Employees Encouraged to Participate in Educational Assistance Programs

Georgia Tech offers educational assistance programs to its eligible faculty and staff. These programs provide a tuition and mandatory fee waiver or reimbursement to full-time employees and research-titled faculty. 

Beginning Oct. 15, eligible employees will follow a more streamlined process for submitting and tracking their applications in the Administrative Services portal. 

“Of the many benefits offered to Georgia Tech employees, the educational assistance programs really provide a direct investment in our employees’ future,” said Gail Imoukhuede, director of Benefits and Retirement in Georgia Tech Human Resources. “On average, we receive more than 1,000 applications throughout the year and are excited to implement a new digitized system that will improve the submission and approval process from start to end.”  

There are two educational assistance programs available to Georgia Tech employees — each with specific criteria. 

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is offered by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents and provides a tuition waiver to full-time, benefits-eligible employees, both faculty and staff, who have worked for at least six months within the USG.  

• Time worked in a temporary position does not count toward the six-month eligibility requirement.  
• Eligible employees may seek approval to enroll in up to nine academic semester hours for each of the three designated semester periods: Fall, Spring, and Summer.  
• Employees must apply by the TAP/STRAP application deadline to receive the waiver of tuition and mandatory fees. 

The Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP) is offered by Georgia Tech and provides partial tuition reimbursement for full-time staff (exempt and non-exempt) who have worked for at least 12 months with Georgia Tech.  

• Time worked in a temporary position does not count toward the 12-month eligibility requirement.  
• Eligible employees may seek approval to enroll in up to six academic semester hours for each of the three designated semester periods: Fall, Spring, and Summer.  
• Employees must apply by the TAP/STRAP application deadline to be reimbursed for tuition. 
• Programs of study must be applicable to a career field at Georgia Tech. 

Click here for more information, including deadlines, ineligible programs of study, and frequently asked questions. 

TAP and STRAP Application Procedures 

1. Apply for enrollment through the admissions office at the institution you plan to attend during their designated application dates. 
2. Complete the applicable TAP or STRAP application; applications this upcoming semester will be digitized and available on Oct. 15 in your Administrative Services portal. Applications will not be accepted prior to Oct. 15. 
3. List the courses you plan to take, and if you are not sure, put your best guess (you can reach out via your application request to change it later). 

Note: Once you submit your application it will automatically route to your manager(s) for approval(s) 

Please ensure your application is submitted and approved by 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. Applications received after this date cannot be honored. A new application must be completed for each semester by the deadline. 

Special Note about TAP Registration Dates 

As a TAP participant, it is important that employees only register for classes during the TAP employee registration dates for the institution you are attending. These dates change each semester and will differ depending on the USG institution you are attending. If you register prior to the employee registration period, you risk your classes being dropped, and your TAP waiver will be removed.  

Additional information can also be found in the TAP Policy and STRAP Policy  

Need Help? 

Before Oct. 15: Contact via eduassist@gatech.edu. 

Beginning Oct. 15: Contact the Administrative Services Center for assistance 

• Phone: 404.385.1111 
• Request Help: Submit a general HR request