TITLE 19.EDUCATION

Part 1. TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD

Chapter 4. RULES APPLYING TO ALL PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN TEXAS

Subchapter C. TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE

19 TAC §4.59

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts amendments to §4.59, concerning the Texas Success Initiative without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7962).

Specifically, these amendments provide further flexibility by deleting the requirement that students must retake an assessment for an institution to determine if the student is ready to perform freshman-level coursework.

No comments were received regarding the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §51.307, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to adopt rules for the administration of Texas Education Code §51.3062.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600524

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Chapter 7. PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE PUBLIC POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATING IN TEXAS

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19 TAC §7.3

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts amendments to §7.3, concerning definitions without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7963).

Specifically, these amendments prohibit the use of fraudulent or substandard degrees and direct the Coordinating Board to provide consumer information about such degrees, and provide a mechanism for institutions to establish their legitimacy for use of their degrees in Texas. The amendments add new definitions pertaining to "fictitious degree," "fraudulent or substandard degree," and "protected term."

The following comments were received regarding the amendments:

Comments: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston commented that these amendments were acceptable.

Response: As a result of this comment, no changes were made.

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §§61.301 - 61.319, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to regulate private postsecondary education institutions.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600525

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


19 TAC §§7.12 - 7.17

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts the repeal of §§7.12 - 7.17, concerning general provisions without changes to the proposal as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7964).

Specifically, the repeal prohibits the use of fraudulent or substandard degrees and directs the Coordinating Board to provide consumer information about such degrees, and provide a mechanism for institutions to establish their legitimacy for use of their degrees in Texas. Changes to the existing §7.12, renumber it as §7.14, to clarify language about prohibited acts, and add the use of fraudulent or substandard degrees as a prohibited act. The existing §§7.13 - 7.17 are renumbered as §§7.15 - 7.19, respectively, but are otherwise unchanged.

There were no comments received regarding the repeal of these sections.

The repeal of these sections are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §§61.301 - 61.319, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to regulate private postsecondary education institutions.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600527

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


19 TAC §§7.12 - 7.20

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts new §§7.12 - 7.20, concerning general provisions without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7965).

Specifically, these new sections prohibit the use of fraudulent or substandard degrees and direct the Coordinating Board to provide consumer information about such degrees, and provide a mechanism for institutions to establish their legitimacy for use of their degrees in Texas. A new §7.12 establishes procedures for reviewing degrees from institutions not eligible for a certificate of authority to determine if they legally may be used in Texas. A new §7.13 establishes the procedures for disseminating consumer protection information related to fraudulent or substandard degrees. A new §7.20 clarifies that violation of the subchapter is a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The existing §§7.13 - 7.17 are renumbered as §§7.15 - 7.19, respectively, but are otherwise unchanged.

The following comments were received regarding the new sections:

Comments: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston commented that these amendments were acceptable.

Response: As a result of this comment, no changes were made.

Comments: Lamar University commented that §7.17(a)(4) appears to be out of place and should appear as an unnumbered concluding paragraph under §7.17(a) or as a separate item in §7.17(b).

Response: The comment addresses existing language of the rules and not language proposed on this agenda. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

The new sections are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §§61.301 - 61.319, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to regulate private postsecondary education institutions.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600526

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Chapter 13. FINANCIAL PLANNING

Subchapter H. REPORTING OF TUITION AND FEES

19 TAC §§13.140 - 13.143

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts new §§13.140 - 13.143, concerning reporting of Tuition and Fees, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7967).

Specifically, these new sections provide the purpose of and authority for these rules. §13.142 proposes fifteen definitions for the different types of tuition and fees charged by institutions. The procedures for reporting the types and amounts of tuition and fees to the Board are set out in proposed new §13.143.

The following comments were received regarding the new sections:

Comment: Austin Community College commented that there was no mention of Continuing Education fees in the definitions.

Response: The Board has changed the definitions in §13.142(3), (4), (6) and (8) to include fees for continuing education and remove the erroneous reference to Texas Education Code, §130.84.

The new sections are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §54.0015 and 2005 Tex.Sess.Law Serv. 288 (Vernon).

§13.140.Purpose.

The purpose of this subchapter is to establish the reporting requirements for institutions to submit data on tuition and fees and to provide uniform definitions for the different types of tuition and fees.

§13.141.Authority.

2005 Tex.Sess.Law Serv, 288 (Vernon) requires the Board to compile data on the tuition and fees charged at each two-year and four-year institution of public higher education and report that data to the Texas Legislature. Texas Education Code, §54.053 authorizes the Board to adopt rules to carry out the purposes of Texas Education Code, Chapter 54, Subchapter B.

§13.142.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Auxiliary fee--A mandatory or discretionary fee that an institution charges to recover costs from a student for a service or activity that is self-supporting.

(2) Coordinating Board--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(3) Course fee--A mandatory fee required of all students enrolled in a given course; or a discretionary fee required of students in a given course who wish to participate in a special activity. This includes fees for state-funded continuing education courses.

(4) Discretionary fee--An optional fee that the governing board of an institution is permitted, but not required, by statute to charge all students. Examples of this fee are parking fees charged under Texas Education Code, §54.505 and incidental fees charged under Texas Education Code, §54.504.

(A) Voluntary fee--A discretionary fee authorized under Texas Education Code, §§54.503, 54.5061 and 54.513, that is charged only to those students who make use of the service or item for which the fee is established. This includes fees for state-funded continuing education courses.

