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
SOUTH CAROLINA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
Section 62-900.140 - Suspension or Termination of Institutional Participation

A. The Commission may review institutional administrative practices to determine institutional compliance with pertinent statutes, guidelines, rules or regulations. If such a review determines that an institution has failed to comply with program guidelines, rules, or regulations, the Commission may suspend, terminate, or place certain conditions upon the institution's continued participation in the program and require reimbursement to the SC HOPE Scholarship Program for any funds lost or improperly awarded.

B. Upon receipt of evidence that an institution has failed to comply with program rules, regulations, or guidelines, the Commission on Higher Education shall notify the institution in writing of the nature of such allegations and conduct an audit.

C. If an audit indicates that a violation or violations may have occurred or are occurring at any public or independent college or university, the Commission on Higher Education shall secure immediate reimbursement from the institution in the event that any funds were expended out of compliance with the provisions of the Act, any relevant Statutes, pertinent rules, and regulations.

D. The institution is responsible for determining SC Residency and lawful presence off all SC HOPE Scholarship recipients. If it is determined that the institution has failed to verify the lawful presence and SC residency of a SC HOPE Scholarship recipient, the institution shall immediately reimburse the Commission with any and all funds disbursed in error.

E. Independent and public institutions of higher learning in this, or any other state in the U.S., are prohibited from using the South Carolina HOPE Scholarship or "SC HOPE" Scholarship in programs that promote financial aid incentives or packages. Any mention of the South Carolina HOPE Scholarship or "SC HOPE" Scholarship in these financial aid packages must indicate the scholarship to be separate from the University that is offering the financial aid package, and reference the South Carolina HOPE Scholarship or "SC HOPE" Scholarship as a separate financial aid award, provided to the student by the State of South Carolina.

F. The student shall be required to provide a nationally recognized, unique identifier in order to award, disburse and/or transfer the student's SC HOPE Scholarship to an eligible institution.