§ 116-209.82.  Semester limitation on eligibility for scholarship.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (c) of this section, a student matriculating at a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina shall not receive a scholarship for more than 10 full-time academic semesters, or its equivalent if enrolled part-time, unless the student is enrolled in a program officially designated by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina as a five-year degree program. If a student is enrolled in such a five-year degree program, then the student shall not receive a scholarship for more than 12 full-time academic semesters or the equivalent if enrolled part-time.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (c) of this section, a student shall not receive a scholarship for more than six full-time academic semesters, or the equivalent if enrolled part-time, while matriculating at a community college.

(c) Upon application by a student, the applicable eligible postsecondary institution may grant a waiver to the student who may then receive a scholarship for the equivalent of one additional full-time academic semester if the student demonstrates that any of the following have substantially disrupted or interrupted the student's pursuit of a degree, diploma, or certificate: (i) a military service obligation, (ii) serious medical debilitation, (iii) a short-term or long-term disability, or (iv) other extraordinary hardship. The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina or the State Board of Community Colleges, as appropriate, shall establish policies and procedures to implement the waiver provided by this subsection. (2021-180, s. 8A.2(a).)