PHOTO: The Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs has approved legislation introduced by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. which would allow veterans to pursue academic credit at SUNY and CUNY institutions. File Photo
By Forum Staff
The Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs has approved legislation introduced by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. which would allow former servicemen and women to pursue academic credit at State University of New York and City University of New York institutions.
“Our veterans develop new skills and knowledge every day while serving in the military,” said Addabbo, the ranking Democratic member of the Veterans Committee. “My bill will help to make sure they can get academic credit for all they have learned and complete their college degrees more quickly. This will also help to ensure that our veterans are even better equipped to reenter the workforce once their tours of duty are completed.”
In order for veterans to receive credit for their military training or service, enrolled courses will need to meet the standards of the American Council on Education or otherwise adhere to equivalent standards for awarding credit to students for life experience. While the ACE is already engaged in efforts to award credit to veterans for their service and training, Addabbo’s bill would make it clear that SUNY and CUNY could accept military transcripts as a source of transfer credit.
“I am very pleased that my colleagues on the Senate Veterans Committee have joined me in moving this legislation forward,” said Addabbo. “While employment opportunities may be slowly improving for veterans as our economy continues to recover from the deep recession we suffered several years ago, I believe it is very important that we do whatever we can to help our servicemen and women better prepare themselves for the job market when they come home. It’s the least we can do for veterans who often put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and uphold our country’s most cherished principles and values.”
Addabbo’s legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate. The Assembly companion bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, is under review by the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
