regulations workshop state scholarships and grants june 16, 2004 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m

Regulations WorkshopState Scholarships and

Grants

June 16, 2004

1:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Agenda General Eligibility – All Programs SC HOPE Scholarship LIFE Scholarship Palmetto Fellows Scholarship SC Need-based Grants Lottery Tuition Assistance Appeals Students with Disabilities Scholarship and Grant Reporting Question and Answer/Wrap-up Contact Information

General Eligibility – All Programs

General Eligibility CriteriaApplies to All Programs

Be a South Carolina resident;

Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident;

Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an eligible South Carolina public or private institution;

Certify that he or she has not been convicted of any felonies and has not been convicted of any alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor convictions within the past academic year (excluding LTAP);

General Eligibility CriteriaApplies to All Programs

Verify that he or she does not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State financial aid; and

Cannot exceed the cost-of-attendance (excluding LTAP, which can only be used toward the cost-of-tuition).

SC HOPE Scholarship

SC HOPE Scholarship

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Earn a cumulative 3.0 GPR based on the Uniform Grading Scale upon high school graduation

Be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment

Must not be a recipient of a LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, or Lottery Tuition Assistance

SC HOPE ScholarshipAWARDING PROCESS

Students attending an eligible four-year institution may receive up to $2,650 (including a $150 book allowance) towards the cost-of-attendance during the first-year only

Funds are awarded half in the fall and half in the spring

SC HOPE ScholarshipAWARDING PROCESS (CONT’D)

Students must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or equivalent) at the time of the scholarship disbursement

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship for up to two terms (fall & spring) based on initial college enrollment

SC HOPE ScholarshipAWARDING PROCESS (CONT’D)

Students who initially enroll mid-year (spring term) are eligible for up to two terms (spring & fall). Unless the student earns 15 credit hours and a 3.0 LIFE GPA by the end of Summer 2004, the student may earn for the LIFE Scholarship the next academic year

GED recipients are not eligible for the HOPE Scholarship

LIFE Scholarship

LIFE ScholarshipELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment

Must not be a recipient of the SC HOPE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance

LIFE ScholarshipINITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS

Two of the following three criteria: Earn a cumulative 3.0 GPR based on the Uniform Grading

Scale (UGS) upon high school graduation (no rounding & at least two decimal places)

Score an 1100 on the SAT I (must use highest math score combined with highest verbal or highest writing score, students cannot use both Verbal and Writing scores to meet the minimum SAT criteria. It is permissible to select scores from different test administrations) or 24 on the ACT

Rank in the top 30% of the graduating class consisting of high school diploma candidates only based on the UGS (no rounding)

LIFE ScholarshipINITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS

Earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point ratio based on the UGS upon high school graduation (No rounding & at least two decimal places)

The standardized test score and class rank requirements are waived

LIFE ScholarshipAWARDING PROCESS

Students attending an eligible four-year institution may receive up to $5,000 (including a $300 book allowance) each academic year

Students attending an eligible two-year public institution may receive up to cost-of-tuition plus a $300 book allowance

Students attending an eligible two-year independent institution may receive up to the maximum cost-of-tuition at the USC regional campuses plus a $300 book allowance each academic year

LIFE Scholarship

AWARDING PROCESS (CONT’D)

Funds are awarded half in the fall and half in the spring

Students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours or equivalent) at the time of the scholarship disbursement

TERMS OF ELIGIBILITY(Based on Initial College Enrollment)

Degree/Program

Maximum Terms of Eligibility

Freshman/1st Year = 30 credit hours

Sophomore/2nd Year = 60 credit hours

Junior/3rd Year = 90 credit hours

Senior/4th Year = 120 credit hours

Fifth Year = 150 credit hours

One Year Certificate/ Diploma 2 0 0 0 0 0

Associate 4 2 0 0 0 0Baccalaureate/ First Professional 8 6 4 2 0 0Approved Five Year Baccalaureate 10 8 6 4 2 0

Hours Earned at the End of Each Academic Year

Terms of Remaining Eligibility at the End of Each Academic Year

Continued Eligibility In order to renew eligibility for the LIFE

Scholarship Program, the student must:Continue to meet all “Student Eligibility”

requirements according to guidelines; Earn at least a 3.0 “LIFE GPA” by the end of

each academic year; andEarn an average of thirty credit hours (or its

equivalent) for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year based on initial college enrollment.

