I am kind of in the same boat as you Chris, because I too am enriching my academic arsenal, but alas still have a ways to go. Have you considered (or does your school offer) online classes?
Since I am a glutton for punishment and threw myself at the FAA's mercy, I swapped over to the extended campus so I can finish my masters, all the while waiting patiently
banghead:
) for them to return an email.
As I am one to beat a dead horse, just stick with calling or emailing your HR Rep, and yours alone, because you will eventually piss someone off
take care...and good luck with your school decision.
zz