Harvard's Educational Benefit

TAP Enrollments in Extension Courses Grow

Since its inception more than a quarter of a century ago, Harvard University's Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) has proven a popular educational benefit among Harvard staff. Over the years the Harvard Extension School and its evening academic program has attracted the majority of TAP users, who enroll for degrees and graduate certificates, for credit and noncredit, for specific skills and cultural enrichment.

In recent years there has been a steady increase in both student and course enrollments in the Harvard Extension School by Harvard staff under the auspices of TAP. Five years ago, a total of 1,415 Harvard staff enrolled for 2,146 courses using TAP. This year 1,777 Harvard staff enrolled for 2,870 courses--a dramatic 26 percent staff and 34 percent course enrollment increase--with TAP benefits.

Many Harvard staff are also active candidates for Extension degrees and graduate certificates. Five years ago, 145 Harvard staff were actively pursuing degrees and certificates; this year the figure is more than 160. Growing numbers of Harvard staff are listed among the Extension School's degree and certificate recipients at Commencement; last June 32 Harvard staff members received diplomas at Commencement.

At the close of registration this spring semester, Harvard staff comprised 15 percent of students and 12 percent of Extension enrollments, consistent with percentages of student and course enrollments in the fall term. The surprise in course selection in fall 2002 was the attraction of humanities courses to Harvard staff. TAP enrollments in humanities courses increased 61 percent over fall 2001. The distribution for this spring shows that TAP enrollments account for 20 percent of humanities enrollments, the same figure as for social sciences.

"It is noteworthy and gratifying that our Harvard staff colleagues are devoting their hours after work at the University to studying such culturally enhancing subjects as foreign languages, Japanese art, the history of Boston, United States foreign policy, and modern poetry," said Michael Shinagel, Dean of Continuing Education and University Extension. "It makes us appreciate the singularity and excellence of Harvard staff and of the Tuition Assistance Plan that promotes continuing education at our University."