I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4052 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 16, 2012 Mr. Stutzman introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an honorary Excellence in Veterans Education Award.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Recognizing Excellence in Veterans Education Act of 2012.

2.

Excellence in Veterans Education Award

(a)

In general

Chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

3698.

Excellence in Veterans Education Award

(a)

Excellence in Veterans Education Award

(1)The Secretary shall establish an honorary award, to be known as the Excellence in Veterans Education Award, to recognize institutions of higher learning (as defined in section 3452(f) of this title) that provide superior services to veterans. (2)An Excellence in Veterans Education Award awarded under paragraph (1) to an institution of higher learning shall be valid for a period of three years, except that the Secretary may withdraw such award at any time under criteria the Secretary considers appropriate. (b)

Display of honorary award

During each period in which an institution of higher learning is awarded an Excellence in Veterans Education Award under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall indicate that such institution has received such award on the list of institutions approved for veteran education benefits that is maintained on the Internet website of the Department. (c)

Criteria

The Secretary may only award the Excellence in Veterans Education Award under subsection (a)(1) to an institution of higher learning that meets the following criteria: (1)The head of the institution— (A)has a student veteran advisory board or a student veteran advisor; and (B)seeks advice from such board or advisor. (2)The institution— (A)participates in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program under section 3317 of this title; and (B)while so participating— (i)contributes the maximum amount under section 3317(d)(1); and (ii)ensures that amounts contributed under such section are made available to all veterans enrolled at the institution who qualify for the program. (3)The institution has a veterans support program that provides services that— (A)the Secretary considers appropriate; and (B)may be carried out through the institution or an appropriate entity that enters into an agreement with the institution. (4)The institution is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity College. (5)The average graduation rate for all of the enrolled students of the institution is equal to or greater than the average national graduation rate for all students enrolled in the same type of institution, as determined by the Secretary of Education. (6)Any other criteria that the Secretary considers appropriate.

. (b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 3697A the following new item: 3698. Excellence in Veterans Education Award. .