Allows the granting of academic credit at state or city operated institutions to veterans.
Summary
Bill A03670 amends the education law to allow veterans who are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students in state-operated institutions of the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) to receive academic credit for courses completed during their military training or service. The bill defines a veteran as a resident who has served in active military or naval service and has been honorably discharged or is currently serving in the National Guard. The academic credits granted will be without limitation towards the veteran's degree and no fees or charges will be assessed for these credits.
Impact
The bill will impact state laws by formally recognizing military training as eligible for academic credit within the SUNY and CUNY systems, thereby facilitating the transition of veterans into higher education. This change is expected to encourage more veterans to pursue higher education by acknowledging their prior learning experiences and reducing the financial burden associated with tuition fees for these credits. The implementation will require the respective boards of trustees to establish procedures to administer these provisions effectively.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A03670 appears to be positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of facilitating educational opportunities for veterans. Discussions indicate a consensus on the need to honor the contributions of veterans by providing them with academic recognition for their military training, although specific discussions and votes have not been documented yet.
Contention
While there is general support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the standards for evaluating military training equivalency to academic courses. Some stakeholders may question the criteria set by the American Council on Education or the implementation procedures established by the boards of trustees, particularly concerning the consistency and fairness of credit assessments across different institutions.
Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"; grants academic credit for veterans with regard to SUNY and CUNY college credits for military learning, training, coursework and occupational experience.
Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.
Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.