Prestigious Scholarships
University of Illinois, Springfield
Faculty Handbook
The Prestigious Scholarship Office is pleased to provide this handbook to faculty as a reference
to the operations of our office and as a guide to working with students in attaining national and
international scholarships and fellowships.
The mission of the Prestigious Scholarship Office is to work with outstanding students to
enhance and reach their goals by helping them identify and apply for major national and
international fellowships and awards. The most frequently sought scholarships are described on
our website but our office can help students find others which better fit their goals and
experience. Awards are available to both undergraduates and graduates, to engage in research,
study or projects, in the United States and abroad. To be awarded one of these scholarships
and applicant must meet several specific and rigorous criteria, including not only outstanding
academic performance but clearly defined goals and a record of involvement service and
leadership, as well.
Our work with students comprises three primary areas: making students aware of opportunities,
helping them plan their curricular and extracurricular activities to better meet their goals, and
guiding them through scholarship application processes. This means that it is likely we will meet
almost all UIS students, some several times during their time at UIS, and work rather intensely
with some as they prepare their applications.
ROLES FACULTY PLAY IN MAJOR SCHOLARSHIPS
The role of faculty in this endeavor is multi-faceted and of utmost importance. Because you see
students regularly and are familiar with their work and their goals, you can identify those with the
talent and dedication to be good potential applicants for scholarship opportunities. Many good
students don’t apply for major scholarships because they feel they may not measure up to the
competition but having their work recognized and praised by a faculty member they know and
trust can provide them with a more realistic view of their own abilities and increase their
motivation to look into scholarly opportunities.
You can also help recruit scholarship applicants in two different ways. First, you can introduce
them to the variety of scholarship opportunities available, particularly those relevant to your
field, by raising the issue in class and directing students to the Prestigious Scholarship website,
http://www.uis.edu/prestigiousscholarships/. Second, you can encourage the students you have
identified as being talented to make an appointment at our office to talk about how prestigious
scholarships may fit with their goals. Students are often not familiar with nationally competitive
scholarships and a word from a professor they know, particularly one in their major field, can
spark their interest.
Supporting and recommending scholarship applicants
Many national and international scholarships and fellowships require that each submitting
institution have a faculty representative to work with student candidates to coordinate the
application process. Some scholarships limit the number of applications an institution can
submit each year and require that a campus committee review all applications and select ones
to forward. Working in either of these positions provides a valuable service to the university and
is of immense help to our outstanding students. Campus review committees typically meet two
or three times a year to review a small number of applications. Faculty representatives
generally work with a small number of applicants (often one) during the weeks prior to the
scholarship’s submission deadline. You may be invited to serve in one of these positions for a
period of time. Most faculty find serving in these capacities interesting and rewarding.
You can offer help and guidance to students who are going through the scholarship application
process in a number of other ways, such as working with them in the design and execution of
research projects, reading drafts of their proposals, sharing your knowledge about work being
done in various fields and at different universities, suggesting contacts they might make at other
universities or other countries, and perhaps by writing letters of recommendation to support their
applications for scholarships and further study.
Writing letters of recommendation for scholarship candidates is perhaps the most important way
faculty can help and support promising students, but writing these letters is a complex process
which should not be entered into lightly. Most faculty are very eager to support students’ efforts
to pursue graduate study or to win scholarships and will agree to supply a letter for almost any
student who requests one. A quickly written letter that primarily recites information contained in
transcripts, though sincere, can actually diminish the student’s prospects, as can the letter that
arrives after the deadline because of the writer’s busy schedule. If you don’t have the time to
write (and edit) a thoughtful letter or if you feel you cannot honestly write a supportive letter, you
should decline the request with a brief and tactful explanation.
Considerations in agreeing to write recommendation letters
Knowledge of the student
Ideally this consists of knowing the student’s work, goals, potential, difficulties, achievements,
character, and self-understanding, and why he is applying for the particular scholarship. It is
very helpful to have a conversation/interview with student to find out things you didn’t know,
such as how the student sees his activities, curricular and otherwise, fitting together and
helping achieve his goals. Is there continuity to the accomplishments? Are they building toward
a larger end? What would you say are the student’s shortcomings? What does the student say
they are? More than one conversation may be helpful. You should know or learn enough
information to write a “narrative” letter, one that shows connections between various activities,
explains the student’s behaviors and aspirations, and provides some detailed description of
situations in which you came to see the student’s potential.