(B) Matriculation fee--A discretionary fee authorized under Texas Education Code, §54.006(a), that an institution, other than a public community college or public technical college, may charge a student withdrawing from the institution before the first day of class.

(5) General academic teaching institution--An institution included in the provisions of Texas Education Code, §61.003(3).

(6) Incidental fee--A mandatory fee authorized by the governing board of an institution and collected under Texas Education Code, §§55.16 or 130.084, and levied at the discretion of the governing board of an institution that is charged to all students; or a discretionary fee collected under Texas Education Code, §54.504, for particular services provided to students.

(7) Institution or institution of higher education--Any public technical institute, public junior college, public senior college or university, medical or dental unit, public state college, or other agency of higher education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(8).

(8) Mandatory fee--A fee authorized by statute or the governing board of an institution that is charged to a student upon enrollment. For institutions other than public community colleges, such fees would be required to be paid by the census date or other date as mandated by the state for formula funding purposes. Examples of such fees are: laboratory fees, course and incidental fees collected under Texas Education Code, §55.16(c), and other mandatory fees as authorized by the governing board of the institution. For public community colleges, such fees would include fees collected from students enrolled in state-funded continuing education courses.

(A) Laboratory fee--A mandatory fee that is charged under Texas Education Code, §54.501.

(B) Compulsory fee--A mandatory fee authorized under Texas Education Code, §§54.503, 54.5061, and 54.513.

(9) Medical and dental unit--An institution included in the provisions of Texas Education Code, §61.003(5).

(10) Optional fee--Has the same meaning as discretionary fee defined in paragraph (4) of this section.

(11) Public junior or community college--Any junior or community college certified by the board in accordance with Texas Education Code, §61.063.

(12) Public technical institute--An institution included in the provisions of Texas Education Code, §61.003(7).

(13) Required fee--Has the same meaning as mandatory fee defined in paragraph (8) of this section.

(14) Tuition--Statutory, designated, and/or board-authorized tuition.

(A) Statutory tuition--A tuition charge authorized under Texas Education Code, §54.051, in an amount determined by the Texas Legislature for resident or nonresident students. This includes the charge for state-funded continuing education courses.

(B) Designated tuition--A tuition charge authorized under Texas Education Code, §54.0513, that an institution may impose on any graduate or undergraduate, resident or nonresident student, in an amount that the governing board of the institution considers necessary for the effective operation of the institution.

(C) Board authorized tuition--A tuition charge that a general academic teaching institution or a medical and dental unit may impose on any graduate resident or nonresident student in an amount as specified in Texas Education Code, §54.008.

(15) Tuition fee--Statutory, designated, and/or board-authorized tuition.

§13.143.Reporting

(a) By May 1, 2006, each institution shall report to the Board the types and amounts of tuition and fees charged to students by semester, beginning with the 2003 fall semester and including the 2005 spring semester.

(b) Beginning December 1, 2006, each institution shall report the types and amounts of tuition and fees charged to students by semester during the previous academic year.

(c) In reporting the types and amounts of tuition and fees charged to students, all institutions shall classify the tuition and fees according to the definitions of those terms provided in §13.142 of this title (relating to Definitions).

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600528

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Chapter 21. STUDENT SERVICES

Subchapter E. TEXAS B-ON-TIME LOAN PROGRAM

19 TAC §21.127

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts an amendment to §21.127 concerning the Texas B-On-Time Loan Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7968).

Specifically, the amendment requires each institution to adopt its own hardship policy and make it available for public review.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Education Code, §56.453, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of Texas Education Code, §§56.451 - 56.465.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600529

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Subchapter X. DETERMINATION OF RESIDENT STATUS AND WAIVER PROGRAMS FOR CERTAIN NONRESIDENT PERSONS

19 TAC §§21.728, 21.730, 21.731, 21.733 - 21.735

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts amendments to §§21.728, 21.730, 21.731, and 21.733 - 21.735, concerning Determination of Resident Status and Waiver Programs for Certain Nonresident Persons. Sections 21.728, 21.731, 21.733 and 21.735 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8254). Sections 21.730, and 21.734 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.

Specifically, the amendments to §21.728 provide a new definition for a Residence Determination Official,and clarify the definition of "gainful employment." The amendment to §21.730 clarifies that persons who have already graduated from high school may not use the additional acquisition of the equivalent of a high school diploma in Texas as a means of acquiring residency and deletes the provision that permits the filing of a Last Will and Testament as evidence of establishment of a domicile in Texas. The amendment to §21.731 incorporates the Revised Chart II and the Revised Chart IV into this section and deletes unnecessary descriptive language. The amendment to §21.734 adds a provision regarding the erroneous classification of a person as a Texas resident when the person is entitled or permitted to pay resident tuition. The amendment to §21.735 deletes the provision that permits certain persons who have graduated or completed 45 semester credit hours while enrolled under the waiver program described in §21.735(5) to pay resident tuition at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

The Revised Chart II incorporates the following changes:

The title was changed to "Revised Chart II" to reflect the document has been revised from the version that was adopted by the Board in October.

Wording in the introductory paragraph, Part B question 1 and the instructions following Part B was slightly changed to improve the readability of the text.

