1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
   2. (2) “Director” means the Director of the Office.

   3. (3) “Educational expenses” means:

      1. (a) Tuition and mandatory fees; and
      2. (b) Costs of room and board.

   4. (4) “Eligible institution” means:

      1. (a) A community college in the State;
      2. (b) A public senior higher education institution in the State; or

      3. (c) A private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that:

         1. (i) Is approved to operate by the Commission under Education Article, §11-202, Annotated Code of Maryland; or
         2. (ii) May operate without a Certificate of Approval from the Commission under Education Article, §11-202.1(a), Annotated Code of Maryland.

   5. (5) Extenuating Circumstances.

      1. (a) “Extenuating circumstances” means the occurrence of an extraordinary event or condition that prevents a recipient from fulfilling a scholarship requirement.

      2. (b) “Extenuating circumstances” may include, but is not limited to:

         1. (i) Disability or serious illness or injury of the student;
         2. (ii) Pregnancy or adoption of a child;
         3. (iii) Fulfillment of military service;
         4. (iv) Extreme financial hardship of the student or the student’s immediate family; or
         5. (v) Serious illness or injury or death of an immediate family member.
   6. (6) “Family member” means son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or spouse.
   7. (7) “Full-time” means enrollment at an eligible institution in at least 12 credits per semester in an undergraduate program.
   8. (8) “Office” means the Office of Student Financial Assistance within the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
   9. (9) “Part-time” means enrollment at an eligible institution in at least 6, but fewer than 12, credits per semester in an undergraduate degree program.
   10. (10) “Scholarship” means a Senator Douglas J.J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship under this chapter.
   11. (11) “Veteran” has the meaning stated in State Government Article, §9-901, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Authority: Education Article, §§11-105(u), 18-204(c), and 18-604, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: August 21, 2023 (50:16 Md. R. 727)