Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Frequently Asked Questions

Program Eligibility

• Who is eligible to participate in TAP?

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  Only active, full-time, benefits eligible employees working at least 1.0 FTE may particpate in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

• Are part-time, temporary full-time, adjust employees, or employees on a leave of absence eligible for TAP?

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  No.  Only active, full-time, benefits eligible, 1.0 FTE employees may participate.

• Are my spouse and/or dependent children eligible to participate in TAP?

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  No.  TAP benefits apply only to eligible employees.

• What if my six months of employment ends after the TAP application deadline, but before classes begin?

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  You would not be elibible to attend courses with TAP assistance that semester, but you may apply for the following semester.

• What if I return from a leave of absence after the TAP application deadline, but before classes begin?

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  You would be eligible to participate in TAP for the current academic period.

• If I change employment from one USG institution to another, am I required to complete a new six-month probation period?

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  You would not be required to complete a new six-month probation period unless there is a break in service of more than 30 calendar days.

• Can a 9-month contract faculty member whose contract is renewed enroll in summer sessions with TAP assistance?

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  Yes.

Application & Approval Process

• Do I need to submit a TAP application every semester?

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  Yes. An application must be submitted and approved each semester.  However, one application covers both Maymester and Summer sessions and must be submitted by the April 15 deadline.

• Can I submit more than one TAP application at a time?

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  No.  Submit one application per semester, within 30 days of the application deadline, to your home institution's TAP Coordinator.

• Do I need to submit my grades to my home institution TAP Coordinator?

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  No.  The teaching institution's TAP Coordinator will verify that you earned a grade of “C” or better for future eligibility.

Registration & Enrollment Rules

• How will I know when to register for classes?

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  Employee TAP registration dates are posted on the USG Benefits website, https://benefits.usg.edu/work-life/tuition-assistance-program/.  You may also find them on the website for your home institution.

• Can I register during the student registration period?

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  No.  TAP participants may only register during the designated employee TAP registration period.  TAP waivers will not be applied if you register outside of the employee registration period.

• Why is there a separate registration period for employees?

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  TAP is offered on a space-available basis only.  Employee registration follows student registration to ensure availability for students.

• What happens if the class I want to register for is full?

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  You may speak with the professor about waitlist availability.  If you change courses, no new TAP application is required unless it impacts your work schedule (which requires supervisor approval).

• How do I register if I want to take more than 9 credit hours?

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  You may register for classes in excess of the 9 TAP approved hours during the student registration period.  TAP courses must still be registered for during the employee TAP registration period.  Designated fees and tuition will be waived by the end of late registration. Any remaining balance will appear after the 9 credit hour waiver is applied.

Credit Hours, Courses & Institutions

• Can I take more than 1 course or attend more than one insitution in a semester using TAP?

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  Yes.  TAP covers up to a maximum of 9 credit hours per semester in total, regardless of the number of institutions you attend.

• Can I receive more than 1 degree under TAP?

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  Yes.

• Are graduate degrees eligible under TAP?

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  Yes, except for executive total cost programs as outlined in the TAP policy.

• Are executive or premier graduate programs eligible under TAP?

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  Yes, excpet for executive total cost programs excluded by the TAP policy.

• Are online degree programs covered by TAP?

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  Yes, if offered by a USG institution, at the full Board of Regents-approved tuition amount.

• Can I attend an out-of-state institution using TAP?

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  No.

• Are private, in-state colleges and universities covered by TAP?

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  No.

• Are Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) programs covered by TAP?

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  No.  tAP does not cover TCSG programs or courses.

• Can I audit a course under TAP?

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  No.  Only courses taken for academic credit with a letter grade are eligible for TAP.

• Are continuing education or professional development courses covered by TAP?

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  No.

• What should I do to confirm whether I can participate in a limited-slot academic class? 

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  You should speak with your College or Program Administrator before applying and make sure they are aware that you are a TAP participant. They will confirm your enrollment.

Academic Requirements & Continued Eligibility

• What happens if I drop a course after the drop/add period?

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  You will be ineligible to participate in TAP for the following academic semester.

Fees, Tuition & Taxation

• Is the student application fee waived under TAP?

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  No.  

• When will I be taxed if I exceed the $5,250 annual tax-free benefit?

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  Any amount exceeding $5,250 is taxable and may be deducted from your paycheck at any point in the calendar year in which the limit is exceeded. 

  Note: Tax treatment may vaary based on your individual situation.

• Do I need to complete Tax Form 1098-T?

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  No.  It is informational.  You have already paid any applicable taxes during the calendar year through payroll.