(a) When a conflict exists between academic program requirements at an institution to be consolidated, merged, separated from, or administratively linked to another state institution of higher education, the requirements of the institution at which the student initially enrolled prevail. A student may not be required to earn additional credits toward the degree pursued, or to take additional courses, that were not included in the program of study at the time the student declared that major at the enrolling institution.
(b) A student enrolled in an institution to be consolidated, merged, separated from, or administratively linked to another state institution of higher education shall continue to receive any state-funded student financial aid for which he or she would otherwise be eligible.