TOPS Core Curriculum, TOPS-Tech, and Technical Changes

LOUISIANA STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Bulletin
TOPS BULLETIN NUMBER: T2001- 23
DATE ISSUED: December 21, 2001
EFFECTIVE DATE: As Indicated
DISTRIBUTION:

Louisiana High School Principals and Counselors, City and Parish School Board Presidents, School Board Superintendents, College and University, Technical College and LAICU Chancellors, Financial Aid Offices, Business Offices, and Auditors, System Governance, Board of Regents, Department of Education, Louisiana Legislators, and Commission Members

TOPIC:

Scholarship Grant Programs Technical Changes

To assure that your Scholarship and Grant Policy and Procedure Manual remains current, please record this document on your TOPS Bulletin index and retain it with your manual.

The Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission has revised its Scholarship and Grant program rules at its December18, 2001 meeting to:

• Redefine the Academic Year (High School);
• Adopt a Definition for "Skill and Occupational Training";
• Rescind Provisions Requiring Recipients of Multiple Program Awards to be in Compliance With All Provisions of Those Awards;
• Establish a Deadline for Confirmation of Citizenship;
• Revise the TOPS Tech Career Options Core Requirement;
• Change the Interest Accrual Begin Date for Rockefeller and TOPS Teacher Awards;
• Extend the Exceptions for Initial and Continuous Enrollment to Additional Programs;
• Revise Deferment Provisions for Repaying State Loans; and
• Other Miscellaneous Changes.

The full compilation of the TOPS rules with all changes incorporated to date may be viewed on our web site at www.osfa.state.la.us. The revisions follow:

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.

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Academic Year (High School) CC the annual academic year for high school begins on September 1 of with the fall term, includes the winter, and spring, terms and summer terms and ends at the conclusion of the summer term, in that order on the next August 31. This definition is not to be confused with the Louisiana Department of Education's definition of school year, which is found in Louisiana Department of Education Bulletin 741.

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Skill and Occupational Training —— Training defined by the Louisiana Board of Regents to be for skill and occupational training. Currently, the Board of Regents defines "skill and occupational training" as follows:

1. Any and all certificate, diploma, Associate of Applied Technology, and Associate of Applied Science programs offered by eligible colleges/universities; and

2. Any coordinated and comprehensive course of study offered by eligible colleges/universities which qualifies a student upon completion to sit for testing leading to and/or meeting national and/or state professional/occupational licensure and/or certification requirements.

With regard to (1) above, eligible programs must be listed in the Board of Regents Inventory of Degree and Certificate Programs.

With regard to (2) above, submit the Board of Regents form to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs for review and approval of each proposed course of study. Approved courses of study shall be compiled into a registry and reported to the Office of Student Financial Assistance for their use in determining the eligibility of students who apply for TOPS-Tech awards under provisions of this Act. Students enrolled in skills or occupational courses of study not included in the aforementioned registry shall be judged ineligible for TOPS-Tech awards.

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

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§703. Establishing Eligibility

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

1. Be a U. S. citizen, provided however, that a student who is not a citizen of the United States but who is eligible to apply for such citizenship shall be deemed to satisfy the citizenship requirement, if within sixty (60) days after the date the student attains the age of majority, the student applies to become a citizen of the United States and obtains such citizenship within one year after the date of the application for citizenship. Those students who are eligible for U. S. citizenship and who otherwise qualify for a TOPS award, will continue to satisfy the citizenship requirements for a TOPS award for one year after the date of the student's application for citizenship, at which time, if the student has not provided proof of U.S. citizenship to the Office of Student Financial Assistance, the student's TOPS award will be suspended until such time as proof of citizenship is provided and cancelled if such proof is not provided by May 1 of the following Academic Year (College).

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7. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

8. 7.not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations, and if the student has been in the United States Armed Forces and has separated from such service, has received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions; and

9. 8. agree that awards will be used exclusively for educational expenses.

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§705. Maintaining Eligibility

A. To continue receiving the TOPS Opportunity, Performance or Honors Awards, the recipient must meet all of the following criteria:

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3. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

4. 3. not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations and if the student has been in the United States Armed Forces and has separated from such service, has received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions; and

5. 4. agree that awards will be used exclusively for educational expenses; and

6. 5. continue to enroll and accept the TOPS award as a full-time undergraduate student in an Eligible College or University defined in §301, and maintain an enrolled status throughout the academic term, unless granted an exception for cause by LASFAC; and

7. 6. Minimum Academic Progress:

a. in an academic program at an Eligible College or University, by the end of each Academic Year (College), earn a total of at least 24 college credit hours as determined by totaling the earned hours reported by the institution for each semester or quarter in the Academic Year (College). These hours shall include remedial course work required by the institution, but shall not include hours earned during Qualified Summer Sessions, summer sessions nor intersessions nor by advanced placement course credits. Unless granted an exception for cause by LASFAC, failure to earn the required number of hours will result in permanent cancellation of the recipient's eligibility, or

b. in a program for a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma or a non-academic undergraduate degree at an Eligible College or University, maintain Steady Academic Progress as defined in §301 and by the end of the spring term, earn a cumulative college grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 maximum scale. Unless granted an exception for cause by LASFAC, failure to maintain Steady Academic Progress and to earn a 2.50 at the conclusion of the spring term will result in permanent cancellation of the recipient's eligibility; and

8. 7. maintain Steady Academic Progress as defined in §301; and

9. 8. maintain at an Eligible College or University, by the end of the spring semester, quarter, or term, a cumulative college grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 maximum scale of at least:

a. a 2.30 with the completion of less than 48 credit hours, a 2.50 after the completion of 48 credit hours, for continuing receipt of an Opportunity Award, if enrolled in an academic program; or

b. a 2.50, for continuing receipt of an Opportunity Award, if enrolled in a program for a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma or a non-academic undergraduate degree; and c. a 3.00 for continuing receipt of either a Performance or Honors Award; and

10. 9. has not enrolled in a program for a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma or a non-academic undergraduate degree after having received a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma, or a non-academic undergraduate degree; and

11. 10. has not received a baccalaureate degree; and

12. 11. has not been enrolled in a program for a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma or a non-academic undergraduate degree for more than two years.

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Chapter 8. TOPS-TECH Award

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§803. Establishing Eligibility

A. To establish eligibility for the TOPS-TECH Award, the student applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a U. S. citizen, provided however, that a student who is not a citizen of the United States but who is eligible to apply for such citizenship shall be deemed to satisfy the citizenship requirement, if within sixty (60) days after the date the student attains the age of majority, the student applies to become a citizen of the United States and obtains such citizenship within one year after the date of the application for citizenship. Those students who are eligible for U. S. citizenship and who otherwise qualify for a TOPS award, will continue to satisfy the citizenship requirements for a TOPS award for one year after the date of the student's application for citizenship, at which time, if the student has not provided proof of U.S. citizenship to the Office of Student Financial Assistance, the student's TOPS award will be suspended until such time as proof of citizenship is provided and cancelled if such proof is not provided.

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6. if qualifying under the terms of §803.A.5.a., at the time of high school graduation,:

a. have successfully completed one of the following core curriculums:

(ii) For students graduating in the 2000-2001 school year and thereafter, the high school course work constituting the following TOPS-TECH core curriculum:

Core Curriculum TOPS-TECH Award:

UNITS
COURSE

1

English I
1
English II
1
English III
1
English IV or substitute one unit of Business English.
1
Algebra I; or both Algebra I, Part 1 and Algebra I, Part 2; or both Applied Mathematics I and Applied Mathematics II.
2
Geometry, Applied Mathematics III, Algebra II, Financial Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics I, Advanced Mathematics II, Discrete Mathematics, or Probability and Statistics (two units). Integrated Mathematics I, II, and III may be substituted for Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, and shall be considered the equivalent of the three required math units.
1
Biology.
1
Chemistry or Applied Chemistry.
1
Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Integrated 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).
Remaining core courses shall be selected from one of the following options:
OPTION 1
Total of 17 units.
1
Fine Arts Survey or substitute two units of performance courses in music, dance, or theater; or substitute two units of visual art courses; or substitute two units of studio art courses; or a course from the career and technical program of studies that is approved by the BESE (must be listed under the Vocational Education Course Offerings in Bulletin 741 or the updates to Bulletin 741); or substitute one unit as an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum.
2
Foreign Language, Technical Writing, Speech I or Speech II.
1
One unit from the secondary computer education program of studies that is approved by the BESE.
OR
OPTION 2
Total of 19 Units
4
In a career major comprised of a sequence of related specialty courses. In order for a student to use this option, the courses for the career major must be approved by BESE.
1
Credit in a basic computer course.
1
In related or technical fields. A related course includes any course which is listed under the student's major. A technical course is one that is listed in the approved career option plan for the high school at which the course is taken. includes computer courses and courses listed as Technology Education courses listed under the Vocational Education Course Offerings in Bulletin 741 or the updates to Bulletin 741.

or

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9. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

10. 9.not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations, and if the student has been in the United States Armed Forces and has separated from such service, has received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions; and

11. 10.agree that awards will be used exclusively for educational expenses.

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§805. Maintaining Eligibility

A. To continue receiving the TOPS-TECH Award, the recipient must meet all of the following criteria:

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3. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

4. 3.not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations and if the student has been in the United States Armed Forces and has separated from such service, has received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions; and

5. 4.agree that awards will be used exclusively for educational expenses; and

6. 5. continue to enroll and accept the TECH award as a full-time student in an eligible college or university defined in §301, and maintain an enrolled status throughout the school term, unless granted an exception for cause by LASFAC; and

7. 6.has not received a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma, or a non-academic undergraduate degree, or a baccalaureate degree; and

8. 7.has maintained Steady Academic Progress as defined in §301; and

9. 8maintain, by the end of the spring term, a cumulative college grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 maximum scale.

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Chapter 9. TOPS Teacher Award

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§903. Establishing Eligibility

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

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6. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

7. 6.not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations; and

8. 7.agree that the award will be used exclusively for educational expenses; and

9. 7.enroll during the fall term at an eligible college or university, as defined in §1901, as a full-time student, as defined in §301, in a degree program or course of study leading to a degree in education or an alternative program leading to regular certification as a teacher at the elementary or secondary level in mathematics or chemistry.

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§907. Maintaining Eligibility

A. To continue receiving the TOPS Teacher Award, recipients must meet all of the following criteria:

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9. be in compliance with the terms of all other federal and state aid programs which the student may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC.

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§911. Discharge of Obligation

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C. Discharging the loan by Monetary Repayment. Recipients who elect not to discharge the obligation by teaching and who are not eligible for discharge by cancellation must repay the loan principal plus accrued interest and any collection costs incurred according to the following terms and conditions:

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2. interest on each disbursement will accrue from the date of disbursement entering repayment status until repaid, canceled or fulfilled. Accrued interest will be capitalized when the recipient enters repayment status;

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Chapter 11. Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship

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§1103. Establishing Eligibility

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

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5. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

6. 5. not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations; and

7. 6. agree that award proceeds will be used exclusively for educational expenses; and

8. 7. be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at a Louisiana public college or university majoring in forestry, wildlife or marine science, with the intent of obtaining a degree from a Louisiana public college or university offering a degree in one of the three specified fields; and

9. 8. a. must have graduated from high school, and if at the time of application the student applicant has earned less than 24 hours of graded college credit since graduating from high school, have earned a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of at least 2.50 calculated on a 4.00 scale for all courses completed in grades 9 through 12 and have taken the ACT or SAT and received test score results; or b. if, at the time of application, the student applicant has earned 24 or more hours of college credit, then the applicant must have at least a 2.50 cumulative college grade point average.

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§1111. Discharge of Obligation

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C. Monetary Repayment. Recipients who do not discharge the obligation by graduating in an eligible major and who are not eligible for discharge by cancellation must repay the loan principal, plus accrued interest and any collection costs incurred in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

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2. interest on each disbursement will accrue from the date of disbursement entering repayment status until repaid, canceled or fulfilled. Accrued interest will be capitalized when the recipient enters repayment status;

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Chapter 19. Eligibility and Responsibilities of Postsecondary Institutions

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§1903. Responsibilities of Postsecondary Institutions

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B. Program Billing. Each term, institutions shall bill LASFAC for students who are recipients of a TOPS Award and who have enrolled at the institution in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

