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DOD/OS

RIN: 0790-AI50

Publication ID: 2012

Title: Voluntary Education Programs
Abstract: This rule will implement policy, assign responsibilities, and prescribe procedures for the operation of voluntary education programs within DoD. Included are: procedures for Service members participating in education programs; guidelines for establishing, maintaining, and operating voluntary education programs, including but not limited to, instructor-led courses offered on-installation and off-installation, as well as via distance learning; procedures for obtaining on-base voluntary education programs and services; minimum criteria for selecting institutions to deliver higher education programs and services on military installations; the establishment of a DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding between DoD and educational institutions receiving tuition assistance payments; and procedures for other education programs for Service members and their adult family members.
Agency: Department of Defense(DOD)	Priority: Economically Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: Yes	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 32 CFR 68
Legal Authority: 10 USC 2005 10 USC 2007

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: A March 2011 Government Accountability Office report on the DoD TA program recommended the Department take steps to enhance its oversight of schools receiving TA funds. As a result, a DoD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) requirement was included in this rule, which is designated not only to improve Departmental oversight but also to account for our Service members' unique lifestyle requirements. The purpose of the DoD MOU is to establish a partnership between the Department and institutions to improve educational opportunities while protecting the integrity of each institution's core educational values. This partnership serves to ensure a quality, viable program exists that provides for our Service members to realize their educational goals, while allowing for judicious oversight of taxpayer dollars.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Sections 2005 and 2007 of title 10, United States Code.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Voluntary Education Programs include: High School Completion /Diploma; Military Tuition Assistance (TA); Postsecondary Degree Programs; Independent Study and Distance Learning Programs; College Credit Examination Program; Academic Skills Program; and Certification/Licensure Programs. Funding for Voluntary Education Programs during 2009 was $800 million, which included tuition assistance and operational costs. This funding provided more than 650,000 individuals (Service members and their adult family members) with the opportunity to participate in Voluntary Education Programs around the world.

Risks: None.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	08/06/2010	75 FR 47504
NPRM Comment Period End	10/05/2010
Final Action	12/00/2012

Additional Information: DoD Instruction 1322.25
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Kerrie Tucker Department of Defense Office of the Secretary Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301 Phone:703 602-4949