LIFE ScholarshipREMEDIAL, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND NON-DEGREE

CREDIT COURSES

LIFE Scholarship funds cannot be applied towards the cost of continuing education, remedial/developmental, non-degree credit courses for an associate degree or higher

Twelve credit hours of the course load must be non-remedial/developmental, non-continuing education, and degree-credit courses for an associate degree or higher in order to receive LIFE Scholarship funds

Remedial/developmental, continuing education, and non-degree credit courses for an associate degree or higher cannot be included in the “LIFE GPA” or credit hour calculations

LIFE ScholarshipREMEDIAL/DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES

First-time entering freshmen attending a two-year institution who enroll in remedial courses during the first term(s) will not be eligible for scholarship funds during this period, unless the student is enroll in at least 12 credit hours of non-remedial courses

Term(s) of remedial enrollment will not count against the LIFE Scholarship initial college enrollment

LIFE ScholarshipGED RECIPIENTS

Cannot receive the LIFE Scholarship during their freshman year

May be eligible in subsequent years, if they earn an average of 30 credit hours and a 3.0 “LIFE GPA” based on all grades earned at an eligible SC Institution and meet all “Student Eligibility” criteria according to guidelines

LIFE ScholarshipTRANSFER STUDENTS2005-06 Academic Year *

For determining initial eligibility for the first time at an eligible institution, a transfer student must have: earned a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale at all

prior institutions. For eligibility in subsequent years, the student must earn a cumulative 3.0 “LIFE GPA”; and

earned a minimum of thirty credit hours (or equivalent) at the end of each academic year from all prior institutions or consistent with the policies of the institution for graduation purposes

*During the 2004-05 transitional period, transfer students must usethe “LIFE GPA” calculation. However, beginning with the 2005-06Academic Year, transfer students must use all grades earned at ALLprior institutions (in-state and out-of-state).

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

Palmetto Fellows ScholarshipINITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In order to be eligible to apply for a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship during the senior year of high school, a student must meet ALL of the following minimum requirements: Score at least 1200 on the SAT (must use highest math score

combined with highest verbal or highest writing score, students cannot use both Verbal and Writing subsection scores to meet the minimum SAT score. It is permissible to select scores from different test administrations) or 27 on the ACT

Earn a cumulative 3.50 GPR based on the Uniform Grading Scale at the end of the junior year

Rank in the top five percent of the class at the end of either the sophomore or the junior year based on the UGS

Must submit applications to CHE during January and May 2005


AWARD NOTIFICATION

The Commission provides a roster of students offered the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship to the institutions in March and May

In early May and June, the Commission notifies institutions of the Palmetto Fellows who have reserved the scholarship at their institution

Palmetto Fellows ScholarshipAWARDING PROCESS

Each Palmetto Fellow may receive a scholarship of up to $6,700 annually (half awarded in the fall and half in the spring)

Must be applied directly toward the cost of attendance, less any other gift aid received

Palmetto Fellows ScholarshipAWARDING PROCESS (CONT’D)

Charges for room and board are to be limited as follows: Room charges shall not exceed the average cost of on-

campus residential housing; and Board charges shall not exceed the cost of the least

expensive on-campus meal plan, which includes 21 meals per week.

Palmetto Fellows may be supported for a maximum of eight full‑time terms of study toward the first baccalaureate or first professional degree at an eligible senior institution in South Carolina



Students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours or equivalent) at the time of the scholarship disbursement

Cannot receive the LIFE Scholarship or SC HOPE Scholarship (Palmetto Fellows cannot receive LTAP during summer)

Palmetto Fellows ScholarshipRENEWAL CRITERIA

Earn at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year (fall, spring and summer terms); and

Take and earn a minimum of 30 credit hours for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year (exempted credit hours, AP, CLEP, and dual credit hours cannot be used).

Palmetto Fellows ScholarshipTRANSFER FORM

Palmetto Fellows transferring to another eligible institution must submit a Transfer Form to CHE for approval (available on the Commission’s Web-site)

SC Need-based Grant

SC Need-based GrantADMINISTERING PROCESS

Financial aid office on each public college campus administers the Need-based Grants Program (can establish additional guidelines consistent with regulation)

S.C. Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission administers the Need-based Grants Program for private institutions as a part of the Tuition Grants Program

SC Need-based Grant - PublicsAWARDING PROCESS

Students must be needy based on the results of the FAFSA (consistent with Pell Grant eligibility)

Students may receive up to $2,500 annually if enrolled full-time and up to $1,250 annually if enrolled part-time (half disbursed in fall and half in spring)

College determines the exact amount, less any other gift aid received

SC Need-based Grant - PublicsAWARDING PROCESS (CONT’D)

Must be applied directly towards the cost-of-attendance at the college for a maximum of eight full-time equivalent terms

Charges for room and board are to be limited as follows: Room charges shall not exceed the average cost of on-

campus residential housing; and Board charges shall not exceed the cost of the least

expensive on-campus meal plan, which includes 21 meals per week

SC Need-based Grant - Publics


Students must be enrolled in their first one-year program, first associate’s degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional degree

Students must be enrolled at the time of the grant disbursement in a minimum of twelve credit hours if full-time or six credit hours if part-time at an eligible institution



Institutions must give first priority and award the maximum allowable award to students who are in the custody of the SC Dept. of Social Services

The institution may redistribute funds to other eligible students until 45 days after the last day to register for the spring term


CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY

Awarded full-time (both fall and spring terms) Must earn 24 credit hrs.

