Non-Degree Program Employee Information
Eligibility
Eligible full-time staff and faculty who have completed three consecutive months of service are able to take advantage of the Certification and Non-Degree Program and the English Language Learning Program and Financial Literacy Courses. Vanderbilt Temporary Services (VTS) employees, employee spouses or dependents are not eligible for either benefit.
Programs Offered
Certification and Non-Degree Program
Receive tax-free reimbursement of up to $5,250 each year for job-related education for professional development. Eligible expenses include:
- Certifications & Licensures
- Bootcamps & Individual Courses
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) & Prep Courses
- For-credit and Non-credit Training
Employees are encouraged to speak to their leader before registering for any certifications or courses to ensure the program being considered qualifies as job-related and is eligible for reimbursement.
What’s covered
The non-degree program covers a wide variety of certificates and certifications, ranging from Project Management to Certified Public Accountant to Certified Facility Manager. The courses covered are meant to support you and your growth at Vanderbilt. If you don’t see the option you’re looking for, simply fill out this form to request that it be added. Once the Benefits team receives your request, we’ll review it and confirm with your division that it’s appropriate and let you know if it can be added.
Excluded expenses: Fees, books, and course materials that are not included in the initial course fees, as well as any course cost above the annual maximum of $5,250 will be the employee’s responsibility. Additionally, conference fees and travel are not included in this program and are not eligible for reimbursement through it.
English Language Learning and Financial Literacy Courses
For those whose first language is not English, communication at work can be a challenge. That’s why we have partnered with EnGen, a leading provider of English language learning, to provide an opportunity to develop your language skills in a practical way. EnGen also provides education on financial literacy to further support those who are new to the English language.
- No payment is required – EnGen will bill Vanderbilt directly
- Annual limit of $5,250, which is shared with the non-degree program
How to apply
First, have a conversation with your manager about the course you want to take, or the certificate or certification you are seeking. For the non-degree program to cover the cost of this professional development and ensure it’s not a taxable benefit to you, it must be related to your job or your job growth. Your manager can help you determine if the development you are seeking meets the criteria.
- When you’re ready, log in to EdAssist and start a new application. If you have questions, while completing your application or need assistance, contact EdAssist.
- You must submit your application no later than 30 days after the start date of your course.
- Submit your invoice or receipt once registered and receive reimbursement via payroll. No need to wait until you’ve completed your program!
- After you have completed the course or gained your certificate/certification, please submit proof of successful completion within 30 days of the end of your program. Success criteria include completion with a C- or better, pass, or equivalent credential (e.g., badge, CEU, etc.).
Resources
- Non-Degree Program Policy (link to Policy in the policy portal)
- Request new certificate/certification
- Non-Degree Program FAQs
- How to Apply: Certification and Non-Degree Program Coming Soon
Contact EdAssist
If you have questions about these programs or just aren’t sure where to start, schedule a free one-on-one coaching session with an expert at EdAssist. They can answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you make the most of these new benefits. To schedule a session, visit https://vanderbilt.edassist.com/
EdAssist contact information
- Customer Support: you can talk to a Customer Service Representative between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, by calling (844) 266.1532.
- Chat: you can chat with a Customer Service Representative between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday, by clicking on the Support Services icon in EdAssist (question mark at top right of screen) then selecting Get Live Help.
- Support Ticket:you can open a support ticket by clicking on the Support Services icon in EdAssist (question mark at top right of screen) then selecting Support and then Create a Support Ticket.
- Email: you can email a Customer Service Representative at VUTuitionBenefit@edassist.com