Kean Bill to Support Veterans Seeking Higher Education Clears Committee

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to help veterans further their education while serving their country was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to help veterans further their education while serving their country was approved by the Senate Budget Committee. (Flickr)

“Going to school while serving is a difficult undertaking in itself, let alone trying to manage the traditional college semester timeline around deployment dates and other military obligations,” said Kean (R-21). “New Jersey should do everything in its power to be more accommodating to the brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Offering military members the flexibility to register late for classes and refunds for course tuition that conflicts with deployments is a small way to express our gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much to defend our country.”

Kean’s legislation, S-278, would require New Jersey’s public colleges and universities to refund course tuition and fees to military members called to duty during a school semester.

If a veteran is unable to finish a course due to military obligations, a student who has completed as least eight weeks of attendance may choose to receive a letter grade, a pass/fail grade, a grade of incomplete, or withdraw from the course.

A military member student who has completed less than eight weeks of attendance may choose to receive a grade of incomplete or withdraw from the course.

The legislation would also permit veterans to register late for classes without incurring late fees.

“Expanding enrollment options and support for our veterans is our way of thanking members of our armed forces who have left the safety of their homes to serve our nation,” added Kean. “We appreciate them for heroically answering the call to defend our country.”

Kean, who serves on the Senate Higher Education Committee, has been a dedicated advocate for veterans throughout his time in the legislature. This bill is part of a comprehensive legislation package aimed at making college attendance more accommodating and affordable for military members and their families.