COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

RSA tit. XV, ch. 188-F

in effect

RSA 188-F:1 Community College System of New Hampshire Established.

188-F:1. Community College System of New Hampshire Established. The community college system of New Hampshire is hereby established and made a body politic and corporate, the main purpose of which shall be to provide a well-coordinated system of public community college education offering, as a primary mission, technical programs to prepare students for technical careers as well as general, professional, and transfer programs, and certificate and short term training programs which serve the needs of the state and the nation. The colleges of the community college system of New Hampshire are authorized to grant and confer in the name of the colleges all such degrees, literary titles, honors, and distinctions as other community colleges may of right do. The community college system of New Hampshire shall include, but is not limited to, colleges in Berlin, Claremont, Concord, Laconia, Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth. The community college system may also include regional academic centers that make quality educational opportunities accessible to New Hampshire residents. Source. 2007, 361:2. 2010, 199:1. 2011, 35:1, eff. July 8, 2011.

RSA 188-F:1-a Transfer Authorized.

188-F:1-a. Transfer Authorized. All functions, powers, duties, books, papers, records, and property of every kind, tangible and intangible, real and personal, possessed, controlled, or used by the former department of regional community-technical colleges as of the effective date of this section are hereby transferred to and vested in the board of trustees of the community college system of New Hampshire established in RSA 188-F:4. Nothing in this section shall transfer real property commonly associated with the McAuliffe-Shepard discovery center or the police standards and training council. Source. 2011, 199:1, eff. Aug. 19, 2011; 224:362, eff. July 1, 2011.

RSA 188-F:2 Governance.

188-F:2. Governance. The community college system of New Hampshire shall be governed by a single board of trustees which shall be its policy-making and operational authority. The board of trustees shall be responsible for ensuring that the colleges operate as a well coordinated system of public community college education. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:3 Legislative Oversight.

188-F:3. Legislative Oversight. I. The general court finds that because of the importance of public community college education, elected officials should be aware of the activities and needs of the community college system, exercising their responsibility for legislative oversight through (1) the consideration by the appropriate legislative committees of proposed legislation pertaining to the community college system; and (2) the consideration of reports filed by the community college system of New Hampshire pursuant to this chapter. II. The general court also recognizes the need to protect the institutions of the community college system of New Hampshire from inappropriate external influence which might threaten the academic freedom of faculty members or otherwise inhibit the pursuit of academic excellence. To this end, the general court has delegated broad authority to the board of trustees who shall be responsible for managing the community college system of New Hampshire in a manner which promotes academic excellence and serves the educational needs of the people of New Hampshire. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:3-a Prohibition on Preferential Treatment and Discrimination.

188-F:3-a. Prohibition on Preferential Treatment and Discrimination. I. (a) Within the state's community college system, there shall be no preferential treatment or discrimination in recruiting, hiring, promotion, or admission based on race, sex, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. (b) Within the state's community college system, there shall be no discrimination based on an applicant's or employee's law enforcement, military, or veteran status. II. Notwithstanding paragraph I: (a) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as prohibiting bona fide qualifications based on sex which are reasonably necessary to the normal operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. (b) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as invalidating any court order or consent decree which is in force as of the effective date of this section. Source. 2011, 227:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2012. 2020, 34:23, eff. Sept. 26, 2020.

RSA 188-F:3-b Identification Cards.

188-F:3-b. Identification Cards. If a college of the community college system issues identification cards to students, all cards issued after January 1, 2014 shall bear a date of issuance. Source. 2013, 278:3, eff. July 24, 2013.

RSA 188-F:4 Board of Trustees; Community College System of New Hampshire.