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2. institutions will bill LASFAC based on their certification that the recipient of a TOPS Award is enrolled full-time, as defined in §301, at the end of the fourteenth class day for semester schools and the ninth class day for quarter and term schools, and for any qualifying summer sessions at the end of the last day to drop and receive a full refund for the full summer session). Institutions shall not bill for students who are enrolled less than full-time at the end of the fourteenth class day for semester schools or the ninth class day for quarter and term schools, and for any qualifying summer sessions at the end of the last day to drop and receive a full refund for the summer session), unless the student qualifies for payment for less than full-time enrollment as defined in §2103.B §2103.C. Students failing to meet the full-time enrollment requirement are responsible for reimbursing the institution for any awards received. Refunds of awards to students who are not receiving federal Title IV aid, for less than full-time enrollment after the fourteenth or ninth class day, as applicable, shall be returned to the state. Refunds to students who are receiving federal Title IV aid shall be refunded to the state in accordance with the institution's federal Title IV aid refund procedures; and

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D. Disbursement of Funds. Upon receipt of award funds and prior to their disbursement to students, the institution shall:

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3. release award funds by crediting the student's account within 14 days of the institution's receipt of funds or disbursing individual award checks to recipients as instructed by LASFAC. Individual award checks for the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship, and TOPS Teacher Award and LEAP must be released to eligible recipients within 30 days of receipt by the school or be returned to LASFAC.

E. Reporting of Academic Data. At the conclusion of each term or semester, the institution will complete and return to LASFAC, a College Academic Grade Report including, but not limited to, the following data elements:

1. academic year hours earned; and

2. cumulative hours earned; and

3. cumulative grade point average; and

4. academic standing; and

5. 4. upon graduation, degree date and type and name of degree.

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Chapter 21. Miscellaneous Provisions and Exceptions

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§2103. Circumstances Warranting Exception to the Initial and Continuous Enrollment Requirements

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C. Less Than Full-Time Attendance. LASFAC will authorize awards under the TOPS Opportunity, Performance, Honors and Teachers Awards, and the TOPS-TECH Award and the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship, for less than full-time enrollment provided that the student meets all other eligibility criteria and at least one of the following:

1. requires less than full-time enrollment to complete the undergraduate degree; or

2. is enrolled in a degree program that defines full-time as less than 12 hours per semester or eight hours per quarter; or

3. requires less than full-time enrollment to complete requirements for a specified course of study or clinical program.

D. Procedure for Requesting Exceptions to the Initial and Continuous Enrollment Requirement

1. The student should complete and submit an application for an exception, with documentary evidence, to the Office as soon as possible after the occurrence of the event or circumstance that supports the request. Through the 2000-2001 academic year, the student must submit application for an exception no later than May 30 of the academic year the student requests reinstatement. into TOPS. Commencing with the 2001-2002 academic year, the student must submit the application for exception no later than six months after the date of the notice of cancellation. The deadline for filing the exception shall be prominently displayed on the notice of cancellation.

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E. Qualifying Exceptions to the Initial and Continuous Enrollment Requirement

A student who has been declared ineligible for TOPS, TOPS-Tech, TOPS Teacher or the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship because of failure to meet the initial or continuous enrollment requirements may request reinstatement in TOPS that program based on one or more of the following exceptions:

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11. Exceptional Circumstances

a. Definition. The student/recipient has exceptional circumstances, other than those listed in §2103.E.1-10, which are beyond his immediate control and which necessitate full or partial withdrawal from, or non-enrollment in an eligible postsecondary institution.

i. The following situations are not exceptional circumstances:

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(g) Claims of receipt of advice that is contrary to these rules, public information promulgated by LOSFA, award letters, and the Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities document that detail the requirements for full-time continuous enrollment.

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§2105. Repayment Obligation, Deferment and Cancellation

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B. Deferment of Repayment Obligation. Recipients of the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship or TOPS Teacher Award who are in repayment status may have their payments deferred for the following reasons.

1. Parental Leave

a. Definition. The student/recipient must be pregnant or caring for a newborn or newly-adopted child.

b. Certification Requirements. Certification by a written statement from a doctor of medicine who is legally authorized to practice or an authorized official of the adoption agency.

c. Acceptable Documentation. Includes dates of required leave of absence, the number of days involved, the length of the recovery period, the beginning and ending dates of the doctor's care, and the required treatment.

d. Filing Requirements. The recipient must request by letter, with the required certification and documentation, within 60 days after the occurrence of the qualifying event.

e. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to one academic year.

