Administrative Procedures Manual, I-9.4.7: Staff Merit Increase for Educational Achievement - A staff member employed full-time by the College for at least three years may receive a salary increase upon completion of an approved, job-related program of study.  The program of study must culminate in the attainment of a degree, from an accredited institution, beyond the minimum educational level required of his/her job description.  The degree or credit hours must be from an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education as listed in the current Higher Education Directory.  To qualify for the increase, the employee must obtain written approval through his/her supervisory chain and the President that the program is job-related prior to beginning the program of study or at the time of employment if the program is already in progress by submitting a “Request for Merit Increase,” which includes an explanation of how the program of study is related to his/her current job position. A copy of the written approval must be filed in the employee’s personnel file in the Human Resources Office.  Upon completion of the approved program of study and contingent upon available funds, the College will award a 5% merit pay increase for one plan per employee. The merit increase will become effective at the beginning of the next budget year, upon completion of the program and submission of a completed official transcript to the Human Resources Office. Exceptions to this policy may be approved by the President.