LOUISIANA STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Bulletin
TOPS BULLETIN NUMBER: T2005-2
DATE ISSUED: May 6, 2005
EFFECTIVE DATE: As Indicated
DISTRIBUTION:

College, University and LAICU Chancellors, Financial Aid Offices, Business Offices, Registrars and Auditors; Parish Presidents and Superintendents; High School Principals and Counselors; Proprietary Schools; Louisiana Legislators, Officials and the Congressional Delegation; Higher Education Board; Libraries; Commission Members; Technical College Campus Deans and Student Personnel Services Officers

TOPIC:

LASFAC Rule Changes at April 20, 2005 Meeting

To assure that your Scholarship and Grant Program Rules remain current, please record this document on your TOPS Bulletin index and retain it with your manual.

 

The Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission revised the Scholarship and Grant Program Rules at its April 20th meeting to provide for the following:

Questions or comments may be directed to our Public Information and Communications Representatives at 1-800-259-5626, ext. 1012, or e-mail custserv@osfa.state.la.us. A full compilation of these rules and revisions follows, with inserted language underlined and stricken language lined through:


NOTICE OF INTENT

Student Financial Assistance Commission
Office of Student Financial Assistance

Scholarship/Grant Programs

Core Curriculum, Graduate Students, and Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
(LAC 28:IV.701, 703, 1107)(SG0560NI)

 

The Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission (LASFAC) announces its intention to amend its Scholarship/Grant rules (LSA-R.S. 17:3021-3025, LSA-R.S. 3041.10-3041.15, LSA-R.S. 17:3042.1, and LSA-R.S. 17:3048.1).

The proposed rule has no known impact on family formation, stability, or autonomy, as described in LSA-R.S. 49:972.

 

Title 28
EDUCATION
Part IV. Student Financial Assistance- Higher
Education Scholarship and Grant Programs

...

Chapter 7. Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards
§701. General Provisions

A. – E.11.c. …

12. A student who successfully completes an undergraduate degree without having exhausted his period of award eligibility shall receive an award for the remainder of his eligibility if he enrolls in graduate or professional school at an Eligible College or University no later than the fall semester immediately following the first anniversary of the student’s completion of an undergraduate degree and has met the requirements for continued eligibility set forth in §705.A.6. The remaining eligibility may not be used to pursue a second undergraduate degree.

F. – G.2. …

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 17:3021-3025, R.S. 17:3042.1 and R.S. 17:3048.1.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Student Financial Assistance Commission, Office of Student Financial Assistance, LR 24:635 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1901 (October 1998), LR 25:256 (February 1999), LR 26:67 (January 2000), LR 26:1262 (June 2000), LR 26:1995, 2000 (September 2000). Repromulgated LR 27:1848 (November 2001), amended LR 28:447 (March 2002), LR 28:2331 (November 2002), LR 29:880 (June 2003), LR 30:1161.

 

§703. Establishing Eligibility

A.4.g.ii. …

5. a. graduate from an eligible public or nonpublic Louisiana high school or non-Louisiana high school defined in §1701.A.1, 2, or 3; and
i. (aa) for students graduating in Academic Year (High School) 2006-2007 2001-2002 and prior, at the time of high school graduation, an applicant must have successfully completed 16.5 units of high school course work documented on the student’s official transcript as approved by the Louisiana Department of Education constituting a core curriculum as follows:

Units 

Course

1 English I
1 English II
1 English III
1 English IV
1 Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)
1 Algebra II
1 Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus or comparable Advanced Mathematics
1 Biology
1 Chemistry
1 Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, or Physics for Technology
1 American History
1 World History, Western Civilization or World Geography
1 Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic)
1 Fine Arts Survey; (or substitute two units performance courses in music, dance, or theater; or two units of studio art or visual art; or one elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum)
2 Foreign Language, both units in the same language
½  Computer Science, Computer Literacy or Business Computer Applications (or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective course related to computers that is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE); or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum); BESE has approved the following courses as computer related for purposes of satisfying the ½ unit computer science requirement for all schools (courses approved by BESE for individual schools are not included):
Advanced Technical Drafting (1 credit)
Computer /Technology Applications (1 credit)
Computer Architecture (1 credit)
Computer/Technology Literacy (½ credit)
Computer Science I (1 credit)
Computer Science II (1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking I (1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking II (1 credit)
Desktop Publishing (½ credit)
Digital Graphics & Animation (½ credit)
Introduction to Business Computer Applications (1 credit)
Multimedia Productions (1 credit)
Technology Education Computer Applications (1 credit)
Telecommunications (½ credit)
Web Mastering (½ credit)
Word Processing (1 credit)
Independent Study in Technology applications (1 credit)

