��ū�컨��

The University of Alaska established the ��ū�컨�� Scholars Award (“Award”) in 1999 to encourage Alaska students to attend and graduate from college in their home state. It is designed to provide an incentive for secondary school students to achieve academic excellence, to nourish efforts of schools to provide high quality education, and to encourage high school graduates from every Alaska community to seriously consider the opportunities that the University of Alaska has to offer.

Annually, each qualified high school in Alaska identifies the top 10 percent of the junior class based on academic factors to be recognized as ��ū�컨�� Scholars (“Scholars”). The ��ū�컨�� Scholars Program (“Program”) verifies eligibility and notifies each designated Scholar about the Award offer.

To use the Award, a Scholar must meet all of the requirements listed in this handbook (see Section (2)(A)).

1. Current Award amount: $15,000. The University of Alaska Board of Regents, at its discretion, may adjust the amount of the Award.
2. How the Award is paid: Eligible Scholars receive $1,875 per semester for eight semesters. The Award will show as a payment on the Scholar’s student account at the University of Alaska.
3. Deadline for Use: The Award will expire after a total of twelve semesters or within six years of the Scholar’s designation as a ��ū�컨�� Scholar.

A Scholar will forfeit any portion of the Award not used within this six-year period and any portion remaining if a Scholar fails to use the Award for more than four semesters.

1. Apply for admission by August 15
Scholars must submit an application for admission to a certificate or degree program at any campus in the ��ū�컨�� before August 15 of their senior year. For example, if a Scholar is designated for the Class of 2025, they must apply by August 15, 2025. Any Scholar who misses the August 15 deadline will not be eligible to use the Award.

2. Meet the requirements of the Award
To redeem the Award, the Scholar must:
a.) Be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;
b.) Have successfully earned a high school diploma from a qualified Alaska high school;
c.) Be admitted into a certificate or undergraduate or graduate degree program at a University of Alaska campus;
d.) Enroll full time (12+ credits for undergraduate degrees, 9+ credits for graduate degrees) beginning the first fall semester following their designated class unless utilizing the Leave of Absence provision discussed in Section (2)(B); and
e.) Remain eligible for the Award as outlined in Section (2)(A)(3).

3. Remain eligible for the Award
a.) To remain eligible for the Award, a Scholar must:

1. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements are subject to changes in federal or state law and institutional policy. ��ū�컨�� Scholars should contact their financial aid office with any questions regarding the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy;
2. Enroll full time (12+ credits for undergraduate degrees, 9+ credits for graduate degrees) each fall and spring semester except when taking a qualified Leave of Absence as described in Section (2)(B);
3. Earn the minimum number of cumulative credits: 24 credits after two paid semesters, 54 credits after four paid semesters, and 84 credits after six paid semesters (See Table A);
4. Be in good standing in accordance with the ��ū�컨�� Student Code of Conduct (Board of Regents Policy 09.02.020 and University Regulation 09.02.020); and
5. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

b.) The Award will be suspended if a Scholar fails to meet any of the eligibility factors listed in Section (2)(A)(3).
c.) A Scholar may appeal the suspension of the Award through their campus financial aid office.

Table A:

Notes: 
1. One academic year will be defined as two paid semesters. 
2. Credits earned through dual enrollment or transfer credits (AP, CLEP, IB, etc.) may count  cumulatively toward annual credit requirements.
3. Credits earned outside of the regular semesters (e.g., summer, winter, May terms) will count  toward annual credit requirements. 
4. Compliance with the cumulative credit completion requirement will be checked before the 3rd, 5th, and 7th semester as described in Table A. 

IMPORTANT: To graduate in four years with a bachelor’s degree, or in two years with an associate’s degree, most programs require students to complete at least 30 credits per academic year

1. Leave of Absence
A Leave of Absence (Leave) is defined as any fall or spring semester for which a Scholar does not receive an Award distribution.
Leave of Absence Terms:
a.) The Leave maximum is four consecutive or nonconsecutive fall and/or spring semesters after high school graduation.
b.) The Leave does not extend the Scholar Deadline for Use as specified in Section (1)(C) (3).
c.) A Scholar who intends to take a Leave of Absence in the fall semester immediately following high school graduation must notify their campus admissions office that they intend to defer enrollment.
d.) A Scholar is not required to inform the ��ū�컨�� Scholars Program when using their Leave.

A Scholar whose high school graduation is delayed for any reason is subject to the same Scholar Requirements listed in this handbook as their designated peers. Any fall or spring semester following normal high school graduation that a Scholar does not use their Award will count toward their Leave of Absence. The Award will permanently conclude if they do not begin using their Award by the fifth semester.

