NEW as of June 2025: Please note that before submitting a TAP application, a CLS Training and Development Request form must be filled out by the applicant and approved by CLS Leadership.
The Campus Life Services Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides financial assistance for the professional and career development of CLS’s career employees. The program’s goal is to aid in developing skills, knowledge and other qualities that prepare career staff employees for excellence within their current roles and lead to career growth within the University.
Please note: You must be a career staff of Campus Life Services (CLS) and meet eligibility requirements in order to apply for the Tuition Assistance Program in Campus Life Services (CLS). Please see Eligibility Criteria below.
CLS employees may apply for financial assistance through their department to pursue undergraduate or graduate degree programs or courses at an accredited college or university. To qualify for financial assistance for a single course, degree program, or professional certification course of study (i.e. “Academic Education”), the subject matter must be job-related and agreed upon by both the employee and their supervisor and related to a Career Development Plan developed jointly by the employee and the department.
Subject to fund availability and to meeting all criteria, CLS employees are eligible to receive up to a maximum of $200 per unit/credit or per course, with an annual limit of $2,500 per fiscal year. Employees must submit a complete application, which includes a Career Development plan and approval from their supervisor and department head. Following course completion, employees must submit written evidence of satisfactory program completion (“C” or better if graded, or “Pass” if not graded), along with detailed receipts for program expenses.
When I was accepted into the UC San Diego program to pursue my profession in lactation, I immediately filled out the CLS Tuition Assistance Program application to help cover the costs of tuition. I was able to use the maximum allowance per fiscal year, which covered 27% of the total cost of my program! This was a major relief for me, and now I am an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant! In addition, the TAP program manager guided me through the whole process. To this day, I am so thankful for the assistance I received, and would absolutely apply again for future schooling. - Caroline Wick Carter, IBCLC, Specialist with Family Services
I am exceedingly grateful for the Tuition Assistance Program offered by CLS. The program covers 40% of my tuition expenses at San Francisco State University, where I am pursuing my Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. This support has been instrumental in alleviating the financial burden associated with my education. I am truly appreciative of UCSF's commitment to investing in the professional growth and development of its employees. Thanks to this program, I am able to pursue my academic goals with increased focus and dedication. I am incredibly thankful to the TAP program manager’s help in assisting me with the application and reimbursement process and for CLS's Tuition Assistance Program and the opportunities it has provided me to excel in my studies. - Thomas, Parking Representative
Eligibility Criteria
• Employee of Campus Life Services and in a career appointment, minimum 80% time.
• Employee is working and on “Active Pay” status at the time of application and throughout the course.
• Employee has been a CLS employee for one year or longer.
• Employee’s current performance rating is “Meets Expectations” or higher.
• Neither UCSF Learning & Organization Development nor online learning available to UCSF staff (LinkedIn Learning, UC Learning Center, and Skillsoft) offers the course.
• A CLS Training and Development Request Form has been submitted and approved by CLS Leadership.
Submission Timelines
Award Cycle 1: Applications are due no later than September 1 for courses starting between July 1 and December 31 of the same year.
Award Cycle 2: Applications are due no later than February 15 for courses starting between January 1 and June 30 of the same year.
Please allow ample time to submit the required CLS Training and Development Request form.
If you have missed a recent deadline or will not be able to apply to an upcoming deadline on time, please inquire as there still may be a possibility to submit your application, at DevelopmentTraining.CLS@ucsf.edu.
Complete Guidelines and Application
TAP Guidelines (please read before submitting application)
TAP Application
Before submitting your application, a CLS Training and Development Request form must be filled out by the applicant and approved by CLS Leadership.
Questions?
For more information, contact DevelopmentTraining.CLS@ucsf.edu.