188-F:4. Board of Trustees; Community College System of New Hampshire. The governance of the community college system of New Hampshire shall be vested in a single board of trustees composed as follows: I. The governor, the chancellor and the vice-chancellor of the community college system, the president of each college within the community college system, and the commissioners of the departments of business and economic affairs, employment security, and education, all of whom shall be nonvoting members. II. The following voting members who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the council: (a) Four members from the fields of business and industry. (b) One member who shall be a high school vocational/technical education director. (c) One member who shall be an alumnus of one of the colleges within the community college system. (d) One member from the field of education. (e) One member from the health care profession. (f) Two members from the building or mechanical trades who represent labor. (g) One member from the community service sector. (h) One member from the law enforcement community. (i) Eight members from the general public. (j) Two members who shall be New Hampshire residents and who are students enrolled in a credit program at one of the colleges within the community college system. The student trustees shall be voted from the colleges within the community college system of New Hampshire locations proceeding in alphabetical order and shall be elected by the student body of the campus responsible for providing the student trustee. The student trustees shall serve a one-year term commencing June 1 of the year for which the student was elected and ending May 31 of the next year. In the event that a student trustee ceases for any reason to attend the school from which the student was elected, the chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire shall declare a vacancy in that student trustee position, and the next school in order shall elect the student trustee who shall serve for the remainder of the predecessor's term and an additional one-year term immediately. (k) One member from the technology sector. (l)(1) One member who shall be an employee of the community college system of New Hampshire. Such trustee position shall rotate among the institutions within the community college system of New Hampshire, proceeding in alphabetical order beginning with the college that is first alphabetically. The institutions within the community college system of New Hampshire, through an election at an all-college/institutional forum, shall nominate a slate of 3 employees, that shall not include members of the community college system leadership team (SLT), whose names shall be forwarded to the governor who shall choose one for the nomination. The employee-trustee shall serve a 2-year term. In the event the employee-trustee is unable for any reason to serve the entire term, the chairman of the board of trustees shall declare a vacancy in that employee-trustee position. Upon expiration or vacancy of such term, the next institution in order shall nominate a slate of 3 employees, not to include a member of the SLT, whose names shall be forwarded to the governor for consideration. (2) For purposes of this paragraph, "community college system leadership team (SLT)" means and is comprised of the chancellor, vice chancellor, president of each community college, and the chancellor's senior staff associated with statewide policy and operational coordination as identified in the handbook for administrative, managerial, professional and operating support staff exempt from the collective bargaining process, as approved by the community college system of New Hampshire board of trustees. III. (a) The terms of office for appointed and elected members, except for the student and employee members, shall be 4 years unless otherwise specified in this section, and shall end on June 30, except for the student and employee members. (b) In cases where the terms of office of the members of the board of trustees do not expire in successive years, the governor, with the advice and consent of the council may, in making any appointment or filling any vacancy to such office, appoint any person for a period less than the full term or up to one year greater than the full term in order to adjust the terms of each member so that terms of office of no more than 5 members per year will expire. IV. At least one voting member shall be from each executive council district. V. Each member, except the student member, shall hold office until a successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only, except as provided in RSA 188-F:4, II(j) and subparagraph III(b). The appointment of successors for the filling of vacancies for unexpired terms shall be by appointment or election in the same manner as the original appointment. VI. All board members shall be New Hampshire residents. VII. Except for the governor and locally elected municipal officials, no person who holds elected public office shall serve on the board. VIII. Board members shall not be eligible to participate in a vote when the board member has recused himself or herself from participation because he or she has a pecuniary or personal interest or other conflict of interest. Source. 2007, 361:2. 2008, 133:1, 3. 2016, 299:1-3. 2017, 156:14, II, eff. July 1, 2017. 2019, 346:387, eff. July 1, 2019.

RSA 188-F:5 Operation of Board of Trustees.

188-F:5. Operation of Board of Trustees. I. The board shall elect its own chairperson and vice-chairperson annually. II. The board shall choose a secretary, who shall keep a record of proceedings, and a treasurer, who shall give a bond satisfactory to the trustees for the faithful discharge of duties as treasurer. The trustees may, in their discretion, require a bond for any other persons employed by or administering the affairs of the community college system. Said trustees shall determine the amount and sufficiency of the surety of said treasurer's bond or any other bonds required under this section. III. Twelve voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but not less than 12 affirmative votes shall be required to elect the chancellor of the community college system. IV. The board shall meet at such times and places as it may determine, but shall hold regular meetings no less than once every 3 months. The chairperson shall call special meetings upon the written request of any 5 board members or upon the chairperson's own motion. V. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred by them in the performance of their duties. Source. 2007, 361:2. 2008, 133:2, eff. June 3, 2008.

RSA 188-F:6 Authority of the Board of Trustees.

