In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “College” means: An institution of higher education; or A private career school. “Military–connected student” means a student who is: A service member; A veteran; or A spouse or dependent of an individual described in item (1) or (2) of this subsection. “Program” means the Purple Star Colleges Program.

There is a Purple Star Colleges Program. The purpose of the Program is to recognize colleges that provide strong services and support for military–connected students. The Commission shall administer the Program.

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. At a minimum, the Commission’s criteria for a Purple Star College shall require a college to: Designate a staff member as a uniformed services liaison, whose duties shall include: Identifying military–connected students who are newly enrolled at the college; Serving as the point of contact between the college and newly enrolled military–connected students; Determining appropriate college services available to newly enrolled military–connected students; Assisting in coordinating college programs for newly enrolled military–connected students; and Generally assisting in a military–connected student’s transition to a new college; Establish on the college’s website an easily accessible webpage that includes links to resources for military–connected students, including links to information regarding: Relocation to, enrollment at, registration at, and transferring records to the college; Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced courses available at the college; and Counseling and other support services available for military–connected students transitioning into the college; Maintain a transition program led by students, if appropriate, that assists military–connected students enrolled at the college; and Offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military–connected students transferring to new colleges. A college may partner with its governing body to fulfill the Commission’s criteria to qualify as a Purple Star College. The Commission, in consultation with the Maryland College Collaboration for Student Veterans Commission, shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.