SB0736 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 08072 MLM 18158 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
SB0736

Introduced 1/30/2017, by Sen. Michael E. Hastings

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Educational Credit for Military Experience Act. Provides that before June 1, 2018, each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy regarding its awarding of academic credit for military training considered applicable to the requirements of the student's certificate or degree program. Requires the policy to apply to any individual who is enrolled in the institution of higher education and who has completed a military training course that meets certain requirements. Provides that institutions of higher education shall develop procedures for evaluating courses and awarding credit. Requires institutions of higher education to submit their policies for awarding credit to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board for review before June 30, 2018 and before June 30 of every other year thereafter. Requires the Board of Higher Education to collect data in the Illinois Higher Education Information System on students who are veterans or have military service to assess enrollment and completions outcomes.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Educational Credit for Military Experience Act.

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act, "institution of higher education" means the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, a public community college that is included in the definition of "Community Colleges" under Section 1-2 of the Public Community College Act, and any institution that receives funds under Section 35 of the Higher Education Student Assistance Act.

Section 10. Policies and procedures.

(a) Before June 1, 2018, each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy regarding its awarding of academic credit for military training considered applicable to the requirements of the student's certificate or degree program. The policy shall apply to any individual who is enrolled in the institution of higher education and who has successfully completed a military training course or program as part of his or her military service that is:

(1) recommended for credit by a national higher education association that provides credit recommendations for military training courses and programs;

(2) included in the individual's military transcript issued by any branch of the armed services; or

(3) otherwise documented as military training or experience.

(b) Each institution of higher education shall develop a procedure for receiving the necessary documentation to identify and verify the military training course or program that an individual is claiming for academic credit.

(c) Each institution of higher education shall provide a copy of its policy for awarding academic credit for military training to any applicant who listed prior or present military service in his or her application.

(d) Each institution of higher education shall develop and maintain a list of military training courses and programs that have qualified for academic credit.

Section 15. Policies and procedures review. Each institution of higher education shall submit its policy for awarding academic credit for military training to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board, if applicable, before June 30, 2018 and before June 30 of every other year thereafter.

The Board of Higher Education shall collect data in the Illinois Higher Education Information System on students who are veterans or have military service to assess enrollment and completions outcomes.