No. 31524 (New Rule): R765-603. Regents' Scholarship

DAR File No.: 31524
Filed: 06/03/2008, 03:04
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this new rule is to establish policies and procedures for the administration of the Regents' Scholarship, which will be awarded to graduates of Utah high schools who complete a defined, rigorous core course of study by September 1 of the year they graduate from high school.

Summary of the rule or change:

This new rule establishes scholarship criteria, procedures for administration, and defines parameters for the use of scholarship funds.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Subsections 63G-3-201(2)(b) and (c), and Section 53B-8-108 et seq.

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There is a $900,000 cost to the state budget based on legislative appropriation in S.B. 180 (Utah Legislature General Session 2008). (DAR NOTE: S.B. 180 (2008) is found at Chapter 271, Laws of Utah 2008, and will be effective 07/01/2008.)

local governments:

None--There is no cost to local government because in FY 2008-09 the legislative appropriation in S.B. 180 was funded from the Education Fund, which is comprised of income tax funds and local government does not contribute directly to this fund.

small businesses and persons other than businesses:

None--There is no cost to small businesses because in FY 2008-09 the legislative appropriation in S.B. 180 was funded from the Education Fund, which is comprised of income tax funds and small businesses do not contribute directly to this fund.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There is no cost for affected persons because in FY 2008-09 the legislative appropriation in S.B. 180 was funded from the Education Fund, which is comprised of income tax funds and affected persons do not directly contribute to this fund.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

There is no cost to businesses because in FY 2008-09 the legislative appropriation in S.B. 180 was funded from the Education Fund which is limited to purposes of education in the State. The Education Fund is comprised of income tax funds and businesses do not contribute directly to this fund. David L. Buhler, Interim Commissioner

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Regents (Board Of)
Administration
BOARD OF REGENTS BUILDING, THE GATEWAY
60 SOUTH 400 WEST
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84101-1284

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

David S. Doty at the above address, by phone at 801-321-7111, by FAX at 801-321-7199, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/31/2008

This rule may become effective on:

08/07/2008

Authorized by:

David Buhler, Interim Commissioner

RULE TEXT

R765. Regents (Board of), Administration.

R765-603. Regents' Scholarship.

R765-603-1. Purpose.

To encourage all Utah high school students to take a rigorous high school curriculum that will successfully prepare them for postsecondary education and the demands of the modern workforce; to provide incentives for all Utah high school students to prepare academically and financially for postsecondary education; to motivate high school students to work hard through the senior year; to increase the numbers of Pell Grant-eligible students qualifying for federal Academic Competitiveness Grants; and to increase the numbers of Utahns enrolling in Utah colleges and universities.

 

R765-603-2. References.

2.1. Section 53B-8-108 et seq. (Regents' Scholarship Program).

2.2. Section R277-700-7 (High School Core Graduation Requirements for Graduating Students Beginning with the Class of 2011).

 

R765-603-3. Definitions.

3.1 Academic Competitiveness Grants: Awards of up to $750 for the first year of college and $1,300 for the second year of college that Pell Grant-eligible students may receive upon demonstrating the completion of a rigorous program of study in high school.

3.2. Base Award: A $1,000 base scholarship to be awarded to students who complete the core course of study with a cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, and fulfill all other eligibility criteria.

3.3. Board: State Board of Regents.

3.4. Core Course of Study: The 16.5-credit Utah Scholars core course of study, comprised of 4.0 years of English; 4.0 years of mathematics (at minimum Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a senior-year class beyond Algebra II); 3.5 years of social studies; 3.0 years of lab-based natural science (one each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics); and 2.0 years of the same language other than English, in grades 9-12.

3.5. Exemplary Academic Achievement Award: A scholarship equal in value to 75% of the tuition costs for up to two years of full-time equivalent enrollment at any USHE institution or any Utah private nonprofit college or university in Utah that has been accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Students eligible for the scholarship are those who complete the core course of study with a cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, submit a verified ACT score of 26 or higher (or equivalent SAT score), and fulfill all other eligibility requirements for the Regents' Scholarship.

