Option for Shortage Areas Clause Samples

Option for Shortage Areas. Employees pursuing advanced degrees in designated shortage areas, as approved by the Executive Director of Human Resources, shall have the option to be reimbursed the full tuition amount up to the University of Maryland graduate rate. Employees choosing this option shall incur a four (4) year service requirement from the date of the completion of the program for which the tuition reimbursement is paid. This service requirement may be pro-rated or waived by the Executive Director of Human Resources based on extreme hardship or extenuating circumstances. 1. To qualify, the program must meet the accreditation criteria as established in COMAR 13A.12.01.02 and lead to a degree in the critical shortage area and add the new certification endorsement area to the Maryland teaching certificate. 2. Request reimbursement for up to six credits per semester, including ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, for a maximum of 18 credits per reimbursement year and meet the grade requirement in Article 9(C)(2). 3. The reimbursement rate will be equivalent to the current UMCP graduate per credit tuition rate for up to 18 credits per reimbursement year. 4. The Unit 1 member will provide a written explanation of how this program will enhance his/her expertise on the job. 5. The Unit I member will provide a copy of the master’s program of study and an official letter of acceptance from the college/university. 6. The Unit I member must request reimbursement for the master’s program of study approved by the Executive Director of Human Resources. 7. Upon the Division of Human Resources’ receipt of the official college/university transcript detailing the degree conferral and date, the Unit 1 member will begin a four (4) year service agreement with AACPS in the critical shortage content area subject to an available position in that area. In the event the Unit I member does not complete the program OR separates from AACPS prior to completing the 4-year service requirement OR separates from AACPS prior to the reimbursement date, the Unit I members will reimburse AACPS for the cost of the additional tuition benefits received as a result of participation in this program. The Unit I member shall notify the Division of Human Resources, if their enrollment status in the master’s program changes at any time. Notification shall occur within the same semester of said change.