Educational Assistance

Date: September 2022

Policy: Bowdoin College has a program designed to allow employees to take courses on campus and become special students. Regular full-time and part-time staff members in good standing who have successfully completed their adaptation periods may become special students subject to approval by the course instructor, supervisor, department head, and Human Resources. To the extent classes conflict with regular work hours, the supervisor and employee must submit a written plan to Human Resources each semester detailing scheduled hours and how the essential functions of the position will be satisfactorily accomplished while the employee is taking the course(s) (e.g., use vacation hours, adjustments in schedule, etc.).

A reduced tuition rate is indexed annually. For the 2022-2023 academic year, a rate of $362.00 per course applies. Spouses/Domestic partners of eligible employees may also become special students at the same rate of $362.00 per course, with the approval of the course instructor. The employee or spouse/domestic partner may take one or two courses per semester and must meet course pre-requisite guidelines. As a non-matriculating special student, the employee or spouse/domestic partner may not pre-register for courses, but may take courses only as space is available. Work of special students is graded, and they receive a Bowdoin College transcript. After completing at least eight, but no more than twelve credits at Bowdoin, special students may apply to Admissions Office for admission to matriculated status. If admitted, they may become regular full-time students, eligible for financial aid and residence on campus (and subject to regular tuition, room and board charges), or they may continue as matriculated special students. Matriculated special students continue to take no more than two courses per semester and continue to pay the special rate of $362.00 per course. However, they may pre-register for courses and declare a major. There is no time limit for completion of degree requirements.

Courses may also be audited at no charge to the employee or spouse/domestic partner. To audit a course, the employee or spouse must have consent of the instructor, and must meet course pre-requisites. To the extent classes conflict with regular work hours, the supervisor and employee must submit a written plan to Human Resources each semester detailing scheduled hours and how the essential functions of the position will be satisfactorily accomplished while the employee is taking the course(s) (e.g., use vacation hours, adjustments in schedule, etc.).