There is established the Maine National Guard Education Assistance Program, referred to in this subchapter as "the program."

§352.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Course. "Course" means a class taught over a semester, trimester, quarter or term.

2.__Degree program.__"Degree program" means a course of study designed to culminate in a specific degree, diploma or certificate.

3.__Member.__"Member" means a member of a federally recognized unit of the Maine National Guard.

4.__State postsecondary education institution.__"State postsecondary education institution" means the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy, the Maine Technical College System or any other college or university system established as a public instrumentality of this State.

5.__Tuition.__"Tuition" means the total semester, trimester, quarter or term or credit hour cost of instruction to the student as periodically published in the catalog of a state postsecondary education institution, including mandatory fees and lab fees but excluding all other expenses such as book charges, room and board.

6.__Tuition benefit.__"Tuition benefit" means tuition provided by the Maine National Guard using either state or federal funds.

7.__Unsatisfactory participant.__"Unsatisfactory participant" means a member who has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences from unit training assemblies or who, without proper authorization, fails to attend or complete the entire period of annual training.

§353.__Tuition grant for member

A member who meets the prerequisites of section 354 is entitled to a tuition benefit that may not exceed tuition costs incurred at any state postsecondary education institution.__A member who attends classes in Maine at a regionally accredited