Policy Title: Discretionary Scholarships	Category: Academic Affairs/Faculty
Owner: Provost/Executive Vice President	Policy ID#: 1-1001-005
Contact: Provost/Executive Vice President Web: http://provost.colostate.edu/ Phone: (970) 491-6614	Original Effective Date: 7/1/2000 Last Revision: 9/6/2013

POLICY STATEMENT

Any Colorado State University organizational unit wishing to offer Discretionary Scholarships to students must formally establish a scholarship program. Discretionary Scholarships may include moneys for tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses.

Discretionary Scholarships are non-compensatory scholarships based on future or continuing educational activity. Discretionary Scholarships may be paid from any fund source, subject to applicable laws or regulations and sponsor requirements. Discretionary Scholarships are distinguished from other types of scholarships in that they do not fit the criteria of other types of scholarships and fellowships as defined in the Student Account Payment Guide.

Discretionary Scholarships may affect a student’s financial aid eligibility, and payment of such scholarships must be coordinated with the Financial Aid Office. See the Student Account Payment Guide.

A basic description of those eligible for each Discretionary Scholarship, the funding source, and the award procedures must be on file with the Provost’s Office at least one week prior to the announcement of the first round of the selection process. The Provost has the explicit authority to suspend any scholarship programs, which in his/her judgment do not meet the published requirements as laid out below.
 
Scholarship program requirements are as follows:

1. A timely and public announcement of the availability of the Discretionary Scholarship must be made in such a way as to reach those eligible to apply.
2. There must be a formal application process, which results in written or electronic records. Paper and electronic applications or a list of applicants are suitable for written records.
3. There must be a competitive selection process and scholarships must be awarded only on the basis of documented selection criteria. Selection criteria may include, for example, residency, financial need, area of study, and grade point average. Scholarships based solely on race, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical handicap, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, creed or marital status are prohibited.
4. Scholarship award decisions must be made by a scholarship committee. Written records of the decisions and the decision process must be maintained.

For payment procedures, please contact Business and Financial Services.

REFERENCES

Funding and Discretionary Scholarships-Information and Forms

Checklist for Discretionary Scholarships

APPROVALS

Approved by the Executive Budget Committee, May 4, 1999, effective no later than July 1, 2000.