Awarded part-time (both fall and spring terms) Must earn 12 credit hrs.


CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY (CONT’D)

Awarded part-time one term and full-time other term Must earn 18 credit hrs.

Awarded one term (either fall or spring term) Must earn 6 if part-time and 12 if full-time

Credits earned during any additional terms (i.e., summer or other non-regular term) cannot be used to replace/reduce the minimum credit hour requirement for the regular academic year

SC Need-based Grant - PublicsCONTINUED ELIGIBILITY (CONT’D)

Earn at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for graduation purposes by the end of each regular academic year (fall and spring terms only)

Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Each year, must file a FAFSA form and continue to meet all general eligibility requirements

SC Need-based GrantINCREASED FUNDING 2004-05 AY

$6.1 Million additional funds through SC Education Lottery Account

Total Funding for SC Need-based Grant Program for 2004-05 AY

$22.4 Million!!

Reminder: Make sure that your institution funds as many needy students as possible (based on Federal Guidelines)

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP)USC-Regional Campuses and Spartanburg Methodist College

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP)

ADMINISTERING PROCESS

Financial aid office at USC – Regional Campuses and Spartanburg Methodist College administers the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program

S.C. Technical College System administers the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program for the technical colleges



Enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours each term as a degree-seeking student in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program

Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress each academic year

Must not be a recipient of a LIFE, Palmetto Fellows or SC HOPE Scholarship during the academic year (fall, spring, and summer)



Must file the FAFSA Form each academic year

Not eligible to receive LTAP for more than one certificate, diploma, or degree earned within any five-year period unless the additional certificate, diploma, or degree constitutes progress in the same field of study

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP)AWARDING PROCESS

Must first apply federal and state need-based aid towards the cost-of-tuition

For the Fall 2004 term, students may receive $77 per credit hour and up to $924 for full-time towards the cost-of-tuition

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP)AWARDING PROCESS (CONT’D)

The award amount is determined each term based on the number of eligible students and available funding

LTAP should be retroactively awarded For example, a student who enrolls part-time during the

fall term and then enrolls full-time during the spring term, but does not file the FAFSA until after the beginning of the spring term should be awarded LTAP retroactively. The student must have met all other eligibility criteria

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP)DIRECTIVE REMINDER

MARCH 18, 2004

DUALLY ENROLLED HS STUDENTS

Effective Fall 2004, CHE has granted another one-year extension to the original moratorium to allow dually enrolled high school students to receive funding through LTAP

Appeals

Appeals

The institution is responsible for making the appeals information available to students

Students who fail to meet the continued eligibility criteria to renew the LIFE, PFS, or SC HOPE Scholarship due to an extenuating circumstance (Serious health condition, missionary trip, death of a family member) have the option to appeal

Appeals

Students who fail to meet the initial eligibility criteria for the HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarships are not eligible to submit an appeal

Students must submit a completed appeal application to CHE by the established deadline

The following are not considered extenuating circumstances: Roommate issues, financial issues, poor advisement, course/grade issues

Students with Disabilities

Students with Disabilities Students are responsible for receiving

approval from Office of Disability Services to be enrolled in less than full-time status or earn less than the required annual credit hours

Disability Services Provider must provide written documentation to the Office of Financial Aid prior to each academic year

Students with Disabilities For renewal, students must meet the grade

point average requirement as stipulated in each program regulation and the number of credit hours stipulated by the Disability Services Provider in the written documentation

Students cannot exceed eight terms based upon initial college enrollment

Early Graduates

Early Graduates Students who complete their high school graduation

requirements prior to the official graduation date (usually May/June with their senior class) may be eligible to receive the HOPE/LIFE Scholarships dependent on prior approval by the Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

The institutional representative must complete and submit an Early Graduation Application Form and all appropriate documentation as deemed necessary by CHE for each student provided on the Commission’s Website

The student must also submit an official high school transcript and an official letter from the high school principal verifying that he/she has met all graduation requirements

Scholarship and Grant Reporting

Reporting Deadlines

Fall 2004 Disbursement and Enrollment Data Reports due to

CHE by October 29, 2004

Spring 2005 Disbursement and Enrollment Data Reports due to

CHE by March 31, 2005

Summer 2005 Reconciliation Reports due to CHE by June 15, 2005

Question and Answer Session/Wrap-up

Contact Informationwww.che.sc.gov

(See Student Services Division & Financial Aid Officers Links)

Bichevia Green LIFE Scholarship & SC HOPE Scholarship (803) 737-2280 or [email protected]

Sherry Hubbard Palmetto Fellows Scholarship & SC Need-based Grant (803) 737-2262 or [email protected]

Michelle McDowell Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP) (803) 737-2271 or [email protected]

Karen Woodfaulk Director of Student Services (803) 737-2244 or [email protected]

regulations workshop state scholarships and grants june 16, 2004 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m

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