In an effort to ease the transition from active military duty to civilian life, a new California state law will give war veterans priority registration for college.

New legislation signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger early last month requires all California State University campuses and community colleges to adopt the priority registration. The legislation becomes effective January 2008.

According to a statement put out by SF State, veterans will be allowed to register for classes on the second day of registration starting in the Summer 2008 semester. Currently, 119 veteran students, using federal Veterans Administration educational benefits attend SF State.

Jose Pardeneilla, 22, SF State student and active member of the Marine Corps, said registering for classes after returning from military service in Iraq was a challenge.

“I went through so much to get back to school,” he said. “It was a whole hassle just registering, period.”

Due to the unpredictable schedule that comes with being a member of the military, Pardeneilla said he didn’t know how effective priority registration might be if he was called to duty during the time period.

“Things can happen overnight,” he said. “You’re pretty much on standby.”

In order to take advantage of the priority registration, veterans must be either currently active members of the military or have left active duty within the last two years.

“I know several students [in the military] that are having real problems with getting into classes and making it to graduation in a timely manner,” said Ernie Scosseria, associate director of undergraduate admissions at SF State.

According to Scosseria, some California colleges implemented the priority registration for veterans before the legislation was passed.

Other students who have priority registration include disabled students and athletes, but Scosseria said he doesn’t know what the “pecking order” would be if there is one at all.

Jo Volkert, associate vice president of enrollment planning and management echoed Scosseria’s sentiments.

“I think it’s a good plan to get these students the classes they need,” she said. “It’s also the law, when the law changes, we respond.”

On the other hand, Pardeneilla said, the earlier registration would prove helpful for students who are called in for service after the usual registration dates.

“[Students in the military] might not be around for the regular registration, so having an earlier registration would be great,” he said.