(bb) for students graduating in Academic Year (High School) 2002-2003 through 2003-2004, at the time of high school graduation, an applicant must have successfully completed 16.5 units of high school course work documented on the student's official transcript as approved by the Louisiana Department of Education constituting a core curriculum as follows:

Units

Course

1 English I
1 English II
1 English III
1 English IV
1 Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)
1 Algebra II
1 Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus or comparable Advanced Mathematics
1 Biology
1 Chemistry
1 Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, or Physics for Technology
1 American History
1 World History, Western Civilization or World Geography
1 Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic)
1 Fine Arts Survey; (or substitute two units performance courses in music, dance, or theater; or two units of studio art or visual art; or one elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum)
2 Foreign Language, both units in the same language
½  Computer Science, Computer Literacy or Business Computer Applications (or substitute at least one?half unit of an elective course related to computers that is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE); or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum); BESE has approved the following courses as computer related for purposes of satisfying the ½ unit computer science requirement for all schools (courses approved by BESE for individual schools are not included):
Advanced Technical Drafting (½ or 1 credit)
Business Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Applications or Computer /Technology Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Architecture (½ or 1 credit)
Computer/Technology Literacy (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Science I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Science II (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking II (½ or 1 credit)
Desktop Publishing (½ or 1 credit)
Digital Graphics & Animation (½ credit)
Introduction to Business Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Multimedia Productions or Multimedia Presentations (½ or 1 credit)
Technology Education Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Telecommunications (½ credit)
Web Mastering or Web Design (½ credit)
Word Processing (½ or 1 credit)
Independent Study in Technology applications (½ or 1 credit)

(cc) for students graduating in Academic Year (High School) 2004-2005 through 2006-2007, at the time of high school graduation, an applicant must have successfully completed 16.5 units of high school course work documented on the student's official transcript as approved by the Louisiana Department of Education constituting a core curriculum as follows:

Units

Course

1 English I
1 English II
1 English III
1 English IV
1 Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)
1 Algebra II
1 Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus or comparable Advanced Mathematics
1 Biology
1 Chemistry
1 Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, or Physics for Technology
1 American History
1 World History, Western Civilization or World Geography
1 Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic)
1 Fine Arts Survey; (or substitute two units performance courses in music, dance, or theater; or two units of studio art or visual art; or one elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum)
2 Foreign Language, both units in the same language
½  Computer Science, Computer Literacy or Business Computer Applications (or substitute at least one?half unit of an elective course related to computers that is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE); or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum); BESE has approved the following courses as computer related for purposes of satisfying the ½ unit computer science requirement for all schools (courses approved by BESE for individual schools are not included):
Advanced Technical Drafting (½ or 1 credit)
Business Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Applications or Computer /Technology Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Architecture (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Electronics I (1/2 or 1 credit)
Computer Electronics II (1/2 or 1 credit)
Computer/Technology Literacy (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Science I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Science II (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking II (½ or 1 credit)
Desktop Publishing (½ or 1 credit)
Digital Graphics & Animation (½ credit)
Introduction to Business Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Multimedia Productions or Multimedia Presentations (½ or 1 credit)
Technology Education Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Telecommunications (½ credit)
Web Mastering or Web Design (½ credit)
Word Processing (½ or 1 credit)
Independent Study in Technology applications (½ or 1 credit)

(dd) Beginning with the graduates of Academic Year (High School) 2007-2008, at the time of high school graduation, an applicant must have successfully completed 17.5 units of high school course work that constitutes a core curriculum and is documented on the student's official transcript as approved by the Louisiana Department of Education:

