Education Benefits For Staff Members

Calvin College Tuition Waiver

Full-time staff members may enroll in two free college and/or Calvin Theological Seminary courses per academic year—typically one per semester. If pursuing a degree, a staff member may take more than two classes in an academic year. Approval by the staff member’s supervisor, divisional vice president, and the director of human resources is required.

If the class falls during normal work hours, arrangements must be made with the staff member’s supervisor to make up the time outside of the regular work schedule. These free courses do not transfer from one academic year to the next and the courses cannot be redeemed after termination of employment from Calvin College.

Part-time staff members can accumulate free courses at the rate of one course for every 1,000 hours worked. These classes may only be used at a rate of one per semester. Classes cannot be redeemed after termination of employment.

Employees must complete the admissions process either as a regular or guest student. Please check with the Admissions Office for more information.

Staff member Tuition Waiver Forms are available in the Human Resources office or can be found on the HR website under “Resources and Forms.”

Tuition Reimbursement for Off-Campus Courses

To promote continuing professional development, Calvin College offers reimbursement for eligible staff members for a portion of the cost of an off-campus course that is taken to improve certain job-related skills, provided it is done with the recommendation of the staff member's supervisor and with prior authorization from the director of human resources. The course should relate directly to the staff member's current or potential future work at Calvin College . The vice president of the appropriate division should judge, prior to the applicant's enrollment in the course, if the course relates to the staff member's work. Reimbursement is made upon successful completion of the course, when documentation of the grade received and receipt of paid tuition is presented to the Human Resources Office. If a staff member receives reimbursement and does not continue employment with the college for a six-month period following the conclusion of the course, the tuition reimbursement must be repaid to the college. Tuition Reimbursement Applications are available in the Human Resources Office.

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility Chart to confirm eligibility for these benefits.

As per Internal Revenue Service regulations, an employee may exclude up to $5,250 of education assistance benefits per year. However, if Calvin pays more than $5,250 towards your educational benefits in one year, you are required to pay tax on any amount exceeding $5,250. For more information on employer-provided education assistance benefits, visit the IRS website.