HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-035 Approving MOU with NAU to Establish a Tuition Dscount Program for Town Employees MARANA RESOLUTION NO. 2021-035
RELATING TO PERSONNEL; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE HUMAN
RESOURCES DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS FOR AND ON
BEHALF OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHING A TUITION
DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR TOWN EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS the Town of Marana has employees rendering valuable services; and
WHEREAS the establishment of a tuition discount program with Northern
Arizona University will provide employees with a tuition reduction; and
WHEREAS the Town Council finds that it is in the best interests of the Town
employees to have the benefit of a tuition reduction if employees choose to pursue a
degree through Northern Arizona University.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA approving the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Town and the Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Northern
Arizona University attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A and authorizing the Human
Resources Director to execute it for and on behalf of the Town of Marana.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager and staff are hereby directed
and authorized to undertake all other and further tasks required or beneficial to carry out
the terms, obligations, conditions and objectives of the agreement.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Marana,
Arizona, this 6th day of April, 2021.
""""'""'""r-=`"� Mayor Ed Honea
ATTES APPROVED AS TO F•RM:
Cherry L. 4 wson, Town Clerk Jane F all, Town Attorney
Resolution No.2021-035 - 1 -
EXHIBIT A
Memorandum of Understanding
Between
the Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of
Northern Arizona University
And
Town of Marana
This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU") is made and entered into this 6th
day of April, 2021 by and between the Town of Marana ("TOM") and the ARIZONA
BOARD OF REGENTS ("ABOR") for and on behalf of NORTHERN ARIZONA
UNIVERSITY ("NAU").
A: PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
1. The goal of this MOU is for NAU and TOM to support current benefits eligible
employees in their pursuit of an advance degree at NAU which includes all graduate
degrees - master's and doctoral.
2. Programs covered by this MOU include those offered in Flagstaff, Online or at one of
NAU's statewide campuses. Programs offered through NAU's competency-based
program, referred to as "Personalized Learning", are not included in this MOU.
3. Eligible Employees who meet NAU's admission standards will receive a tuition
reduction equal to ten percent (10%) of the standard tuition rate for a program of
study (the "Tuition Reduction"), provided that the Eligible Employee (1) remains in an
approved program of study at NAU; (2) is employed by TOM; and (3) maintains the
academic performance expectations for the NAU Graduate College and the chosen
program of study.
4. The Tuition Reduction does not include "University or Program Fees" as defined by
ABOR (see ABOR Procedure for Setting and Distributing Tuition and Fees available
on the following webpage: (nttps://pubiic.azregents.edu/Policy%20Manual/4-
Tuition%20and°I%20Fee io20Definitions.pd f).
5. Eligible Employees must provide proof of employment by TOM to NAU, which is
subject to verification using the NAU Tuition Reduction Program Form, attached
hereto.
6. All Eligible Employees are subject to NAU's standard academic, student conduct,
tuition and fees, financial aid and other related policies.
7. Eligible Employees are also eligible to apply for all forms of financial aid using the
standard process applied to all NAU students.
8. This MOU is subject at all times to the applicable state and federal laws and
regulations, and to the policies of ABOR and NAU.
B: NAU'S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. NAU will provide institutional and academic guidance, evaluation and oversight of
this MOU.
2. NAU will perform all administrative services that are related to the official student
services component of this MOU including but not limited to admission, advising,
enrollment, and financial aid counseling.
3. NAU will provide a link to its website to assist Eligible Employees with application
and enrollment services.
4. NAU will provide marketing materials to assist TOM with its promotion of this MOU.
5. NAU will designate a liaison to work with TOM on the administrative aspects of this
MOU.
6. NAU will not share non-directory personally identifiable student information (as
defined by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA") and
NAU policy) with TOM without the student's written consent.
C: TOM'S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. TOM agrees to provide the following resources to NAU in an effort to promote this
MOU: (a) attend outreach events scheduled by TOM (i.e., education fairs) at no cost
to NAU; (b) include NAU's landing page on its Educational Partnership webpage; (c)
on an annual basis, TOM will share with its employees a brief article or marketing
item to promote the Tuition Reduction program; and (d) allow NAU to host an
information table, on an annual basis, at a designated TOM facility.