3.6. Regents' Diploma Endorsement: A certificate or transcript notation to be awarded to students who qualify for the Exemplary Academic Achievement Award of the Regents' Scholarship.

3.7. Regents' Scholarship: A scholarship with two component awards: 1) a $1,000 base scholarship to be awarded to students who complete the core course of study with a cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, and fulfill all other eligibility criteria; and 2) a two-year scholarship awarded for exemplary academic achievement in completing the scholarship criteria.

3.8. Scholarship Review Committee: The committee appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education to review Regents' Scholarship applications and make final decisions regarding scholarship awards.

3.9. UESP: Utah Educational Savings Plan.

 

R765-603-4. Policy.

4.1. Conditions of the Scholarship Program and Program Terms.

Both the base award and the Exemplary Academic Achievement award of the Regents' Scholarship may be used at any public college or university within the Utah System of Higher Education, including the Utah College of Applied Technology; any private, non-profit institution of higher education in the state accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges; or a Western Undergraduate Exchange program approved by the Board. The Board may limit or reduce the base Regents' Scholarship and supplemental program awards, as well as the total number of scholarships and supplemental awards granted, depending on available funding. A student who does not apply for the scholarship by February 1st of his or her senior year, or who has not used the award in its entirety within five years after his or her high school graduation date, is ineligible to receive a program award.

4.2. Regents' Scholarship Criteria--Base Award.

To qualify for the base award of the Regents' Scholarship, an applicant must satisfy the following criteria:

4.2.1. Core Course of Study. The applicant must submit an official high school transcript, and college transcript, if applicable, demonstrating, in grades 9-12: 1) completion of the core course of study, or 2) completion of all requirements of an International Baccalaureate diploma (for a complete list of courses satisfying the core requirements, visit www.utahsbr.edu). Credit requirements in content areas of the core course of study (English, mathematics, laboratory science, social studies, and foreign language) may be satisfied by completion of an Advanced Placement (A.P.) course in a content area and an A.P. test score of 3 or higher for the course, regardless of when the course and/or test was completed in grades 9-12.

4.2.2. Required GPA and Weighted Courses. The applicant must demonstrate completion of the core course of study or the International Baccalaureate Diploma requirements with a cumulative weighted high school GPA of at least 3.0, with no individual core course grade lower than a "C". The grade earned in any course designated on the student's high school transcript as Advanced Placement (A.P.), International Baccalaureate (I.B.), pre-International Baccalaureate, or concurrent enrollment, shall typically receive a 0.25 weight per semester. The Scholarship Committee does maintain the discretion to use different weighting criteria based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, school schedules (e.g., terms, trimesters, etc.), student scores on A.P. or I.B. tests, and exceptional or unusual individual circumstances.

4.2.3. Required ACT or SAT score. The applicant must submit at least one verified ACT or SAT score.

4.2.4. Qualify for a Utah High School Diploma. Applicants applying from Utah public high schools must successfully pass all sections of the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test (UBSCT) and satisfy all other state and school district requirements for a Utah high school diploma. Applicants applying from accredited Utah private high schools must satisfy all applicable requirements for a private high school diploma. Home-schooled students are not eligible for the scholarship. Home-schooled students and graduates of high schools outside Utah are not eligible for the scholarship.

4.2.5. No criminal record. The applicant must attest to the lack of a criminal record with the exception of misdemeanor traffic citations.

4.2.6. Proof of U.S. citizenship. The applicant must attest to being a U.S. citizen who is eligible to receive federal financial aid.

4.2.7. Enrollment within 12 months. The applicant must enroll full time at a qualifying institution of higher education within 12 months of the applicant's high school graduation unless the applicant seeks and obtains an approved leave of absence.

4.3. Regents' Scholarship Criteria--Exemplary Academic Achievement Award.

In order to qualify for the Exemplary Academic Achievement Award of the Regents' Scholarship, the applicant must satisfy all requirements for the base award, and in addition:

4.3.1. Required GPA. The applicant must demonstrate completion of the core course of study or the requirements for an International Baccalaureate Diploma with a cumulative weighted high school GPA of at least 3.5, and no core course grade lower than "B".