2. Rehabilitation Program

a. Definition. The recipient must be receiving rehabilitation in a program administered by a licensed rehabilitation center under a written individualized plan with specific dates of beginning and ending services.

b. Certification Requirements. Certification by a rehabilitation counselor or doctor of medicine.

c. Acceptable Documentation. Includes dates of the required leave of absence, the semester(s) or number of days involved, the length of the recovery period, the beginning and ending dates of the doctor's care, the required treatment.

d. Filing Requirements. The recipient must file a written request, with the required certification and documentation, within 60 days after occurrence of the qualifying treatment.

e. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to two academic years.

3. Temporary Disability of Recipient, Child, Parent, Spouse, or Guardian

a. Definition. Temporary total disability of recipient or recipient's dependent, parent, guardian or spouse of whom recipient is primary care-giver.

b. Certification Requirements. Certification by a qualified physician.

c. Acceptable Documentation. Includes dates of the required leave, the length of the recovery or disability period, the beginning and ending dates of the doctor's care, the required treatment.

d. Filing Requirements. The recipient must file a written request with the required certification and documentation no earlier than 30 days but within 60 days after the occurrence of disability.

e. Maximum Length of Deferment. A deferment under §2105.B.3 for Temporary Disability of the Maker shall not exceed 36 months. A deferment under §2105.B.3 for Temporary Disability of any other person shall not exceed 12 months.

4. Military Service, Peace Corps, National Service Corps, VISTA

a. Definition. The recipient is called on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces or is performing emergency state service with the National Guard or is serving in the Peace Corps, National Service Corps or VISTA.

b. Certification Requirements. Certified by a written statement from the commanding officer or regional supervisor or certified military orders.

c. Acceptable Documentation. Includes dates of required leave of absence, the semester(s) or number of days involved, the length of duty (beginning and ending dates).

d. Filing Requirements. The student/recipient must file a written request with the required certification and documentation, within 60 days after receipt of military orders or letter of appointment.

e. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to the length of the required service period.

1. Parental Leave

a. Definition. The recipient is pregnant or caring for a newborn or newly-adopted child less than one year of age.

b. Certification Requirements. The recipient must submit:

i. a completed deferment request form, and

ii. a written statement from a doctor of medicine who is legally authorized to practice certifying the date of diagnosis of pregnancy and the anticipated delivery date or the actual birth date or a copy of the hospital's certificate of live birth or a copy of the official birth certificate or equivalent official document or written documentation from the person or agency completing the adoption that confirms the adoption and date of adoption.

c. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to one year per child.

2. Physical Rehabilitation Program

a. Definition. The recipient is receiving rehabilitation in a program prescribed by a qualified medical professional and administered by a qualified medical professional.

b. Certification Requirements. The recipient must submit:

i. a completed deferment request form including the reason for the rehabilitation, dates of absence from work, the number of days involved, and any other information or documents, and

ii. a written statement from a qualified medical professional describing the rehabilitation, including the diagnosis, the beginning date of the rehabilitation, the required treatment, and the length of the recovery period.

c. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to two years per occurrence.

3. Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program

a. Definition. The recipient is receiving rehabilitation in a substance abuse program prescribed by a qualified professional and administered by a qualified professional.

b. Certification Requirements. The recipient must submit:

i. a completed deferment request form, the reason for the rehabilitation, dates of absence from work, the number of days involved, and any other information or documents, and

ii. a written statement from a qualified professional describing the rehabilitation, including the diagnosis, the beginning date of the rehabilitation, the required treatment, and the length of the recovery period.

c. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to one year. This deferment shall be available to a recipient only one time.

4. Temporary Disability

a. Definition. The recipient is recovering from an accident, injury, illness or required surgery, or the recipient is providing continuous care to his/her spouse, dependent, parent, stepparent, or guardian due to an accident, illness, injury or required surgery.

b. Certification Requirements. The recipient must submit:

i. a completed deferment request form, the reason for the disability, dates of absence from work, the number of days involved, and any other information or documents, and

ii. a written statement from a qualified professional of the existence and of the accident, injury, illness or required surgery, including the dates of treatment, the treatment required, the prognosis, the length of the recovery period, the beginning and ending dates of the doctor's care, and opinions as to the impact of the disability on the recipient's ability to work; and

iii if a temporary disability of another, a statement from the family member or a qualified professional confirming the care given by the recipient.

c. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to two years for recipient; up to a maximum of one year for care of a disabled dependent, spouse, parent, or guardian.

