TOPS Bulletin

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 October 21st meeting to provide for the implementation of a TOPS On-Line Application that may be used by students and families who can demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid. Beginning with high school graduates of 2004, families who can demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid may use this On-Line Application in lieu of the “abbreviated” FAFSA. The Commission still encourages completion of the FAFSA as the primary application for a TOPS Award, but in meeting the needs of families whose students don’t qualify for federal grant aid, will add this alternative application as a more convenient means of applying for TOPS. The On-Line Application will have the same filing deadlines as the FAFSA, and the same penalties will apply for late filing. In addition, students who graduate from out-of-state or out-of-country high schools, or complete approved Home Study Programs, may use this application (in addition to the FAFSA, if required) to ensure the state is aware of and considers them for a TOPS award.

Students will access the on-line application through the TOPS Portal at https://osfantweb.osfa.state.la.us/TOPSPort.nsf. We anticipate this site will be available to students after January 1, 2004, to correspond with the FAFSA filing dates. Detailed information will be disseminated later this year.

The full compilation of the TOPS rules with all changes incorporated to date may be viewed on our Web site. The revisions referred to in this bulletin are highlighted in the enclosure by strike-thru or underline.

NOTICE OF INTENT

Student Financial Assistance Commission
Office of Student Financial Assistance

Scholarship/Grant Programs
(LAC 28:IV. 301, 501, 503, 504, 505, 507, 703, 705, 803, 805, 903, 907, 1103)

The Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission (LASFAC) is exercising the emergency provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act [R.S. 49:953(B)] to amend and re-promulgate the rules of the Scholarship/Grant programs (R.S. 17:3021-3025, R.S. 3041.10-3041.15, and R.S. 17:3042.1, R.S. 17:3048.1).

The emergency rules are necessary to implement changes to the Scholarship/Grant programs to allow the Office of Student Financial Assistance and state educational institutions to effectively administer these programs. A delay in promulgating rules would have an adverse impact on the financial welfare of the eligible students and the financial condition of their families. LASFAC has determined that these emergency rules are necessary in order to prevent imminent financial peril to the welfare of the affected students.

This declaration of emergency is effective October 21, 2003, and shall remain in effect for the maximum period allowed under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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

Chapter 3. Definitions
§301. Definitions

Where the masculine is used, in these rules, it includes the feminine, and vice versa; where the singular is used, it includes the plural, and vice versa.

* * *

On-Line Application – Submission of a request for a TOPS eligibility determination via the LOSFA TOPS website. If the applicant does not submit a FAFSA, the On-Line Application will require the student to declare that he can demonstrate that he is not eligible for federal grant aid.

* * *

Returning Student — a student who graduated from high school beginning with Academic Year (High School) 2001-2002, and met all the academic requirements for a TOPS Award ~~and was notified of his TOPS eligibility by LOSFA~~, but who enrolled for the first time as a ~~full time student~~ Full-Time Student no later than the deadline established in §703.A.4 in an out-of-state postsecondary institution accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education and, thereafter, returns to Louisiana and enrolls as a ~~full time student~~ Full-Time Student in an Eligible College or University.

* * *

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 23:1645, 1648 (December 1997). Promulgated LR 24:632 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1898 (October 1998), LR 24:2237 (December 1998), LR 25:256 (February 1999), LR 25:654 (April 1999), LR 25:1458, 1460 (August 1999), LR 25:1794 (October 1999), LR 26:65 (January 2000), LR 26:688 (April 2000), LR 26:1262 (June 2000), LR 26:1601 (July 2000), LR 26:1993, 1999 (September 2000), LR 26:2268 (October 2000), LR 26: 2752 (December 2000), LR 27:36 (January 2001), LR 27:284 (March 2001), LR 27:1219 (August 2001), LR 27:1842, 1875 (November 2001), LR 28:45 (January 2002), LR 28:446 (March 2002), LR 28:772 (April 2002), LR 28:2330, 2331 (November 2002), LR 29:555 (April 2003). LR 29:1419 (August 2003), LR 29: (October 2003).

Chapter 5. ~~Application; Application Deadlines and Proof of Compliance~~ Applications, Federal Grant Aid and ACT Test
§501. Initial Application

A. Initial Application for High School Graduates of 2002-2003 or earlier:

1. Except as provided in Subparagraph ~~A.2~~ A.2.b below, all new applicants for Louisiana scholarship and grant programs must apply for federal aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year following the year the student graduated from high school. For example, if the student will graduate from high school in school year ~~2000-2001~~2002-2003, submit the ~~2001-2002~~2003-2004 version of the FAFSA.

2. All new applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance, Honors and TOPS Tech Awards who graduate from high school during ~~or after~~ the 2001-2002 or 2002-2003 Academic ~~Year~~ Years (High School) must apply for federal aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the Academic Year (College) the applicant will be a ~~First Time-Full Time Student~~ First-Time, Full-Time Student. For example, if the applicant will graduate from high school in the 2002-2003 Academic Year (High School) and does not ~~intends~~ intend to enroll as a ~~First Time-Full Time Student in~~ First-Time, Full-Time Student until the fall semester of 2004, he must submit the 2004-2005 version of the FAFSA.

a. All applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards and TOPS Tech awards (except those students who can demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid because of their family’s financial condition) must complete all applicable sections of the initial FAFSA.
b. Applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards and TOPS Tech awards who can demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid because of their family’s financial condition must complete all applicable sections of the initial FAFSA except those sections related to the income and assets of the applicant and the applicant’s parents.
c. In the event of a budgetary shortfall, applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards and TOPS Tech awards who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be the first denied a TOPS award.

B. Initial Application for a TOPS Award for High School Graduates of 2003-2004 and Thereafter

1. Students who graduate from a Louisiana Public High School as defined in §1703.A.1, an Approved Louisiana Non-Public School as defined in §1701.A.2, or an Eligible Non-Louisiana Public School as defined in §1701.A.3 must:

a. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA), or
b. If the student can demonstrate that he does not qualify for federal grant aid because of his family’s financial condition, submit the initial FAFSA after completing all applicable sections except those sections related to the income and assets of the student and the student’s parents, or
c. Complete an On-Line Application.

2. Students who graduate from an eligible out-of-state or out-of-country high school or complete a home study program approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or enroll for the first time as a Full-Time Student in an out-of-state college or university following graduation from an eligible high school (Louisiana Public High School as defined in §1703.A.1, an Approved Louisiana Non-Public School as defined in §1701.A.2, an Eligible Non-Louisiana Public School as defined in §1701.A.3, Out-of-State High School as defined by §1701.A.4 or an Out-of-Country High School as defined by §1701.A.5) must:

a. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or
b. If the student can demonstrate that he does not qualify for federal grant aid because of his family’s financial condition, submit the initial FAFSA after completing all applicable sections except those sections related to the income and assets of the student and the student’s parents, or
c. Complete an On-Line Application, and
d. Submit an official transcript from the out-of-state or out-of-country high school from which the student graduated, and
e. Submit the official transcripts from each out-of-state college or university attended, and
f. Submit an affidavit attesting to Louisiana residency, except those students who completed their last two years in and graduated from a Louisiana Public or approved Non-Public High School.

3. Applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards and TOPS Tech awards who submit the On-Line Application in lieu of the FAFSA or who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be ineligible for federal grant aid and federally guaranteed student loans.

4. In the event of a budgetary shortfall, applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards and TOPS Tech awards who submit the On-Line Application in lieu of the FAFSA or who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be the first denied a TOPS award.

C. Initial Application for Louisiana scholarship and Grant Programs other than TOPS for High School Graduates of 2004 and Thereafter
All new applicants for Louisiana scholarship and grant programs other than TOPS must apply for federal grant aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year following the year the student graduated from high school. For example, if the student will graduate from high school in school year 2003-2004, submit the 2004-2005 version of the FAFSA.

~~B. Renewal Application~~

1. In order to remain eligible for TOPS awards, a student must file a renewal FAFSA by the deadline set in §503 (unless the student can demonstrate that he does not qualify for federal grant aid because of his family’s financial condition).
2. Students who can demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid because of their family’s financial condition are not required to submit a renewal FAFSA.
3. In the event of a budgetary shortfall, applicants who do not file a FAFSA or who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be the first denied a TOPS award.

