South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 62 - STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Article VII - SOUTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC ENDOWMENT INCENTIVE ACT OF 1997/SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHER EDUCATION MATCHING GIFT FUND
LOTTERY TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR TWO-YEAR PUBLIC AND INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS
Section 62-900.160 - Program Definitions

A. "Academic year" is defined as the fall, spring, and summer terms.

B. "Associate's degree program" is defined as a two-year or associate's degree program (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science), which leads to the first two years of a bachelor's degree at a location approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federally funded financial aid programs and authorized by the Commission on Higher Education.

C. "Cost-of-tuition" is defined as the amount charged for enrolling for credit hours of instruction and mandatory fees assessed to all students. Other fees, charges, or cost of textbooks cannot be included.

D. "Degree-seeking student" is defined as any part-time or full-time student enrolled in a diploma, certificate, or an associate's degree program of study at an eligible SC public or independent two-year institution.

E. "Eligible program" is defined as a program of study leading to an associate's degree or at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit towards a bachelor's degree, which meets all other Title IV regulations as authorized by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federally funded financial aid programs.

F. "Field of study" shall mean an area in which a certificate, diploma, or degree is awarded. A certificate/diploma earned that progresses to a diploma/associate's degree in the same academic area.

G. "For graduation purposes" is defined as any grade or credit hour that the home institution requires in accordance with their policies and procedures for graduation of the student, including electives and additional coursework.

H. "Full-time student" shall mean a student who has matriculated into an eligible program, and who enrolls in a minimum of twelve credit hours (or the equivalent) at the home institution during an academic term.

I. "Independent two-year institutions" are defined, for the purposes of the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, as those two-year institutions eligible to participate in the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program as defined in Chapter 113 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code, which stipulates an "independent institution of higher learning means any independent eleemosynary junior or senior college in South Carolina whose major campus and headquarters are located within South Carolina and which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools." Institutions whose sole purpose is religious or theological training or the granting of professional degrees do not meet the definition of an eligible institution. Independent four-year institutions are not eligible for participation in this Program.

J. "Lawful Presence" is defined as individuals who are US citizens, permanent residents, or non-US citizens and non-permanent residents who are legally present in the US. When verifying the lawful presence of an individual, institutional personnel shall not attempt to independently verify the immigration status of any alien, but shall verify any alien's immigration status with the federal government pursuant to 8 USC Section1373(c).

K. "Military mobilization" is defined as a situation in which the U.S. Department of Defense orders members of the United States Armed Forces to active duty away from their normal duty assignment during a time of war or national emergency.

L. "Multi-handicapped student" shall be defined as a student who, in addition to being visually or hearing impaired, has at least one additional disabling condition that qualifies the student to receive specialized postsecondary education.

M. "Part-time student" shall mean a student who has matriculated into an eligible program, and who enrolls in a minimum of six credit hours at the home institution and a maximum of eleven credit hours (or its equivalent) during an academic term.

N. "Public two-year institutions" are defined, for the purposes of the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, as those two-year institutions defined by Chapter 103 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code, which stipulates a "public institution of higher learning shall mean any state-supported postsecondary educational institution." Public four-year institutions are not eligible for participation in this Program. Technical colleges are governed by regulations promulgated by the SC Technical College System.

O. "Remedial coursework" shall mean sub-collegiate level preparatory courses in English, mathematics, and reading or any other course deemed remedial by the institution where the course is taken.

P. "Satisfactory academic progress" shall mean the minimum academic standard for academic progress established by the institution for the purpose of complying with Title IV regulations for federal student aid programs and for State scholarship and grants.

Q. "South Carolina resident" shall be defined as an individual who satisfies the requirements of residency in accordance with the State of South Carolina Statute for Tuition and Fees, Statute 59-112-10, unless the student qualifies for an exception as defined in the residency regulation promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education as determined by the institutional residency officer each academic year.