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Speak up Be heard: Policies and procedures
Tuition Reduction - ASU Affiliates
Submitted:
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
As an ASU staff member, I am currently enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies program at the SDO College of Law through ASU Online. When I contacted Student Business Services regarding my tuition payment folio, I was informed that the "ASU tuition" portion of my outstanding balance had been reduced in accordance with the Tuition Reduction benefit ($25). However, I was also told that, because I am enrolled in the law school, “the Tuition Reduction benefit does not apply to law school tuition” ($1674.00 per class). On my folio, the charge is named “Law MLS Online Program Tuition.”
Seeking clarification, I asked the SBS representative whether the Tuition Reduction benefit would be more effective if I were enrolled in a graduate program outside of the MLS program or the law school, thereby making my tuition more affordable (not being charged $1674.00 per class). The representative confirmed this was correct.
• Is this accurate?
• Would pursuing a graduate degree in a program outside of the law school make the Tuition Reduction benefit more effective because other grad degrees don’t have “law school tuition” associated?
• Is this “Law MLS Online Program Tuition” the “ASU Online fee" to attend online?
If this is the ASU Online fee, attending in-person classes on campus is not a feasible option, leaving ASU Online as the sensible choice. However, if I were a staff member attending in-person classes, I would not have an online fee.
• How would this structure effectively support ASU full-time staff members in accessing the Tuition Reduction benefit and pursuing higher education when the benefit does not cover ASU Online fees?
Resolution:
Since student circumstances vary, they have the opportunity to explore different QTR scenarios by utilizing the tuition estimator. For any questions, SBS does encourage all inquires to be directed to the QTR department directly. This will allow for a detail review on the student/employee account.
Contact: tuitionreduction@asu.edu
Website: https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition
Raising prices mid-semester
Submitted:
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
On 9/12 we received this note: The grad fee was updated to $100 this morning. Students that started their applications prior to this change will still pay the $75, but others going forward will see the new fee. We are expecting some pushback from students and Ed has given the graduation team some talking points to help answer basic questions, but escalations will be sent to the Ceremonies Office, as needed (which I hope are few and far between). Best, Scott Thorpe Associate Registrar Are we that desperate for money we couldn't have waited till the deadline to graduate was Oct. 1? This is terribly rude to change the price for our graduating students in the middle of a semester and have some students pay a lesser price. Why make things more difficult for people?
Resolution:
Regarding the fee - Grad fees were raised in spring of last year after not having changed for more than 14 years. As you can surmise, with the cost of everything rising, the grad fee needed to be updated. The decision was to raise the fee once more to $100. The late application fee and the additional degree fee did not change.
The decision on the increase and the timing was made at the senior admin level.
Please note, that while the graduation fee cannot be waived (it pays for consumable items like diplomas, diploma cases, honor cords, etc), the late fee can be waived and I do this often. If a student cannot raise the fee in time and needs to hold off on applying, the request to waive the late fee can be directed to me or to the Graduation Section of the University Registrar’s Office.
~Melissa Goitia
Sun Award - Can we add an option to send anonymous Sun Award
Submitted:
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
The current SUN award allows recipients who receives Sun Award know who the sender is. While in most cases, I don't have problem disclosing it, I have heard from faculty/staff that they wish there is an option to allow the sender to be anonymous. Can we add this option for those who would like to use them?
Resolution:
Thank you for your suggestion regarding the option for anonymous submissions for the SUN Award. We understand that some faculty and staff may prefer anonymity when sending recognition.
However, the current SUN Award system is designed as an employee-based platform, and allowing anonymous submissions would compromise its integrity. The anonymity feature could potentially open the system to misuse, as it would make it possible for anyone to send a SUN Award without accountability.
The intent of the SUN Award is to maintain a transparent and positive environment where recipients are aware of who is recognizing their contributions. We appreciate your understanding and will continue to consider ways to improve the system while maintaining its core values.
WFH
Submitted:
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
I am trying to figure out why every department has a different standard for working from home. The "rule" is 60% in office and 40% at home, however, instead of 2 days WFH and 3 in office- some departments do 2 days in office some do1 in office. Can we have a baseline here?
Resolution:
Thank you for your question. In accordance with SPP 306: Flexible Work Arrangements https://public.powerdms.com/ASU/documents/1560365 ASU defines Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) - hybrid option as when an employee spends a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Alternative arrangements, including full remote work, are exceptions. Flexible Work Arrangements are not a requirement, but rather a benefit that is offered to employees at the discretion of the Dean, VP, or Leadership. Vice presidents or deans may establish standard and/or alternative work schedules, and hybrid and full remote work arrangements, that best meet the service and work needs of their respective areas. Guidelines regarding FWA can be found here: https://cfo.asu.edu/telecommuting-guidelines
8% Maximum Pay Increase
Submitted:
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
I recently received a promotion and was told that I could only receive an 8% salary increase. This 8% increase doesn’t come close to the person I am replacing salary despite comparable experience, certifications, and education.
Is the maximum 8% increase a legitimate ASU policy?
Resolution:
Vice Provost
Submitted:
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
Why is there no longer a Vice Provost for the Downtown Phoenix and Poly campuses to oversee the collaborations and administration of those campuses to ensure units are collaborating? This position used to ensure that all leadership was aware of campus-wide efforts and maximizing opportunities to enhance the campuses events and outreach. With the lack of this position, it appears that the units on the campuses are operating in siloes now.
Resolution: