20-25-701. Definitions and purpose. (1) As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Institution" means any public institution of postsecondary education governed, supervised, or coordinated by the board of regents of higher education.

(b) "Student" means any Montana resident, as established by the board of regents of higher education, who has met the qualifications for enrollment as a full-time student at an institution or who is presently enrolled as a full-time student in good standing, as determined by the institution.

(2) It is the purpose of this part to help ensure that no resident of Montana be denied attendance at institutions governed, supervised, or coordinated by the board of regents of higher education because of financial barriers and further to provide low-cost supplemental assistance for all governing units within Montana. The legislature intends that any Montana resident wishing to gain admittance to such institutions in Montana, within necessary budgetary limitations as provided by law, shall be allowed the opportunity to earn in part or in total sufficient money to pay the costs accompanying such attendance through employment by state and local governing units and certain public interest organizations.