FN24 Providing Educational Services to Military Service Members

Contents:

PURPOSE:

The University has entered into an Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the Department of Defense (DOD), whereby the University provides educational services to military service members participating in off-duty, postsecondary education programs. The University provides a variety of services, including the acceptance of tuition assistance funding from the service member's respective branch of Service, in helping these individuals reach their educational goals. As articulated in the agreement, it is of utmost importance that military service members can make the appropriate choices about educational pursuits without interference. University employees are committed to providing assistance in an objective, fair, clear, and understandable manner, and are bound by professional standards and applicable University policies that prohibit conflicts of interest.

This policy provides guidance to University employees providing assistance, while at the same time assuring the Department of Defense that those individuals choosing University postsecondary education programs will be treated in accordance with the parameters of the MOU.

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all University employees providing assistance to military service members.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

To eliminate aggressive marketing aimed at military service members:

1. Gifts or other such inducements provided for the purpose of securing enrollments of military service members or obtaining access to tuition assistance funds will NOT be acceptable. This includes any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimus amount.
2. Other than normal salaries paid to employees, or normal fees paid to contractors made in conformity with all applicable laws, payments to any individual or entity will NOT be acceptable for the purpose of securing enrollments of military service members or obtaining access to tuition assistance funds.
3. University departments will refrain from high-pressure recruitment tactics. Such tactics include making multiple unsolicited phone calls to military service members for the purpose of securing their enrollment.
4. The University will refrain from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities. Excess Federal financial aid and/or tuition assistance funds cannot be offered to entice a military serviceman to enroll at Penn State.

POINT OF CONTACT:

Penn State Outreach (http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/military) shall serve as a point of contact for military service members seeking information about available, appropriate academic counseling, financial aid counseling, and student support services at the University.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For questions, additional detail, or to request changes to this policy, please contact the Office of Budget and Finance.

CROSS REFERENCES:

Penn State for Military Students

Scholarships and Aid for Military and Veteran Students

Most Recent Changes:

• February 1, 2023 - Editorial changes.  Changed all references to the Associate Vice President for Finance to the Associate Vice President for Budget and Finance, per the directive of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business.

Most recent changes:

• January 5, 2023 - Editorial changes.  Changed all references to the Office of the Corporate Controller to the Office of Budget and Finance, per the directive of the Associate Vice President for Finance
• November 8, 2018 - Subject Matter Expert added.
• September 27, 2013 - Editorial changes. Addition of policy steward information, in the event that there are questions or requests for changes to the policy.
• February 20, 2013 - New policy.