2. Support the verification of eligible employees of TOM by using the attached NAU
Tuition Reduction Program Form.
3. TOM will designate an employee to work with the NAU liaison regarding the
administration of this MOU.
D: GENERAL TERMS
1. Effective Date and Term. This MOU shall become effective on April 6, 2021 and will
expire December 31, 2025. The Tuition Reduction will apply to classes that begin
during the established dates of this MOU.
2. Student Educational Records. NAU and TOM recognize that student educational
records are protected by FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99). TOM will
not require any NAU students or employees to waive any privacy rights (including
FERPA or the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)) as a
condition for receipt of any educational services, and any attempt to do so will be
void. The parties agree to comply with FERPA and to not make any disclosures of
student educational records to third parties without prior notice to and consent from
the student or as otherwise provided by law.
3. Modification. This MOU may not be modified or amended except by written
instrument signed by both parties.
4. Termination. This MOU may be terminated by either party for any reason upon thirty
(30) days written notice to the other party. Eligible Employees who are currently
enrolled at NAU prior to the date of termination will continue to receive the tuition
benefits under the terms of this MOU for the program or courses of study in which
the student is currently enrolled, provided eligibility is maintained as set forth in
Section A, above.
5. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder will be
given in writing and will be: (a) personally delivered; (b) sent via email or other
electronic means; or (c) sent to the parties at their respective addresses indicated
herein by registered or certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested and postage pre-
paid, or by commercial overnight courier service. The respective addresses to be
used for all such notices, demands or requests are as follows:
If to TOM: If to NAU:
Town of Marana Northern Arizona University
11555 W Civic Center Dr. 15451 N. 28th Ave.
Marana, AZ 85653 Phoenix, AZ 85053
Attn: Jennifer Lindblom, Deputy HR Director Attn: Doug Small
Email: jlindblom@maranaAZ.gov Email: touq.small nau.edu
With a copy to: With a copy to:
Town of Marana Contracting, Purchasing and Risk
11555 W Civic Center Dr Management
Marana, AZ 85653 PO Box 4124, 545 E Pine Knoll
Dr
Attn: Curry C. Hale Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Email: chale@maranaAZ.gov Email: NAU-Contracts(c nau.edu
6. Named Representative. Each party is naming a liaison who is authorized to act on
its behalf in making or obtaining decisions regarding this MOU. Such named liaison
may be changed from time-to-time by giving the other party written notice.
a. NAU: NAU's liaison is Doug Small, Director of Strategic Partnerships, NAU
Educational Partnerships Department, Director of Strategic Partnerships,
(602) 776-4618.
b. TOM: TOM liaison is Jennifer Lindblom, HR Deputy Director, (520) 382-1922.
7. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. No person or entity, whether or not mentioned or
referred to in this .MOU, other than NAU and TOM and each partys permitted
successors and assigns, shall be considered to be a third-party beneficiary of or
entitled to assert any rights under this MOU.
8. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be held responsible for any losses resulting if the
fulfillment of any terms or provisions of this MOU are delayed or prevented by any
cause not within the control of the party whose performance is interfered with, and
which by the exercise of reasonable diligence, said party is unable to prevent.
9. Nondiscrimination. The parties agree to comply with all applicable state and federal
laws, rules, regulations and executive orders governing equal employment
opportunity, immigration, nondiscrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities
Act. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on
status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit
discrimination against all individuals based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national
origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
10.Conflict of Interest. NAU and TOM participation in this MOU is subject to Arizona
Revised Statutes ("A.R.S.") §38-511 which provides that this MOU may be cancelled
if any person significantly involved in initiating, negotiating, securing, drafting, or
creating this MOU on behalf of NAU or TOM is, at any time while this MOU, or any
extension thereof, is in effect, an employee or agent of the other party to this MOU in
any capacity or a consultant to any other party with respect to the subject matter of
this MOU.
11.Notice of Arbitration Statutes. Pursuant to A.R.S. §12-1518, the parties acknowledge
and agree that they will be required to make use of mandatory arbitration of any
legal action that is filed in the Arizona Superior Court concerning a controversy
arising out of this MOU if required by A.R.S. §12-133.
