| (a) In the event of a hardship, the Program Officer
at an eligible institution may allow an otherwise eligible student
to receive a grant under the following conditions:
(1) while enrolled in fewer semester credit hours than
required in §22.203(5) of this subchapter (relating to Eligible
Students);
(2) if the student fails to meet the satisfactory academic
progress requirements of §22.203(6) of this subchapter (relating
to Eligible Students);
(3) if the student requires an extension of the limits
found in §22.205(c) of this subchapter (relating to Discontinuation
of Eligibility or Non-Eligibility) to complete his or her degree;
or
(4) if the student has attempted more hours than allowed
under §22.205(d) of this subchapter (relating to Discontinuation
of Eligibility or Non-Eligibility). However, the total number of hours
paid for, at least in part, with grant funds may not exceed 150 semester
credit hours or the equivalent.
(b) Hardships are not limited to, but include:
(1) a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating
condition that may affect the student's academic performance;
(2) an indication that the student is responsible for
the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student's
provision of care may affect his or her academic performance; or
(3) the requirement of fewer than twelve hours to complete
one's degree plan.
(c) The Program Officer may allow a student to receive
a grant after the time limits described in Section 22.203(8) (relating
to Eligible Students) if the student and/or the student's family has
suffered a hardship that would now make the student rank as one of
the institution's neediest.
(d) Documentation justifying the eligibility granted
through the hardship provisions outlined in this rule must be kept
in the student's file. Each institution must identify to the Coordinating
Board those students granted eligibility through hardship provisions
so that the Coordinating Board may appropriately monitor each student's
period of eligibility.
(e) Each participating institution shall adopt a hardship
policy under this section and have the policy available in writing
in the financial aid office for public review upon request.
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