University of Washington Policy Directory

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*Formerly part of the University Handbook
Administrative Policy Statement
22.1


Tuition Exemption Program

(Approved by the Provost by authority of Executive Order No. 4 and the Executive Vice President by authority of Executive Order No. 5)



1.  UW Tuition Exemption Program Overview

The University of Washington Tuition Exemption Program, established under the authority of RCW 28B.15.558, enables University of Washington employees and state of Washington employees who have been admitted to the University of Washington to have tuition waived for up to six credits when enrollment is on a "space-available" basis. The Tuition Exemption Program is available at the University of Washington Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses.

Those who enroll at the UW on a "space-available" basis for more than six credits will receive the tuition waiver for the first six credits, and will pay a per credit charge for the credits taken over six.

2.  Program Eligibility

a.   University of Washington Employees

Professional staff, faculty and permanent classified staff who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to participate in the Tuition Exemption Program:

  • Employed half-time or more;

  • Employed on the first day of the quarter;

  • Paid monthly (except for employees in the Print Plant Craft Bargaining Unit) and not hourly; and

  • For classified staff new to the University, have completed the probation period prior to the first day of the quarter.

b.   State of Washington Employees

State of Washington employees who are employed half time or more and who meet one of the following criteria are eligible to participate in the Tuition Exemption Program:

  • The employee is not a University of Washington permanent classified employee; or

  • The employee is a permanent classified or exempt technical college paraprofessional employee; or

  • The employee is a faculty member, counselor, librarian or exempt employee at another state of Washington public higher education institution.

3.  Admission, Requesting Tuition Exemption, and Registering for Classes

Tuition Exemption Program registration takes place on the third day of the quarter for University of Washington faculty and staff and on the fourth day of the quarter for other Washington State employees. Admission, registration and fee payment requirements are established by the Office of the Registrar. For information see the Tuition Exemption Program in the Student Guide section on the University's website.

The following courses are not available under the Tuition Exemption Program:

  • University of Washington Extension or Distance Learning courses;

  • English 100, 101, 102, and Math 098;

  • Independent study or internship courses (courses numbered 600, 700, or 800);

  • Any self-sustaining courses.

In addition, academic or fiscal considerations may exclude certain state-funded courses or programs from the Tuition Exemption Program.

4.  Release Time to Attend Classes

Release time is time during which an employee is released from normal work duties and compensated at the regular rate of pay. Release time for participation in the Tuition Exemption Program is at the discretion of the department head or designee.

5.  Tuition Exemption at Other Schools

For information about tuition exemption at other schools, see the Tuition Exemption Program.

6.  Additional Information

For additional assistance, see the list of Tuition Exemption Resources & Helpful Telephone Numbers at the bottom of the Tuition Exemption Program web page.

May 1, 2002; September 27, 2006.