5. Religious Commitment

a. Definition. The recipient is a member of a religious group that requires the recipient to perform certain activities or obligations which necessitate taking a leave of absence from work.

b. Certification Requirements. The recipient must submit:

i. a completed deferment request form, the number of days involved, and the length of the religious obligation, and

ii. a written statement from the religious group's governing official evidencing the requirement necessitating the leave of absence including dates of the required leave of absence.

c. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to four consecutive semesters (six consecutive quarters).

6. Military Service

a. Definition. The recipient is in the United States Armed Forces Reserves and is called on active duty status or is performing emergency state service with the National Guard.

b. Certification Requirements. The recipient must submit:

i. a completed deferment request form and the length of duty (beginning and ending dates), and

ii. a written certification from the commanding officer or regional supervisor including the dates and location of active duty, or

iii. a certified copy of the military orders.

c. Maximum Length of Deferment. Up to the length of the required active duty service period.

5. 7. Recipient is engaging in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher education at the baccalaureate level or higher; or

6. 8. Student/Recipient is:

a. seeking and unable to find full-time employment for a single period not to exceed 12 months; or

b. seeking and unable to find full-time teaching employment at a qualifying Louisiana school for a period of time not to exceed 27 months.

C. A recipient who receives a deferment under §2105.B.7 and who is not able to enroll full-time due to a circumstance listed in §2103.E may request an exception to the full-time enrollment requirement of the deferment based on that circumstance. The maximum length of the continuation of the exception shall be the maximum length of exception provided by §2103.E.

D. Procedure for Requesting a Deferment

1. The recipient should complete and submit an application for a deferment, with documentary evidence, to the Office as soon as possible after the occurrence of the event or circumstance that supports the request. The recipient must submit the application for deferment no later than three months after the date of the notice of repayment. The deadline for filing the request shall be prominently displayed on the notice of repayment.

2. If determined eligible for a deferment, the recipient will be notified of the length of the deferment and of any conditions of the deferment.

E. Conditions of Deferment

1. Deferments may be subject to the following conditions:

a. Related to the particular circumstances for which the deferment is granted, including, but not limited to, providing proof of enrollment.

b. Agreement to give notice that the condition or circumstance that warranted the deferment has ceased, b. Agreement to a repayment schedule commencing on expiration of the deferment,

c. Agreement to acknowledge debt,

d. Agreement that during the deferment period, prescription will be interrupted (meaning the period of time within which the Office has to enforce the promissory note will not continue to accrue), and/or

e. Agreement to start repayment at the end of the deferment.

2. Conditions for deferments must be included in the notice of deferment.

F. The recipient must sign a written acknowledgment of receipt of the notice of deferment and acceptance of all conditions. The recipient must return the signed acknowledgment and acceptance within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice, otherwise the deferment is void and repayment shall commence.

C. G. Cancellation of Repayment Obligation. Upon submission of applicable proof, loans may be canceled for the following reasons:

1. death of the recipient;

2. complete and permanent disability of the recipient which precludes the recipient from gainful employment.

§2107. Funding and Fees

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B. Less than Full-Time Attendance. The LASFAC will authorize awards under the TOPS Opportunity, Performance, Honors and Teachers Awards for less than full-time enrollment provided that the student meets all other eligibility criteria and the requirements of §2103.C. at least one of the following:

1. requires less than full-time enrollment to complete the undergraduate degree; or

2. is enrolled in a degree program that defines full-time as less than 12 hours per semester or eight hours per quarter; or

3. requires less than full-time enrollment to complete requirements for a specified course of study or clinical program.

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Chapter 23. Tuition Payment Program for Medical School Students

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§2303. Establishing Eligibility

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

* * *

7. be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state aid programs which the applicant may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC; and

8. 7. not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations; and

9. 8. agree that the award will be used exclusively for educational expenses.

* * *

§2309. Maintaining Eligibility

A. To continue receiving the Tuition Payment for Medical School Students, Recipients must meet all of the following criteria:

* * *

6. be in compliance with the terms of all other federal and state aid programs which the student may be receiving and which are administered by LASFAC.