SECTION 22.44. Definitions

In addition to the words and terms defined in Texas Administrative Code, §22.1 of this title (relating to Definitions) the following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Alternative Educator Certification Program--an approved educator preparation program, delivered by entities approved by the State Board for Educator Certification under the provisions of Texas Administrative Code, §228.10 of this title (relating to Approval Process), specifically designed as an alternative to a traditional undergraduate certification program, for individuals already holding at least a baccalaureate degree.

(2) CAL--College Access Loan Program.

(3) Cosigner/Accommodation Party--one who signs a student loan promissory note and thereby assumes liability for the debt and all fees and expenses associated with the note, who is not a direct beneficiary of the proceeds of the loan.

(4) Default--the failure of a borrower and cosigner, if any, to make loan installment payments when due for a total of 180 days for CAL and HELP loans and 270 days for FFELP and HEAL loans.

(5) Deferment--any period during which a borrower, upon adequate showing of entitlement under the terms of the particular lending program, shall be eligible to suspend payments.

(6) FFELP--the Federal Family Education Loan Program, formerly the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. §§1071 - 1087-4. Included in the FFELP are Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Supplemental Loans for Students.

(7) Forbearance--discretionary permission from the Commissioner or his designees that allows a borrower to cease payments temporarily, or allows an extension of time for making payments, or temporarily reduces the payment amount from the amount that was previously scheduled.

(8) FSL--the Robert T. Stafford Federal Student Loan Program to be known as "Federal Stafford Loans," formerly known as Stafford Loans and Guaranteed Student Loans, which included Federal Insured Student Loans. FSLs are made under provisions of the Federal Family Education Loan Program; but, for purposes of this subchapter, the acronym FSL will designate those rules specific to FSL.

(9) FSLS--Federal Supplemental Loans for Students, formerly known as Supplemental Loans for Students and Auxiliary Loans for Students. The FSLS are made under provisions of the Federal Family Education Loan Program; but, for purposes of this subchapter, the acronym FSLS will designate those rules specific to FSLS.

(10) Fund--the Texas Opportunity Plan Fund as created by the Constitution of the State of Texas, Article III, 50b; the Student Loan Revenue Bond Fund authorized in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter H; and/or the Student Loan Auxiliary Fund, authorized in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 52, Subchapter F.

(11) HEAL--Health Education Assistance Loan Program authorized by the Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§292 - 292y.

(12) HELP--Health Education Loan Program.

(13) Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program, or Program--the commonly used name for the Board program which provides and administers FFELP, CAL, HEAL, and HELP student loans under the authority of Texas Education Code, §§52.31 - 52.40.

(14) Regional Education Service Center--a center established and operated by the Commissioner of Education under Texas Education Code, Chapter 8.

Source Note: The provisions of this §22.44 adopted to be effective May 22, 2003, 28 TexReg 3950; amended to be effective December 7, 2003, 28 TexReg 10756; amended to be effective November 28, 2005, 30 TexReg 7855; amended to be effective February 28, 2012, 37 TexReg 1329; amended to be effective August 30, 2016, 41 TexReg 6482; transferred effective June 1, 2017, as published in the Texas Register May 19, 2017, 42 TexReg 2739; amended to be effective December 5, 2019, 44 TexReg 7381