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. 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:
- Be a United States citizen or permanent resident
- Apply for admission and meet standard UO admission requirements or be a currently enrolled UO student in good academic standing
- Complete and submit the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor no later than February 1, 2010. List the UO as one of your first six choices. The school code is 003223.
- Meet the DES minimum GPA requirements. Freshmen must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All other applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Application Procedures
All students applying for the Diversity Excellence Scholarship must submit the application and supporting documents by January 15, 2010. A complete application will include the following:
- Diversity Excellence Scholarship Application form (Click here to be taken to the Scholarship Application download page.)
- Personal Statement
- Letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts – All applicants (with the exception of incoming freshmen) must submit official transcripts from all schools but the University of Oregon. Sophomores must provide final high school transcripts and college transcripts. Juniors, seniors, graduate and law applicants must provide transcripts for college-level work only.
The application and all supporting materials must be submitted by the application deadline to the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships.
New freshmen, transfer and graduate students must also submit:
- An application for admission by January 15, 2010.
The Diversity Excellence Scholarship Application is available for download in a PDF format.
Click here to be taken to the Scholarship Application download page.
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
- Residency; preference is given to Oregon residents
Scholarship Renewal
To maintain scholarship eligiblity, 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 heritaage, special skills and abilities, and diversity experiences. The Office of Multicultural Academic Success coordinates and supports these projects.
Note that this award cannot be combined with some tuition-remission programs such as Oregon University System staff tuition rates or Graduate Teaching Fellowships.
Award Notification
Recipients of Diversity Excellence Scholarships will be notified by April 15, 2010.