188-F:6. Authority of the Board of Trustees. The trustees shall have the management and control of all the property and affairs of the community college system, all of its colleges, divisions, and departments. In addition to this authority, the trustees are authorized to: I. Develop and adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of business and to adopt an official seal and alter it as necessary or convenient. II. Oversee the administration of the community college system of New Hampshire and its colleges, divisions, departments, and regional academic centers, to determine the organizational structure and operational policies and procedures for the community college system, and to render the final decision on the closure of any college or regional academic center. III. (a) Appoint and fix the compensation of a chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire who shall serve as the chief executive officer of the community college system, as the community college system's primary liaison with the general court and other elements of state government, and as chief spokesperson for the community college system. The chancellor shall be qualified by education and experience and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. (b) Approve the nomination by the chancellor, and fix the compensation of a vice-chancellor who shall be qualified by education and experience and who shall serve at the pleasure of the chancellor. (c) Approve the nomination by the chancellor, and fix the compensation of a president of each community college system of New Hampshire college, who shall be the chief academic and administrative officer of his or her institution. The president, who shall report to the chancellor, shall be the chief executive officer of his or her college, and shall have the authority for and be responsible for the general administration and supervision of all operations of that college, and shall have such other duties as the board of trustees may determine. The president shall be qualified by education and experience and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. (d) Appoint and fix the compensation and duties of such other community college system of New Hampshire administrators as are needed to provide a well-coordinated system of public higher education. (e) Employ and prescribe the duties of personnel as may be necessary to carry out the purposes for which the community college system of New Hampshire has been created. IV. Accept legacies and other gifts to or for the benefit of the community college system. V. Accept any moneys accruing to the community college system and its colleges, or moneys appropriated by or received from the United States government or the state of New Hampshire, including federal financial aid, and any grant moneys from state or federal governmental agencies, public or private corporations, foundations or organizations for the benefit and support of the community college system. VI. Prepare and adopt a biennial operating budget for presentation to the governor and the general court. Each college within the community college system of New Hampshire and the chancellor's office shall be considered a separate division and budgetary unit. The community college system of New Hampshire shall submit its budget in accordance with RSA 9:4-e and at the same time as state agencies. All claims to be presented for the issuance of warrants submitted by the colleges and the system office of the community college system of New Hampshire shall be pre-audited by the community college system of New Hampshire, and such certification shall be sufficient evidence for the director of the division of accounting services to fulfill such responsibilities relative to the debt incurred by the community college system of New Hampshire. VII. Prepare and adopt a biennial capital improvements budget for presentation to the governor and the general court. VIII. Receive, expend, allocate, and transfer funds within the community college system of New Hampshire as necessary to fulfill the purposes of the community college system. The trustees shall have no authority over any funds appropriated to the police standards and training council or to the McAuliffe-Shepard discovery center, which shall not be commingled with any funds of the community college system of New Hampshire. IX. Invest any funds not needed for immediate use, including any funds held in reserve, in property and securities in which fiduciaries in the state may legally invest funds. X. Establish and collect tuition, room and board, and fees, and to set policies related to these and other charges, including fees for the reasonable use of community college system of New Hampshire facilities. XI. Enter into any contracts, leases, and any other instruments or arrangements that are necessary, incidental, or convenient to the performance of its duties and responsibilities. XII. Acquire consumable supplies, materials, and services through cash purchases, sole-source purchase orders, bids, or contracts as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. XIII. Acquire by purchase, gift, lease, or rent any property, lands, buildings, structures, facilities, or equipment necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. XIII-a. Enter into a contract for the sale of real property with the prior approval of the long range capital planning and utilization committee and governor and council, provided that the state shall retain the right of first refusal in any proposed sale of real property. This paragraph shall not apply to real property acquired by the community college system of New Hampshire after the effective date of this paragraph. XIV. Grant or otherwise transfer utility easements. XV. Authorize and enter any contracts, leases, and any other instruments or arrangements that are necessary, incidental, or related to the construction, maintenance, renovation, reconstruction, or other necessary improvements of community college system of New Hampshire buildings, structures, and facilities. XVI. Develop and adopt personnel policies and procedures for the community colleges. The board of trustees shall determine the qualifications, duties, and compensation of its employees and shall allocate and transfer personnel within the community college system of New Hampshire as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. XVII. Appoint or identify college or program advisory committees to advise the community colleges with respect to strategic directions, general, professional, career, and training policies and programs and their modification to meet the needs of the state's economy and the changing job market. XVIII. Adopt principles of effective self-governance and to assess board processes, policies, and operations in light of such principles. XIX. Delegate duties and responsibilities as necessary for the efficient operation of the community college system of New Hampshire and to do other acts or things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers and duties set forth in this chapter. XX. By and with the consent of the governor and council, borrow on the credit of the community college system of New Hampshire in anticipation of income for the purpose of forwarding its building program, not exceeding $500,000 in any one fiscal year. All amounts so obtained in any fiscal year shall be repaid from the income of the next succeeding year. XXI. Enter into program and service relationships with state departments, divisions, and other state entities through memoranda of understanding. XXII. Apply for medical and surgical benefits in accordance with RSA 188-F:68. Source. 2007, 361:2. 2009, 13:6. 2010, 199:2, 4, 7. 2011, 35:2; 199:3. 2016, 319:6, eff. July 1, 2016. 2018, 6:6, eff. May 20, 2018.

