Tuition Reimbursement Program

Eligibility

United States citizens and resident aliens assigned to eFunds locations in the United States, H1B temporary workers, L1 intra-company transferees are all eligible to participate in the program. Anyone with a B1 or F1 visa or participants in internship programs are not eligible.

You can begin participation in the program the first of the month following hire date for full-time and part-time employees regularly working an average of at least 20 hours per week.

Reimbursement limits

Full-time employees: up to $5,000 per calendar year
Part-time employees: up to $2,500 per calendar year

What performance standard do I need to meet to be reimbursed?

• An employee must maintain a “meets expectations” or higher performance rating from his or her manager throughout the entire period from the date of approval of participation in the program to the date of tuition reimbursement.
• A completed course with a grade of C or better, pass mark, or satisfactory mark.

Qualifying Schools and Programs

What schools and institutions qualify?

Accredited public or private colleges, universities, and vocational schools offering on-site or online courses. Schools should be accredited through a commission like NCA (North Central Association).

What programs and courses qualify?

• Undergraduate and graduate courses that will teach skills, knowledge, and capabilities that the employee will be able to use in his or her current position at eFunds or in another position for which the employee would otherwise be qualified within one year after the completion of the course.
• Courses that improve the skills of an employee and are related to the business of eFunds. (For example, this might include accounting, computer programming, communications, finance, and management).
• Courses must have assigned credit hours. Continuing education credits (CEU’s) do not qualify.
• Courses must be completed within nine months of the date the employee’s manager approves the Tuition Reimbursement Pre-Approval Form.

What programs and courses do not qualify?

• Workshops/seminars and certification programs (For example: Microsoft, Lotus, Cisco, Web Master, Project Management). Any request for these programs should be discussed with the employee’s manager to determine other educational funding.
• Courses assigning continuing education units (CEU’s).
• Correspondence or distance learning courses which are conducted through the mail, email, or by fax.
• Courses on videotape, audiotape, software, or other media that does not require some form of two-way communication and testing.
• Executive degree programs that require significant disruptions of work schedules.
• A series of courses designed to lead to a doctoral degree, such as a law degree or Ph.D.

How do I qualify for on-line course reimbursement?

In order to qualify for online course reimbursement:

• Course must have assigned credit hours (not continuing education credits – CEU’s).
• An agreed upon date of completion needs to be determined.
• A grading system must be in place. A completed course with a grade of C or better, pass mark, or satisfactory mark.
  There must be some two-way communication between the student and the organization to assess learning, such as testing.

Who is available to answer my questions?

Lisa Jefferys in the Scottsdale location centrally administers the eFunds Tuition Reimbursement Program. Beth can be contacted via email at TuitionReimbursement@efunds.com or by phone at 480-629-7709 or fax at 480-629-7606.

Approval Process and Forms

What is the pre-approval process I need to follow for all qualified courses?

All participating employees are required to complete a Pre-Approval Form. All information must be included on the form and then forwarded to the Tuition Program Administrator for final approval by no later than two weeks prior to the start of the new degree program or business related course. Any form missing information or attachments will be forwarded back to you. This will result in a delay of the approval process. Forms can be found under the Forms link on eServe.

What form do I fill out for reimbursement?

All employees are required to submit a completed Tuition Reimbursement Request Form within 30 days after successful course/s completion; the form must include your manager's signature. The completed form along with the grade report and paid receipts for tuition and required books should be forwarded to the Tuition Reimbursement Program Administrator. It is the responsibility of the employee to contact the Program Administrator via email at TuitionReimbursement@efunds.com if the 30 day time period cannot be met. Forms can be found under the Forms link on eServe.

Covered Expenses

What expenses are covered?

• Tuition
• Required books
• What expenses are not covered?
• Test preparation fees (GMAT, CPA, etc.)
• Testing fees (CLEP, Certification, etc.)
• Courses that have been or will be paid for by other means (scholarships, grants, GI Bills, tuition waivers, fellowships, etc.)
• Tutor fees
• Lab fees
• Interest on deferred tuition cost
• Student activity fees
• Late fees
• Reference books
• Materials/supplies
• Computer equipment rental/purchase
• Computer software
• Parking
• Organizational memberships (PMI)
• Shipping fees for required books

Additional information

Is tuition reimbursement taxable?

Tuition Reimbursement will be taxable as required by applicable federal and state tax law. Under current federal tax laws:

• Undergraduate courses are considered nontaxable. These reimbursements do not appear on the W-2 Form.
• Graduate courses beginning prior to December 31, 2001 are considered taxable income. Taxes will be withheld at the supplemental tax rate and these reimbursements will appear on the W-2 Form.
• Graduate courses beginning January 1, 2002 are considered nontaxable. These reimbursements do not appear on the W-2 Form.

What happens if I voluntarily resign from eFunds?

Employees who voluntarily resign from eFunds or who are terminated for any reason except disability or except under circumstances under which they would be entitled to receive benefits under the company severance policy are responsible for repayment to eFunds. Repayment includes the gross amount of all tuition reimbursements paid by eFunds in the 12-month period prior to the date of resignation or of termination.

• Attendance at school must not interfere with job duties.
• No course work on-the-job without manager approval.
• No reimbursement will be given without prior pre-approval.
• eFunds may change the terms and conditions of the Tuition Reimbursement Program or cancel the program at any time.
• Employees who have received a fully completed and executed Tuition Reimbursement Pre-Approval Form prior to any change or cancellation of the program will receive tuition reimbursement in accordance with the terms of the program in effect at the time the Tuition Reimbursement Pre-Approval Form was approved.
• Pre-Approval Form was approved by the Tuition Reimbursement Program Administrator.