The ABC's of Maricopa's Tuition Program

For years, employees of the Maricopa Community Colleges, and in many cases, their spouses and dependent children as well, have enjoyed the opportunity to take classes within the Maricopa system at a reduced cost. While viewed as a benefit, the provisions for tuition waiver eligibility are established in State statute, and then administered through Governing Board Policy. Within our college community, there are many different categories of employees and their family structures, which often lead to questions related to processing tuition waiver requests.

Who is eligible for a waiver?

Presently, waivers are extended to adjunct faculty, and other adjunct positions such as contractors, librarians and counselors; hourly; team-taught, non-residential fitness, full-time regular employees (their spouses and dependent children), skill center and specially funded employees.

One-year-only and one-semester-only employees who are working less than full-time and temporary employees are not eligible for tuition waivers. For additional information on eligibility, refer to page seven of the on-line tuition waiver handbook: www.dist.maricopa.edu/legal/dp/index.htm

What about stepchildren and domestic partners?

An unmarried child (less than 24 years old) of an MCCCD employee who is eligible to be claimed by the employee as an exemption for State and Federal tax purposes may receive the waiver. For a stepchild to be eligible for the waiver, the criteria in the above definition must be met.

Presently the statute that allows the Governing Board to issue waivers identifies spouses of employees as eligible. However, Arizona statutory language makes a distinction between "spouse" and "domestic partner." Extending the waiver to domestic partners will require a statutory change.

What does the waiver include?

Eligible parties receive a waiver of the credit-hour cost of the course (including out-of-county and out-of-state credit-hour costs). Other fees associated with the course are not waived. Waiver requests may not be used for non-credit courses.

I didn't know I could receive a waiver and already paid for the course. Can I receive a reimbursement?

Tuition waiver requests will only be honored through the semester in which the class ends. A refund will subsequently be made upon approval of the tuition waiver request within the same semester.

How do I receive a waiver?

Waiver forms are available on line at: www.dist.maricopa.edu/hrweb/download.html. Select and print the appropriate form for your use (employees and active retirees; dependents, adjunct, qualified non-employees). Review the terms and conditions and fill the form out completely; keep a copy for your records and turn the original into the cashier's office at the college where you are registering.

Granting of the waiver is subject to verification of eligibility, which may or may not take place prior to the end of the drop/add period.

I'd like to take a class during my work hours. Is that allowed?

Employees wishing to take a course during their normal working hours must obtain approval from their supervisor, college president (or designee), or appropriate vice chancellor.

Published in the Winter 2004 Edition of In Brief