U might end free tuition for employees

Last update: March 12, 2009 - 9:23 PM

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University of Minnesota employees who take classes for free might soon pay 25 percent under a proposal from President Robert Bruininks.

The university spends more than $8 million a year for employee tuition. Charging the 2,200 to 2,400 workers who take advantage of the program 25 percent of the cost could save $2.5 million, the U says.

More than 1,000 workers have signed petitions against the move, saying it hits the lowest-paid employees hardest.

A regents committee discussed the proposal for the first time Thursday. Several supported the change. "If we don't save that $2.4 million here ... it equates, for example, into about 40 jobs we have to cut somewhere else," said Regent Clyde Allen.

About 70 percent of the employees who get the tuition benefits are civil service and bargaining unit staff. Faculty and professional staff comprise about 30 percent.

"The people impacted are those on the lowest end of the pay scale," said Phyllis Walker, president of the local representing American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees clerical workers union. "If they have to pay 25 percent, some will have to ask themselves: Do I buy groceries and feed my family, or do I go to school? It's that bad."

Employees taking undergraduate courses would be able to make up that loss with a tuition tax credit of up to $2,500 a year included in the federal stimulus law, said Carol Carrier, vice president for human resources.

The committee will vote in May whether to amend the tuition benefit policy. The specifics -- including the percentage -- would then be voted on by the entire Board of Regents as a part of the larger budget.

JENNA ROSS