Tuition Programs for Employees in the PS&T Unit

The New York State Governor's Office of Employee Relations and the Public Employees Federation (PEF) continue their commitment to the ongoing professional development of the workforce for fiscal year 2004 - 2005 with an interim College Tuition Reimbursement program and a modified Voucher Alternative (VALT) program.

What Are the Tuition Programs?
For the 2004-2005 fiscal year, two programs are being implemented immediately to provide tuition to NYS employees in the PS&T bargaining unit, including the PS&T bargaining unit employees at Roswell Park Cancer Institute:

Interim College Tuition Reimbursement Program - Eligible employees will be reimbursed for credit bearing course(s) successfully completed at any accredited college or university to maintain job-related skills in their chosen profession, or to achieve knowledge and skills necessary for career mobility and/or promotional opportunities. Employees will be eligible for up to four $600 reimbursements: undergraduate students can receive up to a maximum of one $600 reimbursement per course; graduate students can receive up to a maximum of two $600 reimbursements per course. This interim program will be replaced by the PSTP Voucher Program for fiscal year 2005-2006.

Modified VALT Program - Eligible employees will be reimbursed for registration fees totaling up to $600 for eligible courses such as professional development workshops, seminars, and continuing education programs that are completed at accredited institutions.

What Time Period Is Covered?
Courses in session on September 14, 2004 and those beginning September 15, 2004 through March 31, 2005 will be considered for eligibility. Essentially, this covers courses taken during the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 semesters.

How Is It Funded?
Funding is provided through Article 15 of the negotiated agreement between the State of New York and PEF.
Who Is Eligible?
NYS employees in the PS&T bargaining unit who are eligible to earn leave accruals, or who are on a Civil Service Preferred List, can apply to these programs. Employees working less than half time, and those on full time non-disciplinary leave shall receive 50 percent of the benefit.

How Do I Obtain More Information?
Guidelines and application forms for the tuition programs will be posted on the GOER web site www.goer.state.ny.us and PEF web site www.pef.org by late October.

Additional information about the tuition programs is available on the PSTP Information Hot Line at 518-474-6612.