Bill > A3789

This bill requires New Jersey public and independent institutions of higher education to provide greater assistance to students serving in the National Guard or Reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States, ensuring they can meet their military obligations without academic penalty. Specifically, it expands the options for students called to active duty, including monthly drills and annual training, allowing them to choose a letter grade, pass/fail, incomplete, or withdrawal from a course, with provisions for refunds and the ability to later earn a letter grade for a pass/fail. The bill also mandates that institutions inform these students of their rights and benefits, provide accommodations for missed classes such as lecture notes and tutoring, and allow at least five days to complete coursework after a missed class. Furthermore, it requires students to notify their professors of their military obligations, leading to a signed contract detailing academic responsibilities, and allows for remote completion of coursework. Importantly, institutions must accept credit recommendations from the American Council on Education for military experience, up to a maximum of 30 credits towards a degree. The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will enforce these provisions and handle any complaints.