Throughout the chart instructions to "go on" to the next section were changed to read, "continue" when the person is being instructed to move to the next section and changed from "go to" to "skip to" when the person is being advised to ignore the following section and skip to a later part of the Chart. Students answering "yes" to Part B question 1 are now advised to complete all of the questions in that section rather than just questions 2 - 4. In Part C an instruction line near the title of the Part incorrectly indicated all students were to complete this part. If students answer Part B correctly, they do not complete Part C. A line of instruction was added advising students unsure if they are residents or not to complete the form. In Part D, an instruction line was deleted that incorrectly indicated all students were to complete this part. If students answer Part B or C correctly, they do not complete Part D. Instructions at the end of Part D were reworded to ensure students knew which two forms they were to complete and submit to their institutions. An informational sentence was added to Question 2 of Part E to advise that step parents cannot complete the form as parents unless they have adopted the student. At the request of institutions, Question 1 of Part F was split into two separate questions, one asking about U.S. Citizenship and the other about Permanent Resident status. The wording to Question 3 Part F was altered to more clearly reflect United States Citizenship and Immigration procedures now in effect for applicants for Permanent Resident status. Question 6 b was added to Part F to solicit information about the reasons for which the person is in Texas. Answers to this question speak to the intentions of the person to make Texas his/her domicile. Part c was added to Question 10 of Part F to determine whether the person had been married to the Texas domiciliary for at least 12 months, a requirement for residency. Instructions were added for students completing Part F to proceed to Part H.

At the request of institutions, Question 1 of Part G was split into two separate questions, one asking about U.S. Citizenship and the other about Permanent Resident status. The wording to Question 3 Part G was altered to more clearly reflect United States Citizenship and Immigration Services procedures now in effect for applicants for Permanent Resident status. Question 6 b was added to Part G to solicit information about the reasons for which the person is in Texas. Answers to this question speak to the intentions of the person to make Texas his/her domicile. Question 10 was added to Part G to determine whether the parent or legal guardian might have a claim to residency based on his/her spouse.

The Revised Chart IV incorporates the following changes:

The wording in the introductory paragraph for the chart was simplified for easier reading. Item 1 of Part A was revised to clarify that all individuals who meet the requirements of being gainfully employed can use that employment as a basis for establishing a domicile and proving residence in Texas for at least 12 months. Part B is eliminated because it has been concluded that many students lease apartments while attending college in Texas, and that this action is not a clear indication of a decision by the student to make Texas his/her permanent home (domicile). Similar conclusions were reached regarding the filing of U.S. Armed Forces form DD2058 and the execution of a Last Will and Testament and are reflected in Part B (previously labeled items 5 and 6 of Part C). A line of clarifying language has been added to Part C to help individuals understand that the items listed in this Part do not show the establishment of a domicile in Texas. They simply can be used as proof of 12 months in the state. The leasing or renting of property was added as a possible means of documenting presence in Texas for 12 months as item 13 in Part C.

The following comments were received from The University of Texas System Office regarding the amendments:

Comment: The word "described" should be changed to the term "set forth" in §21.728(3).

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and §21.728(3) has been changed to reflect this wording.

Comment: Section 21.728(7) states ". . . has met the conditions shown in Revised Chart IV. . .," but no conditions are shown in Revised Chart IV. Therefore, the chart should be revised to show the appropriate conditions.

Response: There are no conditions in Revised Chart IV and the Board deleted the reference to Revised Chart IV in §21.728(7).

Comment: Change "tuition purposes" to "purposes of establishing residency" in §21.728(9).

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and §21.728(9) has been changed to reflect this wording.

Comment: Change the word "described" to "set forth" in §21.731(a).

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and §21.731(a) has been changed to reflect this wording.

Comment: The revised chart is not incorporated into the definitions; therefore, it is suggested that §21.731(a) be revised to say ". . . completed set of Core Questions set forth in Revised Chart II, which is incorporated into this subchapter for all purposes."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and §21.731(a) has been revised to reflect that Revised Chart II is incorporated into the subchapter rather than the definitions.

Comment: Change the word "described" to "included" in §21.731(b).

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and §21.731(b) has been changed to reflect this wording.

Comment: Add the following sentence to §21.731(b): "In addition, the institution may request documents that support the information the student may provide in Revised Chart II, Section H."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and the sentence has been added.

Comment: Change the word "described" to "provided" in §21.731(c).

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and §21.731(c) has been changed.

Comment: In §21.735(10)(D), the last sentence says "must submit evidence . . . has established a domicile in Texas." Since the establishment of a domicile carries a 12 month residency requirement and a person would not need a waiver if a domicile had been established, it is recommended that the word "domicile" be changed to "residence."

Response: The Board disagreed with this comment because the establishment of a domicile does not require residence in Texas for 12 months. No change was made as a result of this comment.

Comment: Delete the word "the" in "taken the 1 of 3 following actions" in §21.735(10)(F)(iii). Also, is there a reason why more is required of military members than any one else? For example, why is "with no delinquent property taxes" asked for in this section and not required in Chart IV?

Response: The Board agreed and deleted "the" in this subsection. However, because §21.735(10)(F) refers to a waiver of out-of-state tuition, not the classification of a student for residency purposes, and those requirements are set out in statute, the Board did not recommend any further changes to this section.

Comment: Revised Chart II, Part B, question 4 should have "tuition" at the end of the sentence.

Response: The word "tuition" is included at the end of the sentence in this provision. No change was made as a result of this comment.

Comment: The words "classified as" should be added before the word "resident" in Revised Chart II, Part B, question 5.

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and the words have been added to this question.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part D, question 1.b., if both the name and city of the high school are needed, the question needs to clear; i.e., "what was the name and city of the school."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and "name/city" has been changed to "name and city" in this question.

Comment: In the instructions to Part D of Revised Chart II, third bullet, add the words "in Chart III" to clarify where to find the Affidavit: ". . . Affidavit provided in Chart III as an Attachment to this form . . ."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and the words have been added to clarify where to find the Affidavit.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part E.2., change the first sentence in the parentheses to say that the parent or guardian must provide "more than one half of your support" as opposed to "at least one half of your support."

Response: The Board disagreed and no change was made as a result of this comment. The suggested change would require that the parent or guardian provide 51 percent of the student's support. The current language, which requires that the parent or guardian provide 50 percent or more of the student's support, is a continuation of current policy and would be more easily applied by the institutions.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, instructions to Part E, last bullet, add "and complete Part I" to the end of the sentence.

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and this phrase has been added to these instructions.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part F.5., add "or other temporary purpose" after "employer."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and this phrase has been added.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part F.8, for each one of the parts, it would be useful to know the date acquired.

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and the phrase "If yes, date acquired" has been added to a, b, and c of F.8.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Parts F and G, question 6 a.: Does this meet the statutory requirement? According to §54.053(1)(A), statements of dates and length of time the person has resided in the state are needed.

Response: The Board disagrees and believes current wording meets statutory requirements. No change was made as a result of this comment.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Parts F and G, question 6 b., change "Establish/maintain a home" to "Establish/maintain a principal, permanent residence."

Response: This chart is intended for use by students and the Board believes the term used will be more easily understood by those students. No change was made as a result of this comment.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part F and G, question 7, add "If Texas, for how long?"

Response: The Board disagreed with this comment because duration of residency is not required for active members of the U.S. Military. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part G.5., add "or other temporary purpose" after "employer."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and this phrase has been added.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part G.8, for each one of the parts, it would be useful to know the date acquired.

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and the phrase "If yes, date acquired" has been added to a, b, and c of G.8.

Comment: In Revised Chart II, Part I, in the last line change "cancellation of enrollment, or appropriate disciplinary action" to "cancellation of enrollment and/or appropriate disciplinary action."

Response: The Board agreed with this comment and this change has been made.

Comment: In Revised Chart IV, why does Part B say "12 months prior to census date" and Part A does not?

Response: The Board agreed that the heading should include this phrase and has changed Part A to also state that the documentation demonstrates the maintenance of a residence in Texas for "the 12 months prior to the census date in which the person enrolls."

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §54.075, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to carry out the purposes of Texas Education Code, §§54.0501 - 54.075.

§21.728.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Census date--the date in an academic term for which an institution is required to certify a person's enrollment in the institution for the purposes of determining formula funding for the institution.

(2) Coordinating Board or Board--the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(3) Core Residency Questions--the questions promulgated by the Board and set forth in Revised Chart II, which is incorporated into this subchapter for all purposes, to be completed by a person and used by an institution to determine if the person is a Texas resident.

(4) Dependent--a person who:

(A) is less than 18 years of age and has not been emancipated by marriage or court order; or

(B) is eligible to be claimed as a dependent of a parent of the person for purposes of determining the parent's income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(5) Domicile--a person's principal, permanent residence to which the person intends to return after any temporary absence.

(6) Eligible for Permanent Resident Status--a person who has filed an I-485 application for permanent residency and has been issued a fee/filing receipt or notice of action.

(7) Established a domicile in Texas--a person has established a domicile in Texas if he or she has met the conditions shown in §21.730(d) of this title (relating to Determination of Resident Status).

(8) Eligible Nonimmigrant--a person who has been issued a type of nonimmigrant visa by the USCIS that permits the person to establish a domicile in the United States.

(9) Gainful employment--activities intended to provide an income to a person or allow a person to avoid the expense of paying another person to perform the tasks (as in child care or the maintenance of a home). A person who is self-employed, employed as a homemaker, or who is living off his/her earnings may be considered gainfully employed for purposes of establishing residency, as may a person whose primary support is public assistance.

(10) General Academic Teaching Institution--The University of Texas at Austin; The University of Texas at El Paso; The University of Texas of the Permian Basin; The University of Texas at Dallas; The University of Texas at San Antonio; Texas A&M University, Main University; The University of Texas at Arlington; Tarleton State University; Prairie View A&M University; Texas Maritime Academy (now Texas A&M University--Galveston); Texas Tech University; University of North Texas; Lamar University; Lamar State College--Orange; Lamar State College--Port Arthur; Texas A&M University--Kingsville; Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi; Texas Woman's University; Texas Southern University; Midwestern State University; University of Houston; University of Texas--Pan American; The University of Texas at Brownsville; Texas A&M University--Commerce; San Houston State University; Texas State University--San Marcos; West Texas A&M University; Stephen F. Austin State University; Sul Ross State University; Angelo State University; and The University of Texas at Tyler, and as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(3).

(11) Institution or institution of higher education--any public technical institute, public junior college, public senior college or university, medical or dental unit, or other agency of higher education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(8).

(12) Legal guardian--a person who is appointed guardian under the Texas Probate Code, Chapter 693, or a temporary or successor guardian.

(13) Maintain a residence--to physically reside in a location. The maintenance of a residence is not interrupted by a temporary absence from the state, as provided in §21.730(e) of this title (relating to Determination of Resident Status).