Units 

Course

1 English I
1 English II
1 English III
1 English IV
1 Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)
1 Algebra II
1 Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus or comparable Advanced Mathematics
1 Biology
1 Chemistry
1 Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, or Physics for Technology or Agriscience I and II (both for one unit; provided however, that such Agriscience unit shall not be considered a science elective for the purpose of the math or science elective requirement below)
1 An elective from among other math or science subjects listed in this core curriculum
1 American History
1 World History, Western Civilization or World Geography
1 Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit, nonpublic)
1 Fine Arts Survey; (or substitute two units performance courses in music, dance, or theater; or two units of studio art or visual art; or one elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum)
2 Foreign Language, both units in the same language
½  Computer Science, Computer Literacy or Business Computer Applications (or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective course related to computers that is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) or substitute at least one-half unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum). BESE has approved the following courses as computer related for purposes of satisfying the ½ unit computer science requirement for all schools (courses approved by BESE for individual schools are not included):
Advanced Technical Drafting (½ or
1 credit)
Business Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Applications or Computer /Technology Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Architecture (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Electronics I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Electronics II (½ or 1 credit)

Computer/Technology Literacy (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Science I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Science II (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking I (½ or 1 credit)
Computer Systems and Networking II (½ or 1 credit)
Desktop Publishing (½ or 1 credit)
Digital Graphics & Animation (½ credit)
Introduction to Business Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Multimedia Productions or Multimedia Presentations (½ or 1 credit)
Technology Education Computer Applications (½ or 1 credit)
Telecommunications (½ credit)
Web Mastering or Web Design (½ credit)
Word Processing (½ or 1 credit)
Independent Study in Technology applications (½ or 1 credit)

A.5.g.ii. – H.3. …

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 17:3021-3025, R.S. 17:3042.1 and R.S. 17:3048.1.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Student Financial Assistance Commission, Office of Student Financial Assistance LR 17: 959 (October 1991), amended LR 22:338 (May 1996), LR 23:1648. Promulgated LR 24:632 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1898 (October 1998), LR 25:2237 (December 1998), LR 25:257 (February 1999), LR 25:655 (April 1999), LR 25:1794 (October 1999), LR 26:64, 67 (January 2000), LR 26:689 (April 2000), LR 26:1262 (June 2000), LR 26:1602, 1998 (August 2000), LR 26:1996, 2001 (September 2000), LR 26:2268 (October 2000), LR 26:2753 (December 2000), LR 27:36 (January 2001), LR 27:702 (May 2001), LR 27:1219, 1219 (August 2001), LR 27:1850 (November 2001), LR 28:772 (April 2002), LR 28:1760 (August 2002), LR 28:2330, 2332 (November 2002), LR 29:125 (February 2003), LR 29:1419 (August 2003), LR 29:1419 (August 2003), LR 29:1125 (February 2003), LR 29:2372 (November 2003), LR 30:2019 (September 2004).

 

Chapter 11. Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship

...

§1107. Maintaining Eligibility

To continue receiving the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship, recipients must meet all of the following criteria:

1. have received the scholarship for not more than seven academic years (five undergraduate and two graduate) ; and
2. at the close of each academic year (ending with the spring semester or quarter), have earned at least 24 hours total credit during the fall, winter and spring terms at an institution defining 12 semester or eight quarter hours as the minimum for full-time undergraduate status or earn at least 18 hours total graduate credit during the fall, winter and spring terms at an institution defining nine semester hours as the minimum for full-time graduate status unless granted an exception for cause by LASFAC; and
3. achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 as an undergraduate student at the end of the first academic year and each academic year thereafter or achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 as a graduate student at the end of each academic year; and
4. continue to enroll each subsequent semester or quarter (excluding summer sessions and intersessions) at the same institution unless granted an exception for cause and/or approval for transfer of the award by LASFAC; and
5. continue to pursue a course of study leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree in wildlife, forestry or marine science.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 17:3021-3036, R.S. 17:3042.1 and R.S. 17:3048.1.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Adopted by the Student Financial Assistance Commission, Office of Student Financial Assistance LR 17: 959 (October 1991), amended LR 22:338 (May 1996). Promulgated LR 24:640 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1909 (October 1998). Repromulgated LR 27:1859 (November 2001).


...

 

Interested persons may submit written comments on the proposed changes until 4:30 p.m., June 10, 2005, to Jack L. Guinn, Executive Director, Office of Student Financial Assistance, P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202.

 

George Badge Eldredge
General Counsel