South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 62 - STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Article VIII - HIGHER EDUCATION EXCELLENCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
LIFE SCHOLARSHIP AND PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP APPEALS REGULATIONS
Section 62-1000 - Program Definitions

A. "Appeal" is defined as an instance in which an extenuating circumstance causes a student enrolled in college to fail to meet the academic requirements (cumulative grade point average and/or credit hours) of earning or renewing a LIFE Scholarship, SC HOPE Scholarship, or renewing a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.

B. "Extenuating Circumstance" is defined as a situation that involves a serious health condition of the student, death or serious health condition of an immediate family member, or a traumatic event.

C. "Immediate Family Member" is defined as the spouse, great-grandparents, grandparents, parents or legal guardians, brothers, sisters, or children of either the student or the student's spouse.

D. "Serious Health Condition" is defined as an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves: (1) Any period of incapacity or treatment in connection with or consequent to inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility; or (2) Any period of incapacity requiring absence from classes for more than five consecutive class days that also involves continuing treatment by (or under the supervision of) a health care provider; or (3) Continuing treatment by (or under the supervision of) a health care provider for a chronic or long-term health condition that is incurable or so serious that, if not treated, would likely result in a period of incapacity that would adversely affect the academic performance of the student.

E. "Traumatic Event" is defined as a sudden, uncontrollable event which adversely affects the student's academic performance, such as a natural disaster (i.e., earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire, etc.), divorce, rape, or any other event deemed traumatic/extraordinary by the Appeals Committee.