Increased institutional funds in one area may be substituted for a comparable reduction in other areas. Institutions must make available sufficient space and other support for the program to be effective. Such support should be provided by the institution as part of its demonstration of commitment to student success. Maintenance of Effort Because of limited HEOP funds, institutions are urged to use all available outside resources and all possible institutional resources to maintain the effort in support of the HEOP program. Maintenance of effort means that institutions should provide at least the same level of program support and student financial aid per student as in the previous year of funding.
Loans are one of the sources some institutions use to maintain the level of program support.
An acceptable institutional policy regarding HEOP student loans must be submitted with the proposal or reapplication. Funds from Similar Programs When several programs for disadvantaged students exist on a campus, it is HEOP-SED policy to encourage cooperation and, where possible, joint programming under one administrative structure. When HEOP activities are part of a larger support program, fiscal accountability can be maintained by establishing a pro-rating of service support generally consonant with the percent of HEOP students in the total population served or by demonstrating that the proportion of funds for supportive services reflects the actual intensity of services delivered to HEOP students. The following figures are provided as a guide for project directors. It should be kept in mind that the figures represent optimum levels.