(a) Each part-time employee or employee eligible to participate in the group benefits program under Section 1551.101(e)(2) may participate in the program on execution of an appropriate application for coverage unless the employee is:
(1) ineligible for the group benefits program under Section 1551.110; or
(2) expelled from the group benefits program under Section 1551.351.
(b) An institution of higher education shall, at the time of employment, notify each of the institution's employees eligible to participate in the group benefits program under Section 1551.101(e)(2) of the employee's eligibility to participate.