~~C. The deadline for priority consideration for state aid is published in the FAFSA’s instructions and may be revised annually by the LASFAC.~~

§503. Application Deadlines for High School Graduates of 2003 and Earlier

A. Deadline for Priority Consideration

1. For priority consideration for the 1998-99 award year, applicants must submit the FAFSA to be received by the federal processor by June 1, 1998.
2. Priority consideration means that an applicant who submits a FAFSA by this date shall, under normal circumstances, receive notification of his eligibility for a noncompetitive award (TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors Awards) prior to enrolling in the fall term.
3. An applicant for a competitively awarded scholarship (TOPS Teacher Award and Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship) who submits a FAFSA by this date shall be considered for selection of award in the first round of applicants awarded.
4. For priority consideration for award years after 1998-99, applicants must submit the FAFSA to be received by the federal processor by May 1, preceding the award year.

B. Final Deadline For Full Award

1. a. Except as provided in Subparagraph B.1.b below, in order to receive the full benefits of a TOPS award as provided in §701.E, the final deadline for receipt of a student’s initial FAFSA application is July 1st of the Academic Year (High School) in which a student graduates. For example, for a student graduating in the 2000-2001 Academic Year (High School), the student must submit the initial FAFSA in time for it to be received by the federal processor by July 1, 2001.

    b. For applicants graduating from high school during or after the 2001-2002 Academic Year (High School), in order to receive the full benefits of a TOPS award as provided in §701.E, the final deadline for receipt of a student’s initial FAFSA application is the July 1st immediately preceding the Academic Year (College) in which the applicant will be a ~~First Time-Full Time Student~~First-Time, Full-Time Student.

    c. Examples:

i. If an applicant graduates in the 2002-2003 Academic Year (High School) and will be a ~~First Time-Full Time~~ First-Time, Full-Time Student ~~student~~ in the fall semester of 2003, the applicant must submit the initial FAFSA in time for it to be received by the federal processor by July 1, (2003).
ii. If an applicant graduates in the 2002-2003 Academic Year (High School) and will be a ~~First Time-Full Time~~ First-Time, Full-Time Student ~~student~~ in the fall semester of 2004, the applicant must submit the initial FAFSA in time for it to be received by the federal processor by July 1, (2004).

    d. Students must also apply in time to meet the ~~First Time Freshman~~ First-Time Freshman enrollment deadlines specified in §703.A.4 (TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors) and §803.A.4 (TOPS Tech).

2. Notwithstanding the deadline established by §503.B.1 above, applicants who enter on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces have a final deadline for receipt of their initial FAFSA application of one year from the date of separation from active duty. In order to be eligible under this subsection, the applicant must meet the requirements of §703.A.4.b or d or §803.A.4.b or d of these rules and must not have been discharged with an undesirable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharge.

C. If a prescribed deadline date falls on a weekend or holiday, it will automatically be extended to the next business day.

D. Final Deadlines For Reduced Awards

1. If an application for an initial award under this Chapter is received after the deadline provided in §503.B above, but not later than sixty days after that deadline, the time period of eligibility for the award shall be reduced by one semester, two quarters, or an equivalent number of units at an eligible institution which operates on a schedule based on units other than semesters or quarters.

2. If an application for an initial award under this Chapter is received more than sixty days after the deadline provided in §503.B above, but not later than one hundred twenty days after that deadline, the time period of eligibility for the award shall be reduced by two semesters or three quarters, or an equivalent number of units at an eligible institution which operates on a schedule based on units other than semesters or quarters.

3. Applications received more than 120 days after the published deadline shall not be considered.

E. The reduction of the applicant’s period of eligibility for this award under §503.D above shall not be cumulative with any reduction under §509.C.

