(a) Effective with respect to the 1976-77 academic year and thereafter, in order to be eligible in each academic year for financial assistance from the program for State University supplemental tuition awards, supplemental financial assistance in educational opportunity programs (SEEK) or State University tuition waivers, a student at a State-operated institution or community college shall be required to file an application, if eligible, for a basic educational opportunity grant (BEOG) with the appropriate agency of the Federal government (title IV-A-1 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended). Evidence that such student has completed a BEOG application shall be on file at the appropriate State-operated institution or community college no later than 45 days from the commencement of the academic year.

(b) The chancellor, or his designee, may develop and issue appropriate guidelines and procedures for the implementation of this section, including, but not limited to, procedures for waiver of the filing requirement if hardship for a student would result.