Title:     #VI-6B.  Policy for Awarding WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Scholarships

 The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, in order to promote academic excellence and good citizenship, has made available funds for payment of tuition for deserving full-time and part-time students enrolled in a certificate or degree program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Applicants for Foundation scholarships should demonstrate academic achievement or promise. The minimum criteria for an unrestricted Foundation Scholarship for a new student are: 20 ACT composite (or 22 composite on the enhanced ACT) score or a 3.2 cumulative grade point average on the official high school transcript.  In cases where these criteria are not met by a new student, the Scholarship Committee may take into consideration extenuating circumstances in awarding scholarships. 

The student may be asked to submit information to help the Scholarship Committee assess the student’s potential in the chosen field of study.  Materials requested might include letters of recommendation from employers, teachers and counselors, evidence of civic involvement, scores on the General Educational Development exam, scores on placement tests administered by the Student Services staff or other information which would be pertinent in considering an individual applicant.  For college students, the minimum criteria will be a 3.2 cumulative grade point average for college courses completed.

A student may obtain a scholarship application from the Financial Aid Office and submit it along with an autobiographical statement and supporting documentation.  The following documentation must be on file in the Records Office: a high school transcript, an ACT record, GED scores (if appropriate) and a letter of admission to WVU at Parkersburg.

The WVU Parkersburg Scholarship Committee is comprised of the following representatives: the Dean of Students, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Financial Aid and 3 Faculty Members. The Scholarship Coordinator chairs the Committee and votes only when it is necessary to break a tie.  Ex-officio members of the Committee include the Executive Director of the Foundation and the WVU Parkersburg Financial Aid Counselor.  The WVU Parkersburg Scholarship Committee will meet no later than the first week of May to determine scholarship recipients for the fall and spring semesters of the following academic year.

The WVU Parkersburg Scholarship Coordinator is responsible for assembling information to be distributed to the Scholarship Committee regarding appropriate scholarship applicants. Special attention will be given to ensure students recommended for scholarship consideration are in compliance with the Donor Fund Agreements on file in the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Office. In awarding all Foundation Scholarships, preference will be given to in-state and full-time students. If necessary, the Scholarship Committee may be reconvened no later than one week before the spring semester commences to select additional spring semester scholarship recipients. Final approval of scholarship selections is certified by the Scholarship Committee.

In the event of mid-semester special circumstances, additional scholarship assistance can be approved by the joint recommendation of the WVU at Parkersburg Dean of Students and the Executive Director of the Foundation.