Rule 3304-2-58 | College, occupational, and vocational training.
(A) Definitions
(1) "Four-year college" or "four-year university training" means a full-time or part-time academic training leading to a baccalaureate degree, a certificate, or other recognized educational credential approved by OOD. Such training may be provided by a four-year college or university or technical college.
(2) "Graduate college" or "graduate university training" means a full-time or part-time academic training leading to a degree recognized as beyond a baccalaureate degree, such as a master of science, master of arts, doctor of philosophy, or doctor of jurisprudence. Such training would be provided by a college or university.
(3) "Junior college training" or "community college training" or "two-year school training" means a full-time or part-time academic training above the secondary school level leading to an associate degree, a certificate, or other recognized educational credential approved by OOD. Such two-year training may be provided by a community college, junior college, or technical college.
(4) "Occupational training" or "vocational training" or "job skill training" means training provided by a community college, vocational, trade or technical school, or business that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation, not leading to an academic degree. This would include selected courses or programs of study at a community college, four-year college or university, technical college or proprietary school, or training program.
(B) For the purposes of this rule, postsecondary training includes graduate college or graduate university training; four-year college or four-year university training; junior college or community college training; occupational training or vocational training. The requirements of paragraphs (C) to (I) of this rule shall be satisfied prior to OOD purchasing any training. Services provided pursuant to rule 3304-2-52 of the Administrative Code and the vocational rehabilitation fee schedule are not subject to these requirements.
(C) OOD supports the cost of postsecondary programs when the training is required for the individual to reach the employment outcome as identified on the approved individualized plan for employment.
(D) OOD may provide postsecondary supplies and equipment when required by the postsecondary training program, or when needed by the individual with a disability to meet their disability, academic, and rehabilitation needs. All monies received from a refund or sale of training supplies or equipment shall be returned to OOD.
(E) The determination of least cost for the purpose of postsecondary training shall be based on the cost to attend any Ohio public educational institution in accordance with rule 3304-2-52 of the Administrative Code, if the coursework needed is offered and can meet the individual with a disability's disability, academic, and vocational rehabilitation needs.
(F) Educational expenses for postsecondary training programs that are eligible for federal financial aid shall be authorized based on financial need.
(1) The individual with a disability shall apply for financial aid by completing and submitting the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) when the school participates in federal student aid programs.
(2) The individual with a disability shall submit a copy of the FAFSA submission summary or equivalent submission documents to OOD for each academic year for which OOD is authorizing for postsecondary training. The student aid index (SAI) or equivalent financial index listed on the FAFSA submission summary shall be used in calculating OOD's potential financial contribution.
(3) Individuals with a disability who receive supplemental security income (SSI) or social security disability insurance (SSDI), are excluded from the financial needs requirements in paragraph (F)(2) of this rule for postsecondary training programs.
(4) The OOD contribution to postsecondary training program expenses shall be computed by subtracting the following from the cost of educational expenses: the combined total of all grant monies, comparable benefits, and the SAI to be paid by the individual with a disability. Scholarships may be used by the individual with a disability to meet the SAI. The individual with a disability shall disclose to OOD all known scholarships prior to OOD's contribution determination. OOD's contribution to educational expenses shall be reduced by the amount of scholarships that exceed the SAI. OOD and the individual shall engage in maximum efforts to secure financial assistance in whole or in part from other sources to pay for that training.
(G) To continue receiving OOD support, an individual with a disability shall demonstrate satisfactory progress in the training program.
(1) Students attending postsecondary training programs participating in the federal financial aid program shall maintain satisfactory progress as required by paragraph (H) of this rule. Students shall have a maximum of eighteen consecutive months to complete each academic year of college training as defined by the degree program. Part-time attendance may be granted when there is a disability related need or a lack of course availability. For part-time attendance, an individual shall have a maximum of twenty-four months to complete each academic year of college training as defined by the degree program and maintain FAFSA/financial aid eligibility.
(2) Students in any other training program shall maintain satisfactory progress and minimum grade standard as established by the training program.
(H) To continue receiving OOD support, an individual with a disability participating in postsecondary training shall maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and the minimum grade requirements for successful completion of the academic program. For a graduate college or graduate university training program, the grade standard shall be the school's grade requirement for graduation. If a student falls below a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 due to extenuating circumstances as determined by OOD, OOD may continue to support educational expenses for the next term in which the individual is enrolled. OOD's support for the next term following a grade point average of less than 2.0 is limited to one term only. Thereafter, the student shall maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and the minimum grade requirements for successful completion of the academic program.
(I) An individual with a disability shall make payment to OOD for any refund received for tuition, training fees or supplies for which OOD has paid.
(J) This rule is designed to implement the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. 32, and resulting regulations.
Last updated May 20, 2024 at 8:41 AM
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