NIU University Honors Program
Scholarship & Tuition Waiver Application
for Current Students

These awards are made possible by generous donations to the NIU Foundation and resources from the University Honors Program and the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Students may apply for all scholarships and tuition waivers for which they are qualified. These awards are highly competitive and resources are especially limited this year. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award. The advertised awards and positions are for the 2013-2014 academic year. There is no guarantee of renewal. However, continuing students may reapply for any available resources and positions in subsequent years.

Eligibility for the listed scholarship or tuition waiver awards is based on the following criteria:

• A complete application form, including the required 500-word essay.
• Must be a current University Honors student in good academic standing at the time of application.
• Must be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at the time of application.
• Must be returning as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student for the 2013-2014 academic year.
• Must maintain good academic standing at NIU and in the University Honors Program during the year of the award.
• Must demonstrate high academic merit through a strong cumulative GPA.
• Must demonstrate financial need by filing a FAFSA. If you are unable to complete a FAFSA, please contact Jason Goode at 815-753-9509 or jason@niu.edu.
• Must meet any additional award specific criteria (as detailed below).

Applications are closed >
Deadline is Friday, March 8, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

Ari & Ruth Kovacevich Distinguished Scholarship
(one-year award for 2013-14 academic year)

Award Specific Criteria: Must be in good academic standing at NIU. Must possess a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 25. Must be a graduate of an Illinois high school or an Arlington County, Virginia high school. Preference may be given to students who have expressed a sincere interest in the areas of Education, Political Science with an emphasis in international relations, economic systems of other countries, and/or Foreign Languages.

University Honors Scholarship
(one-year award for 2013-14 academic year)

Award Specific Criteria: Must be in good academic standing in the University Honors Program. Must be actively involved in the University Honors Program.

University Honors Continuing Student Tuition Waiver
(one-year award for 2013-14 academic year)

Award Specific Criteria: Must be in good academic standing at NIU and within the University Honors Program. Must possess a minimum SAT score of 1200 or ACT score of 27. Preference will be given to students of high academic merit as evidenced by a strong cumulative GPA and with demonstrated financial need by filing a FAFSA.

Note: Recipients will be expected to work in the Peer Mentor Program, Birthday Boxes, and or SOUPer Wednesday during the 2013-2014 academic year. Award recipients are expected to be actively involved in other University Honors events and community service projects as scheduled. Funding in subsequent semesters is contingent upon student participation in these activities. Attending the event only will not satisfy the requirements for this tuition waiver. Students should complete a minimum of four activities over the course of the academic year.

University Honors House Leader
(one-year position for 2013-14 academic year)

University Honors House Leaders develop academic and social programming in the University Honors House living-learning community that appeals to students, enriches their NIU experience, and promotes a strong sense of fellowship. They also serve as leaders and sources of advice, information, and support for University Honors students who live in the Honors House. House Leaders work approximately 20 hours per month.

Benefits: Up to $8,000/year transfer to student’s Office of the Bursar’s account; “titanium” meal plan valued at approximately $3,500/year; access to all amenities of NIU’s New Residence Hall Complex; leadership development opportunity.

Award Specific Criteria: Must choose to live in the University Honors House within NIU’s New Residence Hall Complex. Cost of room is not included in the University Honors House Leader compensation package. Hiring subject to a successful interview. Applicants must submit a separate essay (no more than one-page, single space in 12 pt. font) that identifies and describes what the applicant considers to be the three most important competencies of a University Honors House leader, detail how they have demonstrated these competencies in their work and educational experiences, and how they define the ideal University Honors House experience. A large portion of this position involves programming, advertising, and creativity. Please submit a flyer that you have created or create a flyer and submit it to honors@niu.edu with your application.

University Honors Fellow
(one-year position for 2013-14 academic year)

University Honors Fellows serve as student members of the University Honors Program staff. They stand as outstanding student representatives and ambassadors of the program. Fellows work approximately 20 hours per month during the academic year in an assigned area. These areas include but are not limited to recruitment, peer academic advising, peer mentoring, developing programming for students outside the Honors House, leading community service projects, Honors office work, and assisting prospective students. All Fellows work at the freshmen orientation program at the Lorado Taft Field Campus and assist with other University Honors or NIU-sponsored events as needed.

Benefits: $5,000/year (or $2,500/semester) tuition waiver; leadership development opportunity.

Award Specific Criteria: Must have earned 30 to 75 credit hours at NIU by May 2013. Must be active on campus and committed to representing and promoting the University Honors Program and building a strong sense of community among all Honors students. Hiring subject to a successful interview. Applicants must submit a separate essay (no more than 500 words) explaining why they would like to become a University Honors Fellow, why they believe they would be an effective University Honors Fellow, and what they would like to achieve as a University Honors Fellow.