4.3.2. Required ACT score. The applicant must submit a verified composite ACT score of at least 26 (or equivalent SAT score).

4.4. Eligible Institutions.

Both the base Regents' Scholarship and the Regents' Exemplary Academic Achievement Scholarship may be used at any public college or university within the Utah System of Higher Education, including the Utah College of Applied Technology; any private, non-profit institution of higher education in the state accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges; or a Western Undergraduate Exchange program approved by the Board.

4.5. Enrollment at More than One Institution.

The award may be used at more than one of Utah's eligible institutions within the same semester.

4.6. Student Transfer.

A scholarship may be transferred to a different eligible Utah institution upon request of the student.

 

R765-603-5. Application Procedures.

5.1. Application Deadline.

Students must submit a scholarship application by regular mail to the Utah System of Higher Education, or on-line at www.utahmentor.org no later than February 1st of their high school senior year. Applications submitted at any time following the student's graduation from high school will not be accepted.

5.2. Required Documentation.

Required documents that must be submitted with a scholarship application include: 1) an official high school paper or electronic transcript, and official college transcript, where applicable, demonstrating all completed courses and GPA; 2) verified ACT or SAT test results; 3) the official application form. Applications that do not include all required documentation will not be considered. Applicants must also submit proof of UBSCT passage, receipt of a regular Utah public or private high school diploma, and final official transcripts, no later than September 1st of the year the applicant's class graduates from high school. Scholarship awards may be revoked if such documentation is not submitted, if such documentation demonstrates that an applicant did not satisfactorily fulfill all course and GPA requirements, or if any information, including the attestation of criminal record or citizenship status, proves to be falsified.

 

R765-603-6. Amount of Awards and Distribution of Award Funds.

6.1. Amount and Number of Awards.

6.1.1. Regents' Scholarship--Base Award.

The base scholarship is $1,000, and, subject to annual appropriations and available funding, will be adjusted annually by the Board in an amount equal the average percentage tuition increase approved by the board for USHE institutions. The base amount of the scholarship, as well as the total number of scholarships awarded, may also be reduced commensurate with annual legislative appropriations and available funding.

6.2.2. Regents' Scholarship--Exemplary Academic Achievement Award.

A student who qualifies for the base award may also be eligible for the Exemplary Academic Achievement award equal in value to 75% of the actual cost of tuition for up to two years of full-time enrollment or until the associate's or bachelor's degree requirements have been met (which ever happens first). If used at an eligible institution not within the Utah System of Higher Education, scholarship funds awarded will equal up to 75% of the tuition costs at the institution, not to exceed 75% of the average tuition costs at baccalaureate granting institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education. In addition, the student will receive a Regents' Diploma Endorsement. To retain the Exemplary Academic Achievement Scholarship, the student must maintain a cumulative postsecondary 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters and make reasonable progress toward completion of an associate's or bachelor's degree by enrolling in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

6.2.3. Relationship to New Century Scholarship.

A student who completes the core course of study with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 or better, and no individual core course grade below a "C", as part of his or completion of the requirements of an associate's degree, may be awarded the $1,000 base award in addition to a New Century Scholarship. A student who completes both the requirements for the Exemplary Academic Achievement award and the New Century Scholarship will only be eligible to receive one of these two-year scholarships.

6.3. Distribution of Award Funds.

6.3.1. Tuition Documentation.

The award recipient shall submit to the Utah System of Higher Education a copy of the tuition invoice or class schedule verifying the number of hours enrolled. The Utah System of Higher Education will calculate the amount of the award based on the published tuition costs at the enrolled institution(s) and the availability of program funding.

6.3.2. Award Payable to Institution.

The scholarship award will be made payable to the institution. The institution shall pay over to the recipient any excess award funds not required for tuition payments. Award funds may be used for any qualifying higher education expense, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment required for course instruction, or housing.

