Scholarships

PHILOSOPHY/RELIGIOUS STUDIES

PHILOSOPHY/RELIGIOUS STUDIES:

BERNARD J. VERKAMP SCHOLARSHIP

 

  1. In the selection of recipients, preference will be given to a student majoring in Philosophy or Religious Studies. If a candidate within this program is not presented, the scholarship may be awarded to a student in another program with a demonstrated interest in philosophy or religious studies courses. The successful candidate must be willing to take a philosophy or religious studies course in each semester for which the scholarship is awarded.
  2. Recipients shall be either a full-time or part-time student at Vincennes University.
  3. Financial need shall not be a primary consideration in awarding the scholarship.
  4. Recipients shall have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. If an incoming first year student, the high school transcript submitted for admission to the University will be used for verification.
  5. If the awardee is attending a Vincennes University campus location that does not offer the required philosophy or religious course, the recipient must agree to complete these courses at the Vincennes Campus or online with Vincennes University professors.
  6. A completed VU Admission application, preferably with Philosophy or Religious Studies as the major of choice, and a reported qualifying GPA as previously defined will identify students eligible for the award.
  7. Identified students will be asked to submit the following:
    1. A one-page essay that explicates the applicant's reasons for pursuing the major or, if a non-major, seeking some additional coursework in philosophy or religious studies.
    2. Two letters of recommendation from Vincennes University faculty (or high school teachers if an incoming first year student).

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA AND NOTIFICATION

In addition to the specific scholarship criteria, all students must meet and maintain the following scholarship guidelines.

Scholarship Guidelines
  • Maintain "Good Standing" status with Vincennes University and follow the Standards of Student Behavior. As noted in the Vincennes University catalog: A student who violates the Standard and breaks the law is subject to university, civil, and/or criminal authorities. The university, at its sole discretion, may pursue disciplinary action against a student while the student is also subject to criminal proceedings. The univeristy reserves this right even if criminal charges are pending, reduced, deferred or dismissed.
  • Regarding scholarship awards, students who violate the Standards of Student Beaviour of Vincennes University are subject to scholarship review and possible revision or removal. The VU Foundation reserves this right even if charges are pending, reduced, deferred or dismissed.
  • Unless the specific criteria for a scholarship is listed as being available to Part-time students, all scholarships are for Full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) students.
  • Unless the specific criteria for a scholarship is listed, 2.0 is the minimum GPA that must be maintained at all times during the scholarship period.
  • Any fraudulent misrepresentation of information supplied by the applicant on any form, regardless of when misinformation is discovered, is grounds for the scholarship to be rescinded and repayment of any funds awarded to be repaid by the recipient.
  • Any enrollment changes (dropping/adding/withdrawing of classes/change of major or degree) relating to the criteria of the scholarship must be reported to the VU Foundation office within five business days of the change. Failure to do so is grounds for the scholarship to be rescinded and repayment of any funds awarded to be repaid by the recipient.
  • Students who have had a scholarship rescinded may appeal by requesting the Scholarship Status Review Form from the VU Foundation office. This form allows the student to petition for scholarship reinstatement and to inquire about the availability of other scholarships that may apply to their new circumstances. Please note that documentation of the change in or new circumstances may be requested.
  • Students who need to request a delay in use of their scholarship may do so by requesting the Petition to Delay Use of Scholarship Form from the VU Foundation office. Please note that documentation of the circumstances that necessitate the delay may be requested.
Scholarship Award Policies
  • Anyone who submits a VU scholarship application will be considered for an award.
  • All scholarship categories will be considered by a committee that will review each student’s qualifications. The goal of the committee is to select the recipients who best match the criteria for each specific scholarship.
  • Any other scholarships and grants (excluding loans) will be applied to the student’s account prior to the posting of this scholarship. Cash refunds are not allowed under the terms of VU Foundation scholarships.
  • The Scholarship Acceptance Form must be signed and returned to the VU Foundation office before the scholarship award is official. At that time, the award will be posted to the student’s account.
Award

Award

Tuition, Vincennes campus standard room and board or Tuition and stipend (commuter/other campus) for four semesters, with 3.3 minimum GPA and full time status maintaned at all times.

  • $3,000 per year for four semesters* with minimum 3.3 GPA and full-time status maintained at all times.
  • $2,000 per year for four semesters* with minimum 3.0 GPA and full -time status maintained at all times.
  • $1,250 per year for four semesters* with minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time status maintained at all times.

**Scholarships are competitive. A limited number of scholarships will be given to the most qualified students. Applications MUST be received by January 15 to be considered for all academic awards.

Qualifications

Qualifications

High school seniors who rank number one or two in their class. Additional requirements for students from non-accredited high schools, Home Schools, or a senior class of 30 or less.

**High school seniors who rank in the upper 25% of their class. Combined SAT of 1190 or composite ACT of 25.

**High school seniors who rank in the upper 50% of their class. Combined SAT of 1110 or composite ACT of 21.

All recipients of the Indiana Academic Honors or Technical Honors Diploma.

All Indiana students must receive the Indiana Academic Honors/Technical honors Diploma or their state's equivalent to be eligible for consideration of any academic scholarship.