(1) Purpose: Educating the citizens of Washington State is integral to Central Washington University’s mission. CWU encourages and supports its employees, and non-CWU state employees, CWU ROTC faculty and staff, and others as allowed by law, to continue their education as prescribed through this educational benefits policy.

(2) Eligibility: Pursuant to chapters 28B.15.558 RCW, 28B.15.621 RCW, and 41.04.005 RCW, this policy provides educational benefits for Central Washington University faculty, exempt, and classified staff; CWU ROTC faculty and staff; non-CWU state employees; members of the Washington National Guard; and veterans (as defined by 41.04.005 RCW) who are not eligible for educational benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligible employees (CWU, CWU ROTC, and state) must hold appointment to a position that is half-time or greater. In addition, civil service employees must have permanent status (i.e., passed their probationary period). Faculty and exempt employees who are employed half-time or more and have been employed for more than six months are eligible on the first day of employment. CWU ROTC faculty and staff are eligible on the first day of assignment at CWU. 

Eligible CWU employees and CWU ROTC faculty and staff may take up to eight (8) credit hours per quarter. Washington National Guard, veterans, and non-CWU state employees may take up to six (6) credit hours per quarter. 

(3) Restrictions: Central Washington University reserves the right to exclude at its discretion registration in certain programs and courses. Space must be available in the course selected and participation must not result in the need for an extra section or displacement of students paying regularly scheduled tuition rates. This policy applies to all courses except supplemental or self-supporting courses, such as summer school; continuing education; individual study; arranged courses; graduate thesis/research; foreign study; internships; private lessons; practicums; contracted field experience; and noncredit programs.

(4)  Approval to attend classes, provisions for adjusted work schedules, and release time: 

(A) Supervisor approval is not required if a CWU employee or CWU ROTC faculty and staff attends classes scheduled during non-work hours. However, required overtime will take precedence over non-working-hour class time.

(B) Supervisor approval is required when a CWU employee or CWU ROTC faculty and staff wishes to take a class for personal or professional development during normal work hours. The employee must ensure all job requirements are met and all class time, one hour for one hour, must be made up within the workweek.

(C) When an employee’s supervisor determines that a class is directly job-related, release time may be provided for class attendance.

 CWUR 3-40-030 Education Benefits Procedure

[BOT 06/13/97, MOTION 5246; BOT 09/25/81, MOTION 5495; BOT 02/21/86, MOTION 5959; BOT 06/15/90, MOTION 6348; BOT 11/30/90, MOTION 90-18, Pres.Cab.06/96; BOT 11/97; PAC 02/19/03; BOT 06/13/03; BOT 12/05/03; BOT 06/10/05; PAC: 09/05/07; 06/06/2012; 04/06/2016; Responsibility: BFA; Reviewed/Endorsed by: Cabinet/UPAC; Review/Effective Date: 04/15/2020; Approved by James L. Gaudino, President]