Academic Training

Academic training is a class for academic credit offered by an educational institution of higher learning. Auditing of an academic course is not permitted at Government expense. After completing an academic class at Government expense, employees must submit a grade report to the HQ Training Office. If you receive less than a satisfactory grade (less than a 'C'), you withdraw, or you fail to furnish requested proof, you may be required to reimburse NASA for course tuition and other covered expenses. Please submit a copy of the official grade report to the HQ Training Office as soon as it is received from the institution, or upon request by the HQ Training Office. Employees who request to take more than 6 credit hours in one semester should obtain a statement from their Division Chief or higher that they will be able to accomplish both the duties of their position and the academic requirements. This statement must be submitted to the HQ Training Office with the Request for Training for the desired courses. Tuition and matriculation, registration, library, and laboratory fees related to an academic course can be paid by the Government. Books can also be covered up to a maximum amount of $100 per course.

A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding academic training during official duty time was instituted in FY00. This SOP allows supervisors to authorize academic training during official duty hours when it is in the best interest of the Government, the organization, and the employee. There is an order of preference for academic training in the following order:

• After duty hours, if possible.

• Change of standard work schedule.

• During duty hours, if neither of the above are feasible, up to 4 hours per week per 3 or 4 credit course up to 8 hours per week maximum.

• Passing Grades and Recordkeeping for Academic Courses