Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)
Grant Agreement Terms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
What is the MEPI Grant Agreement and why was it developed?
The MEPI Grant Agreement is an official document that describes the scholarship
program goals and objectives, the different parties involved in the program, the
program benefits, and the responsibilities of the grant recipient and grounds for
termination. In any scholarship program, the sponsor/donor in cooperation with the
implementing institution, develop policies and regulations governing the scholarship
offer to achieve the scholarship program goals and objectives. These policies are
usually included in the grant agreement, which highlight the benefits as well as the
obligations of the scholarship recipient/scholar. Scholarship recipients are expected to
respect and abide by the regulations described in the grant agreement. Ideally, grant
agreements are presented to candidates selected at the beginning of their scholarship
and are subject to modifications and amendments as the program develops.
What if a student does not want to sign the grant agreement?
If a student chooses not to sign the grant agreement, he/she will not be entitled to join
the MEPI scholarship program.
I am concerned about signing the student declaration indicating that I accept
any future amendments, can you please clarify?
The statement indicating that the administration can make any amendments in the
future as stated in the grant agreement is a standard statement. This statement is
included in most if not all major international scholarships. It provides the
administration flexibility in continuing to improve the program and address any issues
that may arise. It must be noted that any amendments must be approved by the U.S.
Department of State and by the consent of at least two-thirds of the LEAD/MEPI
Advisory Committee (LAC).
How should MEPI students refer to MEPI when being interviewed with media
representative?
MEPI students should give tribute to the U.S. Department of State and the AUC.
Are MEPI students entitled to discuss any new regulations before
implementation?
MEPI students are encouraged to actively share their opinions and suggestions with
the MEPI program administration. The MEPI administration has the final authority in
developing and implementing any new regulation.
FAQ-Grant Agreement
MEPI August 2011
1
Are students allowed to suggest ideas for activities?
MEPI students are highly encouraged to actively participate in suggesting ideas for
activities provided that these ideas contribute effectively to the MEPI program goals
and objectives and are cost effective and logistically feasible.
What does the monthly allowance listed on the Terms and Conditions include?
The monthly allowance includes a food stipend and a living allowance.
What does the pre-academic training include?
The pre-academic training includes all ELI training, academic advising, life skills
training and mentoring sessions as well as First Year Experience workshops. The
goal of the pre-academic training is to equip students with the necessary basic
language, and study skills to help them succeed as undergraduate students at AUC.
Does the MEPI program have a certain requirement related to the course load
per semester?
The MEPI program expects all students to make normal progress in their degree
program based on full-time enrollment each semester. As per the MEPI regulation full
time student is a student who registers for a minimum of 15 credit hours for non
science students and 18 credit hours for science students. Exception to this rule is
subject to the approval of the MEPI Administration upon a recommendation from the
Academic advisor. Overload needs to be approved, justified and compliant with the
student graduation plans (defined as more than 15 credit hours for non- science and
more than 18 credit hours for science students.) In special cases and if the student is
on probation or has other major justification the student may be allowed to carry a
lower course load. However, these requests must be approved by the coordinator and
should be minimal and on an exceptional basis.
In how many years are MEPI students expected to graduate?
MEPI students are expected to graduate within a period of 4 years.
The MEPI scholarship will not cover any additional courses or other expenses
beyond the above mentioned duration.
Am I allowed to take courses in the summer/winter?
The MEPI program allows students to take summer or winter courses only when it is
necessary for graduation and it does not interfere with the summer internships and
activities. Prior permission from the coordinator is required. There are certain
guidelines and procedures for requests to be approved. The guidelines and requests
forms are available with your coordinator. Students have to note that housing will not
be provided in summer.
FAQ-Grant Agreement
MEPI August 2011
2
Do I have to travel for the semester
abroad?
One of the core requirements for a MEPI scholar is to travel and study abroad for a
semester in the United States.
What are the major incidents that would lead to a warning from the MEPI
administration?
The following are some examples of incidents leading to a warning:
 A cumulative GPA below 2.0.
 Behavioral misconduct.
 Cumulative LPI below 2.
 Violation of AUC and/or housing policies and regulations.
 Violation of any of the laws and regulations of Egypt or host
country (in case of travel abroad).
How many warnings may a student receive during the entire scholarship
program period?
Students are allowed two warnings during the entire scholarship period. A third
warning would lead to a dismissal from the MEPI scholarship.
Is the student subject to termination if he/she was caught driving without a
license or committed a violation and was put in jail?
Yes definitely. MEPI scholars are responsible students who are expected to be
responsible citizens and leaders in their communities. They are expected to be role
models for other students in their country. Therefore, they are expected to respect the
laws and regulation of Egypt. According to Article 7.1, the student who violates any
laws and regulations of Egypt is subject to termination.
What is the scoring system for the LPI?
The LPI is graded out of 4. Failure to maintain a cumulative of 2 will be subject to
receiving a warning letter.
Are students allowed to apply for an internship program in the summer instead
of community service?
During the first year of the grant agreement students are obliged to work on a summer
internship for at least six weeks during the summer between freshman and sophomore
year. The objective is to develop students’ understanding of the needs of their local
communities and to be able to conduct effective community service endeavors. In the
summer between sophomore and junior year, students have to seek a two month
public sector internship. Students in the following years and especially during their
final two years are allowed to apply for internships.
FAQ-Grant Agreement
MEPI August 2011
3
How many fails/drops are MEPI students allowed?
Ideally and in line with most scholarships, students receiving scholarships, based on
academic merit and leadership potential, are not expected to fail or drop any courses.
However, students may occasionally have major academic challenges or unforeseen
circumstances that might lead to failing or dropping a course. These problems are
expected to be minimal. The scholarship program may cover up to a maximum of
three courses (9 credits) during the whole duration of the grant period. The student
will be entitled to pay on his/her own expenses any extra wasted credits beyond the
above mentioned 9 credits.
Are MEPI students allowed to repeat a course for the sake of improving the
grade?
No. It is totally prohibited to repeat a course for the sake of improving the grade.
However, students may repeat the course on their own expense if they wish to do so.
What are the rules for pursuing double majors and double minors?
The MEPI program covers full tuition fees for the total number of credit hours
required per major. These credit hours include elective and core courses (which vary
for each major) that the student can easily use to declare one or two minors or even
another major. However, the MEPI program does not cover any additional expenses
for double majors or double minors that are beyond the total credit hours required by
their major. Students may wish to personally fund any additional courses or to seek
other financial aid opportunities.
What are the rules for pursuing a minor?
The student is restricted to take the number of credits specified in his/her major. If
he/she has not fully utilized any of the additional 9 credits offered by the Program, the
student may also use all 9 credits or any remaining credits after receiving approval
from his/her coordinator.
Thank you,
The MEPI team
FAQ-Grant Agreement
MEPI August 2011
4