Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 575 - HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING COMMISSION, OFFICE OF STUDENT ACCESS AND COMPLETION
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 575 pertains to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), specifically its Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC). This chapter contains the detailed regulations that govern the administration of various state and some federally funded financial aid programs, scholarships, and outreach initiatives aimed at helping Oregonians pursue and complete postsecondary education.
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is the state agency responsible for strategic planning, policy development, and funding coordination for all sectors of postsecondary education and training in Oregon. The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is an integral part of the HECC, and its mission is to expand opportunities for Oregonians to achieve their higher education and career training goals through information, mentoring, and financial aid.
Key areas covered in OAR Chapter 575 typically include:
Division 1 - Procedural Rules: General rules for the conduct of OSAC's administrative processes, including rulemaking and hearings.
Division 7 - Criminal Records Check Rules: Regulations related to criminal records checks, which might be relevant for staff or volunteers involved in certain OSAC programs.
Grant Program Definitions: Establishes common definitions used across the various grant programs administered by OSAC.
Specific Grant Programs: This is a major section of Chapter 575, with dedicated divisions for numerous state grant programs, such as:
Oregon Opportunity Grant Program: The largest state-funded, need-based grant program for Oregonians attending eligible in-state colleges and universities.
Oregon Promise Grant Program: A state grant that helps cover tuition costs at Oregon community colleges for eligible high school graduates and GED recipients.
Oregon Tribal Student Grant: Provides funding for eligible Oregon tribal students to offset the cost of attendance at eligible Oregon colleges and universities.
Barbers and Hairdressers Grant Program.
Scholarship Program for Children of Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officers.
State Grant Supplemental Award Program.
Oregon Teacher Scholars Program.
Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance.
Student Child Care Grant Program.
Chafee Education and Training Grant (often for current or former foster youth).
Specific Loan Programs: Rules for state-administered loan programs, such as the Medical-Dental Student Loan Program, Oregon Teacher Corps Loan Program, Rural Health Services Program, and Oregon Nursing Loan Program.
Scholarship Programs: Regulations for various state-administered scholarship programs, including those funded by tax credits (e.g., The Oregon Tax Credit for Employers and Businesses with Employees/Employee Dependents Scholarship Programs) and programs for specific populations (e.g., Scholarship Program for Former Foster Children).
Outreach and Access Programs: Rules governing programs like the ASPIRE Program, which is a statewide mentoring initiative that helps students prepare for and pursue postsecondary education.
Limitation, Suspension, and Termination: Rules outlining the circumstances under which student aid eligibility can be limited, suspended, or terminated.
Privately Funded Award Programs: Regulations for OSAC's administration of privately funded scholarships, where OSAC often manages the application and disbursement process on behalf of donors.
The purpose of OAR Chapter 575 is to:
Provide clear eligibility criteria: Define who qualifies for various state grants, loans, and scholarships.
Establish application and award procedures: Detail the processes students must follow to apply for and receive financial aid.
Ensure accountability: Set standards for institutions, program administrators, and recipients regarding the use of funds.
Promote access and completion: Implement the state's goals of making higher education more accessible and affordable for Oregonians, thereby increasing educational attainment rates.
Guide students, families, and educational institutions: Offer transparency and guidance on the state's financial aid landscape.
Where to find the full text of OAR Chapter 575:
Oregon Student Aid (oregonstudentaid.gov): This is the official website for OSAC and is an excellent resource for students and families. It typically provides direct links to the relevant administrative rules, as well as application information for grants and scholarships.
Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) website (oregon.gov/highered): The HECC website also provides links to its administrative rules and statutes.
Legal information websites: Sites like Justia.com and Oregon.Public.Law also host the Oregon Administrative Rules and provide search functionalities.
For any student, parent, school counselor, or financial aid professional dealing with state-funded higher education financial aid in Oregon, OAR Chapter 575 is a fundamental reference.
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