Bill > S01250

This bill, known as the Military Experience Recognized for Institutional Transfer (MERIT) Act, aims to ensure that veterans receive academic credit for their military learning, training, coursework, and occupational experience when enrolling in colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY) and the State University of New York (SUNY) systems. A "veteran" is defined as someone who has served in the armed forces and meets specific criteria outlined in the veterans' services law. Under this act, veterans who are full-time undergraduate students in good standing at CUNY or SUNY institutions will be granted academic credit, which can be applied to degree requirements beyond just electives. Each institution must establish a clear and standardized process for evaluating this military experience, using nationally recognized standards like those from the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide or the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), to ensure the military learning meets the academic standards of the college courses. This process will include a transparent system for veterans to submit their military records, faculty review procedures, written justifications for any denied credit, annual reports on credit awarded, and training for faculty evaluators to ensure consistent and fair assessments. Importantly, veterans will not be charged any fees, tuition, or other charges for credits awarded under this act, and the SUNY and CUNY boards of trustees are required to implement the necessary procedures to make this happen.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1250