# Education (GED)

## Title 11. Maryland Higher Education Commission

### Subtitle 20

#### Section 11-2001

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "College" means:

  (1) An institution of higher education; or

  (2) A private career school.

(c) "Military-connected student" means a student who is:

  (1) A service member;

  (2) A veteran; or

  (3) A spouse or dependent of an individual described in item (1) or (2) of this subsection.

(d) "Program" means the Purple Star Colleges Program.

#### Section 11-2002

(a) There is a Purple Star Colleges Program.

(b) The purpose of the Program is to recognize colleges that provide strong services and support for military-connected students.

(c) The Commission shall administer the Program.

#### Section 11-2003

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall designate a college as a Purple Star College if the college applies and meets the criteria adopted by the Commission for a Purple Star College.

(b) At a minimum, the Commission's criteria for a Purple Star College shall require a college to:

  (1) Designate a staff member as a uniformed services liaison, whose duties shall include:

    (i) Identifying military-connected students who are newly enrolled at the college;

    (ii) Serving as the point of contact between the college and newly enrolled military-connected students;

    (iii) Determining appropriate college services available to newly enrolled military-connected students;

    (iv) Assisting in coordinating college programs for newly enrolled military-connected students; and

    (v) Generally assisting in a military-connected student's transition to a new college;

  (2) Establish on the college's website an easily accessible webpage that includes links to resources for military-connected students, including links to information regarding:

    (i) Relocation to, enrollment at, registration at, and transferring records to the college;

    (ii) Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced courses available at the college; and

    (iii) Counseling and other support services available for military-connected students transitioning into the college;

  (3) Maintain a transition program led by students, if appropriate, that assists military-connected students enrolled at the college; and

  (4) Offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military-connected students transferring to new colleges.

(c) A college may partner with its governing body to fulfill the Commission's criteria to qualify as a Purple Star College.

(d) The Commission, in consultation with the Maryland College Collaboration for Student Veterans Commission, shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)