RSA 188-F:6-a Transfer Pathways.

188-F:6-a. Transfer Pathways. I. It is the intent of the general court that community college students who wish to earn baccalaureate degrees in the state's public higher education system be provided with clear and effective information and directions that specify curricular paths to a degree. II. (a) The trustees of the community college system shall work collaboratively with the trustees of the university system of New Hampshire to create and maintain transfer pathways that optimize the utility and affordability of the community college system for at least the 30 undergraduate majors for which the demand from students in the community college system is the highest, and for which pathways can reasonably be created through partnership between the systems. (b) The pathways shall consist of general education and lower division major requirements at participating community college system institution that are fully transferable as a block upon completion of an associate of science or associate of arts degree to any university system institution offering the chosen degree. (c) Each community college system institution shall clearly identify those programs that meet the requirements of this section. Students interested in pursuing a pathway program should notify the appropriate administrators as early as possible. Upon notification, students shall be provided with appropriate resources designed to assist with successful completion of the chosen degree pathway. Source. 2022, 80:2, eff. July 1, 2024.

RSA 188-F:7 Employment; Benefits; Retirement System Status.

188-F:7. Employment; Benefits; Retirement System Status. I. Any changes to the conditions of employment, compensation, and benefits of community college system of New Hampshire employees covered by collective bargaining agreements shall be negotiated through the collective bargaining process, except that community college system employees covered by collective bargaining agreements hired on or after July 1, 2023 shall have the option of membership in the retirement system pursuant to RSA 100-A or a defined contribution plan as designated by the board of trustees. II. The community college system of New Hampshire shall be considered an employer for the purposes of RSA 100-A:1, IV. Full-time employees of the community college system of New Hampshire who are active retirement system members or who elect membership in the retirement system shall be considered employees for the purposes of RSA 100-A:1, V. III. Service as an employee of the community college system of New Hampshire shall be creditable service for purposes of RSA 100-A, RSA 21-I:29, RSA 21-I:30, RSA 21-I:30-a, RSA 21-I:30-b, and RSA 21-I:30-c. Any community college system of New Hampshire employee who transfers, without a break in service, to a state classified, unclassified, or nonclassified service position shall retain and transfer all leave accruals and seniority and be entitled to all the rights and benefits of a permanent employee in the classified or unclassified service of the state based on the years of creditable state service. At the time of such a transfer, the employee shall immediately begin to accrue annual and sick leave as granted at the time of the transfer by the receiving agency according to the employee's continuous years worked. Any state employee in a classified, unclassified, or nonclassified service position who transfers, without a break in service, to the community college system of New Hampshire shall retain and transfer all leave accruals and seniority and be entitled to all the rights and benefits of a permanent employee in the classified or unclassified service of the state based on the years of creditable state service. At the time of such a transfer, the employee shall immediately begin to accrue annual and sick leave as granted at the time of the transfer by the receiving agency according to the employee's continuous years worked. IV. Membership in the retirement system shall be optional for positions within the community college system of New Hampshire for which participation was optional as of June 30, 2007, and for such other positions within the community college system of New Hampshire as may be designated by the board of trustees. V. The community college system of New Hampshire shall remit to the state on a monthly basis the cost of retiree health care benefits for employees who have retired on or after July 1, 2011. The amount due shall be based on current enrollment for that month and the working rate for the calendar year. Invoices from the department of administrative services shall contain retiree enrollment detail in regards to the amount due. The department shall provide the community college system an anticipated budget each biennium as part of the retiree health budget process. Source. 2007, 361:2. 2010, 199:5. 2015, 276:24, eff. July 1, 2015. 2023, 79:6, eff. July 1, 2023.

