Written after a full review of the recruiting, marketing and student services practices among Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC), the “Military Student Bill of Rights” should serve as a constant reminder that that all members of the Armed Forces deserve and should receive fair and honest treatment as they seek to improve and enhance their lives through education.
As a result of the thorough evaluation, ordered in 2006 by SOC president Kathy Snead, there is a new Consortium agreement that requires all schools in the network to adhere to basic student rights, including the right to all of the following:
1. Accurate information about a school’s programs, requirements, accreditation, and its potential impact on course transferability.
2. Access basic information and fees without disclosure of the student’s personal information.
3. Educational planning and career guidance without high-pressure registration and enrollment efforts from institutions.
4. A clear and complete explanation of course and program procedures as well as all resulting financial obligations.
5. Explore, without being coerced, all financial aid options before signing up for student loans or other monetary assistance.
6. Accurate scholarship information, free of misleading “scholarship” offers based on military Tuition Assistance (TA).
7. Appropriate academic screening and course placement based on the readiness of the student.
8. Appropriate and accessible academic and student support services.
9. Clearly defined “drop/add” and withdrawal policies and procedures, including information about the impact of military duties (i.e. mobilization, activation, temporary duty assignments) on one’s academic standing and financial responsibilities.
10. Grievance/appeals processes that are clearly defined.
The SOC is an association of well over 1700 colleges and universities created to make sure that all members of the military and their families are given sufficient opportunities to pursue their educational goals. The schools in the network have united together in an effort to make it easier for service members and their families to enroll in college programs by simplifying transfer of credits and reducing residency requirements.
All of the member schools have agreed to provide sufficient access to the range of student services appropriate to support programs including admissions, financial assistance, academic advising, deliver of course materials, competency testing, placement, and counseling.
In addition, assurances will be given that students admitted into college programs possess the necessary knowledge and academic preparation to succeed. And if computers, personal digital assistants, or other equipment is needed to successfully complete a course, SOC institutions will offer help to any student who has difficulty using the technology.
These schools have also agreed to provide adequate, clearly stated means that students can use to resolve any grievances they may have, in particular, transparent due-process procedures associated with tuition and financial aid, course withdrawals due to unexpected deployments, lack of consistent computer connectivity, and changes of duty.
SOC is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and coordinated through DANTES. Each year, the association publishes the “SOC Consortium Guide” which provides an array of detailed information, such as each school’s appointed representative, list of programs, and policy for Credit-by-Exam and ACE credits.