The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings:

1. (1) Application--An approved form adopted by the Commissioner that an institution shall use to seek approval to offer the Opportunity High School Diploma program.
2. (2) Board--The governing body of the agency known as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
3. (3) Career and Technical Education Certificate--A post-secondary credential, other than a degree, which a student earns upon successful completion of a career and technical education (CTE) workforce or continuing education program offered by an institution of higher education.
4. (4) Commissioner--The Commissioner of Higher Education.
5. (5) Coordinating Board--The agency known as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, including agency staff.
6. (6) General Academic Teaching Institution or General Academic Institution--Any college, university, or institution so classified in Texas Education Code, §61.003(3), or created and so classified by law.
7. (7) Nonprofit Organization--Nonprofit means the entity, usually a corporation, is organized for a nonprofit purpose and designated as a 501(c)(3). This designation means a nonprofit organization that has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as being tax-exempt by virtue of its charitable programs.
8. (8) Opportunity High School Diploma Program, Opportunity Diploma Program, or Program--Unless context indicates otherwise, means the Opportunity High School Diploma Program established under this subchapter.
9. (9) Public Junior College--A public institution of higher education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(2).
10. (10) Public School District--A public school district is a local governmental entity created in accordance with the laws of the state of Texas having the primary responsibility for implementing the state's system of elementary and/or secondary education.

Source Note:The provisions of this §12.3 adopted to be effective May 16, 2024, 49 TexReg 3259; amended to be effective November 14, 2024, 49 TexReg 8889.