Diversity Excellence Scholarship

A cornerstone of the University of Oregon’s mission is the knowledge that effective education incorporates a global and multicultural perspective. As Oregon and the nation become increasingly pluralistic, the university must respond by ensuring the next generation has equitable access to education.

The UO is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and maintains a steadfast focus on doing all that is possible to provide a welcoming multicultural learning environment. An education that prepares undergraduate and graduate students to participate fully in society offers opportunities for learning, living, socializing, and studying with people from a variety of backgrounds.

The university’s curriculum, research, and scholarship are enhanced by the discourse that is made possible when students and faculty members offer their unique perspectives. Efforts to support recruitment and retention of a diverse student body are essential to the university’s mission and imbedded in the goals of the University of Oregon’s Diversity Plan.

The University of Oregon Diversity Excellence Scholarship recognizes the academic achievement and potential of students who, through sharing their varied cultural perspectives, will enhance the education of all students and the excellence of the university. The Diversity Excellence Scholarship (DES) is a tuition-remission scholarship with awards ranging from partial to full tuition and fee waivers. Award amounts for 2012-13 were $6,500 for undergraduate students and $9,000 for graduate students. The UO Diversity Excellence Scholarship Selection Committee determines the amount and duration of each award. Recipients must meet specific scholarship-renewal requirements to retain their scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Application Procedures

All students applying for the Diversity Excellence Scholarship must submit the online application by January 15, 2013. The letter of recommendation must be received by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships no later than February 1, 2013. 

Official academic transcripts submitted directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships by February 1 are also required for some applicants (see below).

A complete application includes the following:

• Diversity Excellence Scholarship Online Application
• Letter of recommendation -- The recommendation must be from a school official, member of a community organization, employer, or anyone else (other than a family member) who can illustrate the applicant's achievements, leadership, cultural involvement and abilities. 
• Official transcripts -- Academic transcripts are part of scholarship consideration for all students but only incoming transfer students and new graduate and law applicants must submit official transcripts directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  •  Incoming transfers at the sophomore level must provide final high school transcripts AND college transcripts.
  • Incoming transfers at the junior and senior level, as well as graduate and law applicants must provide transcripts for college-level work only.
• All supporting documentation must be submitted directly to the UO Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships by February 1, 2013.
• Complete and submit the 2013-14 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor no later than February 1, 2013. List the UO as one of your first six choices. The school code is 003223.

Incoming freshmen, transfer and graduate students must also submit:

• An application for admission by January 15, 2013.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected by the UO Diversity Excellence Scholarship Selection Committee based on the following:

• Past academic performance
• Participation in campus or community activities
• Racial/ethnic background
• Financial need as defined by federal guidelines
• First generation of the family to attend college
• Residency; preference is given to Oregon residents

Scholarship Renewal

To maintain scholarship eligibility, recipients must:

• Maintain full-time student status
• Maintain a minimum 2.50 college GPA
• Make satisfactory progress toward completion of a degree objective
• Meet regularly with a scholarship adviser

Community Service Component

Recipients of the scholarship will be expected to participate in community service opportunities to share cultural heritage, special skills and abilities, and diversity experiences. The Office of Multicultural Academic Success coordinates and supports these projects.

Award Notification

Recipients of Diversity Excellence Scholarships will be notified by April 15, 2013.

Note: This award cannot be combined with some tuition-remission programs such as Oregon University System staff tuition rates or Graduate Teaching Fellowships.