Alabama § 16-33D-3 - Definitions.

§ 16-33D-3. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) ACADEMIC TERM. A portion of an academic year, such as a quarter or semester, during which an institution of higher education holds classes including, but not limited to, Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer semesters.

(2) ADULT LEARNER. An individual who is 22 years of age or older and returning to college.

(3) ALABAMA RESIDENT. An individual who has been classified as an in-state resident by an authorized institution, who has established residency within this state for at least a 12-month period prior to the beginning of the term for which financial assistance is requested, and who is in this state for other than a temporary purpose.

(4) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A state-supported institution of higher education or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that satisfies all of the following:

a. Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the Council on Occupational Education.

b. Is eligible to receive Title IV federal student aid program funds.

c. Maintains its primary headquarters in Alabama.

(5) AUTHORIZED INSTITUTION. An approved institution that files a signed agreement with the commission to comply with all rules and procedures of the ReEngage Alabama Grant Program as provided by the commission.

(6) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

(7) CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT. When an adult learner is making academic progress toward degree completion without a stop-out in enrollment of more than one consecutive semester or quarter, such as Fall/Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer/Fall, or Summer to Fall.

(8) ELIGIBLE PROGRAM. A nonsectarian, secular educational program that is aligned with Alabama’s high demand workforce needs adopted by the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways.

(9) ELIGIBLE STUDENT. An individual who completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and who is either of the following:

a. In pursuit of his or her first associate or baccalaureate degree, satisfies the criteria set out in this chapter, and is found to be eligible by rules adopted by the commission.

b. In pursuit of his or her first baccalaureate degree following a two-year stop-out period after receiving his or her first associate degree and did not previously receive a grant award, satisfies the criteria set out in this chapter, and is found to be eligible by rules adopted by the commission.

(10) GRANT. A financial award by the State of Alabama to defray the cost of tuition and mandatory fees to an eligible adult learner who is currently enrolled in an authorized institution.

(11) PROGRAM. The ReEngage Alabama Grant Program created by this chapter.

(12) YEAR. An academic year that shall be divided into Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. The term does not mean calendar or fiscal year.