RSA 188-F:11 Report.

188-F:11. Report. I. The commissioner of the department of education and the chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire shall annually issue a joint report on the proposed use and distribution of federal vocational funds. Such report shall be completed by October 15 of each year and a copy shall be delivered to the chairpersons of the house and senate education committees, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the governor, the house clerk, the senate clerk, and the state library. II. The chancellor and the chairperson of the board of trustees of the community college system of New Hampshire shall issue a report annually which shall include updates on ongoing upgrades to the information technology systems used by the community college system of New Hampshire and an assessment of the overall operation of the community college system of New Hampshire including financial status, enrollment data, and program administration. Such report shall be completed by October 15 of each year. A copy of this report shall be delivered to the chairmen of the house education committee and senate education committee, the speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, the governor, the senate clerk, the house clerk, and the state library. III. Each year the chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, as well as one representative from the board of trustees and the president of each institution shall appear before the house finance committee and the senate finance committee to review the system's programs, cost analysis, revenue projections, and any other information detailed in the written report. Source. 2007, 361:2. 2009, 148:2, eff. June 30, 2009.

RSA 188-F:12 Tax Exemption.

188-F:12. Tax Exemption. The property of the community college system of New Hampshire is exempt from taxation as provided in RSA 72:23. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:13 Names of the Colleges.

188-F:13. Names of the Colleges. The names of the respective colleges of the community college system of New Hampshire shall be established, and may be changed, upon approval by the board of trustees and approval by the governor and council. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:14 Accreditation.

188-F:14. Accreditation. The community college system of New Hampshire colleges are authorized to seek accreditation and maintain membership in the regional accrediting association to satisfy the requirements necessary to achieve and maintain regional accreditation and to meet the requirements necessary for federal aid. Each individual program of study offered shall meet all of the requirements for professional accreditation or licensing, or both, of the particular specialty as appropriate. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:15 Tuition Waived.

188-F:15. Tuition Waived. I. If a person is domiciled in this state while serving in or with the armed forces of the United States and is, after February 28, 1961, reported or listed as missing, or missing in action, or interned in a neutral country, or beleaguered, besieged, or captured by the enemy during the Southeast Asian conflict, any child of such person, enrolled after March 23, 1972, in a community college system of New Hampshire institution shall, so long as said person is so reported, listed, interned, beleaguered, besieged, or captured, not be required to pay tuition for attendance at such school. Any person entitled to free tuition under this section shall apply to the community college system of New Hampshire institution he or she wishes to attend which may require such proof as deemed necessary in order for a person to qualify for free tuition under this section. I-a. (a) If a person, while serving in or with the armed forces of the United States, has received a discharge other than dishonorable from service, and is totally and permanently disabled from such service-connected disability, and was domiciled in the state of New Hampshire at the time they entered military service or when he or she is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be so disabled, whether on original decision or appeal, and is currently a resident of New Hampshire or was a resident of New Hampshire at the time of their death, any child of such person enrolled in an institution that is part of the community college system of New Hampshire shall not be required to pay tuition for attendance at such institution. For the purpose of this paragraph, "child" shall mean a biological, adopted, or stepchild from marriage who meets the community college system's residency requirements, provided in the case of a stepchild that the parents are still married at the time of application and remain so during the entire time of matriculation under this paragraph. (b) Any person entitled to free tuition under this paragraph shall apply to the board of trustees of the community college system. The board shall, for proof of disability, only require a determination of disability letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating that the disability of the sponsoring parent is 100 percent total, permanent, service connected and that the character of discharge was other than dishonorable, in order for a person to qualify for free tuition under this paragraph. The board may also require such evidence as it deems necessary to establish residence at the time of service entry or the time of disability determination and proof of relation to sponsoring veteran. The child of a veteran shall remain eligible for free tuition under this paragraph through the end of the semester in which he or she attains the age of 27, provided that the child shall be financially liable for the cost of any studies continuing in the semester following his or her 27th birthday. (c) All applicants shall complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and shall cooperate with the institution in filling out such applications for grants and other financial assistance as the institution may request in order to offset the tuition waiver cost to the institution. This shall not include any benefits provided directly to the student by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. sections 3500-3566, et seq. Failure to cooperate shall be considered grounds to deny a tuition waiver under this paragraph, provided that the applicant shall not be required to apply for loans or other funding that will cause the applicant to incur future debt. Non-eligibility for grants or other funding shall not be grounds to deny a tuition waiver under this paragraph. II. The board of trustees shall have the authority to allow full-time employees who have one year of previous service at the community college system, free tuition, and to the dependents of such employees a 50 percent discount of tuition, at the community college system of New Hampshire colleges. III. The board of trustees shall have the authority to allow a tuition discount for less than full-time employees. The board of trustees may establish criteria with respect to length of service, hours worked, percent of discount, and eligible courses. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007. 2018, 135:1, eff. July 29, 2018. 2020, 34:2, eff. July 1, 2021. 2022, 28:2, eff. June 17, 2022.

