SECTION 22.259. Hardship Provisions

(a) In the event of a hardship or for other good cause, the Program Officer at a participating institution may allow an otherwise eligible student to receive a grant;

(1) while maintaining a grade point average below the required level, as defined in §22.257 of this subchapter (relating to Satisfactory Academic Progress);

(2) while maintaining a completion rate below the required level, as defined in §22.257 of this subchapter;

(3) while enrolled less than half time;

(4) while enrolled in semester credit hours in excess of the attempted hour limit, as defined in §22.258(c) of this subchapter (relating to Discontinuation of Eligibility and Non-Eligibility), though the total number of semester credit hours paid for, at least in part, with program funding may not exceed 75 or its equivalent; or

(5) while enrolled beyond the time limit restrictions, as defined in §22.258(d) of this subchapter.

(b) Hardship conditions may include, but are not limited to:

(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 six semester credit hours or their equivalent to complete one's degree or certificate plan.

(c) Documentation of the hardship circumstances approved for a student to receive a grant must be kept in the student's files, and the institution must identify students approved for a grant based on a hardship to the Coordinating Board, so that it may appropriately monitor each student's period of eligibility.

(d) Each 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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §22.259 adopted to be effective August 3, 2020, 45 TexReg 5342; amended to be effective February 15, 2024, 49 TexReg 686