(14) Managing conservator--a parent, a competent adult, an authorized agency, or a licensed child-placing agency appointed by court order issued under the Texas Family Code, Title 5.

(15) Nonresident tuition--the amount of tuition paid by a person who does not qualify as a Texas resident under this subchapter unless such person qualifies for a waiver program under §21.735 of this title, (relating to Waivers that Permit Nonresidents to Pay Resident Tuition).

(16) Parent--a natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, or legal guardian of a person. The term does not include a step-parent.

(17) Possessory conservator--a natural or adoptive parent appointed by court order issued under the Texas Family Code, Title 5.

(18) Private high school--a private or parochial school accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized and accepted by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission. The term does not include a home school.

(19) Public technical institute or college--the Lamar Institute of Technology or any campus of the Texas State Technical College System.

(20) Regular semester--a fall or spring semester, typically consisting of 16 weeks.

(21) Residence--a person's home or other dwelling place.

(22) Residence Determination Official--the primary individual at each institution who is responsible for the accurate application of state statutes and rules to individual student cases.

(23) Resident tuition--the amount of tuition paid by a person who qualifies as a Texas resident under this subchapter.

(24) Temporary absence--absence from the State of Texas with the intention to return, generally for a period of less than five years.

(25) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)--the bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities.

§21.731.Information Required to Initially Establish Resident Status.

(a) To initially establish resident status under §21.730 of this title, (relating to Determination of Resident Status), a person shall provide the institution with a completed set of Core Residency Questions as set forth in Revised Chart II, which is incorporated into this subchapter for all purposes.

Figure: 19 TAC §21.731(a) (.pdf)

(b) An institution may request that a person provide documentation to support the answers to the Core Residency Questions. A list of appropriate documents is included in Revised Chart IV, which is incorporated into this subchapter for all purposes. In addition, the institution may request documents that support the information the student may provide in Revised Chart II, Part H.

Figure: 19 TAC §21.731(b)

(c) If a person who establishes resident status under §21.730(a)(1) of this title is not a Citizen of the United States or a Permanent Resident, the person shall, in addition to the other requirements of this section, provide the institution with a signed affidavit, stating that the person will apply to become a Permanent Resident as soon as the person becomes eligible to apply. The affidavit shall be required only when the person applies for resident status and shall be in the form provided in Chart III and incorporated into this subchapter for all purposes.

Figure: 19 TAC §21.731(c) (No change.)

(d) An institution shall not impose any requirements in addition to the requirements established in this section for a person to establish resident status.

§21.733.Reclassification Based on Additional or Changed Information.

(a) If a person is initially classified as a nonresident based on information provided through the set of Core Residency Questions, the person may request reclassification by providing the institution with supporting documentation as described in Revised Chart IV, which is incorporated into §21.731(b) of this title (relating to Information Required to Initially Establish Resident Status).

(b) A person shall provide the institution with any additional or changed information which may affect his or her resident or nonresident tuition classification under this subchapter.

(c) An institution may reclassify a person who had previously been classified as a resident or nonresident under this subchapter based on additional or changed information provided by the person.

(d) Any change made under this section shall apply to the first succeeding semester in which the person is enrolled, if the change is made on or after the census date of that semester. If the change is made prior to the census date, it will apply to the current semester.

§21.735.Waiver Programs for Certain Nonresident Persons.

A person who is classified as a nonresident under the provisions of this section shall be permitted to pay resident tuition, if the person qualifies for one of the following waiver programs:

(1) Economic Development and Diversification Program.

(A) A nonresident person, (including a Citizen, a Permanent Resident of the U.S., a person who is eligible to be a Permanent Resident of the U.S., and an eligible nonimmigrant) whose family has been transferred to Texas by a company under the state's Economic Development and Diversification Program, and a person's spouse and children shall pay resident tuition as soon as they move to Texas, if the person provides the institution with a letter of intent to establish Texas as his/her home. A person who moves to Texas to attend an institution before his/her family is transferred is permitted to pay the resident tuition beginning with the first semester or term after the family moves to the state.

(B) After the family has maintained a residence in Texas for 12 months, the person may request a change in classification in order to pay resident tuition.

(C) A current list of eligible companies is maintained on the Coordinating Board web site at www.collegefortexans.com.

(2) Program for Teachers, Professors, their Spouses and Dependents.

(A) A nonresident person (including a Citizen, Permanent Resident of the U.S., a person who is eligible to be a Permanent Resident of the U.S., and an eligible nonimmigrant) employed as a teacher or professor at least half time on a regular monthly salary basis (not as hourly employee) by an institution shall pay resident tuition at any institution in the state and the spouse and dependent children of the nonresident person shall also pay resident tuition.

(B) This waiver program is applicable only during the person's periods of employment.

(C) If a spouse or dependent child of the teacher or professor attends an institution other than the employing institution, the employing institution shall provide a letter to the spouse or child's institution verifying the employment of the teacher or professor.

(3) Program for Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, their Spouses and Dependents.

(A) A nonresident person (including a Citizen, Permanent Resident of the U.S., a person who is eligible to be a Permanent Resident of the U.S., and an eligible nonimmigrant) employed by an institution as a teaching or research assistant on at least a half-time basis in a position related to his/her degree program shall pay resident tuition at any institution in this state and the spouse and dependent children of the nonresident person shall also pay resident tuition.

(B) The employing institution shall determine whether or not the person's employment relates to the degree program.