RSA 188-F:16 Tuition Waived for Children of Certain Firefighters and Police Officers.

188-F:16. Tuition Waived for Children of Certain Firefighters and Police Officers. I. A person who is a New Hampshire resident, who is under 25 years of age, and who enrolls in a community college system of New Hampshire institution shall not be required to pay tuition for attendance at such school if he or she is the child of a firefighter or police officer who died while in performance of his or her duties and whose death was found to be compensable under RSA 281-A. II. Any person entitled to free tuition under this section shall apply to the community college system of New Hampshire institution he or she wishes to attend, which may require such proof as deemed necessary in order for a person to qualify for free tuition under this section. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:16-a Waiver of Residency Requirement for In-State Tuition For Veterans.

188-F:16-a. Waiver of Residency Requirement for In-State Tuition For Veterans. A veteran of the armed forces who establishes a residence in New Hampshire shall immediately after establishing such residence be eligible for in-state tuition rates when attending any institution in the community college system of New Hampshire. Source. 2014, 121:2, eff. June 16, 2014.

RSA 188-F:16-b Academic Credit and Course Registration for Veterans and Active Duty Services Members.

188-F:16-b. Academic Credit and Course Registration for Veterans and Active Duty Services Members. I. A veteran who enrolls as a student at an institution within the community college system shall be granted academic credit for the completion of courses that were part of such veteran's military training or service if the such courses meet the standards of the American Council on Education, or its equivalent, for the awarding of academic credits and are applicable to the veteran's program of study. No fee, tuition, or other charge shall be assessed against a veteran who qualifies for such credit pursuant to this section. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to alter established curriculum, program, or degree requirements. For the purposes of this section, "veteran" means veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. section 101(2). II. (a) Institutions within the community college system that offer an early course registration period shall also offer early course registration to students who are veterans or national guard members. (b) A student who is called to active duty in the armed forces of the United States, after having completed 85 percent of the term's work, shall be given a reasonable opportunity to attain full credit for each course in which he or she has attained a grade of C or better prior to being called to active duty. A reasonable opportunity may include the opportunity to accelerate completion of course work prior to reporting for active duty or complete coursework within a reasonable time after return from active duty. (c) Students called to active duty in the armed forces of the United States shall have their tuition refunded or credited, whichever is deemed appropriate by the institution based on how the term was paid for, without credits awarded. (d) A veteran shall be permitted to file an admission application up to the end of the regular course registration period, and shall be permitted to begin classes pending completion of their application and provision of supporting documents. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to alter established admissions, course prerequisites, curriculum, programs or degree requirements. (e) Within 12 months of return from active duty, a veteran may register for courses after normal registration period ends without late fees or other penalties. This subparagraph shall not be construed to require extension of registration period beyond the normal add/drop deadline. III. The board of trustees shall establish policies necessary to implement this section. Source. 2020, 34:11, eff. Sept. 26, 2020.

