Skip to main content.

Classified and Wage Employee Recognition Policy for

Certifications, Licenses and Degrees

Supervisors may award one time lump sum bonuses for the achievement of certifications and licenses from official accreditation programs, and degrees from accredited colleges and universities. This bonus program complies with Department of Human Resources Employee Recognition Policy, No. 120.

 Eligibility

All wage and non probationary classified employees with 12 months of continuous employment with UMW are eligible to receive this award.

Certifications and Licenses Criteria

To be eligible for bonus recognition, a certification or license must:

  • be earned while employed at UMW
  • be earned after January 1, 2007
  • be applicable to the employee’s current position
  • increase the employee's effectiveness in the performance of his or her duties
  • add value to agency operations, and
  • demonstrate professional and personal achievement

Professional and personal achievementis evidenced by some or all of the following factors:

  • the reputation of the certification or license inthe profession or industry
  • extent to which credential issought by employers asa standard for employment in the particular field
  • whether it meets mandated agency program requirements or is required toqualify for grants
  • oral and/or written examrequirement
  • requirement for practical experience in addition to course work
  • number of hours of class timerequired
  • membership in a professional organization as a result of achieving the certification
  • requirement for continuing education to maintain or renew
  • expiration date
  • whether state or federal government is the licensing agent

Supervisors should determine, in advance, whether certifications and licenses are eligible for bonus recognition in accordance with university guidelines. A list of approved accrediting programs or agencies submitted by supervisors will be maintained on the HR website.

Degree Criteria

To be eligible for one time lump sum bonus recognition, a degree must be:

  • Associate, Bachelor, Master or Doctorate level
  • earned while employed at UMW
  • earned after January 1, 2007

Bonus Award Amounts

Bonus award amounts will  normally be $500.00 for certifications and $1000.00 for licenses and degrees. 

Award Processing

Employees should submit documentation of certifications, licenses or degrees to their supervisors immediately upon completion to be considered for recognition bonus awards.  Supervisors must submit completed original Recognition Award Notices with all required signatures and documentation to Human Resources by January 30 and July 30 of each calendar year.  Bonuses will be processed within 30 calendar days of submission deadline and paid in the paycheck following.

Tax Implications for Monetary Awards:

Monetary awards are those paid by a negotiable instrument such as cash, check, money order, direct deposit or any item that can be readily converted to cash such as savings bonds or refundable gift certificates. Monetary awards may not be added to an employee’s base pay or increased by the total amount of payroll taxes normally deducted from an employee’s pay. Any expenses incurred for presentation of awards under this policy shall be reasonable and shall not be deducted from award amounts. All monetary awards, regardless of amount are considered income for the employee and must be taxed accordingly.  Recognition Award Notice forms must be completed and signed and the original must be forwarded to Human Resources.

Policy Interpretation

The Assistant Vice President for Human Resources is responsible for official interpretation of this policy.

Approved by CORE and  Richard V. Hurley, Acting President:  April 30, 2007