Welcome Class of 2009 UA Scholars!
Congratulations on your designation as a UA Scholar. There are many great things in store for you at the University of Alaska.
To make the most of your Award, be sure to read your Program Information Booklet.
Deadlines:
| May 1, 2009 | Your application to a UA campus is due and must be post marked on or before May 1, even if you want to start utilizing your leave of absence. All Scholars are required to be admitted into a degree or certificate program. You may apply online at http://www.uaonline.alaska.edu |
August 2009 |
You must begin attending UA as a full time student, unless you are taking advantage of your leave of absence. See your Program Information Booklet for more information. |
If you miss the deadline, your Award will expire.
* Admissions application deadlines may be different for non UA Scholars
Class of 2009 - FAQ's:
Should I read the program information booklet from cover to cover?
What is the Award amount and term?
How do high schools decide who is a Scholar?
Can I apply for the Award?
When does the Award expire?
Is the UA Scholar Award a full-ride scholarship?
Do I have to attend a campus orientation session?
What must I do to maintain good academic standing?
Do I have to start classes right after graduation?
How do I take advantage of my leave of absence?
Can I start using the Award before I have my high school diploma?
How is my Award paid to me?
How and when will I receive my award?
What if I’m planning to serve a mission for my church?
What if I have already used my two semester leave of absence?
What if I have other funds?
Can I go on an exchange program during my first semester as a UA student?
Can I use the Award during the summer term?
What if I do not qualify for a Scholars Award but need additional financial assistance?
Should I read the program information booklet from cover to cover?
Absolutely!
Progam Information Booklet
What is the Award amount and term?
The UA Scholars Award is an $11,000 scholarship distributed in the amount of $1,375 per semester for eight semesters (over five years) provided the Scholar remains eligible. See "Obligations of the Student" on page 10 in your Program Information Booklet for more information.
How do high schools decide who is a Scholar?
High schools set their own criteria to determine the top 10 percent of their students. Typically, cumulative GPA is the primary consideration. Schools may consider additional academic factors: however, a student's financial need or intention to enroll or not to enroll at the University of Alaska may not be used as criteria for designation.
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Can I apply for the Award?
To qualify for the Award, you must be designated by your high school. Check with your school administrator if you are unsure of your status.
When does the Award expire?
The Award expires under any of the following conditions:
You miss the application deadline
You miss more than two semesters of enrollment after your high school graduation
You have been paid the entire amount of the Award
You fail to uphold the 'Obligations of the Student' as stated in the Program Information Booklet
Is the UA Scholar Award a full-ride scholarship?
The Award goes a long way toward the cost of an education at the University of Alaska; however, it is not a full-ride scholarship. Each semester you attend UA, you receive $1,375 to help cover your educational expenses.
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Do I have to attend a campus orientation session?
Yes, check with your campus for more information.
What must I do to maintain good academic standing?
You must be making progress in your degree program, complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester toward your degree program and maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA.
Do I have to start classes right after graduation?
Unless you are using a leave of absence (page 11 in the Booklet), you must begin using your Award the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
How do I take advantage of my leave of absence?
If you are requesting a leave of absence for the first fall semester after graduation, you should indicate the semester in which you plan to enroll on your application for admission and must meet any campus requirements to postpone admission. If you plan to use your leave of absence after your initial enrollment, you must also contact your admissions department and meet any other campus requirements for taking time off. You do not need to submit additional paperwork to the UA Scholars Program to access your leave of absence.
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Can I start using the Award before I have my high school diploma?
No, you must have a high school diploma before you can start using your Award. If you receive a certificate of achievement or GED instead of a diploma you will not be eligible to redeem your Award.
How is my Award paid to me?
Your Award will be posted to your student account at the university once you've been accepted into a degree program, and are enrolled as a full time student. Distribution of Awards occurs before the fee payment period each semester you're eligible.
How and when will I receive my award?
Your Award will be electronically posted to your account at the university about a week before classes begin.
What if I’m planning to serve a mission for my church?
In most cases, missionaries are granted an extended leave of absence. If you’re going on a mission, you should submit a written request to the UA Scholars Program requesting time off as well as a copy of a document showing you’ve been approved for the mission and the dates you will be gone. These documents must be received by the program prior to your departure.
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What if I have already used my two semester leave of absence?
Once you have already utilized your two semester leave of absence, you are not able to take any additional semesters off from using your award or it will expire.
If you have funding from the UA College Savings Plan (or another college savings program), additional scholarship(s) or financial aid, you may be reimbursed for overpayment, if you've met your obligations to the University for the semester.
Can I go on an exchange program during my first semester as a UA student?
No, but it may be a possibility as early as your second year as a UA student. For more information on exchange programs contact your campus admissions office.
Can I use the Award during the summer term?
You can't begin using your Award during a summer term. In order to receive a payment during a summer term, you must also have been enrolled and have received a distribution from your Award during the previous spring semester. UAA students must fill out a Summer Aid Request Form, available online. UAS students can notify their financial aid office verbally or in writing. UAF students must complete a Notice of Summer Enrollment Form, which is available online.
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What if I do not qualify for a Scholars Award but need additional financial assistance?
There are many additional opportunities for other scholarships, work-study programs, grants and loans. Contact a financial aid office at the University of Alaska to find out what is available. In addition to campus specific opportunities, the UA Foundation also offers a variety of scholarships, grants and awards available to UA students.
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