Pennsylvania Act 2014-46 — HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE SCHEDULING PREFERENCE FOR VETERAN STUDENTS ACT - ENACTMENT

Act text

An Act

Providing for veteran students to receive a course scheduling preference at public institutions of higher education.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Higher Education Course Scheduling Preference for Veteran Students Act.

Section 2. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Public institution of higher education." One of the following:

(1) A community college under Article XIX-A of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949.

(2) A State-related institution, to include The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University and their branch campuses.

(3) A member institution of the State System of Higher Education under Article XX-A of the Public School Code of 1949.

"Veteran." An individual who:

(1) has served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component and National Guard; and

(2) was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.

"Veteran student." An individual who:

(1) is a veteran;

(2) has been admitted to a public institution of higher education; and

(3) resides in this Commonwealth while enrolled in the public institution of higher education.

Section 3. Course scheduling preference.

(a) General rule.--Within 180 days of the effective date of this section, a public institution of higher education shall provide veteran students with preference in course scheduling pursuant to guidelines developed by the Department of Education under subsection (b).

(b) Guidelines.--Within 90 days of the effective date of this section, the Department of Education, in consultation with public institutions of higher education, shall develop guidelines under which public institutions of higher education shall provide preference in course scheduling to veteran students.

(c) Existing policies.--If, within 180 days of the effective date of this section, a public institution of higher education has established and implemented a policy under which veteran students are provided with preference in course scheduling, the public institution of higher education shall be considered to be in compliance with subsection (a).

Section 4. Effective date.

This act shall take effect immediately.