12.Failure of Legislature to Appropriate. If NAU's performance under this MOU depends
upon the appropriation of funds by the Arizona Legislature, and if the Legislature
fails to appropriate the funds necessary for performance, then NAU may provide
written notice of this to TOM and cancel this MOU without further obligation of NAU.
Appropriation is a legislative act and is beyond the control of NAU.
13.Responsibility. Each party will be responsible for the negligence, acts and omissions
of its employees and agents when acting under such party's direction and
supervision.
14.Service Marks and Trademarks. For purposes of this provision, the phrase "NAU
Mark" means any trade name, trademark, service mark, logo, domain name, and
any other distinctive brand feature owned or used by NAU. TOM agrees to comply
with NAU's trademark and licensing program concerning any use or proposed use
by TOM of any NAU Mark on goods, in relation to services, and in connection with
advertisements or promotion of TOM or TOM's business. Except as expressly
authorized in this MOU, TOM is not permitted to use any NAU Mark without prior
written approval of NAU's Marketing Department.
15.Entire Agreement. This MOU embodies the entire understanding of the parties and
supersedes any other agreement or understanding between parties relating to the
subject matter.
16.Relationship of the Parties. Each party is an independent contractor and is
independent of the other party. Under no circumstances shall any employees of one
party be deemed the employees of the other party for any purpose. This MOU does
not create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the parties of
any kind or nature. This MOU does not create any fiduciary or other obligation
between the parties, except for those obligations expressly and specifically set forth
herein. Neither party shall have any right, power, or authority under this MOU to act
as a legal representative of the other party, and neither party shall have any power
to obligate or bind the other or to make any representations, expressed or implied,
on behalf of or in the name of the other in any manner or for any purpose
whatsoever. Each party acknowledges that the relationship of the parties hereunder
is non-exclusive.
17.Choice of Law. This MOU shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Arizona. Jurisdiction for any claim or dispute shall be
Maricopa County, Arizona.
18.Counterparts: This MOU may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same instrument. Counterparts may be executed in either original or by electronic
transmission, and the parties hereby adopt as an original any signatures received
via electronic transmission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this MOU the date set forth
above.
FOR: The Town of Marana
Terry S. Rozema,Town Manager Date
FOR: THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS FOR AND ON BEHALF OR
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
6//ir,/,7,0 2-1"
Dr. Rita Hartung Cheng, President Date
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Tuition Reduction Partnership
Employment Confirmation Form
Employee Information
Last Name First Name Middle Initial NAU ID Number
Street I City State Zip Code Cell Phone Number
Employer j
Semester-e.g.Fall,Spring or Summer(and year)
Instructions:
1. Complete this form after you have been admitted to Northern Arizona University(NAU).This form must be
submitted each semester in which you intend to enroll at NAU.
2. Include a copy of the following documents to verify your employment:
a. your driver's license
b. a recent employee pay stub
3. Complete all requested information.Any item left blank may delay the process of applying your tuition
reduction.
4. To apply your tuition reduction to your NAU student account,send this form and documents to...
Email: EMEnroiimentia2nau.edu or
Address: Northern Arizona University
Attn: EMSA Enrollment
15451 N.28th Ave
Phoenix,AZ 85053
5. This form must be completed and verified prior to the tuition and fees payment deadline for the intended
semester of enrollment(httpsv2nau.edu,saas lmoortant pao,rnent dates ).
6. Submit this document to NAU no earlier than the dates listed below:
a. Fall Semester-July 1
b. Spring Semester-November 1
c. Summer Semester-April 1
Statement of Understanding
I understand that I need to submit this form,and the supporting documents to verify my employment,each
semester and before the deadline,to receive the tuition reduction.The tuition reduction does not apply to
individuals receiving the educational tuition benefit offered to state university employees.
Termination of the reduction:I understand that my reduction will be discontinued for the following reasons: I
no longer work for my employer that is partnering with NAU;at its discretion,NAU discontinued the program.
In either case,you will receive the tuition reduction for the balance of the semester in which you applied for
this reduction.
Employee Certification
By signing below, I certify,to the best of my knowledge;that the information in this document is true and
accurate.
