Following approval in March from Faculty Senate, Penn State will begin offering veterans and those who have have received honorable discharges priority class registration for the Spring 2014 semester.

“We certainly have a deep interest in assisting veterans in accomplishing their educational goals,” said President Rodney Erickson. “Our veteran students are tied to a set timeframe for degree completion, so this action provides them with the opportunity they need to gain an education.”

Veterans will join Schreyer Honors Scholars, students with disabilities, and athletes as students eligible for priority registration status.

Under the G.I. Bill, veterans receiving benefits must complete coursework within eight semesters to receive full financial assistance, and those still serving in the reserves often have more limited schedules making navigating this requirement a challenge at times.

Members of the university’s Faculty Senate hope that by granting veterans early registration, which will begin in early September for the spring semester, these students will meet the requirements of the G.I. Bill with greater ease.

The idea originated at Penn State’s Abington campus where it was implemented this past year.

Coincidentally, a bill recently passed through Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives that would require public colleges and universities within the commonwealth to offer priority registration to veterans. The Office of Governmental Affairs is working with legislators to ensure the new policy’s compliance with the proposed bill, should it become law.

In order to qualify for the priority registration, students must register with the Office of Veterans Programs. The form will be available on their website in the coming weeks, and students should be ready to submit a copy of their DD-214. Those registering at Commonwealth Campuses can do so through veterans certifying officials at their campus.