Familiarity with the scholarship eligibility, requirements and competitiveness
It is helpful to read about the scholarship in question to know what qualities and
accomplishments are sought in applicants. Go to the scholarship’s website (accessible through
http://www.uis.edu/prestigiousscholarships/) and read its mission, goals and eligibility criteria.
Does the student meet the minimum eligibility requirements? How well does this student match
the qualities sought? Do you think he is moving closer to meeting them? Does the student meet
the more implied and general student expectations for the scholarship, such as desire to work in
a certain field, study abroad, etc.?
Scholarship foundations often ask for letters from several recommenders, each addressing a
different aspect of the applicant’s qualifications, For example, they may ask for two letters from
people who are familiar with the student’s academic work, one who can attest to the student’s
character and one from someone who has worked with the student outside of academe. You
should clearly understand the purpose of your letter and how it fits into the overall application.
Time and deadlines
Even if you have a strong desire to write a letter for a student, you should not agree to do so
unless you are certain you have the time to do it. There are many potentially time-consuming
elements to writing a good letter: the interview, the drafting and rewriting (sometime after
external editing), possible re-interviews with the student, conforming the letter to appropriate
style and submission formats. Scholarship submission deadlines are strict to the minute and
even electronic submission systems are usually overloaded near deadline time.
Writing the letter
If you agree to write a recommendation letter, the first thing you should do is to print a FERPA
Release Form, fill it out, and have the student sign it. This allows you legal access to the
student’s records and the right to mention in your letter information in the student’s educational
records such as grades, which are protected by FERPA. The release form is available at:
http://www.uis.edu/registration/wp-content/uploads/sites/135/2013/06/FERPARELEASEFM.pdf.
It may also be helpful to ask to see drafts of the student’s Personal Statement, Project Proposal,
or previous class work. You may also wish to have the student sign a waiver of access to the
letter which is included in the university’s “Request for Letter of recommendation” form at:
http://www.uis.edu/registration/wp-content/uploads/sites/135/2013/06/RECOMMENDATION.pdf
Describe the person, not just the student
Before you start to write, understand that the reader doesn’t know the applicant—your letter is
an introduction. Your letter shouldn’t read like a police file on the applicant (just the facts,
ma’am) but rather like an attempt by an objective friend to describe a complex, talented and
motivated person. Adhere to the guidelines the foundation requires but beyond that don’t feel
constrained by imagined limitations. Convey enthusiasm and provide rational support for that
enthusiasm. The reader of your letter is probably reading hundreds of letters in a weekend
session, all of which praise unknown people. How can you make your letter stand out from the
others? Try to make clear in your letter that you know as a person, not just a student. If
possible talk about non-curricular activities, an adversity he or she has overcome, or particular
talents or interests that aren’t contained in a transcript or resume.
Be objective in your assessments but personal in your tone
Listing numerous activities and accomplishments can make the applicant seem scattered or a
dabbler. If possible show how the applicant has made a variety of different activities fit together
to help accomplish a goal. If the applicant exceeds expectations (even those for good students)
don’t just say so, describe how. This speaks to accomplishment and potential.
Create a context for your information
The details of your description and evaluation of the applicant will be more informative and
understandable if you can put them in a context. How and why a person did something are
important. Motivations, goals, stages of life, and your relationship with the student may all be
meaningful contexts for what his or her accomplishments. These contexts provide depth and
continuity for the student’s activities, successes and failures.
You don’t necessarily need to avoid areas of possible concern
Everyone makes mistakes. If the applicant has a bad grade, changed a major, or stopped out of
school, it’s not necessary to overlook it or cover it up. Find out from the student why it happened
and what he learned from the experience and perhaps try to work this into your letter as a part
of the complete picture of the person. Some scholarships specifically ask you to identify the
applicant’s weaknesses and areas of possible criticism. Thoughtful and carefully written
discussion of weaknesses can demonstrate your ability to be objective as well as create a more
detailed picture of the applicant.
Practical issues
You should check foundation websites for specifics regarding letter length, format, submission
mode and the like. Some require letters on University letterhead; some require both hard copy
and online copies; some require electronic submission. If no specific length limitations are
given, the generally accepted length is 1 ½ – 2 pages, including heading and signature block.