§504. Out-of-State and Out-of Country High School Graduates

A. A student who graduates from a high school outside the state of Louisiana will not be considered for a TOPS award unless LASFAC receives the student’s FAFSA information from the federal processor or On-Line Application and the student’s ACT and/or SAT score(s). In order for a student who will graduate from a high school outside the state of Louisiana to assure that his FAFSA information and his ACT/SAT score(s) are received by LASFAC, he should:

1. Enter a Louisiana postsecondary institution in the section of the FAFSA that asks the applicant to name the colleges he plans to attend, and
2. Enter a Louisiana postsecondary institution and/or 1595 (code for the La. Tuition Opportunity Program/Students, Baton Rouge, La.) in the “score report choices” section of the ACT and/or 9019 (code for Tuition Opportunity Program for Students) in the “send scores” section of the SAT registration form.

§505. ~~Proof of Compliance~~ Application Deadlines for High School Graduates of 2004 and Later

A. 1. To be considered for a TOPS award, students who graduate from high school or complete an approved home study program in 2004 or later must:

a. Apply for federal grant aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or
b. If the student can demonstrate that he does not qualify for federal grant aid because of his family’s financial condition, submit the initial FAFSA after completing all applicable sections except those sections related to the income and assets of the student and the student’s parents, or
c. Complete the On-Line Application.

2. TOPS will not pay tuition for any student who has not met the requirements of §505.A.1 above.

3 In the event of a budgetary shortfall, applicants for TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards and TOPS Tech awards who submit the On-Line Application or who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be the first denied a TOPS award.

B. Deadline for Priority Consideration

1. In order for students who enroll for the first time as Full-Time Students at an Eligible College or University to ensure funding for the initial semester of enrollment, the FAFSA or the On-Line Application must be submitted so that it is received no later than May 1 of the year prior to the Academic Year (College) the student first enrolls in an Eligible College or University.

2. In order for Returning Students to ensure funding for the initial semester of enrollment at an Eligible College or University, the FAFSA or the On-Line Application must be received no later than May 1 prior to the Academic Year (College) the student first enrolls in an Eligible College or University.

3. Examples:

a. If a student graduates in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will be a First-Time Freshman at an Eligible College or University in the fall semester of 2004, for priority consideration, the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application must be received no later than May 1, 2004.
b. If a student graduates in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will be a First-Time Freshman in the fall semester of 2005, for priority consideration, the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application must be received no later than May 1, 2005.
c. If a Returning Student graduated in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will enroll as a Full-Time Student in an Eligible College or University in the fall semester of 2005, for priority consideration, the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application must be received no later than May 1, 2005.

C. Final Deadline for Full TOPS Award

1. In order to receive the full benefits of a TOPS award as provided in §701.E, the final deadline for receipt of a student’s initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application is July 1 immediately prior to the Academic Year (College) he first enrolls as a First-Time Freshman in an Eligible College or University.

2. In order for a Returning Student to receive the full benefits of a TOPS award as provided in §701.E, the final deadline for receipt of a student’s initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application is May 1 of the Academic Year (College) he first enrolls as a Full-Time Student in an Eligible College or University.

3. Examples:

a. If a student graduates in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will be a First-Time Freshman at an Eligible College or University in the fall semester of 2004, the student must submit the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application no later than July 1, 2004.
b. If a student graduates in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will be a First-Time Freshman in the spring semester of 2005, the student must submit the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application no later than July 1, 2004.
c. If a student graduates in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will be a First-Time Freshman in the fall semester of 2005, the student must submit the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application no later than July 1, 2005.
d. If a Returning Student graduates in the 2003-2004 Academic Year (High School) and will be a First-Time Student in the fall semester of 2006, the student must submit the initial FAFSA or the On-Line Application no later than May 1, 2007.

4. Students must also meet the First-Time Freshman enrollment deadlines specified in §703.A.4 (TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors) and §803.A.4 (TOPS Tech).

5. Notwithstanding the deadline established by §505.C above, students who enter on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces have a final deadline for receipt of their initial FAFSA application or their On-Line Application of one year from the date of separation from active duty. In order to be eligible under this subsection, the student must meet the requirements of §703.A.4.b or d or §803.A.4.b or d of these rules and must not have been discharged with an undesirable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharge.

