Early course registration allows students to register for classes prior to the standard open registration date.? At public institutions of higher education, student course registration order is usually based on the number of credits a student has been awarded by the attending institution, sometimes referred to as "class standing."? Priority registration varies depending on each institution's policy, and some institutions do not offer priority registration.

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In 2013 legislation was enacted which required institutions of higher education that offered early course registration to have a process in place to allow early course registration for students who were eligible veterans or National Guard members.? In 2015 the policy was expanded to include spouses receiving eligible veteran education benefits.? The policy expired on August 1, 2022.

Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, public institutions of higher education that offer an early course registration period for any segment of the student population must have a process in place to allow early course registration for students who are eligible veterans, National Guard members, active duty military, and their spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.? Eligible students who are:

• new students who have completed all of their admission processes must be offered an early course registration period; and
• continuing and returning former students who have met current enrollment requirements must be offered early course registration among continuing students with the same level of class standing or credit as determined by the attending institutions and according to institutional policies.

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An eligible veteran or National Guard member is an individual residing in Washington who was an active or reserve member of the United States military or naval forces, or a National Guard member called to active duty, who served in active federal service, or in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil or in international waters or in support of those serving on foreign soil or in international waters, and if discharged from service, has received an honorable discharge or any other discharge if the sole reason for discharge is due to gender or sexuality.