Sometimes, particularly with electronically submitted letters, there are limitations on space or
number of words. Letters submitted as paper originals or copies should show the applicant’s
name and any other critical identifying information on every page in the form of a footer or
header.
For some scholarships, recommendation letters are forwarded to the faculty representative, the
campus scholarship committee, or to the Prestigious Scholarship Office to streamline the
application process. These bodies may ask you to modify your letter to better fit guidelines.
Feel free to contact our office if you have questions about the submission process.
If you would like more information and helpful suggestions about writing recommendations,
one of the best sources is: Joe Schall, Writing Recommendation Letters: A Faculty Handbook
(2nd ed.), online at https://www.e-education.psu.edu/writingrecommendationlettersonline/ .
The support of faculty is an essential part of the process of applying for and winning major
scholarships. Your commitment to working with students enhances the academic atmosphere of
the university and helps create a new generation of creative, intellectual leaders. Your support
is greatly appreciated.
THE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEDULE AT UIS
National and international scholarships are awarded in annual cycles and their applicationdeadline-award dates (crunch times) are scattered throughout the year. The scholarships most
commonly sought by UIS students are described below with their respective deadlines. Our
office can connect students to many scholarships in addition to those listed here. The dates for
deadlines and announcements are approximate but seldom vary more than a day or two from
year to year. They are listed here in order of deadlines for submission to the foundations
beginning with the earliest in the UIS academic year (August to August). Applying for a
prestigious scholarship is labor-intensive and requires much revision and coordination. Our
office sets internal “campus” deadlines for students to inform us of their interest so that all
aspects of the application can be arranged and filing deadlines can be met. This “notice of
intent” deadline is typically three months prior to the submission deadline. Summers and weeks
the university is on break are not counted in the three month period, thus the notice of intent
deadline for a scholarship with a submission deadline in early October would be in early April.
Marshall Scholarship http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United
Kingdom. Open only to United States citizens who (at the time they take up their Scholarship) hold a first
degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.7.
Scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, thesis grant, research and
daily travel grants, fares to and from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the
support of a dependent spouse.
Deadline: early October
Mitchell Scholarship http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html
The Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell's pivotal
contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of
future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement,
leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.
Deadline: early October
Rhodes Scholarship http://www.rhodesscholar.org/
Each year, 32 U.S. citizens are among more than 80 Rhodes Scholars worldwide who take up degree
courses at Oxford University. To be eligible, and applicant must be a citizen of the United States, a lawful
permanent resident of the United States for prior to and including at least 5 years of the application
deadline, at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age (i.e., the applicant must still be 23 on October 1 in the
year of application), and sufficiently advanced academically to assure completion of a bachelor’s degree
before October 1 in the year following election. A Rhodes Scholarship covers all University and College
fees, a personal stipend and one economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the Scholarship, as well
as an economy flight back to the student's home country at the conclusion of the Scholarship.
Deadline: early October
Fulbright U.S. Student Program http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html
Awards grants to recent graduates, students enrolled in graduate programs and young professionals for
study, research or serving as an English Teaching Assistant in other countries. Number and types of
grants vary by country. Grants are for one year and cover education, travel and living expenses.
Deadline: mid-October
Gates Cambridge Scholarship http://www.gatescambridge.org/
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are prestigious, highly competitive full cost scholarships awarded to
outstanding applicants from countries outside the U.K. to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any
subject available at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship pays the University Composition Fee
and College fees at the appropriate rate, provides a maintenance allowance for a single student (£13,500
for 12 months at the 2013-14 rate, pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months), one economy single
airfare at both the beginning and end of the course, and inbound visa costs.
Deadline: mid-October
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) - graduate https://www.daad.org/?p=47209
Highly qualified graduating seniors or those who have received an undergraduate degree may apply for
the DAAD Study Scholarship for a year of independent study or a full master's degree program at a
German university. Study Scholarships are granted for one academic year (10 months) with the possibility
of a one-year extension for students completing a full degree program in Germany. Monthly stipends are
approximately €750. DAAD will cover health insurance and provide a flat rate subsidy for travel costs (US
East: €850 / West: €1,075).
Deadline: early November
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) - undergraduate https://www.daad.org/?p=47220
The goal of this program is to support study abroad in Germany and at German universities. Preference
will be given to students whose projects or programs are based at and organized by a German university.
