Using the 21st Century Scholarship INDIANA’S 21st CENTURY SCHOLARS COLLEGE INCENTIVES GUIDE A program of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS The 21st Century Scholarship Using the 21st Century Scholarship 4 Offices and Programs 5 Indiana Colleges and Universities Supports and Incentives 8 Ancilla College 10 Anderson University 11 Ball State University 12 Bethel College 13 Butler University 14 Calumet College of Saint Joseph 15 DePauw University 16 Earlham College 17 Franklin College 18 Goshen College 19 Grace College 20 Hanover College 21 Holy Cross College 22 Huntington University 23 Indiana State University 24 Indiana Tech 25 Indiana University Bloomington 26 Indiana University East 27 Indiana University Kokomo 28 Indiana University Northwest 29 Indiana University South Bend 30 2 Indiana University Southeast 31 IPFW 32 IUPUC 33 IUPUI 34 Indiana Wesleyan University 35 Ivy Tech Community College 36 Manchester University 37 Marian University 38 Martin University 39 Oakland City University 40 Purdue University Northwest 41 Purdue University West Lafayette 42 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 43 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 44 Saint Mary’s College 45 Taylor University 46 Trine University 47 University of Evansville 48 University of Indianapolis 49 University of Notre Dame 50 University of Saint Francis 51 University of Southern Indiana 52 Valparaiso University 53 Vincennes University 54 Wabash College 55 Western Governors University-Indiana 56 3 USING THE 21ST CENTURY SCHOLARSHIP HOW THE 21ST CENTURY SCHOLARSHIP WORKS • It can be used to pay regularly assessed tuition and fees at a public or private college or university in Indiana. • It does not cover room, board, books or other expenses associated with college enrollment. • It is valid for eight (8) semesters of full-time enrollment at Indiana two- and four-year colleges. The scholarship must be used within eight (8) years of activation. • Students must enroll at an eligible Indiana college or university within one year of graduating high school. • Students must enroll as full-time students (at least 12 credit hours per semester). (Recommen- dation: take 15 credits per semester to stay on track to meet 21st Century Scholars completion requirements and graduate on time.) • The funds are disbursed directly to the institution on behalf of the student, NOT paid directly to the student; the 21st Century Scholarship should be listed on students’ award notification letter and applied directly to students’ bursar accounts. HOW TO RECEIVE THE FULL 21ST CENTURY SCHOLARSHIP EACH YEAR 1. File a FAFSA by Indiana’s April 15 deadline and make all corrections before the scholarship can be distributed. 2. Complete at least 30 credit hours each academic year. • Credit hour requirements can include college credit earned in high school and in summer college courses. The 21st Century Scholarship can be applied toward summer tuition if student has unused funds (check with home institution’s financial aid office). • 21st Century Scholars who complete fewer credits may be eligible for the Frank O’Bannon Grant (FOB)—which pays a fraction of the 21st Century Scholarship—if they show financial need and complete between 24-29 credit hours the previous school year. • Students will not be eligible to receive either the 21st Century Scholarship or the FOB Grant if they complete fewer than 24 credit hours in a year. • Students who do not complete at least 30 credits each academic year can reactivate the 21st Century Scholarship by completing 30 credit hours in the year in which they do not receive the 21st Century Scholarship. 3. Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as determined by their institution. • At colleges and universities, making SAP includes staying on pace to graduate and com- pleting a degree within a set time frame. SAP also includes maintaining a minimum cumu- lative grade point average (GPA) and successfully completing a percentage of cumulative attempted coursework. Institutions typically set a limit on incompletes and withdrawals from courses. Each institution determines its own SAP guidelines. 4 OFFICES AND PROGRAMS HELPFUL OFFICES AND PROGRAMS ON MOST CAMPUSES The remainder of this guide shows campus-specific incentives and programs that are geared toward 21st Century Scholars. While this information is helpful, there are many services on cam- pues that are for all students. These services are generally free, or low-cost, and can help you be as successful as possible during college. When you start your college journey, make sure to look into these different offices and programs. Take time to visit so you know where they are located. • Academic Advisor: Upon arrival, each student is assigned an academic advisor. This advisor is an important resource to help students select their major(s), register for classes and stay on track for graduation. It is recommended to meet with advisors at least once a year, gener- ally before registering for classes. By working closely with advisors, students are more likely achieve their educational goals in a timely manner. • Academic Support and Tutoring Centers: Succeeding academically is one of the most important pieces of college success. Academic support and tutoring centers offer support and tutoring. Writing and math labs provide opportunities for students to have their homework and papers critiqued before the due date. • Bursar: The bursar office processes all bills and payments for tuition and room/board. They can help you make a payment plan if you have an outstanding balance on your account. They also provide refunds to students who have a positive balance on their school accounts. Bursar offices are sometimes, but not always, connected to the financial aid office on campus. • Career Center: Career centers offer guidance to students seeking employment during or after college. Whether students are looking for a summer internship or a full-time job, it’s important to use these resources. Services provided can include resume reviews, mock interview prepa- ration and connecting students with employers. Campuses generally offer these services to current students for free, though there may be a small fee associated after graduation. • Campus Activities Office: Campus activities offices are the hubs of campus involvement. Many times volunteer programs, student organizations and student government are housed in this space. Getting involved on campus is a great way to feel connected and also build your portfolio. Some activities do cost money, but this cost is generally discounted from what you would pay to participate on your own. • Counseling Center: The counseling center (sometimes known as counseling and psychological services) offers students a place to take care of their mental and emotional health. Services provided by these centers range from group-based counseling to individual counseling to stress management classes. Most campuses offer this service for free for the first few visits and then charge a minimal fee for sessions over that amount. • Disability Services: Disability services ensure that all students have equal access to services and opportunities throughout their college experience. Students who qualify for disability will be provided access to services such as interpretation, testing accommodations and tutoring resources. 5 • Financial Aid: Financial aid offices help you learn various ways to pay for your education. You can visit to learn more about your 21st Century Scholarship, other state and federal financial aid, scholarships, and federal and private student loan options. These offices help you make the best decisions in paying for college. Financial aid offices can also help you navigate any issues you may have with the FAFSA. • Fitness Center: Fitness centers are an important resource to ensure that students are able to maintain physical health and relieve stress as they adjust to the academic demands of college. Fitness facilities often include weight training equipment, cardiovascular machines (such as treadmills and stationary bikes) and a variety of classes (such as Zumba or Pilates). Access to these centers is usually free for students, though the classes often cost a small extra fee. • Library: Campus libraries are one of the most important resources to help college students succeed academically. Libraries have a variety of electronic and physical resources to aid in research and learning. The staff is available to help students find books, operate computers and explore topics related to projects and assignments. Libraries also provide students with a quiet, distraction-free environment to study or do homework. • Medical Center: To help students maintain their physical and mental health, some colleges provide cost-effective medical services through an on-campus medical center. The centers offer a range of services such as primary care, specialty care and counseling. If a college has a medical center, students are often able to purchase health insurance through their school for an additional fee, or can opt to use their pre-existing health insurance to pay for the services. • Multicultural Affairs/Diversity Office: Multicultural affairs and diversity offices on campuses work to promote an inclusive and socially responsible environment for students, faculty, and staff. These offices often provide programming around various communities on campus—such as race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, and sexual orientation. They also help to create safe spaces for students who are looking