refer to the Employee Handbook. 4.12 Employee Education Reimbursement Program (EERP).
To apply for the program, use the Application in AC Connect > Forms > Human Resources.
Access the reimbursement form here.
EERP FAQs
- Full-time faculty and staff, in good standing, continuously employed in a full-time status at AC for at least one year (12 months).
- Part-time classified employees, in good standing, who have worked at least 890 hours per year for the two most recent consecutive years (24 months).
- Part-time/adjunct faculty members, in good standing, who have taught at least fifteen (15) credit hours per year for the two most recent academic years.
Employees must apply for pre-approval of their course or program reimbursement at least 60 days before the start of the academic period or certification/licensure event.
Employees will be notified by Human Resources of the approval status of their EERP application within 30 days of application submission.
Yes, we expect the application process to be transparent. If an employee requires additional funding, we encourage them to provide detailed information to ensure we have a complete understanding of their needs.
Please note: Funds provided through grants or scholarships are not eligible for reimbursement under this program. Student loan funds used for educational expenses are eligible for reimbursement.
The employee’s supervisor’s and Cabinet member’s pre-approval is required. Final approval is made by Human Resources.
Reimbursement of tuition, allowable mandatory fees, required textbooks, up to a maximum reimbursement of $4,500 per academic year for full-time employees; $2,250 per academic year for part-time employees, not to exceed actual costs for tuition, required textbooks, and allowable mandatory fees.
- Employees will complete the EERP Reimbursement form found on AC Connect under Human Resources.
- Employees will upload proof of payment, and proof of successful completion of the course, certification, or licensure program, within 30 days of completion.
- Reimbursements will be processed with employees’ regular payroll cycles once all appropriate documentation is received.
- Employees are required to submit an itemized receipt as proof of payment for all reimbursable expenses.
Official receipt from academic institution, program provider, or licensing agency.
- For Academic Courses: Transcript from academic institution showing a minimum grade of “B” or its equivalent.
- For Certifications and Licensures: Official communication or certificate from program provider, or licensing agency showing successful completion/passing.
You may upload pdf, images, spreadsheets, or documents.
None. Applicants may share any materials to support the decision process if they desire.
Employees receiving educational reimbursement must agree to remain employed by AC for a period after receipt of the reimbursement. For degree programs, the work commitment is one month for each credit hour reimbursed. For certifications and licensures, the work commitment is three (3) months for each certification/licensure event. An employee who voluntarily leaves employment prior to fulfilling the service commitment will be subject to repay a prorated amount of the original reimbursement(s). Participation in this program does not alter the at-will relationship between the employee and the employer. The College or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time.