The Education Department recently passed a federal regulation affecting students abilities to receive student loans, Pell grants and any other type of federal financial assistance if the student has been convicted on drug charges in state or federal courts.

As of July 1, 2000, one conviction for drug possession will result in withholding of aid eligibility for one year; two convictions for drug possession will result in withholding of aid for two years; more than two convictions for drug possession will result in a permanent bar to federal financial assistance.  A conviction for drug sales will result in withholding of aid for two years; more than one conviction will result in a permanent bar to federal financial assistance.  The only exceptions to this bar will be in cases where the student has satisfactorily completed a drug-rehabilitation program, or the conviction is reversed or set aside.

Enforcement of this new law will be by self-certification by the student on the financial aid application forms.