Meet 3 employees using the Tuition Waiver Program

For some UNC-Chapel Hill employees, Carolina is also a place to study.

The University’s Tuition Waiver Program, which allows employees to take three free courses per academic year (some exceptions apply), helps Tar Heels continue their education on their own timeline. Within the last year, the University has processed 1,136 tuition waivers from Carolina employees, according to Joe Williams, a senior director in the Office of Human Resources.

Elyse Molewyk, the UNC Career Center’s job location and development coordinator, knew she was interested in graduate school but was hesitant to enroll because of continued expenses from her undergraduate studies. Once she learned about the waiver from a mentor, “I decided to go for it.”

Learn how and why three University employees are using the tuition waiver.

Elyse Molewyk

Molewyk is a student in The Graduate School’s Master of Applied Professional Studies program, which was described to her as a “choose your adventure” course of study. When she met with program director Laura Kuizin, she homed in on communications and public policy, starting last fall.

“I’m super grateful that UNC invests in its employees in this way,” she said.

Why are you pursuing your specific program?

When I first decided to apply to the program, I knew I wanted to pursue communications to some degree. I hope that studying public policy and communications will equip me with the tools to influence change — particularly in higher education, where government policies play a huge role.

What advice do you have for people considering graduate school while working?

Know your limits. Finding a program with flexible online options was nonnegotiable for me. The MAPS program is such a great fit because it allows me to create my own curriculum and choose remote asynchronous courses that fit into my schedule.

What have you enjoyed about graduate school so far?

It’s always interesting to connect with classmates in the MAPS program because we all have such different academic interests and ideas for the future. Some of my classmates are interested in business, emergency management, photography, accounting and physical therapy — just to name a few. We all bring a different perspective to the table. My favorite part of graduate school is that it feels like the beginning of a new chapter. My whole life and career are still ahead of me, and I’m excited about future doors of opportunity that my graduate degree might open.

Elyse Molewyk (Submitted photo)

Jen Drake

Enrolling as a graduate student two years ago and using the tuition waiver program has been a “full-circle moment of joy” for Drake, a senior business analyst for enrollment solutions at the Office of the University Registrar. In 2019, she worked on a project that streamlined the employee request and approval process for the tuition waiver. “That’s a project I’m really proud of,” she said.

Why are you pursuing your specific program?

I’m pursuing a MAPS degree to learn more about user centered design and design thinking. This program allows me the unique flexibility to combine courses that match my interests from the UNC School of Information and Library Science and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

What advice do you have for people considering graduate school while working?

I’d encourage taking a class or two to try out the experience, especially for those who haven’t been in a classroom for a while — it was almost 25 years for me! — or those unsure about committing to a formal degree program. We have so many talented instructors and students to learn from. Taking two or three classes per year is also a little like getting a pay raise that doubles as a way to promote your personal interests or career goals.

What have you enjoyed about graduate school so far?

My current role involves managing transformational technology projects that support student success, so having direct experience as a student, and connecting with classmates, has been invaluable.

Jen Drake (Submitted photo)

Greg Sabin ’19

Sabin, an advancement communications manager at UNC School of Law, remembers his excitement learning about the tuition waiver program during new employee orientation. “I was immediately motivated to learn more,” he said.

Why are you pursuing your specific program?

I’m pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the UNC School of Government to bolster my skills in public service, communications and leadership. I’m inspired by the ability to connect across campus with other service-minded professionals.

What advice do you have for people considering graduate school while working?

Consider how your program can enhance your personal and professional lives. The MPA program has not only made me a stronger professional, but I’ve truly enjoyed the classes. Taking time to analyze the world around us and consider ways to improve it is inspiring and invigorating. It’s certainly a time commitment, but treating graduate school as an interesting hobby that also develops my career skills has made the process enjoyable.

What have you enjoyed about graduate school so far?

I’ve enjoyed connecting with adjunct professors and learning from their professional experience. Katie Loovis, my nonprofit management professor, has become a close friend and mentor since I took her class. Meeting people and building relationships across the Carolina community helps cultivate my skills and career aspirations.

Greg Sabin (Submitted photo)