LOSFA exceptions approved; Board announces $750,000+ to expand collegiate recovery programs

The Statewide Programs committee approved LOSFA rule changes to add "financial circumstances" to the list of exceptional circumstances that may justify TOPS exceptions, allowing panels to consider a student’s own inability to pay (for example, when parental support is unavailable). Committee materials included several exception requests: an ACT‑test location error (allowing a student to use a September score with a one‑semester TOPS penalty) and two home‑study TOPS exceptions; LOSFA advisory board recommended approval.

Assistant Commissioner Lisonbee Smith presented a separate informational item to mark National Recovery Month, reviewed the state’s work supporting collegiate recovery programs and announced the expansion of programming: over the next three years, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Northwestern State University will receive a combined award of more than $750,000 to launch new collegiate recovery programs and support students in recovery. Smith highlighted partnerships with the Louisiana Department of Health, regional behavioral health offices and campus programs already operating at institutions including Southeastern, Tulane, LSU and Grambling State. She said the state has supported campus Narcan distribution and training and that the expansion will increase services and program visibility across the state.