WALT DISNEY WORLD Swan and Dolphin

Tuition Reimbursement Summary

The following are the procedures required for the Starwood Hotels and ResortsTuition Reimbursement Program. Please read the information below and do not hesitate to contact the Casting Department if you have any questions.

  1. Application and approval for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Tuition Reimbursement should be done before registering or enrolling in classes.
  2. Please read the Eligibility section before applying. You need to be an active cast member and have been employed for more than one year in order to qualify. Cast members in the hotel’s collective bargaining unit are not eligible for reimbursement.
  3. Complete the attached Starwood Hotels and Resorts Tuition Reimbursement Form (page 4) and have it signed by your department manager.
  4. Submit the form, along with a description of each class you are planning to attend.
  5. Casting will review the information to ensure all required documents are included, and Casting will obtain the additional signatures required.
  6. The original form and the signed acknowledgement form will be placed in your personnel file. The approval or denial will be sent to you personally via inter-hotel mail. Upon approval, you may enroll in the class(es).
  7. Once the courses have been completed, please submit a copy of your grades and proof of payment to the Casting Office.
  8. A reimbursement request (based on your grades) will be submitted to Accounting and you will be notified when your reimbursement check is ready. Official transcripts are not required.

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WALT DISNEY WORLD Swan and Dolphin

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Tuition Reimbursement Policy

The WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN & DOLPHIN encourages our cast members to continue their education independently.

Guidelines

We define Starwood Hotels and Resorts Tuition Reimbursement as payment for courses taken by a cast member at an educational institution for academic credit. It does NOT include internal training courses, external seminars not sponsored by a college or university, self study, trade school, certifications, conferences or continuing education credits. Additionally, reimbursement is not approved for any travel or lodging expenses incurred while attending courses.

  • Courses should not conflict with a cast member’s normal working schedule, nor should a cast member be paid while attending courses, unless such courses are taken at the request of management.
  • Participation in the program is for general cast member development purposes and should not be construed as any type of guarantee of promotion, advancement, or a definite term of employment.

Type Of Courses Reimbursed By The Plan

  • Business-oriented or job-related academic courses that relate to the cast member’s current job or a possible future job with the company.
  • Business-oriented or job-related academic courses that relate to the company’s business, not necessarily to the cast member’s current job or a possible future job.
  • Internet or DistanceLearning classes, if the provider is an accredited educational institution.
  • Non-business academic courses related to the cast member’s job.
  • Academic courses below the college level, such as GED or ESL.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for tuition reimbursement, a cast member must:

  • Have been employed with Starwood, or a Starwood owned or managed property, at least one year.
  • Be employed as a full-time cast member.
  • Have received approval for the courses as outlined in the Summary section of this policy.
  • Be performing at a level that consistently meets the standards and expectations of the job; and prospects for future employment with the corporation should be favorable.
  • Not be on disciplinary probation.
  • Not be eligible for educational benefits under the GI Bill of Rights unless the veteran has exhausted his/her educational benefits there under, in which case he or she may apply for consideration under this program.
  • Not be receiving assistance through trust funds or other sources, such as scholarships (cast members with specific financial needs should first seek financial aid or scholarship programs as appropriate).

Reimbursement

  • Reimbursement may not exceed $1500 per semester.
  • Reimbursement will be made for the costs of tuition, registration, and laboratory fees only.
  • No reimbursement will be allowed for deferred payment charges, textbooks, library fees, drafting materials (except when the course is taken at the specific request of management), housing, meals, travel, or internet access fees.
  • Cast members who take approved courses at the specific request of management are reimbursed in advance for all costs of registration, tuition, laboratory fees, books and supplies. Such courses will not affect future benefit entitlements.
  • Reimbursement will be dependent upon the cast member’s final grade in the course:
  • A or B100% reimbursement (capped as detailed above)
  • C 50% reimbursement (capped as detailed above)
  • Below CNo reimbursement
  • Lifetime reimbursement will not exceed $10,000 per cast member.
  • Examinations which are required for entrance to a degree or certificate program (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, etc.) and/or preparatory courses for such examinations are not eligible for reimbursement.
  • Cast members who are terminated as a result of a position elimination, or reduction in force, before completing a course will be reimbursed for all costs as approved.
  • Cast members who resign, or are terminated for other reasons (including misconduct or substandard performance) before completing a course, will not be reimbursed for any costs.
  • Transferring cast members will remain entitled to this benefit and the receiving property will be responsible for the reimbursement.
  • Cast members who resign, or are terminated for other reasons (including misconduct or substandard performance) within six months of receipt of a tuition reimbursement will be liable for re-payment of the full amount on the last day of employment.
  • Under current IRS regulations, all reimbursements (undergraduate or graduate) up to $5250 are excludable from taxable income.

I acknowledge receipt of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Tuition Reimbursement policy and I have carefully reviewed it. By signing this form, I agree that I understand this policy and agree to comply with it. I further understand that if I violate this policy and/or misrepresent any information contained on the Tuition Reimbursement Request Form, I am subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Signature:
Print Name: / Department:
ID Number: / Date:

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