Scholars Program
Ottawa University announces its prestigious Scholars Program competition. A select group of students will be invited to compete for the awarding of the Presidential (full-tuition), Provost (80% tuition) and Dean (60% tuition) Scholarships.Unless specifically designated, institutional aid can be used to cover any direct cost. Direct costs are items that will appear on your University bills, such as tuition, fees, and room and board (if you live in University-sponsored housing).
See the Academic Scholarships tab for more for more details about each scholarship.
The competition consists of an advanced portfolio submission and judging, followed by the on-campus elements of writing of an essay and interviews with Ottawa University’s president, administrators, faculty, and students.
Scholars Program Competition
To be considered to compete in this elite competition, high school seniors must be accepted to OUKS, and have either:
- a minimum ACT composite score of 24, AND have either a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0) OR be in the top third of your graduating class.
- minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 (out of 4.0) AND be in the top third of your graduating class.
The competition begins with the submission of a portfolios which shall include:
- official high school transcript that details graded coursework through the end of your junior year, including in-progress coursework for the high school senior year;
- single-page outline of extra-curricular activities that includes years and level(s) of involvement;
- list of honors, awards and recognitions received;
- two (2) letters of recommendation; and
- one (1) from a high school official, teacher, activity director, etc. that addresses your excellence in academics, intellectual and creative work, and involvement in your high school community, and
- one (1) from an individual that addresses your civic involvement;
- maximum of three (3) different graded samples of work that efficiently displays intellectual range and depth (i.e. recorded fine arts performance, graded artistic expression, graded writing sample, graded exam, etc.).
Based upon an evaluation of the portfolios, selected students will advance to the final round of competition.
Scholars Program Details
Deadlines
Deadlines for entering the OUKS Scholars Program Competition for 2024-25 are as follows:
- Portfolio Submission — Friday, February 14, 2025
- Competition Day — Saturday, March 1, 2025
Notification of Membership
Competitors will be notified via phone no later than the end of business on the Monday following the competition. Award and acceptance letters will be mailed out and recipients will have seven (7) calendar days from the date of notification to accept the offer or the scholarship offer will be revoked. Deadline date for acceptance will be included on the mailed letter for easy reference.
Scholar Program Member Requirements
In order to maintain scholarship and status within the OUKS Scholars Program members are required to:
- reside in University housing;
- earn a minimum of 30 semester credit hours each academic year;
- maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0;
- impact the OUKS student body in a positive manner through active participation in student organizations;
- assist University administration in activities, such as recruitment, planning, guest speaker/conference events, Board of Trustee meetings, fundraising, community and alumni relations, etc.;
- produce an annually published work with other OUKS Scholars Program members;
- attend a special summer course to meet the assigned OUKS Scholars Program professional mentor, as well as other members of the OUKS Scholars Program;
- work closely with an assigned OUKS Scholars Program professional mentor to complete the experiential learning component and academic tutoring equivalent to approximately fifteen (15) hours per week;
- represent self and the University in a positive manner at all times; and
- remain in good standing with the Office of Student Life.
OUKS Scholar Program Member
As a member of the OUKS Scholar Program, students will be challenged in a variety of academic areas throughout their membership. Scholars will interact with all levels of the OUKS Scholar Program structure and are expected to participate in Scholar activities and events above any other commitments, both on- and off-campus.
The scholar will:
- work alongside assigned professional staff member for experiential learning and tutoring for up to 15 hours weekly;
- attend and assist with a myriad of events and conferences held on- and off-campus (e.g. alumni events, scholarship competitions, fundraising, etc.);
- participate in regular colloquia events; and
- create academic work for inclusion in the annual social issues publication.
Ottawa University Mission
Building on its foundation as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity.
Annual Academic Publication
This annual publication, The Journal of Inquiry and Intellectual Engagement: a publication of OUKS Scholars, will consist of research-based writing by individual scholars. These works will be academic in nature and interest, passion or program-based.
The writing process will be conducted throughout the year with the goal of distribution by Commencement annually. Detailed timelines will be distributed each year.
Academic Tutoring
All OUKS Scholars will work with the AdaweLifePlan Center to provide tutoring services to fellow students as needed. This requirement will be coordinated with the Scholar's professional mentor.