Education Bonus Policy

Division: Business Services - Human Resources
SCC Policy Number: SP2.23-1
OPR: HR Director
Issued: 1/25/2019
Revised: 6/28/2021
Approved SCC President/CEO: 6/28/2021
Reference KCTCS Policy: 

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Policy

Regular full-time status employees of Somerset Community College who are actively employed and complete a higher level academic degree from a regionally accredited college or university than held at the time of hire may request an application for an Education Award. Education awards are coordinated and processed in the Human Resources department.

The Education Award Application must be completed in its entirety with official transcripts from the degree-granting institution attached. Official transcripts are issued to Somerset Community College and mailed or emailed (if electronic official) to the HR office from the issuing institution. Transcripts issued to students or photo copies cannot be accepted. Electronic transcripts sent directly to HR Credentials or the HR office from the National Student Clearinghouse are acceptable. No application will be approved prior to receipt of official transcripts and fully completed application. 

Amounts awarded are added to annual base salary and include the following rates:

When the application has been reviewed and approved, HR will process the pay increase. 

• The date of final approval, not the date of the request, determines when the additional pay will be applied.
• SCC pay periods are:
  • the 1st through the 15th of the month.
  • the 16th through the end of the month.
• Employees under 18A, 151b, and KCTCS policies are paid in arrears. Employees under UK policies are paid on a current basis.
• Start date for the Education Award pay increase will be effective the first day of the pay period following final approval for both pay schedules.

KCTCS Example 1:

Completed application and transcripts received on January 8.
Final approval occurs on Jan. 11.
Start date of pay increase is Jan. 16.
Increase appears for the first time on check date on Feb. 15.

KCTCS Example 2:

Completed application and transcripts received on Jan. 15.
Final approval occurs on Jan. 17.
Start date of pay increase is Feb. 1.
Increase appears for the first time on check date Feb. 28.

KCTCS-UK Example 3:

Completed application and transcripts received on January 8.
Final approval occurs on Jan. 11.
Start date of pay increase is Jan. 16.
Increase appears for the first time on check date January 30.

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Reviewed: 4/21/2022, 5/10/2023: non-substantive changes, 5/10/2024