RSA 188-F:16-c In-State Tuition for Military-Connected Students.

188-F:16-c. In-State Tuition for Military-Connected Students. A spouse or child of an active member of the armed forces who is assigned to duty elsewhere immediately following assignment to duty in New Hampshire shall be deemed an in-state resident for purposes of determining tuition and fees at an institution within the community college system as long as the spouse or child resides continuously in New Hampshire while enrolled in such postsecondary institution. Source. 2022, 310:4, eff. Aug. 30, 2022.

RSA 188-F:17 Federal Funds.

188-F:17. Federal Funds. The state board of education, acting as the state board for technical education, shall be the primary recipient of federal funds provided under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984. The state board shall, each year, provide the community college system of New Hampshire with funds available under the Titles I-IV of the act and subsequent amendments to the act. The board of trustees of the community college system of New Hampshire shall jointly plan with the department of education for the expenditure of funds in the New Hampshire state plan for vocational education. The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire and the commissioner of education shall cooperate in the development of applications for such funds. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:19 Liability Limited.

188-F:19. Liability Limited. Any person who, or any firm or corporation which donates the use of its premises, personnel or equipment to the community college system of New Hampshire to assist it in its training courses shall be immune from civil liability in any action brought on the basis of any act or omission resulting in damage or injury arising out of the use by the community college system of New Hampshire of the equipment, facilities, or services to any person if: I. The person, firm or corporation was acting pursuant to a prior written request or acceptance by the chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire; and II. The damage or injury was not caused by willful, wanton or grossly negligent misconduct by the person, firm, or corporation. Source. 2007, 361:2, eff. July 17, 2007.

RSA 188-F:21-a Freedom of Association.

188-F:21-a. Freedom of Association. No institution within the community college system of New Hampshire which accepts state funds shall prohibit, as a condition of admission or continued enrollment, any student from becoming a member of any group or organization, nor shall an institution take disciplinary action against a student based solely on the student's membership in a group or organization. Source. 2012, 69:2, eff. July 14, 2012.

RSA 188-F:68 Medical and Surgical Benefits; Community College System of New Hampshire.

188-F:68. Medical and Surgical Benefits; Community College System of New Hampshire. The community college system of New Hampshire may participate in the state group health insurance plan if the board of trustees applies for such benefits to the commissioner of the department of administrative services in writing. Upon receipt of the application, the commissioner shall conduct a cost analysis pursuant to paragraph VI and shall seek legislation authorizing application of such benefits and provided further that: I. The community college system agrees to accept the terms of the state group health insurance plan that is collectively bargained every 2 years by the department of administrative services. II. The board of trustees, when applying in writing, shall agree that these benefits shall apply to all employees and no other group health insurance plans shall be offered by the community college system while employees are part of the state group health insurance plan. III. The community college system shall pay all associated administrative costs of managing the system employee and dependent participation, including any periodic cost increases, additional department of administrative services staff requirements, reserve adjustments and reserve requirements. IV. The community college system agrees to maintain current employee records including eligibility and enrollment data as required by the department of administrative services. V. The community college system agrees to remain in the state group health insurance plan for a minimum of 5 years from the date of entry. VI. Cost analysis, including costs associated with the division of risk and benefits staff, shall be paid for by the community college system. The community college system shall pay all associated costs of transferring data into the state group health insurance plan and all costs associated with data collection, data manipulation associated with transferring from one plan to another, and costs of system changes, including staff costs. VII. The community college system shall provide to the division of risk and benefits a file of medical and pharmaceutical claims for the previous 2 years which shall not contain any personally identifiable information. Source. 2018, 6:5, eff. May 20, 2018. 2019, 346:23, eff. July 1, 2019.

RSA 188-F:69 Finish Line New Hampshire Program.

