CofC Faculty, Staff Embrace Tuition Assistance Program

A record number of College of Charleston faculty and staff returned to the classroom this fall as students. Through the Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP), faculty and staff are exploring new interests, advancing their careers and engaging in continued learning.  

Introduced in 2021, ETAP covers qualifying employees’ basic tuition for up to six credit hours per semester for up to 18 credit hours per academic year. This semester, 45 faculty and staff members are enrolled, with 16 pursuing graduate-level coursework. The program continues to grow in popularity, supporting career advancement and personal enrichment across campus. 

“We’re proud to see so many of our employees continuing their education through the Employee Tuition Assistance Program,” says Ed Pope, vice president of human resources. “It’s a testament to their dedication and drive, and it’s inspiring to see so many taking that step and investing in their future and the future of the College.” 

Lifelong Learners 

Whether pursuing a degree or simply taking a class for fun, employees are finding meaningful ways to engage with learning. 

Richard Bodek, professor of history and director of the Master of Arts in history program, is pursuing upper-level flute performance classes and hopes to take more classes, including drawing, in the future. 

“I like the opportunity to learn things outside of my field and improve my competence in different areas,” he says. 

For others, like biology professor Melissa Hughes, ETAP offers an opportunity to expand her knowledge while earning a degree.  

Hughes, who has had a longtime interest in writing, is enrolled in the College’s Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in creative writing program to further develop her non-academic writing practice. 

“I wanted a cohort – writers I could read and share my work with semester after semester and beyond,” she says. “Pursuing an M.F.A. supports me as I try to build writing into my daily life, and it provides an amazing community at the same time.” 

When Hughes first utilized ETAP, she took non-degree-seeking undergraduate writing courses, particularly poetry workshops, which she enjoyed, but wanted to take her exploration of writing classes to the next level. 

“Being in a degree program provides more structure,” she says. “I’ve taken classes that I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t have to fulfill the requirements of the degree, and those classes have been fantastic, changing how I view my own work – and sometimes how I view the world.” 

Professional Impact 

Participation in ETAP has steadily increased since its launch. In the 2024 academic year alone, 70 employees took more than 90 courses, supporting professional development and personal fulfillment.  

“The professional impact is immense,” Bodek says. “I think it’s important for faculty to remember how hard it can be to learn something new. We are experts in our own subject matter. Taking a course in something totally different is a reminder of some of the hard work that our students have to do, too.” 

Taking on a new course schedule alongside full-time work is no small task, but many employees consider it a challenge worth accepting. 

“Being a full-time employee and full-time doctoral student has been extremely challenging, but I am focused on the finish line,” says Karen Hauschild, director of the Academic Advising and Planning Center, who is currently studying for her doctorate in education. “I know without a doubt I will be different and better because of the experience when I’m finished than from when I started.” 

Get Started with ETAP 

For employees or faculty interested in utilizing ETAP, there are many support resources available. Contact Kendall Cage, assistant director of employee experience and success in the Office of Human Resources, with ETAP-related questions – or reach out to Hauschild for help with undergraduate degree planning or course selection. Those interested in applying to the Graduate School can contact Seaton Brown ’09, executive director of admissions and marketing in the Graduate School, for assistance.

RELATED: Apply Now for Spring 2026 Semester Tuition Assistance!

“Take advantage of this wonderful employee benefit,” says Hauschild. “If you’ve always wanted to pursue your degree – whether it be your undergraduate, master’s or doctorate – there’s no better time than right now to get started.” 

With a course catalog that spans disciplines, the College of Charleston’s ETAP gives employees the flexibility to pursue subjects that spark curiosity or support long-term goals. 

“Start with one course! Pick something you love, something that sounds interesting,” says Hughes. “Go from there. There’s so much expertise on this campus – you can learn something from classes in any discipline.” 

As more employees consider taking advantage of ETAP, those who have already enrolled describe the experience as intellectually rewarding and an opportunity to gain new skills and expand their perspectives. 

“It’s the same feeling I hope to capture for students in my classes, that sense of wonder about the world,” Hughes says of her experience. “I think that’s our mission – why we’re all here at the College in the first place.” 

Deadlines to submit your ETAP application are July 1 for the fall semester, Nov. 15 for the spring semester and April 1 for the Maymester/summer semesters.