FURTHER STUDY POLICY

It is the policy of the University to encourage the personal development of its employees. This is particularly so when it involves the pursuit of programmes of study which are relevant to the appointment they hold. With this view in mind, the University is prepared to financially support employees who undertake courses of study at undergraduate, postgraduate or continuing education levels.

Benefits
  • In the case of all programmes undertaken under the auspices of the University of Limerick, fees will be supported subject to the conditions outlined hereunder.
  • In relation to programmes undertaken at other universities/colleges, fees will be refunded in full, subject to the conditions outlined hereunder.
  • In cases where staff are encouraged and requested to undertake specific programmes, the full costs will be reimbursed in full immediately.
Conditions

The following conditions apply to the implementation of the above policy:

  • Cognisance must be taken of the financial constraints operating within the University at the time of any application. The cost will be met from departmental budgets. Where departments experience difficulties in financing any member of faculty or staff, assistance may be available from the Human Resources Division.
  • Applicants must be full-time employees who have a minimum of two years service and a commitment to the University for a further two years.
  • 50% of the fees will be reimbursed upon registration and the balance will be refunded in the following manner; 50% of balance on completion of one years post qualification service at the University and the outstanding amount on completion of the second such year.
  • Where agreed 50% of the cost of the programme will be covered by individual Faculties/Divisions and 50% by HR.
Procedure
  • Application must be made in writing to the employees Head of Department and Dean/Divisional Director.
  • The application should include an outline of the programme and the University where the programme is to be undertaken.
  • The application should outline the relevance of the programme, how it will contribute to the personal development of the applicant and how it will relate to the overall mission of the University.
  • All applications must be forwarded to the Human Resources Division, to ensure proper monitoring of the scheme.
  • The Human Resources Division must be notified when the qualification is completed or abandoned so as to ensure that personnel records are updated accordingly.
  • Further Study Application Forms must be completed on an annual basis and returned to the Learning, Development & Equal Opportunities Section for processing.
  • Staff undertaking programmes outside of the University of Limerick must ensure that that the relevant institution is made aware that they are being sponsored and must personally ensure that all invoices relating to the programme are processed in a timely manner using the Further Study Application Form. Individuals will be responsible for any late fee charges.

FURTHER STUDY APPLICATION FORM

Staff Members Name / ______/ Staff Number / ______
Start
Date: / ______
Post Profile: (Permanent, Contract, Full-time, Part-time Job-Share
Programme of Study
Title of Course e.g. Certificate/Diploma/Degree/Masters
PhD - Level & Award
Location of Course of Study:
Cost of Course:
Expected Registration Date: / ______
Duration of Course:
Please specify Current Year / Year:

Staff Members Signature______

Approved: / Yes / No:
Department Head Signature: / Date
Approved: / Yes / No:
Dean/Division Head
Signature: / Date

Faculty/Department/Division Cost Centre Details:

Approved: / Not Approved:
Human Resources Officer / Human Resources Officer / Date
Reason for non-approval:

HR Cost Centre Details:

Further Study Form/Policy Document Number TF006.3

Page 1 of 2