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The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) last week announced a modified contract for Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) programs and services.
In a letter sent this week to all SOC Consortium schools, the DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense outlines the upcoming changes to the Defense-wide contract.
Effective October 1, 2014, the DoD plans to:
- Dissolve the SOC Consortium and phase it out by January 2015. The enhanced DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides a mechanism for current SOC Consortium institutions to continue serving as valued education partners with DoD.
- Consolidate the Degree Network System (DNS) by removing service distinctions (SOCAD, SOCNAV, SOCMAR, and SOCCOAST). Servicemembers will have full access to all associate and bachelor's DNS programs irrespective of the member's branch of service.
- Establish and expand membership in SOC DNS based on criteria reflective of the needs of the servicemembers, geographic location, and the type and quality of educational program offerings.
- Develop and maintain a resource guide of vocational-technical degrees and certificate programs that will assist servicemembers in gaining credentials for the civilian job market.
- Engage SOC to assist the DoD and the services in documenting, investigating, and resolving concerns and complaints submitted regarding compliance with the Voluntary Education Partnership MOU or the Postsecondary Education Complaint System.
AACRAO will provide additional updates regarding the changes and their potential impact on institutions.
Related Links
U.S. Department of Defense Letter to SOC Colleagues
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