Chapter 39

39.47 History History: 1973 c. 90; 1977 c. 29; 1979 c. 221; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 27; 1989 a. 184; 1995 a. 27, 404; 1997 a. 27, 200; 1999 a. 9; 2007 a. 20; 2023 a. 104.

39.48 39.48 Armed forces. If a student who is a member of a national guard or a member of a reserve unit of the U.S. armed forces withdraws from a private nonprofit college or university located in this state, or from a school approved by the department of safety and professional services under s. 440.52 or the educational approval board under s. 38.50, 2015 stats., or authorized by the distance learning authorization board under s. 39.86, after September 11, 2001, because he or she is called into state active duty or into active service with the U.S. armed forces, the college, university, or school shall do all of the following:

39.48(1) (1) Reenroll the student beginning in the semester in which he or she is discharged, demobilized, or deactivated from active duty or the next succeeding semester, whichever the student prefers.

39.48(1m) (1m) Give the student the same priority in registering for courses that the student would have had if he or she had registered for courses at the beginning of the registration period.

39.48(2m) (2m) At the student’s request, do one of the following for all courses from which the student had to withdraw:

39.48(2m)(a) (a) Reimburse the student all tuition and fees paid for all the courses and a prorated portion of room and board payments.

39.48(2m)(b) (b) Grant the student an incomplete in all of the courses from which the student had to withdraw and permit the student to complete the courses, within 6 months after leaving state service or active service, without paying additional tuition or fees.

39.48(3) (3) Ensure that the student is provided a reasonable opportunity to complete final projects and final examinations for all courses in which the scheduled end date of the course is not more than 30 days after the date of the order calling the student into active duty or service unless such an accommodation cannot be reasonably made.

39.48 History History: 2001 a. 22; 2003 a. 69; 2005 a. 324, 470; 2019 a. 75.

39.49 39.49 Private institution grants for veterans and dependents.

39.49(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

39.49(1)(a) (a) “Deceased or disabled veteran” means an eligible veteran, as defined in s. 36.27 (3n) (a) 1m., except that, for purposes of this section, the word institution in s. 36.27 (3n) (a) 1m. b. means private institution. In determining a person’s residence at the time of entry into service for purposes of this paragraph, the state from which the person entered service is irrelevant.

39.49(1)(b) (b) “Dependent” means any of the following of a deceased or disabled veteran:

39.49(1)(b)1. 1. A spouse.

39.49(1)(b)2. 2. An unremarried surviving spouse.

39.49(1)(b)3. 3. A child, if the child is at least 17 but not yet 26 years of age.

39.49(1)(c) (c) “Eligible student” means a student who is a veteran or dependent.

39.49(1)(d) (d) “Entry into service” means entry into the U.S. armed forces, in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces, in the national guard, or in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces.

39.49(1)(e) (e) “Private institution” means a private nonprofit institution that is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

39.49(1)(f) (f) The definition of “veteran” given in s. 36.27 (3p) (a) 1r. applies in this section as it applies in s. 36.27 (3p), except that, for purposes of this section, the word institution in s. 36.27 (3p) (a) 1r. (intro.) means private institution. In determining a person’s residence at the time of entry into service for purposes of this paragraph, the state from which the person entered service is irrelevant.

39.49(2) (2) Tuition grants.

39.49(2)(a) (a)

39.49(2)(a)1. 1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3., the board shall make grants from the appropriation under s. 20.235 (1) (a) for the period specified in par. (b) in the amount determined under par. (c) for an eligible student for each semester or session he or she is enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program of a private institution and maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. The board shall make the grants to the private institution in which the eligible student is enrolled to offset the tuition charged by the private institution.

39.49(2)(a)2. 2. If a deceased veteran was not a resident of this state at the time of entry into service, the board may not make a grant under subd. 1. for an eligible student who is a dependent of the deceased veteran unless the dependent has resided in this state for at least 5 consecutive years immediately preceding his or her enrollment in a private institution.

39.49(2)(a)3. 3. Before the board makes a grant under subd. 1. for an eligible student for a semester or session, the board shall require the eligible student to apply to the payment of tuition for that semester or session all educational assistance to which the eligible student is entitled under 38 USC 3313, if the eligible student is a veteran, or under 38 USC 3319, if the eligible student is a dependent.

39.49(2)(b) (b) The board shall make grants under par. (a) 1. for an eligible student for no more than 128 credits or 8 semesters or sessions, whichever is longer, less the number of credits, semesters, or sessions for which the eligible student received remissions under s. 36.27 (3n) or (3p) or 38.24 (7) or (8).

39.49(2)(c) (c) The amount of a grant under par. (a) 1. for an eligible student for a semester or session shall equal the lesser of the following:

39.49(2)(c)1. 1. Two thousand dollars.