(C) If a spouse or dependent child of the teacher or professor attends an institution other than the employing institution, the employing institution shall provide a letter to the spouse or child's institution verifying the employment of the teaching or research assistant.

(D) This waiver program is applicable only during the person's periods of employment.

(4) Program for Competitive Scholarship Recipients.

(A) A nonresident person (including a Citizen, Permanent Resident of the U.S., a person who is eligible to be a Permanent Resident of the U.S., and an eligible nonimmigrant) who receives a competitive scholarship from the institution is entitled to pay resident tuition.

(B) In order for the person to be eligible for this waiver program, the competitive scholarship must:

(i) total at least $1,000 for the period of time covered by the scholarship, not to exceed 12 months; and

(ii) be awarded by a scholarship committee authorized in writing by the institution's administration to grant scholarships that permit this waiver of nonresident tuition; and

(iii) be awarded according to criteria published in the institution's paper or electronic catalog, available to the public in advance of any application deadline; and

(iv) be awarded under circumstances that cause both the funds and the selection process to be under the control of the institution; and

(v) permit awards to both resident and nonresident persons.

(C) The scholarship award shall specify the semester or semesters for which the scholarship is awarded and a waiver of nonresident tuition under this provision shall not exceed the semester or semesters for which the scholarship is awarded.

(D) If the scholarship is terminated for any reason prior to the end of the semester or semesters for which the scholarship was initially awarded, the person shall pay nonresident tuition for any semester following the termination of the scholarship.

(E) The total number of persons receiving a waiver of nonresident tuition in any given semester under this provision shall not exceed 5 percent of the students enrolled in the same semester in the prior year in that institution.

(F) If the scholarship recipient is concurrently enrolled at more than one institution, the waiver of nonresident tuition is only effective at the institution awarding the scholarship. An exception for this rule exists for a nonresident person who is simultaneously enrolled in two or more institutions of higher education under a program offered jointly by the institutions under a partnership agreement. If one of the partnership institutions awards a competitive scholarship to a person, the person is entitled to a waiver of nonresident tuition at the second institution.

(G) If a nonresident person is awarded a competitive academic scholarship or stipend under this provision and the person is accepted in a clinical biomedical research training program designed to lead to both a doctor of medicine and doctor of philosophy degree, he or she is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate.

(5) Programs for Lowered Tuition for Individuals from Bordering States or Mexico.

(A) Programs that Require Reciprocity. Waivers of nonresident tuition made through each of the following three programs for persons from states neighboring Texas must be based on reciprocity and the institution shall not grant these waivers unless the institution has been provided with a current written agreement with a similar institution in the other state, agreeing to lower tuition for Texas students attending that institution. A participating Texas institution shall file a copy of such agreements with the Board and the agreements shall not be more than 2 years old. The amount of tuition charged shall not be less than the Texas resident tuition rate.

(i) Persons residing in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Louisiana may pay a lowered nonresident tuition when they attend Texas A&M Texarkana, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, Lamar State College-Orange or any public community or technical college located in a county adjacent to their home state.

(ii) Persons residing in New Mexico and Oklahoma may pay a lowered nonresident tuition when they attend a public technical college located within 100 miles of the border of their home state.

(iii) Persons residing in counties or parishes of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Louisiana adjacent to Texas may pay a lowered nonresident tuition at any institution.

(iv) If a person or a dependent child's family moves to Texas from a bordering state after the person or dependent child has received a waiver of nonresident tuition based on reciprocity as described in this section, the person is eligible for a continued waiver of nonresident tuition for the 12-month period after the relocation to Texas.

(B) Programs That Do Not Require Reciprocity. Persons who reside in another state may pay a lowered nonresident tuition not less than $30 per semester credit hour above the current resident tuition rate when they attend a general academic teaching institution located within 100 miles of the Texas border if:

(i) the governing board of the institution approves the tuition rate as in the best interest of the institution and finds that such a rate will not cause unreasonable harm to any other institution; and

(ii) the Commissioner approves the tuition rate by finding that the institution has a surplus of total educational and general space as calculated by the Board's most current space projection model. This obligation to obtain the approval of the Commissioner is continuing and approval to participate in this waiver program must be obtained at least every two years.

(C) Programs for Residents of Mexico. Subject to the following provisions, persons who are currently residents of Mexico and those persons who are temporarily residing outside of Mexico but with definite plans to return to Mexico shall pay resident tuition.

(i) An unlimited number of residents of Mexico who have demonstrated financial need and attend a general academic teaching institution or a component of the Texas State Technical College System, if the institution or component is located in a county adjacent to Mexico, Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University--Kingsville, the University of Texas at San Antonio, or Texas Southmost College shall pay resident tuition.

(ii) A limited number of residents of Mexico who have financial need may attend a general academic teaching institution or campus of the Texas State Technical College System located in counties not adjacent to Mexico and pay resident tuition This waiver program is limited to the greater of two students per 1000 enrollment, or 10 students per institution.

(iii) An unlimited number of residents of Mexico who have demonstrated financial need and register in courses that are part of a graduate degree program in public health conducted by an institution in a county immediately adjacent to Mexico shall pay resident tuition.

(6) Program for the beneficiaries of the Texas Tomorrow Fund. A person who is a beneficiary of the Texas Tomorrow Fund shall pay resident tuition and required fees for semester hours paid under the prepaid tuition contract. If the person is not a Texas resident, all tuition and fees not paid under the contract shall be paid at the nonresident rate.