2. Extended Leave of Absence
A Scholar may request an extension to the Leave of Absence for qualified circumstances.
a.) To request a Leave extension, the Scholar must submit a request before the period that the extension is to begin and provide supporting documentation detailing:

1. Exactly how the request fits within one of the qualified extension circumstances listed in Section (2)(B)(2)(b);
2. The expected length of absence; and
3. The anticipated date the Scholar will return to school.

In case of a medical or mental health emergency that makes it impractical to make the request before the extended leave starts, the Scholar must submit a request as soon as the Scholar is medically or mentally able to do so, but in no event more than six months after the beginning of treatment under Section (2)(B)(2)(b)(3).

b.) A Leave extension may be granted:

1. To participate in limited periods of service designed to benefit the public good or wellbeing of the community such as the military, National Guard, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, community work programs sponsored by a governmental, charitable, or religious entity or other similar activities.
2. When waitlisted after admission into a ��ū�컨�� degree program (e.g., nursing). A Scholars Deferment form must be completed and returned to the Program prior to the Award expiration to qualify. The form can be obtained from the Program or an academic advisor.
3. When a determination has been made that a Scholar’s physical, psychological, and/or other extenuating circumstances substantially impair the Scholar’s ability to function safely or successfully as a member of the university community. If the Scholar is currently enrolled, this determination will be made in conjunction with the Scholar’s Senior Student Services Professional or other designated authority.

c.) Extended Leave Terms:

1. A Scholar may not exceed more than a six-semester (three year) Leave extension. This includes the original four-semester Leave benefit and any approved Leave extension.
2. The Scholar must maintain the Scholar Requirements under Section (2)(A).
3. A Leave extension may extend the Deadline for Use from six years to a maximum of seven years.
4. If the Scholar does not use the Award within the extended term, they will forfeit the remaining balance.

d.) Notification of Extension:
The Program will inform the student of the Leave extension request outcome in writing.

A Scholar may use the Award to participate in Study Away programs such as National Student Exchange (NSE), Study Abroad and International Exchange. Contact your admissions office with questions about using the Award to participate in the Study Away programs.

1. Eligible Expenses
The Award will be applied as a payment on the Scholar’s student account and may be used for expenses such as undergraduate or graduate tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies and other education costs incurred for attendance at the University of Alaska. 

2. Refunds
A refund may be issued if the Scholar’s student account has a positive balance. The Scholar should contact their bursar’s office with questions about the refund process.

3. Impact on Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Award may reduce certain financial assistance including loans and the Alaska Performance Scholarship. The Scholar should contact their financial aid office with questions about any impacts the Award may have on other aid.

The Award expires or is forfeited when the Scholar:

1. Has received the full $15,000 scholarship or eight distributions;
2. Has missed more than four semesters unless they have received an approved Leave extension as described in Section (2)(B)(2);
3. Surpasses six years from their high school graduation date, unless the Program Administrator has granted the Scholar a Leave extension under Section (2)(B)(2)
4. Has not met the Scholar Requirements under Section (2)(A); or
5. Is found in violation of the ��ū�컨�� Student Code of Conduct (Board of Regents Policy 09.02.020 and University Regulation 09.02.020) which results in disciplinary action such as expulsion or suspension.

1. Dispute Procedure
All disputes and requests for determination shall be submitted to the Program in writing. The Program Administrator shall issue a written response to such disputes or requests within 10 business days unless notice of extension of the response date is issued by the Program Administrator.

Parties adversely affected by the response may appeal the decision to the University of Alaska Chief Financial Officer, or their designee, in writing, within 10 business days of receipt of decision. The appeal must state all of the pertinent facts and circumstances related to the claim and the desired outcome or action. The Chief Financial Officer’s decision will be issued within 10 business days of receipt unless notice of an extension is given to the claimant. The Chief Financial Officer’s decision is the University’s final decision on the matter. To seek judicial review, the claimant must initiate an administrative appeal in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska within 30 days from the date the final decision was mailed or otherwise distributed, as provided by Rule 602(a)(2) of the Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure. For information regarding eligibility reconsideration for the ��ū�컨�� Scholars Award, please see Section (2)(H) Eligibility Reconsideration, Senior Year.

2. Notices to the Program
Address all communications to the Program Administrator concerning the ��ū�컨�� Scholars Award.

See section (3)(C).

If a student is not in the top 10 percent of their high school class at the end of their junior year, but is in the top 10 percent at the end of their senior year, based on the school's original designation criteria, or if the student graduated early, a request for reconsideration of Award eligibility may be made.

To request Eligibility Reconsideration:
1.) The Scholar, or the high school administrator, must submit a request to the Program dated no later than six months after the student’s high school graduation date as posted on the official high school transcript. The request should explain in detail the basis for reconsideration;
2.) Submit a final official transcript including their high school graduation date and class rank compared to the graduating class.

