AN ACT TO DIRECT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM AND THE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A UNIFORM POLICY TO REQUIRE THAT A STUDENT WHO IS A NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE MEMBER PLACED ON ACTIVE DUTY STATUS BE GIVEN AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FOR THE PERIOD OF TIME THE STUDENT IS ON ACTIVE DUTY AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO THE STUDENT FOR COMPLETION OR WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSES THAT WILL NOT PENALIZE THE STUDENT ACADEMICALLY; TO BROADEN THE NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO COVER STUDENTS ENROLLED IN AN APPROVED PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM; TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW FOR IN‑STATE TUITION FOR VETERANS; AND TO PROHIBIT THE CLOSURE OF THE EASTERN CAROLINA STATE VETERANS CEMETERY IN GOLDSBORO. Enacted July 21, 2017. Section 4 is effective July 1, 2017. The remainder is effective July 21, 2017. Sections 1 and 2 apply beginning with the 2017 fall academic semester.