Employee Degree Attainment Program (EDAP)

Announcing reopening (2025) of the Employee Degree Attainment Program (EDAP) offering tuition assistance for higher education to Virginia State University employees. 

The EDAP is a funded Academic Affairs activity initiated by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tia. A. Minnis, as part of  the approved Title III Program by The Department of Education Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This is a great opportunity for Virginia State University to invest in their employees' continuous learning and development.

Apply Now 

Project Directors: 

Dr. Michelle Corley (Special Assistant to the Provost and Professor)

Dr. Linda Noel-Batiste (Executive Director of Strategic Faculty Initiatives and Innovation)

Rationale for Support

With rising tuition costs across the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation, many mid and senior level career employees simply cannot afford a graduate degree. Unfortunately, few employer driven degree opportunities exist. The research literature strongly suggests tuition affordability remains a limiting factor for those mid and senior level career employees who could benefit from professional development and micro credentialing activities, that would lead to a graduate degree   and that would also lead to an increase in productivity and a higher level of workplace efficiency. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), in particular, continue to lag behind Predominately White Institutions (PW ls) in their capacity to fund professional development activities for mid and senior level career employees. Funding for an employee professional development program for graduate degree attainment would remove that obstacle.

To keep pace with a workplace that is economically, socially, and technologically savvy, Virginia State University (VSU) must ensure that its mid and senior level employees have the relevant education, experience, and skills to remain competitive and to continue to provide students with a world-class education (Strategic Priority 2: Sustain Academic Excellence). Hence, this program will give those mid and senior level career employees multiple professional development opportunities to stay abreast of new and innovative ideas, processes and procedures that “will continue to provide a rich cultural environment where students receive an outstanding support system that is family oriented and results driven” (Strategic Priority 1: Increase Student Opportunity and Access to Higher Education).

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, it is essential for Virginia State University to invest in their employees' continuous learning and development. This funded initiative presents a plan to offer tuition assistance for higher education, encouraging employees to pursue advanced degrees while contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the workplace.

Specific Objectives of the EDAP Program

The specific objectives of this program are as follows:

1. Provide a professional development series for mid and senior level career level employees who are seeking to attain graduate degrees.
2. Provide advanced organizational leadership professional development activities for mid and senior level career employees, which will strengthen the University’s operational effectiveness and efficiency.
3. Provide tuition assistance to a cohort of mid and senior level career employees who want to pursue graduate degrees at VSU.

Tuition Assistance Program Details

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the VSU-EDAP program employees (Staff and Contractual) must meet the following criteria:

• Must be employed full-time by the Virginia State University for at least two years.
• Must have a minimum of one year of residency with the Commonwealth of Virginia before applying for tuition assistance.
• Should have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 during previous academic pursuits.

Program Requirements:

Participating employees will be expected to:

• Pursue a Masters or Doctoral degree in a field relevant to their current or potential roles within Virginia State University.
• Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the academic program.
• Continue fulfilling their job responsibilities while attending classes.
• Participate in periodic progress reviews to ensure academic and professional achievements align with program goals.

Application Process:

• Employees will fill out the pre-application survey by clicking on the “Apply Now” button
• After the pre-screening process, the employees at Virginia State University will be requested to submit the following:

• Personal statement outlining their academic and professional goals
• Two letters of recommendation
• Unconditional acceptance letter from VSU Graduate Admissions
• Academic Transcripts

• A selection committee will review applications and select candidates based on eligibility criteria, and alignment with Virginia State University’s needs. The specific evaluation criteria can be found here.
• Approved candidates will enter into a formal “Consent to Participate “agreement outlining their commitment to the program's terms and conditions. 

Monitoring and Compliance

Virginia State University will establish a dedicated committee responsible for monitoring the progress and compliance of participants. Regular check-ins, progress reports, and academic updates will be conducted to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

Employer Terms and Conditions

VSU-EDAP Program Commitment

Service Commitment:

• Doctoral Degree Recipients:  Must agree to serve at least three years of university service upon completion of your degree. This service may be internal (within VSU) or external (as a representative or partner of VSU in broader academic, research, or community initiatives).
• Master’s Degree Recipients: Must agree to serve at least two years of university service upon completion of your degree.

• Teaching and Mentoring: Engaging in teaching activities, mentoring students, and supporting academic programs.
• Research and Innovation: Conducting research that contributes to the academic excellence and reputation of VSU.
• Administrative Roles: Serving in administrative capacities that enhance the operational effectiveness of VSU.
• Community Engagement: Participating in community outreach and development projects that align with VSU’s mission and goals.
• Professional Development Programs: Leading or participating in workshops, seminars, and training programs that support the professional growth of VSU faculty and staff.

• Participating employees must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout their academic program.
• Participate in periodic progress reviews to ensure your academic and professional achievements align with program goals.

• Employees must maintain full-time employment status at VSU during the duration of their academic program.
• Employee job performance must meet (Satisfactory) or exceed the university's standards. Unsatisfactory job performance may result in withdrawal of tuition assistance.
• If the employee is terminated from VSU before completing  the degree, tuition assistance will be withdrawn, and employee may be required to reimburse VSU for the tuition assistance received.
• Should the employee leave Virginia State University before the stipulated commitment period, they may be required to reimburse Virginia State University for the tuition assistance received.