Scholarships are available either as part of an organized study abroad program or as part of an individual,
student-designed study abroad semester or year. Scholarships may be granted for a minimum of four
(one semester) and a maximum of 10 months (one academic year). Recipients will be awarded a monthly
stipend of approximately € 650, plus additional funds to help defray travel and research expenses as well
as health insurance.
Deadline: late January
Goldwater Scholarship https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/
Applicants must be matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of
higher education, and intend to pursue research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or
engineering. All candidates must be nominated by their college or university. Each scholarship covers
eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of
$7,500 annually. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to the
succeeding academic year. Junior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of two years of
support, and senior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of one year of support.
Deadline: late January
Boren Fellowship (graduate) http://borenawards.org/boren_fellowship/basics.html
Boren Fellowships provide U.S. graduate students the opportunity to add an important international and
language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or
increased language proficiency. Boren Fellowships promote long term linguistic and cultural
immersion. Therefore, all overseas study must be a minimum of 12 weeks, and preference will be given
to applicants proposing overseas programs of 6 months or longer. Boren Fellowships provide up to
$24,000 for overseas study. In addition, Boren Fellowships can provide limited funding for domestic
language study that will supplement the overseas component. The maximum award for a combined
overseas and domestic program is $30,000. In exchange for fellowship funding, all Boren Fellows must
agree to the NSEP Service Requirement.
Deadline: late January
Truman Scholarship http://www.truman.gov/
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation supports the graduate education and professional
development of outstanding young people committed to public service leadership. Open to U.S. citizens
or U.S. nationals who are college or university students with junior-level academic standing and who wish
to attend professional or graduate school to prepare for careers in government or the nonprofit and
advocacy sectors where they will improve the ways these institutions work. Truman Scholars are required
to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation funded
graduate degree program as a condition of receiving funding.
Deadline: early February
Boren Scholarship (undergraduate) http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/basics.html
Boren Scholarships provide American undergraduate students with the resources and encouragement
they need to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to the future security of our
nation, in exchange for their commitment to seek work in the federal government. Boren Scholarships
promote long term linguistic and cultural immersion, and therefore study abroad proposals for two or more
semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing a
full-year academic study. Boren-funded programs can begin no earlier than June 1. Summer-only
programs must be eight (8) weeks or more and are limited to science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) students. Maximum scholarship awards are: $8,000 for a summer program
(special initiative for STEM students only; 8 weeks minimum), $10,000 for a semester, $20,000 for a full
academic year. In exchange for scholarship funding, all Boren Scholars must agree to the NSEP Service
Requirement.
Deadline: early February
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program
http://www.rangelprogram.org/
A six-week summer program designed to provide full-time undergraduate students who are U.S.
citizens with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater
understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to
pursue such careers. Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also
provides a stipend of $3,200. Awards up to Up to $30,000 to apply toward graduate study in the U.S. or
abroad in a wide variety of fields.
Deadline: early to mid-February
Fulbright UK Summer Institutes http://www.fulbright.org.uk/fulbright-awards/exchanges-to-theuk/undergraduates
The US-UK Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for U.S. citizens to come to the
UK. These summer programs provide the opportunity for U.S. undergraduates (aged over 18), with at
least two years of undergraduate study left to complete, to come to the U.K. on a three, four, five or six
week academic and cultural summer program. The Summer Institutes will cover the majority of
participant costs. This includes round-trip airfare from the US to the U.K., tuition and fees at the host
university/institution, accommodation and meals and in some cases a small daily allowance.
Deadline: late February-early March
James Madison Memorial Scholarship http://www.jamesmadison.com/
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate
Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the
secondary school level. Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of
their legal residence. The fellowships are intended exclusively for graduate study leading to a master's
degree. Applicants must be committed to teaching American history, American government, and/or social
studies full time in grades 7–12.
Deadline: early March
Udall Scholarship http://www.udall.gov/ourprograms/mkuscholarship/mkuscholarship.aspx
The Foundation awards scholarships of up to $5000 to sophomore and junior level college students
committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy or Native American health care. Only
Native Americans and Alaska Natives may apply in tribal public policy or Native American health care.
Deadline: early March
A SCHOLARSHIP GLOSSARY-brief definitions of regularly used terms
Application: The formal process required to be considered for a scholarship. Most applications require
a personal statements identifying goals and accomplishments, an explanation of how receiving the
scholarship will help achieve those goals, a transcript of academic work, and letters of reference from
professors and others who know the applicant well.
