Requires institutions of higher education to provide greater assistance to certain students with military obligations.
The bill establishes a framework whereby institutions are required to assist students called to military service, ensuring they are notified of their educational rights and benefits. Institutions must display these rights on their websites and must provide accommodations for class absences due to military obligations. This includes making lecture notes available, offering tutoring, and allowing extended time to complete coursework, specifically granting at least five days for each missed class.
Assembly Bill A388 aims to enhance the support provided to students with military obligations who are enrolled in New Jersey public and independent institutions of higher education. The bill amends existing laws to ensure that these students can complete their coursework without suffering adverse effects on their academic status. It specifically covers situations where students are called to active duty, which includes both full-time service and monthly drills.
One area of potential contention could arise regarding the enforcement of the bill's requirements. The bill designates the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs as the enforcing body for the higher education rights outlined, with the power to field complaints regarding violations. This provision could lead to discussions around the adequacy of enforcement mechanisms and institutional compliance, raising questions about the balance of authority between educational institutions and state enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that students are eligible for tuition refunds if they withdraw from courses due to military service. It allows institutions to award academic credits based on military experience and training, aligning this provision with recognized standards set by the American Council on Education. The bill emphasizes the necessity for institutions to adapt to the unique needs of military students, but also preserves the autonomy of individual institutions regarding admissions and application processes.