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Educational Benefits

Work-Life Benefits & Resources

UNCW is committed to supporting the growth and development of its employees. We offer educational programs that may benefit you; however, your participation is voluntary.  Eligibility and specifications vary depending upon the program itself so please read each section carefully.

  • Application and Orientation Waiver Program
  • Tuition Waiver and Tuition Benefit Programs
  • Textbook Scholarship Program
If... From... Then...
You want to take up to three courses within the academic year from any of the 17 campuses within the UNC System Use the Tuition Waiver program.
You have exhausted your Tuition Waivers, but want to take additional work-related classes within the academic year from any of the 17 campuses within the UNC System and/or other accredited community colleges, colleges or universities Use the Academic Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement) program.
You want to take work-related course(s) accredited community colleges, colleges or universities Use the Academic Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement) program.

Application and Orientation Waiver Program

This program covers the cost of application, enrollment, and/or orientation fee(s). The fee is paid for by the UNCW Foundation Staff Support & Development Fund. All UNCW employees with permanent appointments, half-time or greater, and their dependents may be eligible for this program. To request this waiver, please complete the form using this DocuSign link  Application Orientation Waiver .  The form will be routed to Human Resources to verify eligibility and then yourself as well as Student Accounts will receive a copy of the completed form.

Tuition Waiver & Benefit Programs

The Tuition Waiver Program

  • Covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to three undergraduate or graduate courses per academic year.  It is applicable to courses that are audited as well as those taken for academic credit but does not apply to non-credit continuing education courses.
  • Only covers the cost of tuition and fees for that specific course but does not cover other program fees or course related expenses.
  • Courses may be taken at any of the 17 UNC System institutions.  Each institution has its own procedures and forms pertaining to this program and the Human Resource departments at each institution can only verify the eligibility of its own employees.
  • If you are a UNCW employee and wish to take a course offered at another UNC System institution, we can verify your eligibility for the tuition waiver program.  However, it is your responsibility to reach out to the other institute to determine what they require and your responsibility to forward any documentation to them.
  • If you are an employee of another UNC system and wish to take a UNCW course, please seek assistance from your institute's HR department to verify your eligibility and to determine what procedures & forms may be required.  Then please forward all required completed forms to our Student Accounts office via email TuitionWaiversandReimbursements@uncw.edu
  • All eligible UNC System employees may utilize the Tuition Waiver Program, but their dependents may not.

The Tuition Benefit Program 

  • Covers the cost of tuition and fees for one course per each summer session only at UNCW
  • This is applicable to courses that are taken for academic credit or for auditing purposes only but does not apply to non-credit continuing education courses.
  • Only covers the cost of tuition and fees specific for that course but does not cover other program fees or course related expenses
  • Only available to UNCW employees enrolled at UNCW and not available to their dependents nor other state employees

Employee Eligibility  

  • Must be permanent employee working 30+ hours per week for 9+ months per calendar year
  • Must participate in TSERS, ORP, or LEO Retirement Program
  • Must maintain eligible employment status during the duration of the course; if not, you will be responsible for payment of the applicable tuition & fees
  • Other UNC System employees who meet these above requirements are also eligible for the Tuition Waiver Program. However, if you are an employee of another UNC system and wish to take a UNCW course, please seek assistance from your campus HR department for specific procedures & forms pertaining to this benefit. Then please forward completed forms to our Student Accounts office via email TuitionWaiversandReimbursements@uncw.edu

Tuition Waiver & Benefit Process

  • Register for course(s).
  • Complete the DocuSign form linked here Tuition Fee Waiver Application
    For UNCW Staff and Faculty the form is completed in DocuSign and routes to HR and then to Student Accounts.
  • The application must be approved & signed by:
    • Faculty/Staff member’s supervisor
    • Department Head
    • Human Resources verifies eligibility before signing
  • All waivers must be submitted within two days prior to the end of drop/add for the term you are attending.  No exceptions to the deadline will be granted.  You may find the drop/add dates posted on the Academic Calendar.
  • After verifying the form, the waiver will be applied to the account.
  • Other UNC System employees, please seek assistance from your campus HR department for specific procedures & forms pertaining to this process. Then forward completed forms to our Student Accounts office via email TuitionWaiversandReimbursements@uncw.edu

Textbook Scholarship

This program allows UNCW employees to borrow textbooks and materials from the UNCW bookstore required for the undergraduate or graduate courses they are taking using their tuition waiver or benefit. The program permits the use of required textbooks and materials for up to three courses per academic year and one course per summer session. Textbooks and materials for other courses are not applicable. Also, new textbooks and materials will only be provided if used ones are not available.

Employee Eligibility  

  • Must be permanent employee working 30+ hours per week for 9+ months per calendar year
  • Must participate in TSERS, ORP, or LEO Retirement Program
  • Must maintain eligible employment status during the duration of the course; if not, you will be responsible for payment of the applicable tuition & fees

Process  

  • Submit the following documents either in person to the Auxiliary Services front desk, by campus mail to campus mailbox 5914, Attention: Faculty/Staff Textbook Scholarship, or by email.
    • A completed and approved Application for Tuition Waiver Fee or Tuition Benefit Fee   
    • A copy of your class schedule which can be found in MySeaport. 
  • Once all completed documents have been received, you will receive an email confirming your participation in the program for the semester.
  • Remember Application Due Dates: Application documents will be accepted until the end of drop/add for Fall & Spring semesters, and until the first day of Summer I class for both Summer I & Summer II session participation. Depending on class enrollment numbers and the demand for textbook(s) they cannot be guaranteed to be promptly available.
  • The bookstore will host a pick-up luncheon in the Fall and Spring for program participants. You will be sent an invitation for the luncheon each semester. If you cannot attend the luncheon, please contact Faculty/Staff Textbooks for an alternate time to pick up your books from the auxiliary services office. Summer participants will be contacted when their books are ready to be picked up in auxiliary services.
  • To Return Textbooks, Contact Megan Allred in Auxiliary Services, Warwick Center, Campus Box 5914. If the textbook(s) are not returned by the end of finals, you will be charged the price of the book(s).  If you wish to keep your textbook(s), you will only be charged for the buy-back value of the book(s). Contact FAS Textbooks for details.
  • Submit applications via email OR submit applications via Campus Mail to Faculty/Staff Textbook Scholarship Program, Campus Box 5914.  For further questions, please contact Auxiliary Services at 910-962-3178 or Fax 910-962-3618 or you may stop by and see them at Warwick Center.

Contact Employee Benefits

Phone: (910) 962-3160
Fax: (910) 962-2911

benefits@uncw.edu

Meet the Benefits Team

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Administrative Annex 1045

Campus Map

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