(a) Definition. In this section, “direct tuition costs” do not include textbooks, laboratory fees, and other expenses.
(b) Generally.
(1) Subject to the conditions provided in this section, a full-time employee who is in good standing is entitled to reimbursement of direct tuition costs incurred on satisfactory completion of each course of study that is approved by the Office of Personnel as directly related to the employee’s current work assignment; related to a type of work to which the employee may reasonably be expected to progress; or a required course in an approved degree or certificate program from an accredited college, university, or learning institution.
(2) An employee who is a member of IAFF Local 1563, FODCOP, IUPA 141, or AFSCME Local 582 is entitled to a reimbursement of 65%.
(3) An employee who is a member of Teamsters Local 355 on behalf of the Correctional Program Specialists is entitled to reimbursement of 75%.
(4) An employee who is a member of FOP Lodge 70 is entitled to a reimbursement of 100% for a grade of “C” or higher, or for a grade of satisfactory, and no reimbursement for a grade lower than a grade of “C” or “satisfactory”.
(5) An employee who is not a member of an employee organization specified in subsections (b)(2) through (b)(4) is entitled to a reimbursement of 100% for a grade of “A”; 75% for a grade of “B”; 65% for a grade of “satisfactory”; 50% for a grade of “C”, except that an employee who is represented by Teamsters 355 on behalf of Park Rangers I and II and Police Communications Operators III and IV, or by Fraternal Order of Police, Anne Arundel County Lodge 106—Sheriff’s Office is entitled to 65% for a grade of “C”; and 0% for a grade lower than a grade of “C”.
(c) Authorization for reimbursement. Authorization for reimbursement is contingent on the availability of funds appropriated for the purpose of educational assistance under this section and the written approval of the appointing authority or designee of the appointing authority and the Personnel Officer or designee of the Personnel Officer.
(d) Limitation on reimbursement. In each fiscal year, reimbursement for direct tuition costs is limited to:
(1) $800 for an employee who is a member of FODCOP, IUPA 141, or Teamsters Local 355 on behalf of the Correctional Program Specialists;
(2) $1,200 an employee who is a member of AFSCME Local 2563, AFSCME Local 582, IAFF Local 1563, or any other represented employee who is a member of a certified employee organization not identified in subsections (d)(1) and (d)(3); and
(3) $2,000 for an employee who is a member of FOP Lodge 70, or an employee who is not a member of an employee organization specified in subsections (d)(1) and (d)(2).
(e) Conditions for reimbursement. Subject to the conditions provided in this section, reimbursement shall be made after successful completion of each individual course of study. Certified evidence of completion of a course and of payment of tuition must be submitted to the Controller before reimbursement.
(f) Successful completion. Successful completion of a course requires achievement of at least the grade of C, 2.0 points, or, if a pass/fail system, a pass.
(g) Reimbursement for approved courses taken before July 1, 1992. An employee who receives a degree or certification in accordance with subsection (b) who received partial reimbursement for approved courses taken before July 1, 1992 is entitled to an additional reimbursement in the amount previously paid for the courses taken prior to July 1, 1992.
(h) Part-time employees. A part-time employee in good standing who works at least 50% of the normal work week is entitled to receive prorated reimbursement of direct tuition cost in accordance with this section.
(i) Set-off for other assistance. In the event that an employee is receiving tuition assistance from another governmental or institutional source, or some other form of grant, the employee will be reimbursed for only those direct tuition costs not covered by such assistance.
(j) Effect of leaving classified service. An employee who leaves the classified service prior to actual reimbursement is not entitled to reimbursement.
(k) Reimbursement to County. Unless separated from County service because of a layoff or other reduction in force, an employee who does not remain active in County service for a period of at least one calendar year following the completion of a course or courses for which the employee has received reimbursement for costs under this section shall, upon separation from County service, reimburse the County an amount equal to that paid to the employee under this section during the 12 months immediately preceding separation from County service.
(1985 Code, Art. 8, § 1-306) (Bill No. 60-88; Bill No. 67-92; Bill No. 34-93; Bill No. 43-00; Bill No. 52-02; Bill No. 67-03; Bill No. 34-04; Bill No. 43-06; Bill No. 69-06; Bill No. 87-06; Bill No. 41-07; Bill No. 86-07; Bill No. 58-19; Bill No. 45-21; Bill No. 51-22; Bill No. 44-23)