39.49(2)(c)2. 2. Fifty percent of the amount of tuition charged by the private institution in which the eligible student is enrolled less one of the following amounts:

39.49(2)(c)2.a. a. If the eligible student is a veteran, the amount of tuition paid under 10 USC 2107 (c), 38 USC 3104 (a) (7) (A), and 38 USC 3313.

39.49(2)(c)2.b. b. If the eligible student is a dependent, the amount of tuition paid under 38 USC 3319.

39.49(3) (3) Matching amounts required. For each grant made by the board under sub. (2) (a) 1. for an eligible student, the private institution in which the eligible student is enrolled shall match the amount of the grant from institutional funds, gifts, or grants of an equal amount to offset the tuition charged to the eligible student.

39.49 History History: 2019 a. 149; 2021 a. 240 s. 30.

39.50 39.50 Remission of fees for veterans and dependents.

39.50(1) (1) University of Wisconsin System. At the end of each semester, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System shall certify to the board the number of students enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System to whom any fees or nonresident tuition has been remitted under s. 36.27 (3n) or (3p), the number of credits for which those fees or that nonresident tuition has been remitted, and the amount of fees and nonresident tuition remitted. Subject to sub. (3m), if the board approves the information certified under this subsection, the board, from the appropriation account under s. 20.235 (1) (fz), shall reimburse the board of regents for the full amount of fees and nonresident tuition remitted. The board of regents shall credit any amounts received under this subsection to the appropriation under s. 20.285 (1) (k) and shall expend those amounts received for degree credit instruction.

39.50(2) (2) Technical colleges. At the end of each semester, each technical college district board shall certify to the board the number of students enrolled in the technical college governed by the district board to whom any fees have been remitted under s. 38.24 (7) or (8), the number of credits for which those fees have been remitted, and the amount of those fees remitted. Subject to sub. (3m), if the board approves the information certified under this subsection, the board, from the appropriation account under s. 20.235 (1) (fz), shall reimburse the district board for the full amount of fees remitted.

39.50(3m) (3m) Remission of fees; prorated reimbursement. In June of each fiscal year, the board shall determine the total amount of fees and nonresident tuition remitted by the board of regents that are eligible for reimbursement under sub. (1) and fees remitted by the district boards that are eligible for reimbursement under sub. (2). If the moneys appropriated under s. 20.235 (1) (fz) are not sufficient to reimburse the board of regents for the full amount of those fees and that nonresident tuition and each district board for the full amount of those fees, the board shall prorate the reimbursement paid under subs. (1) and (2) in the proportion that the moneys available bears to the total amount eligible for reimbursement under subs. (1) and (2).

39.50(4) (4) Reimbursement of veterans and dependents; prorated reimbursement. In each fiscal year, the higher educational aids board shall determine the total amount of reimbursement due to students under ss. 36.27 (3n) (bm) 1. and (3p) (bm) 1. and 38.24 (7) (bm) 1. and (8) (bm) 1. If the moneys appropriated under s. 20.235 (1) (fz) are not sufficient to provide full reimbursement to those students, the higher educational aids board shall prorate the reimbursement paid to those students under ss. 36.27 (3n) (bm) 1. and (3p) (bm) 1. and 38.24 (7) (bm) 1. and (8) (bm) 1. in the proportion that the moneys available bears to the total amount eligible for reimbursement under ss. 36.27 (3n) (bm) 1. and (3p) (bm) 1. and 38.24 (7) (bm) 1. and (8) (bm) 1. If the higher educational aids board prorates reimbursement under this subsection, the Board of Regents shall reimburse a student who is eligible for reimbursement under s. 36.27 (3n) (bm) 1. or (3p) (bm) 1., and the appropriate technical college district board shall reimburse a student who is eligible for reimbursement under s. 38.24 (7) (bm) 1. or (8) (bm) 1., in an amount that is equal to the difference between the amount of reimbursement for which the student is eligible and the amount of reimbursement paid by the higher educational aids board.

39.50 History History: 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 28.

39.51 39.51 Dual enrollment credential grants.

39.51(1) (1) In this section:

39.51(1)(a) (a) “Dual enrollment programs” means programs or courses of study designed to provide high school students with the opportunity to gain credits in both high school and an institution of higher education, including transcripted credit programs or other educational services provided by contract between a school district and an institution of higher education.

39.51(1)(b) (b) “Institution of higher education” has the meaning given in s. 118.19 (1c) (a).

39.51(1)(c) (c) “Membership” has the meaning given in s. 121.004 (5).

39.51(1)(d) (d) “School year” has the meaning given in s. 115.001 (13).

39.51(2) (2) Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, from the appropriation under s. 20.235 (1) (c), the board shall award grants to school districts, charter schools authorized under s. 118.40 (2r), and private schools participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 to support dual enrollment programs taught in high schools. These grants shall be awarded for the purpose of assisting high school teachers in covering tuition expenses for courses taken to meet the minimal qualifications necessary to teach dual enrollment courses.

