Page 48 - nou Systems handbook Draft Rev13 (2021) (1)

The Employee Referral Program bonuses are awarded at the discretion of nou Systems
management. The bonus will be awarded after the applicant is hired and after the applicant has
successfully completed the 90-day retention period.

10.4 Educational Assistance Program
nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) encourages and promotes the education and training of its workforce. The
Educational Assistance Program is designed to help cover costs associated with degree programs,
and professional training classes or seminars. All education and training must be directly related
to work activities, and a degree program must be provided by an accredited college, university,
or technical school. Anyone interested in applying for tuition assistance must provide a written
plan to corporate leadership for pre-approval. The plan should include the course(s) of study,
program duration and timeline for completion, and reason for enrollment.

nSI will provide up to $10,000.00 of qualified reimbursement per calendar year for qualified and
approved programs, based upon available funds in the nSI Educational Pool. The Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) allows reimbursement to be paid tax-free, as outlined in Code Section 127,
of up to a maximum of $5,250 per calendar year, and up to $10,000 per calendar year as outlined
in Code Section 132(d). If you utilize the benefit beyond the amount of $5,2250 per calendar year
under Code Section 127 (e.g., if you utilize the full $10,000), any amount beyond this initial $5,250
will be treated as taxable income.

This educational assistance benefit includes payments for:

• Tuition only: receipt must state tuition (additional itemized costs will NOT be eligible)
• Registration Fees
• Education/On-line Fee (on-line courses)

• Required Textbooks or e-books (Textbook receipts must show title of book purchased; tax
and shipping are eligible)

• Certification pre-training and test fees
Further stipulations include:

• All full-time employees of nou Systems are eligible for nSI Educational Assistance Program
benefits
• Tuition reimbursement will be evaluated and pre-approved on a semester or quarterly
basis (SECTION II: Application for Educational Assistance Program)
• Amount of approved reimbursement may vary based on available funds
• Benefits are reimbursed based on documented verification of course completion with
letter grade of at least “B” or “Pass”. Please see the Human Resources Manager for more
information, and an application.
• Employees agree to return all (not prorated) nSI Educational Assistance Program benefits
received in the last two years if they voluntarily leave nou Systems, Inc. within two years
of receiving benefits

nSI Employee Handbook 48 Rev. 4 (2021))