The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:(1) Board--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.(2) Firefighter--An individual employed as a firefighter by a political subdivision of the state of Texas or who is an active member of an organized volunteer fire department in Texas.(3) Commissioner--The Commissioner of Higher Education, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board.(4) Continuation award--An exemption from tuition and fees awarded to a student in accordance with this subchapter who has received the exemption in a previous semester.(5) Eligible organized volunteer fire department--An organized volunteer fire department participating in the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System or a retirement system established under the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (Article 6243e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).(6) Excess hours--In accordance with Texas Education Code, §54.014, for undergraduates - hours in excess of 30 or more than those required for completion of the degree program in which the student is enrolled.(7) Fire Science Courses--Courses that fall within a designated fire science curriculum, as well as courses that are primarily related to fire service, emergency medicine, emergency management, or public administration.(8) Institution of Higher Education or Institution--Any public technical institute, public junior college, public senior college or university, medical or dental unit, public state college, or other agency of higher education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(8).(9) Laboratory fees--Fees authorized through Texas Education Code, §54.501.(10) Program--The Exemption Program for Firefighters Enrolled in Fire Science Courses.(11) Tuition--Includes statutory tuition, designated tuition and Board-authorized tuition.