Allows the granting of academic credit at state or city operated institutions to veterans.
Impact
If enacted, this bill is expected to have a significant impact on higher education policies concerning veteran students. By mandating that academic credits be granted based on military training, it alters the landscape for how educational institutions evaluate prior learning. This change could lead to increased enrollment of veterans in higher education, thereby expanding access and support for an often underrepresented demographic in academic settings.
Summary
Bill A09382 proposes an amendment to the education law that allows state-operated institutions within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) to grant academic credit to veterans for coursework completed during military service. The aim is to recognize the educational value of military training and to facilitate the transition of veterans into academic programs, potentially easing their path towards obtaining a degree by maximizing their previously acquired knowledge and skills.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention regarding A09382 may center around the implementation of the credit-granting process. Concerns could arise about the criteria used to determine which military training qualifies for academic credit, as well as the potential financial implications for educational institutions in terms of funding and resource allocation. Additionally, there may be discussions about the sufficiency of existing support systems for veterans within higher education institutions to handle the influx of students benefiting from this new policy.
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.
Prohibits the use of state aid by colleges and universities to fund or provide membership in academic institutions that are boycotting a country or higher education institutions of a country.