Allows the granting of academic credit at state or city operated institutions to veterans.
Summary
Bill S01200 proposes to amend the education law in New York to grant academic credits to veterans for courses completed during their military training or service. This applies to veterans who are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students in good standing at institutions within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). The bill specifies that these credits will be awarded without limitation and without any fees or charges to the veterans, provided the completed courses meet the standards set by the American Council on Education or its equivalent.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will significantly enhance educational opportunities for veterans in New York by allowing them to receive academic credit for their military training. This change aims to facilitate their transition into civilian life and higher education, potentially leading to increased enrollment and graduation rates among veterans. The legislation will require both SUNY and CUNY to adopt new procedures to implement these provisions, thereby impacting their administrative processes and policies regarding credit transfer and assessment.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S01200 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in both the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Floor Vote for Final Passage. The discussions leading up to the votes suggest strong bipartisan support for the bill, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the contributions of veterans and the need to support their educational pursuits.
Contention
There are no notable points of contention reported in the discussions or voting history related to Bill S01200. The absence of dissenting votes indicates a consensus among lawmakers regarding the importance of providing academic credit to veterans, suggesting that the bill is viewed as a straightforward and necessary measure.
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.