Campus Committee: A group of faculty and administrators that provides on-campus review of
applications as required by some scholarships. In cases where the sponsoring foundation limits the
number of applications a campus may submit, the committee may evaluate applications and interview
applicants to decide which applicants to endorse or how to rank multiple applications.
Community Service: Often a criterion in scholarship applications, reviewers usually look for a record
that shows purpose, continuity and results. This does not mean that applicants should serve with only one
organization or some particular type of organization. It means the applicant engaged in the service to
achieve certain goals and can identify how what why the service was successful and unsuccessful and
what was learned from it.
Deadline: The date and time all parts of an application must be received by the foundation. The
Prestigious Scholarship Office may also establish its own internal or campus deadlines for notice of intent
or completion of specific parts of an application. A “notice of intent” deadline is the date by which a
student should inform our office that he or she intends to apply for a particular scholarship. If the
scholarship requires a campus review process, there will be an internal deadline for a campus committee
meeting. At that time, all parts of the application must be complete, but the applicant will have some
time after the meeting to revise, based on the review process.
Eligibility Requirements: The criteria a student must meet in order to apply for a scholarship.
Specifications for GPA, citizenship, year in school, field of study, and age are typical. Because many
scholarships have rather specifically defined purposes, foundations may add other requirements to
facilitate a fit between applicants and their scholarships.
Faculty Representative: Some scholarships require a faculty member to serve as the primary contact
person for that award. This person works closely with the student and the Prestigious Scholarship Office
in preparing and assembling the application. The Faculty Representative is often responsible for
submitting parts (or sometimes all parts) of the applications for a specific scholarship. Faculty
representatives and their university affiliations are listed on foundation websites.
Foundation: The organization (usually a government agency or a private trust) that sponsors a
scholarship and determines which applicants they will support.
Institutional Endorsement: A letter, sometimes a form, signed by campus administrator (Provost,
Chancellor or the Faculty Representative), attesting to the candidate’s eligibility and qualifications for the
scholarship.
Interview: Campus interviews may be part of the applicant screening process, particularly if there is a
limit on the number of applicants a campus may put forward. These interviews may be conducted by a
person from the Prestigious Scholarship Office or by the Campus Committee. Mock Interviews: On
campus practice sessions for applicants who have been invited to a final evaluation round involving an
interview. These usually involve a small group of faculty asking impromptu questions of the candidate in a
semi-formal setting and discussing with the applicant his or her responses and reactions.
Leadership: Most scholarships ask applicants to provide evidence of their leadership. Simply
occupying an official role (president, secretary) in a campus organization does not carry as much weight
as does demonstration of initiative or having accomplished meaningful goals through working with others.
Personal Statement: A common element in scholarship applications, which usually asks the applicant
to discuss formative experiences in his or her life, identify goals, perhaps to show connections between
past events and goals, and to explain how the scholarship will help further those goals. Reviewers look
for evidence of self-analysis and self-understanding, that the applicant could reasonably accomplish the
stated goals, coherence in the narrative and continuity in the accomplishments (that they seem to be
building toward goals rather than just a dabbling in different areas).
Project Proposal: Some scholarships require a plan of action, a description of what the student is
going to do with the award. This may consist of a research proposal or a plan for a project. Proposals
should make a clear case for how the award or scholarship will support the plan.
Recommendation Letters: Most scholarships require recommendation letters but the number
required differs from scholarship to scholarship. Some scholarships require that letter writers hold certain
positions or have a specific relationship with the applicant. A good recommendation letter will show that
the writer knows the applicant as a person and a scholar and understands the qualities the particular
scholarship foundation is looking for.
Résumé (or Curriculum Vitae or CV): A summary of the applicant’s education, community service
and other experiences to date. Each scholarship has a preferred format.
Study Abroad: An educational experience in another country resulting in credit and a grade. Applicants
who have studied abroad may wish to discuss in their applications how the experience has shaped their
outlooks and goals.
Transcript: The official record of the applicant’s courses and grades at an institution.
Undergraduate Research: This refers to participation in faculty research and original work in any
academic field. Applicants who have done presentations, papers, publications, or poster sessions should
include this in appropriate parts of their applications.
Prestigious Scholarship Office
Director: Donna Alfano Bussell, PhD
Phone: (217) 206-8091
Email: [email protected]