D. Final Deadlines for Reduced Awards

1. If a FAFSA or On-Line Application is received after the deadline provided in §505.C above, but not later than sixty days after that deadline, the time period of eligibility for the award shall be reduced by one semester, two quarters, or an equivalent number of units at an eligible institution which operates on a schedule based on units other than semesters or quarters.

2. If a FAFSA or On-Line Application is received more than sixty days after the deadline provided in §505.C above, but not later than one hundred twenty days after that deadline, the time period of eligibility for the award shall be reduced by two semesters or three quarters, or an equivalent number of units at an eligible institution which operates on a schedule based on units other than semesters or quarters.

3. A FAFSA or On-Line Application received more than 120 days after the published deadline shall not be considered.

E. The reduction of the student’s period of eligibility for this award under §505.D above shall not be cumulative with any reduction under §509.C.

F. Renewal FAFSA

1. In order to remain eligible for TOPS awards, a student who is eligible for federal grant aid must file a renewal FAFSA by May 1 of each succeeding Academic Year (College) after initial eligibility is established.

2. Students who can demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid because of their family’s financial condition are not required to submit a renewal FAFSA.

3. In the event of a budgetary shortfall, applicants who do not file a renewal FAFSA or who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be the first denied a TOPS award.

4. All recipients of Louisiana scholarship and grant programs other than TOPS must submit a renewal FAFSA for each Academic Year (College) the student enrolls.

G. If a prescribed deadline date falls on a weekend or holiday, it will automatically be extended to the next business day.

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 24:635 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1901 (October 1998). Repromulgated LR 27:1847 (November 2001), amended LR 29: (October 2003).

§506. Proof of Compliance

A. As proof of compliance with the state’s final deadline for submitting the FAFSA, or the On-Line Application, LASFAC will accept the documentation listed in §505.1-35. No other form of verification, including notarized or certified statements, will be accepted as proof of compliance with the deadline requirement.

1. A certificate of mailing, registered, certified, certified/return receipt requested, priority or overnight mail receipt from the United States Postal Service, or other authorized mail carriers such as United Parcel Service and Federal Express, which is dated prior to the state’s final deadline.
2. The Student Aid Report (SAR) or the Institutional Student Information Report (~~ESAR~~ ISIR), produced by the federal processor, shows that the original application was received by the state’s final deadline.
3. The federal processor provides verbal or written verification to LASFAC that the original application was received by the state’s final deadline.
4. A printed copy of the electronic receipt for a FAFSA filed on the Web shows that the original application was received by the final deadline.
5. A printed copy of the electronic receipt for an On-Line Application shows that the original application was received by the final deadline.
6. The LOSFA’s On-Line Application submission confirmation code corresponds to a LOSFA database transaction by the final deadline.

§507. Final Deadline for Submitting Documentation of Eligibility

A. …

B. All documentation and certifications necessary to establish student eligibility including, but not limited to, high school and/or college transcripts and certifications, copies of Student Aid Reports, applicant confirmation forms, promissory notes, ACT and/or SAT scores, residency affidavits, proof of citizenship or permanent residency status and other documents which may be utilized in determining eligibility, must be received by LASFAC no later than May 1 of the award year. For example, to receive an award for the ~~2001-2002~~2004-2005 award year, LASFAC must have in its possession all documents relevant to establishing eligibility by May 1, ~~2002~~2005.

C. – D. 2. …

Chapter 7. Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards
§703. Establishing Eligibility

A. To establish eligibility for a TOPS Opportunity, Performance or Honors Award, the student applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

A.1-2. ...

3. submit the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or On-Line Application in accordance with §501:

a.by the applicable state aid deadline defined in §503 or §505; and
b. the dependents of Louisiana residents on active duty with the Armed Forces stationed outside of the state of Louisiana must enter a Louisiana postsecondary institution in that section of the FAFSA which asks the applicant to name the colleges he plans to attend; and

A.4.- 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: (October 2003).