The Program Administrator will inform the student of the outcome of the reconsideration in writing. Scholars granted Awards under this provision must apply for admission no later than 30 days from the date of the written Award notice or August 15, whichever is later. With the exception of the August 15 admissions deadline, students granted an Award after reconsideration must comply with all of the Scholar Requirements in Section (2)(A) as stated in this handbook.

To participate in the Scholars Program, a high school must issue a diploma recognized by the Alaska Department of Education, and

1. Be a public high school listed in the current Alaska Department of Education directory; or
2. Be accredited by Cognia; or
3. Be a private school properly registered with the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.

1. Establish Eligibility Criteria
Each high school is responsible for academically ranking its students to determine which students are in the top 10 percent at the end of their junior year. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is the most common criteria used to rank students. The high school may consider other appropriate academic factors as long as the high school applies and communicates those factors uniformly and fairly to its students.

In establishing eligibility criteria, the high school:
a.) Must base its rankings on the student’s academic standing at the school they are attending at the end of the junior year.
b.) Must designate all students who qualify academically for the Award and may not base designations on continued enrollment at the current high school, financial need, or intention to enroll or not to enroll at the University of Alaska.
c.) May not alter the ranking to reflect anticipated changes in enrollment.
d.) May not require students to apply for the scholarship or use methods that would exclude students who would otherwise qualify.
e.) Must submit the criteria used for ranking students along with the designations electronically to the Program by September 15th.
f.) Must certify that it applied the criteria uniformly and fairly to all students in the junior class. The Program Administrator reserves the right to reject eligibility criteria that are inconsistent with the intent of the ��ū�컨�� Scholars Program.

2. Complete the Designation Process by September 15
a.) Each spring, the Program will communicate to each high school principal how to access the secure online Scholar designation website.
b.) Qualified high schools must submit their Scholars designation list to the Program by September 15 of each year. Each qualified high school also must provide sufficient information to allow the Program to identify Scholar designees. This directory information must include the following:

1. full legal name (first, middle, last)
2. date of birth
3. phone number
4. mailing address

c.) Once the Program accepts a school’s designee list, the school cannot alter it. The Program may accept lists submitted after the deadline if the school can show reasonable cause for the delay.

3. Assign a High School Scholars Coordinator
The principal of the high school may identify one high school staff member to serve as the Scholars Coordinator responsible for completing the online designation process detailed and communicating with the Program.

4. Identify the Number and Names of Scholars
The high school will identify the qualified Scholars as follows:

a.) 10 percent of the total number of students in the junior class at the end of the spring
term (May or June) are eligible for the Award.
b.) Fractions will be rounded to the nearest whole number by our automated system.
c.) Schools with a junior class of 14 or fewer students are eligible for one Award.
d.) In no event will tied rankings cause the number of Awards to exceed 10 percent of the class size. The high school must resolve all tied rankings based on academic factors before submitting the list of Scholars to the ��ū�컨�� Scholars Program.
e.) In cases where a student is dual enrolled, the student’s primary school (school where they are registered in the most credits) would include them in their designation pool.

5. Verify the List of Scholars for Accuracy
The high school must verify its Scholar list for accuracy before submitting it to the Program. Students who are not on the list will not be eligible to receive the Award. The high school is responsible for all designation errors.

Official notification of the Award must come from the Program. Students, families, and high school officials cannot rely on any other source of information about the notification of an Award.

A. Governing Law and Venue
The laws of the state of Alaska govern the Program.

B. Transferability
The Award and eligibility for the Award is not transferable to other individuals or recipients.

C. Income Tax Treatment
Award distributions made under the Program may be subject to income tax reporting or withholding requirements. The Program, its Administrator and the employees of the University of Alaska make no representations, expressed or implied, about the taxability of benefits received under this Program. The Scholar is responsible for paying any applicable tax and should seek advice from their tax advisor.

D. Correction of Errors
In the event a Scholar receives an erroneous distribution, the Program may recover the amount or may adjust any remaining amount due under the Award to correct the error.

E. Availability of Funds
Distribution of all Awards is subject to the availability of funds as may be determined by the Board of Regents.

F. No Additional Rights
Neither the establishment of this Program, the granting of an Award, nor any action of the University related to the Program shall be held or construed to confer upon any person any right to be or continue to be a student at the University of Alaska. Nothing in the Program shall be construed to expand a student’s rights beyond those provided in University policies and regulations.

G. Amendment or Termination
The University’s Board of Regents reserves the right to terminate, discontinue, suspend, merge or consolidate this Program with other initiatives. This Program may be amended by authority of the University’s President at any time, except that any reduction in benefits already awarded to recipients shall be approved by the Board of Regents.