(7) Program for Inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. All inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall pay resident tuition.

(8) Program for Foreign Service Officers. A Foreign Service officer employed by the U.S. Department of State and enrolled in an institution shall pay resident tuition if the person is assigned to an office of the U.S. Department of State that is located in Mexico.

(9) Program for Registered Nurses in Postgraduate Nursing Degree Programs. An institution may permit a registered nurse authorized to practice professional nursing in Texas to pay resident tuition and fees without regard to the length of time that the registered nurse has resided in Texas, if the nurse:

(A) is enrolled in a program designed to lead to a master's degree or other higher degree in nursing; and

(B) intends to teach in a program in Texas designed to prepare students for licensure as registered nurses.

(10) Programs for Military and Their Families. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserves and Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service, and their Spouses or Dependent Children.

(A) Assigned to Duty in Texas. Nonresident members of the U.S. Armed Forces, members of Texas units of the Army or Air National Guard, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserves and Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service who are assigned to duty in Texas, and their spouses, or dependent children, shall pay resident tuition. To qualify, the person shall submit during his or her first semester of enrollment in which he or she will be using the waiver program, a statement from an appropriately authorized officer in the service, certifying that he or she (or a parent) will be assigned to duty in Texas on the census date of the term he or she plans to enroll and that he or she, if a member of the National Guard or Reserves, is not in Texas only to attend training with Texas units. Such persons shall pay resident tuition so long as they reside continuously in Texas or remain continuously enrolled in the same degree or certificate program. For purposes of this subsection, a person is not required to enroll in a summer semester to remain continuously enrolled.

(B) After Assignment to Duty in Texas. A spouse and/or dependent child of a nonresident member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or of a Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service who has been reassigned elsewhere after having been assigned to duty in Texas shall pay resident tuition so long as the spouse or child resides continuously in Texas. For purposes of this subsection, a person is not required to enroll in a summer semester to remain continuously enrolled.

(C) Out-of-State Military. A spouse and/or dependent child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or of a Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service who is stationed outside of Texas shall pay resident tuition if the spouse and/or child moves to this state and files a statement of intent to establish residence in Texas with the institution that he or she attends.

(D) Survivors. A spouse and/or dependent child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or of a Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service who died while in service, shall pay resident tuition if the spouse and/or child moves to Texas within 60 days of the date of death. To qualify, a person shall submit satisfactory evidence to the institution that establishes the date of death of the member and that the spouse and/or dependent child has established a domicile in Texas.

(E) Spouse and Dependents who Previously Lived in Texas. A spouse and/or dependent child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or of a Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service who previously resided in Texas for at least six months shall pay resident tuition, if the member or commissioned officer, at least 12 months prior to the census date of the spouse's or dependent child's enrollment in an institution:

(i) filed proper documentation with the military or Public Health Service to change his/her permanent residence to Texas and designated Texas as his/her place of legal residence for income tax purposes; and

(ii) registered to vote in Texas, and

(iii) has satisfied a least one of the following requirements for the 12 months prior to the first day of the relevant semester:

(I) ownership of real estate in Texas with no delinquent property taxes;

(II) registration of an automobile in Texas, or

(III) execution of a currently-valid will deposited with a county clerk in Texas that indicates he/she is a resident of Texas.

(F) Honorably Discharged Veterans. A former member of the U.S. Armed Forces or Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service and his/her spouse and/or dependent child shall pay resident tuition for any semester beginning prior to the first anniversary of separation from the military or health service, if the former member:

(i) had, at least one year preceding the census date of the term or semester, executed a document with U.S. Armed Forces or Public Health Service that is in effect on the census date of the term or semester and that changed his/her permanent residence to Texas and designated Texas as his/her place of legal residence for income tax purposes; and

(ii) had registered to vote in Texas for at least 12 months prior to the census date of the term or semester, and

(iii) provides documentation that the member has, not less than 12 months prior to the census date of the term in which he or she plans to enroll, taken 1 of the 3 following actions:

(I) purchased real estate in Texas with no delinquent property taxes;

(II) registered an automobile in Texas, or

(III) executed a currently-valid will that has been deposited with a county clerk in Texas that indicates he/she is a resident of Texas.

(G) NATO Forces. Non-immigrant aliens stationed in Texas under the agreement between the parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding status of forces, their spouses and dependent children, shall pay resident tuition.

(H) Radiological Science Students at Midwestern State University. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside the State of Texas who are enrolled in a bachelor of science or master of science degree program in radiological sciences at Midwestern State University by instructional telecommunication shall pay resident tuition and other fees or charges provided for Texas residents, if they began the program of study while stationed at a military base in Texas.

(11) Program for the Center for Technology Development and Transfer. Under agreements authorized by Texas Education Code, §65.45, a person employed by the entity with whom the University of Texas System enters into such an agreement, or the person's spouse or child, may pay resident tuition when enrolled in a University of Texas System institution.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600550

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 9, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


19 TAC §21.736

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts new §21.736 concerning Determination of Resident Status and Waiver Programs for Certain Nonresident Persons, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8256).

Specifically, new §21.736 requires each institution to designate a Residence Determination Official and requires the designated official to be knowledgeable of the residency rules and statutes and to receive training at least once in each year on the applicable residency rules and statutes.

There were no comments received regarding the new section.

