173.778. Definitions.
Definitions.
173.778. As used in sections 173.775 to 173.796, the following termsmean:
(1) "Board", the coordinating board for higher education;
(2) "Eligible institution", any approved public or private institutionof postsecondary education, as defined in section 173.205 or any otherMissouri private institution that:
(a) Is required by statute to be certified to operate by the board;
(b) Is institutionally accredited by a United States Department ofEducation recognized accrediting commission;
(c) Has operated continuously in the state of Missouri for five or moreyears;
(d) Has no more than fifty percent of its students in correspondenceprograms;
(e) Offers a one-year or two-year certificate, associate orbaccalaureate degree programs, or graduate or professional degree programs;and
(f) Is approved for participation in the advantage Missouri program bythe board;
(3) "Eligible student", an individual who is enrolled full time in aneligible institution, unless the board approves less than full-timeenrollment, who meets the eligibility requirements pursuant to subsection 1 ofsection 173.215 and who meets the following additional requirements:
(a) Has received a high school diploma, general educational developmentcertificate (GED), or its equivalent;
(b) Maintains satisfactory academic progress as determined by theeligible institution such student attends in pursuing a one-year or two-yearcertificate, associate or baccalaureate degree, or graduate or professionaldegree. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress shall result inineligibility for continued participation in the program and ineligibility forforgiveness of any loan or loans received;
(c) Is not currently confined in any federal or state correctionalfacility or jail;
(d) Has not defaulted on the repayment of any previously granted highereducation loan; and
(e) Submits an application provided by the board for participation inthe program;
(4) "Fund", the advantage Missouri trust fund, established in section173.775; and
(5) "Occupational areas of high demand", specific professions or skillareas for which the board determines that the state is experiencing a shortageof qualified employees;
(6) "Program", the advantage Missouri program established pursuant tosections 173.775 to 173.796.
(L. 1998 H.B. 1694)