188-F:69. Finish Line New Hampshire Program. I. The community college system of New Hampshire may establish and administer the finish line New Hampshire program. The program shall be designed to support eligible students to complete a postsecondary credential. II. The program shall be open to any student attending an institution within the community college system who is over 25 years of age and is enrolled in a field which the community college system has identified as being in high demand based on New Hampshire labor market and employment information. III. The community college system shall establish procedures for the administration of the program, identification of high demand fields of employment, and the criteria by which a student shall qualify, provided that such procedures and criteria shall be consistent with this section. Source. 2019, 346:146, eff. July 1, 2019.

RSA 188-F:70 Program Established.

188-F:70. Program Established. I. There is hereby established in the community college system of New Hampshire the New Hampshire law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention program. To the extent of available funds, New Hampshire law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers, and emergency medical technicians may receive reimbursement, upon successful completion, for the cost of one or more courses per semester, including required fees, in a degree program at an institution in the community college system as approved for that individual upon recommendation of the person's supervisor and the committee. Such courses may be in any field leading to a degree in an area of study approved by the commission. Eligible individuals may receive reimbursement for non-credit or degree courses, upon successful completion, as approved for that individual upon recommendation of the person's supervisor and the committee. II. Upon employment by a New Hampshire fire or law enforcement department, a graduate of the New Hampshire fire or police academy, or the entity that paid for the cost, with the recommendation of the employee's supervisor and the approval of the committee, shall receive full reimbursement for the cost of the academy not covered by other funding sources. Source. 2023, 79:589, eff. July 1, 2023. 2025, 141:407, eff. July 1, 2025.

RSA 188-F:71 Law Enforcement Officers, Professional Firefighters, Public Safety Telecommunicators and Dispatchers, and Emergency Medical Technicians Career Development, Recruitment, and Retention Program Committee Established.

188-F:71. Law Enforcement Officers, Professional Firefighters, Public Safety Telecommunicators and Dispatchers, and Emergency Medical Technicians Career Development, Recruitment, and Retention Program Committee Established. I. There is hereby established the law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention program committee. The members of the committee shall be as follows: (a) The commissioner of the New Hampshire department of safety, or designee. The commissioner, or designee, shall serve as chairperson of the committee. (b) The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, or designee. (c) The director of the New Hampshire police standards and training council, or designee. (d) The director of the New Hampshire Fire Academy, or designee. (e) The president of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, or designee. (f) The president of the New Hampshire Police Association, or designee. (g) The president of the New Hampshire state police union, or designee. (h) The president of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire, or designee. (i) The president of the New Hampshire Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, or designee. (j) The president of the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs, or designee. (k) The president of the New Hampshire Emergency Dispatchers Association, or designee. (l) Three educators from the community college system of New Hampshire, appointed by the chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire. II. The committee shall establish criteria and procedures for approval of requests for course reimbursement, allocation of available funds, and student debt payment. III. The community college system shall determine the number of credits and the course equivalents granted for graduation from the New Hampshire police standards and training council and the New Hampshire fire academy. IV. The committee shall report annually to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house of representatives. The report shall include information regarding participation in the program, completion of courses, student debt relief, fire academy tuition reimbursement, and data and other information relative to recruitment and retention, and shall make recommendations for legislation relative to the program, and resources needed to achieve its goals. Source. 2023, 79:589, eff. July 1, 2023. 2025, 141:408, eff. July 1, 2025.

RSA 188-F:72 Law Enforcement Officers, Professional Firefighters, Public Safety Telecommunicators and Dispatchers, and Emergency Medical Technicians Career Development, Recruitment, and Retention Fund Established.

188-F:72. Law Enforcement Officers, Professional Firefighters, Public Safety Telecommunicators and Dispatchers, and Emergency Medical Technicians Career Development, Recruitment, and Retention Fund Established. There is hereby established in the state treasury a fund to be known as the law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention fund. The fund shall be administered by the community college system of New Hampshire. The fund shall be nonlapsing and continually appropriated to the community college system to support the program established in this subdivision. The community college system shall establish procedures for receiving and disbursing funds, and it shall report to the committee established in RSA 188-F:71 on the operation of the fund. The fund may accept state or federal appropriations or grants, or gifts, grants, or donations from any other source. Source. 2023, 79:589, eff. July 1, 2023. 2025, 141:409, eff. July 1, 2025.

Source: New Hampshire General Court (gc.nh.gov)URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XV-188-F.htmFetched: 10/20/2026