The new section is adopted under the Texas Education Code, §54.075, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to carry out the purposes of Texas Education Code, §§54.0501 - 54.075.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600530

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 9, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Subchapter NN. EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS (THE HAZLEWOOD ACT)

19 TAC §§21.2100 - 21.2107

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts amendments to §§21.2100 - 21.2107 of Board rules concerning the Exemption Program for Veterans and Their Dependents (The Hazlewood Act) without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7969).

Senate Bill 101 and Senate Bill 1528, 79th Legislature, Regular Session, amended Texas Education Code, §54.203, and added new §61.0516, changing eligibility requirements and procedures for the Exemption Program for Veterans and Their Dependents. Rules were adopted on an emergency basis in July 2005. In August 2005, Attorney General Opinion GA 0347 was issued, regarding student eligibility requirements. In addition, Board staff met with college and Texas Veterans' Commission representatives several times since the adoption of rules in July to more fully clarify and develop program requirements and procedures. The amendments are a result of the meetings and the new Attorney General's opinion. Specifically, changes to §21.2100 reflect the addition of definitions for terms that are used in the subchapter. They also include the elimination of definitions for mandatory fees, discretionary fees, and optional fees. The Board is currently developing formal definitions for these terms and new definitions will be added to rules in the future when they have been finalized. Changes to §21.2101(a) indicate in generic terms the fees that are to be exempted for individuals eligible for the Hazlewood exemption. The change to §21.2101(g) and (h) reflects new provisions included in Senate Bill 1528 regarding the value of exemptions to students taking extraordinarily expensive courses such as flight training. Changes to §21.2102 indicate, in keeping with the Opinion of the Office of the Attorney General (GA 0347), that veterans can meet the program residency requirement for time of entry if they were citizens of the United States at the time they entered the service and entered the service in Texas. Other changes will clarify program requirements and include veteran education benefits issued under Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 1607. Changes to §21.2103 will make the language flow more smoothly and indicate that the parent who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces must have been a U.S. citizen and resident of Texas at the time of entry in order for the child to qualify for an exemption. Changes to §21.2104 reflect the fact that some institutions operate on a semester basis; some use the word "terms" to refer to their periods of study. The change to 21.2104(c) clarifies that although students are entitled to the exemption if they provide all the necessary information by the census date as indicated in (b), an institution may grant the exemption if the student has submitted the application by the census date but does not have all the supporting materials in by that date as long as the remaining materials are received by the end of the term. Institutions are not required to allow students this additional time, but may do so. Changes to §21.2105(a) reflect new information that although most veterans lose eligibility for federal benefits after 10 years, some benefits extend beyond that period of time and that the DD214 does not currently provide enough information to determine a veteran's residency at the time he or she entered the service. Changes to §21.2105(b) clarify the documentation needed to determine whether the child of a deceased member of the Texas National Guard can qualify for an exemption. Changes to §21.2106 give institutions the option to allow individuals who claim eligibility to use the exemption if they have not provided all the documents as of the census date as long as the information is received by the school by the end of the tem or semester. The change to §21.2107 clarifies that the student's consent would allow his or her current institution to receive information from the Hazlewood database, as well as previous schools that he or she might have attended.

No comments were received regarding the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §54.203(i), which states that the Coordinating Board may adopt rules necessary to implement the program.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600531

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Chapter 22. GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Subchapter B. PROVISIONS FOR THE TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.26

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts an amendment to §22.26 concerning the Tuition Equalization Grant Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8257).

House Bill 1172, 79th Legislature, Regular Session, added new § 61.2251 of the Texas Education Code, regarding eligibility requirements for persons initially awarded a Tuition Equalization Grant during or after the 2005-2006 academic year. The new section provides that a person may continue to receive a Tuition Equalization Grant if his or her academic performance drops below program requirements because of a hardship or for other good cause. Specifically, the change to §22.26 indicates that each institution must adopt its own hardship policy and make it available for public review.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Education Code, §61.229, which authorizes the Coordinating Board to adopt any rules necessary to administer Texas Education Code, §§61.221 - 61.230; and §61.2251, which states that the Coordinating Board shall adopt rules to allow a person who is otherwise eligible to receive a Tuition Equalization Grant, in the event of a hardship or for other good cause shown, to receive a Tuition Equalization Grant.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600532

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 9, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Subchapter L. TOWARD EXCELLENCE, ACCESS, AND SUCCESS (TEXAS) GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.231

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts an amendment to §22.231 concerning the Towards EXcellence, Access & Success (TEXAS) Grant Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8258).

The Texas Education Code, §56.305, allows students to continue receiving TEXAS grants if they fall below program academic progress requirements due to hardship or other good cause. Specifically, the change to §22.231 indicates that each institution must adopt its own hardship policy and make it available for public review.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Education Code, §56.303, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt any rules necessary to administer Texas Education Code, §§56.301 - 56.311.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600533

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 9, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


Subchapter M. TEXAS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.257

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts an amendment to §22.257 concerning the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8258).

Senate Bill 1227, 79th Legislature, Regular Session, amended §56.405 of the Texas Education Code, regarding continuing eligibility and academic requirements for the program, by adding subsection (f), which provides that a person may continue to receive a Texas Educational Opportunity Grant if his or her academic performance drops below program requirements because of a hardship or for other good cause. Specifically, the change to §22.257 indicates that each institution must adopt its own hardship policy and make it available for public review.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Education Code, §56.403, which provides that the Coordinating Board is authorized to adopt any rules necessary to implement the program.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600534

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Effective date: February 21, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 9, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114