Employee Signature: Date
8/17/2020-Tuition Reduction Program Employment Confirmation Form
NiU NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Tuition Reduction Partnership FAQ's
Where do I begin?
Thanks for your interest in pursuing your degree through Northern Arizona University (NAU).
The best place to start is by contacting one of our admissions representatives who can
discuss your personal and professional goals to match you to the right degree. You can reach
us at 928-523-5511 or admissions(amau.edu. You can also search our degree options online
at https:/inau.edu/academics/.
What degrees are covered by this program?
All master's and doctorate degrees offered by NAU are covered by this program with the
exception of our competency-based degrees offered through Personalized Learning (see final
FAQ below for a description). Degree options can be found at https://nau.edu/academicsi.
Can I earn a bachelor's degree from NAU?
NAU offers a variety of bachelor degrees with flexible formats that accommodate different life
circumstances. Campuses include - NAU Online, our statewide campuses and our beautiful
campus in Flagstaff. The tuition reduction program is designed to support employees who
already have a bachelor's degree who want to pursue a master's or doctorate degree.
However, NAU does provide scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students-
https://nau`edu/office-of-scholarships-and-financial-aid/transfer-tuition-schoarships/and we
have undergraduate programs with very competitive tuition rates.
+- -
What is the value of the tuition reduction?
NAU is providing a 10% reduction in tuition that we will apply to the tuition rate for your
selected master's or doctorate degree program. The discount does not apply to individuals
who receive the employee educational benefit offered to state university employees.
What are the requirements for the tuition reduction?
Employees must(1) be currently employed and employment verified by the employee, (2)
submit the tuition reduction form each semester, found on our partnership landing page; and
(3) meet and maintain the admission and academic requirements for an approved graduate
program.
Is there a time limit on completing my degree?
Students must complete all requirements for their master's degree within a six-year period.
Undergraduate students do not have a specific timeframe to complete their degree but must
stay continuously enrolled to maintain the academic requirements of their program. Students
should consult their academic advisor to ask specific questions about their program of study.
Does NAU accept transfer and military credit?
NAU does accept transfer credit for both undergraduate and graduate programs. We also
' accept military credit towards our undergraduate programs. Students should consult with an
admissions representative to see how their prior credit applies to a specific degree at NAU.
N/ U NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Does NAU offer programs online or outside of Flagstaff for me to earn my degree?
Yes, NAU has a wide variety of programs available online and through our statewide
campuses in Arizona. The following website has more detail about our degree options and
locations-https://nau.edu/academics/. You can also call us at 928-523-5511 or email us at
admissions(a nau.edu to explore our program options.
When do I need to submit the tuition reduction form?
The tuition reduction form must be completed, verified and submitted to NAU prior to the
payment deadline for the requested semester- httpa://nau.edu/sdashrnportant_payment dates:'.
Can my dependent(s) participate in this program?
The tuition reduction program is available for you, the employee. However, we are glad to
assist your family members with exploring our programs and other financing and scholarship
opportunities.
How is my employment verified?
You will fill out the Tuition Reduction Partnership Form each semester and follow the
guidelines on the form to submit it to NAU.
How do I know my tuition reduction was approved and applied to my account?
Once you submit the online form and it is approved, NAU will apply the tuition reduction to
your account and will send an email confirmation to you. You can verify your status by
logging into your NAU account by going to (https:/lnau.edu/louie/) and checking "Student
Financials."
What if I leave my organization?
If you leave your organization and you are currently enrolled at NAU, your tuition reduction
will remain for the current semester in which you are enrolled. However, you will no longer be
eligible for the tuition reduction program for future semesters.
Who can I contact at NAU for more information?
For more information, you can contact us at 928-523-5511 or admissionsnau.edu.
How does your competency-based program work?
While the Personalized Learning program is not included in the tuition reduction program, it
does offer you an innovative, competency-based and online learning experience at an
already affordable tuition rate. Students complete courses by demonstrating mastery of the
topic and not by time spent in a classroom. Whether a student brings prior knowledge to a
course or is able to dedicate extra time to school, acceleration towards degree completion is
possible. With personalized faculty support, the learning journey is custom fit at the student
level and not the course level. Additional information on this program is available at:
http://pl.nau.edu/.
Updated:October 22,2020