This bill amends existing law to extend grade options to dependents of service members enrolled in public institutions of higher education who are unable to complete a course due to an unplanned military obligation. The bill clarifies that both service members and their dependents are entitled to specific grade options based on the percentage of the course completed. If a service member or dependent has completed at least 55 percent of the course, they may choose to receive a letter grade, a pass or fail grade, a temporary grade, or transfer to an equivalent online section of the course, subject to faculty approval. If they have completed less than 55 percent, their options are limited to receiving an incomplete grade or withdrawing from the course, with the added option of transferring to an online section.

Additionally, the bill specifies that a grade of incomplete will remain valid for one year after the service member or dependent returns to the institution. It also allows those who initially accepted a pass or fail grade to later complete the necessary coursework to receive a letter grade. The bill defines "dependent" as the child or spouse of a service member and clarifies that the military obligation preventing course completion must be unplanned. Overall, the bill aims to provide greater flexibility and support for service members and their families in managing their educational commitments during military obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:62-4.2