- April 18, 2024
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Military veterans attending Daytona State College may now get college credit for training, experience and coursework undertaken while serving.
During its Aug. 13 meeting, the college’s District Board of Trustees approved a policy that authorizes credit be granted to students with military training, experience or coursework that is recognized by the American Council on Education. Depending on the type of prior learning experience, credits can be applied toward a student’s general education requirements or counted as elective credit.
“This is huge,” said Trustee Brad Giles, attending his first board meeting since being appointed in July by Gov. Rick Scott. “I’m certain our servicemen and women will appreciate having their hard work recognized.”
The policy is the result of House Bill 347 passed last year by the Florida Legislature that outlines the process by which all Florida College System institutions award academic credit to eligible members of the United States Armed Forces.
The policy adopted by the board also allows for veterans receiving GI Bill benefits and their families to receive priority course registration in some instances.
Daytona State has seen an influx of veterans enrolling in college courses in past years. During the 2006-2007 school year, fewer than 500 veterans were enrolled at the college. Last year, that number grew to nearly 900.
The steady growth sparked college officials last year to open a Veterans Center on the Daytona Beach Campus and staff veteran liaisons on the regional campuses to help servicemen and women with everything from filing for GI Bill benefits and other student services to referrals for other assistance both inside and outside the college.
More information for veterans attending Daytona State can be found at www.DaytonaState.edu/veteran.