§705. Maintaining Eligibility

A. …

2. submit the Renewal FAFSA in accordance with ~~§501.B~~§505.F; and

A.3. – D. …

Chapter 8. TOPS-TECH Award
§803. Establishing Eligibility

A. – A.2 …

3. submit the completed initial Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or On-Line Application ~~renewal FAFSA~~ in accordance with §501 by the applicable state aid deadline in accordance with the applicable requirements of ~~§503~~§501 or §505; and

A.4. – 10. …

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 24:1898 (October 1998), amended LR 24:2237 (December 1998), LR 25:1795 (October 1999), LR 26:65, 67 (January 2000), LR 26:1602 (August 2000), LR 26:1997 (September 2000), LR 26:2269 (October 2000), LR 26:2752 (December 2000), LR 27:36 (January 2001), LR 27:1220 (August 2001), LR 27:1854 (November 2001), LR 28:447 (March 2002), LR 28:773 (April 2002), LR 28:2330 (November 2002), LR 29:554 (April 2003), LR 29:1419 (August 2003), LR 29: (October 2003).

§805. Maintaining Eligibility

A.1. …

2. submit the Renewal FAFSA in accordance with ~~§501.B~~§505.F; and

A.3. – C. …

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 24:1905 (October 1998) LR 25:1091 (June 1999), LR 26:68 (January 2000), LR 26:689 (April 2000), LR 26:1997, 2002 (September 2000), LR 27:1856 (November 2001), LR 28:774 (April 2002), LR 28:2332 (November 2002), LR 29, LR 29:1419 (August 2003), LR 29: (October 2003).

Chapter 9. TOPS Teacher Award
§903. Establishing Eligibility

A. – A. 2. …

3. annually submit the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA, whichever is applicable to the student, by the state aid deadline defined in ~~§503~~§501.C or §505.F; and

A.4. – 8. …

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 23:1650 (December 1997). Promulgated LR 24:637 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1906 (October 1998), LR 26:68 (January 2000), LR 26:2269 (October 2000), LR 27:284 (March 2001), LR 27:1220 (August 2001). Repromulgated LR 27:1135 (November 2001), LR 28:448 (March 2002), LR 28:774 (April 2002), LR 28:2332 (November 2002), LR 29:1419 (August 2003), LR 29: (October 2003).

§907. Maintaining Eligibility

A. – A.6. …

7. submit the Renewal FAFSA in accordance with ~~§501.B~~§505.F;

A.8. – B. …

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 23:1650 (December 1997). Promulgated LR 24:638 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1907 (October 1998), LR 25:1092 (June 1999), LR 26:68 (January 2000), LR 26:689 (April 2000). Repromulgated LR 27:1857 (November 2001), LR 28:448 (March 2002), LR 28:774 (April 2002), LR 29: (October 2003).

Chapter 11. Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
§1103. Establishing Eligibility

To establish eligibility, the student applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

1. – 2. …

3. submit the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA, whichever is applicable to the student, by final deadline set forth in ~~§503.B~~§501.C or §505.F.; and

4. – 8.c. …

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 24:639 (April 1998), amended LR 24:1908 (October 1998), LR 27:1220 (August 2001). Repromulgated LR 27:1859 (November 2001), LR 28:774 (April 2002), LR 29:125 (February 2003), LR 29: (October 2003).

LOUISIANA STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COMMISSION OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Bulletin
TOPS BULLETIN NUMBER:	T2003-11
DATE ISSUED:	November 03, 2003
EFFECTIVE DATE:	As Indicated
DISTRIBUTION:	Louisiana High School Principals and Counselors, City and Parish School Board Presidents, School Board Superintendents, College, University, and LAICU Chancellors, Financial Aid Offices, Business Offices, Registrars and Auditors, Technical College Campus Deans and Student Personnel Services Officers, System Governance, Board of Regents, Department of Education, Louisiana Officials, Louisiana Legislators, and Commission Members, Parish Branch Libraries, Loan Program Lenders and Schools
TOPIC:	Scholarship and Grant Program Rules Revisions to Sections 301,501,503,505,507,703,705,803,805,903, 907 and 1103 to Add an Electronic Application and Revise the Application Deadline for Certain Students Applying for the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS).

LOUISIANA STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COMMISSION OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Bulletin

NOTICE OF INTENT

LOUISIANA STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE