THIS INTERIM POLICY EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31, 2021.
Original Issuance Date: August 13, 2020
Revision Date: October 12, 2020
Expiration Date: December 31, 2021
1. Interim Policy Purpose
This interim policy action amends how UW institutions administer the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act). Under this law, nonresident U.S. veterans and other eligible nonresident benefit recipients are charged the same tuition as Wisconsin residents pursuing the same course or program. Due to circumstances presented by Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), veterans (and other eligible students) may choose to reside outside the state during the pandemic but still seek to enroll in UW programs. Until circumstances allow for a safe return to the state of Wisconsin, this interim policy action temporarily amends the domicile requirement in SYS 805, Tuition and Fee Policies for Credit Instruction, section 6.B.2 for eligible students attending UW institutions.
2. Related System Administrative Policies/Regent Policy Documents
This policy temporarily amends SYS 805, Tuition and Fee Policies for Credit Instruction, section 6.B.2., Nonresident Veterans and Family Members.
3. Applicable Institution(s)
This interim policy action applies to all UW institutions.
4. Scope
This interim policy action applies to veterans and active duty service members using VA education benefits and living in the state who enroll within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more. It also covers spouses and children living in the state who are using VA benefits transferred from a veteran or active duty service members and who enroll within three years of the veteran’s discharge from a period of active duty of 90 days or more.
5. Definitions
Student: Anyone who has ever been admitted to or enrolled at a UW System institution, whether or not the person ever attended or is currently enrolled.
Tuition: Includes both academic student fees and nonresident tuition. In the State of Wisconsin Statutes, the term “academic student fees” generally applies to resident instructional fees paid by all students, and the term ”tuition” applies to the additional amount paid by nonresidents.
6. Interim Policy Statement
To accommodate circumstances presented by Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) while maintaining the intent of the federal Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act) and related expansions, UW System Administration authorizes extension of Choice Act coverage to eligible students who enroll but do not return to Wisconsin before December 31, 2021. Covered students generally are nonresidents using federal VA benefits under 38 U.S. Code Title 38 Chapters 30, 31 and 33 who meet discharge and continuous enrollment requirements. The Choice Act coverage entitles eligible students to a waiver of nonresident tuition.
7. Supplemental Documents
No supplemental documents listed.