39.51(3) (3) In each school year, the board shall award at least one grant under sub. (2) to each of the following:

39.51(3)(a) (a) A school district the membership of which in the previous school year was fewer than 650 pupils.

39.51(3)(b) (b) A school district the membership of which in the previous school year was 650 to 1,600 pupils.

39.51(3)(c) (c) A school district the membership of which in the previous school year was more than 1,600 pupils.

39.51(3)(d) (d) A charter school established under s. 118.40 (2r).

39.51(3)(e) (e) A private school participating in the program under s. 118.60 or 119.23.

39.51(4) (4) Following the school year in which a school district, charter school authorized under s. 118.40 (2r), or private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 receives a grant under sub. (2), the school district, charter school, or private school shall submit to the board a report that includes all of the following information:

39.51(4)(a) (a) The number of high school teachers who received financial assistance funded by the grant.

39.51(4)(b) (b) The total number of postsecondary credits completed by high school teachers that were funded by the grant.

39.51(4)(c) (c) The number of high school teachers described under par. (a) who are minimally qualified to teach dual enrollment courses.

39.51 History History: 2017 a. 206; 2021 a. 217.

39.53 39.53 Information for students relating to higher education costs.

39.53(1) (1) Definition. In this section, “institution of higher education” means an institution or college campus within the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college under ch. 38, or any private postsecondary institution located in this state that provides an educational program for which it awards an associate degree or higher.

39.53(2) (2) Student letter.

39.53(2)(a) (a) An institution of higher education shall annually provide a letter to all students to inform them of the cost of their education. Subject to par. (c), the letter shall include all of the following:

39.53(2)(a)1. 1. For each student loan obtained by the student for which the student loan funds are distributed by the institution as part of the student’s financial aid package, all of the following information with respect to that loan:

39.53(2)(a)1.a. a. The total amount of debt accrued under the loan to date.

39.53(2)(a)1.b. b. The interest rate applicable to the loan.

39.53(2)(a)1.c. c. Standard repayment terms for the type of loan.

39.53(2)(a)1.d. d. The estimated monthly payment due under the loan when the repayment period commences.

39.53(2)(a)1.e. e. The total projected amount of interest to be paid over the term of the loan.

39.53(2)(a)1.f. f. The total projected amount, including both principal and interest, to be paid over the term of the loan.

39.53(2)(a)2. 2. The estimated total cost of attendance at the institution of higher education for the academic year, including actual or estimated costs of tuition, fees, and room and board.

39.53(2)(a)3. 3. The cumulative amount of each of the following, stated separately, that the student receives through the institution as part of the student’s financial aid package:

39.53(2)(a)3.a. a. State grants.

39.53(2)(a)3.b. b. Federal grants.

39.53(2)(a)3.c. c. Institutional grants.

39.53(2)(a)4. 4. Identification of resources for students to learn more about student loans and identification of other financial literacy sources.

39.53(2)(b) (b) The letter under par. (a) shall be provided to each student at the beginning of the academic year. Whenever possible, the letter shall be transmitted to the student electronically, but the institution of higher education shall provide a printed copy of the letter delivered by hand, mail, facsimile transmission, commercial delivery, or other suitable means if the student does not have the ability to receive the letter electronically.

39.53(2)(c) (c) The letter under par. (a) is required to include the information specified in par. (a) 1. for a student loan obtained from a private lender only to the extent that the institution of higher education has received this information from the private lender or loan servicer.

39.53(3) (3) Financial literacy. Each institution of higher education shall provide to newly entering students information on financial literacy within the student’s first semester of enrollment.

39.53 History History: 2015 a. 284.

39.54 39.54 Information on student identification cards.

39.54(1) (1) Definition. In this section, “institution of higher education” means an institution or college campus within the University of Wisconsin System or a technical college under ch. 38.

39.54(2) (2) Suicide prevention information on identification cards.

39.54(2)(a) (a) If an institution of higher education issues identification cards to students, the institution of higher education shall include on each identification card issued to a student the telephone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or one of its affiliate crisis centers or, if the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ceases operations, another national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The institution of higher education may also include on the identification card any of the following information:

39.54(2)(a)1. 1. A statement that the text-based emotional support service of the Crisis Text Line may be accessed by texting HOPELINE to 741741 or, if applicable, by specifying any successor method.

39.54(2)(a)2. 2. Instructions for contacting a text-based state or national organization, other than the organization described under subd. 1., that provides free support to individuals in crisis 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

39.54(2)(a)3. 3. The telephone number for a local suicide prevention hotline.

39.54(2)(b) (b) An institution of higher education may include the information described under par. (a) on student identification cards by printing the information on, or by affixing a sticker that contains the information to, the identification cards.

39.54 History History: 2019 a. 116.

subch. IV of ch. 39 SUBCHAPTER IV

EDUCATION COMPACTS