Supervisors take active role with tuition assistance Published Dec. 10, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Frank W. Miller III 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Air Force has gone through many changes in the past several years, but the reasons for joining remain the same; service, tradition, adventure and traveling among others. One contributing factor that encourages many to become Airmen, the tuition assistance program, is currently going through a fiscal year 2014 makeover. In the wake of this year's budget cuts, 30 million dollars were cut from the TA budget. Possible solutions included reducing the tuition amount paid from 100 percent to 75 percent, limit the number of classes allowed to be taken a year, and have Airmen wait until they reach their second term of enlistment to TA. Key Decision makers decided to use management controls; Airmen and their supervisors must now take a more active role in the program. "The supervisor is defined as the one who signs an Airman's enlisted performance report," said Allison Garner, 20th Force Support Squadron Education Center education specialist. Supervisors are more involved in the process and now required to be the approval authority for all tuition assistance requests submitted by Airmen. "Should an Airman go on a temporary duty assignment," said Donald Ellwood, 20th Force Support Squadron Education Center education and training section chief, "receive a permanent change of station, is in upgrade training, enrolled in professional military education, or is deemed to be unable to successfully complete a certain course due to any other variable such as being on a unfavorable information file or had received a referral EPR the supervisor may now deny TA." Airmen are required to log into the virtual education center and input their supervisor. "This prevents an Airman's [friend's] information from being used to approve the tuition assistance," said Ellwood. Another big change to the program is the electronic degree plan. In the past, degree plans were from a particular college uploaded by the education office, but as of October 2013, every Airman requesting TA must have an electronic degree plan. Those with current plans are grandfathered in until Oct. 15, 2014, when they will be required to convert to an electronic plan. The electronic plan allows an education office to pre-approve all classes needed for a degree, placing final approval on the role of a supervisor. "Surveys and trend analysis have been conducted since implementation and so far the system is working," said Ellwood. "Becoming a lifelong learner helps one succeed in life," said Ellwood. "Training, education, knowledge, and credentials are essential for continued success after the Air Force. " For more information about tuition assistance, call (803) 895-4716.