6.3.3. Added Hours After Award.

The award will be increased up to 75% of the tuition costs of any hours added in the semester after the initial award after the initial award has been made, depending on available funding. The recipient shall submit to the Utah System of Higher Education a copy of the tuition invoice or class schedule verifying the added hours before a supplemental award is made.

6.3.4. Credit Hours Dropped after Award.

If a student drops hours which were included in calculating the award amount, either the subsequent semester award will be reduced accordingly, or the student shall repay the excess award amount to the Utah System of Higher Education. If a recipient fails to complete a minimum of six semester hours, no award will be made for that semester, and a grade earned in a class completed in that semester, if any, will not be considered in evaluating the recipient's reasonable progress.

6.3.5. Reasonable Progress toward Degree Completion.

The Board may cancel an Exemplary Academic Achievement award if the student fails to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters for which he or she has received award funds; or fails to make reasonable progress toward the completion of a degree by enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each semester. Each semester, the recipient must submit to the Board an official transcript verifying his or her grades to demonstrate that he or she is meeting the required grade point average and is making reasonable progress toward the completion of a degree. If a student earns less than a "B" (3.0) GPA in any single semester, the student must earn a "B" (3.0) GPA or better the following semester to maintain eligibility for the scholarship.

6.4. Supplemental Award to Encourage College Savings.

Subject to available funding, a student who qualifies for the base award is eligible to receive up to an additional $400 in state funds to match funds deposited in a Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) account. For each year from the student's 14th to 17th birthday that the student had an active UESP account, the Board may contribute, subject to available funding, up to $100 (i.e., up to $400 total for all four years) to the scholarship as a dollar-for-dollar match to the student's UESP account contributions during those years. If no contributions are made to a student's account during a given year, the matching amount will likewise be $0. If contributions total more than $100 in a given year, the matching amount will cap at $100 for that year. Matching funds apply only to contributions, not to transfers, earnings, or interest.

 

R765-603-7. Continuing Eligibility.

7.1. No Awards after Five Years from High School Graduation.

The Board will not make an award to a recipient for an academic term that begins more than five years after the recipient's high school graduation date.

7.2. No Guarantee of Degree Completion.

Neither a base award, nor an Exemplary Academic Achievement award, nor any supplemental UESP award, guarantees that the recipient will complete his or her associate's or baccalaureate program within the recipient's scholarship eligibility period.

 

R765-603-8. Leave of Absence.

8.1. Scholarships Must be Used Within 12 Months of High School Graduation.

A scholarship recipient must enroll full time at an eligible Utah institution of higher education within 12 months of high school graduation unless the recipient seeks, and obtains, an approved leave of absence from the Board.

8.2. Leave of Absence Does Not Extend Time.

An approved leave of absence will not extend the time limits of the scholarship. The scholarship may only be used for academic terms which begin within five years after the recipient's high school graduation date.

 

R765-603-9. Scholarship Determinations and Appeals.

9.1. Scholarship Determinations.

Submission of a scholarship application does not guarantee a scholarship award. Individual scholarship applications will be reviewed, and award decisions made, at the discretion of a Scholarship Review Committee appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, based on available funding, applicant pool, and applicants' completion of scholarship criteria. Each applicant will receive a letter informing the applicant of the decision on his or her application, whether the decision is a scholarship award or denial of scholarship.

9.2. Notice of Eligibility for Academic Competitiveness Grant.

Each recipient of the scholarship will be notified in the decision letter that the recipient's satisfactory completion of the scholarship criteria also automatically qualifies the recipient, if he or she is a low-income student eligible for a Pell Grant, for a federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). The decision letter will include information on how to apply for an ACG through the U.S. Department of Education.

9.3. Appeals.

Applicants may appeal a denial of scholarship award by submitting a written appeal to the Utah System of Higher Education within 30 days of receipt of the decision letter. Appeals will be reviewed and decided by an appeals committee appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education.

 

KEY: regents' scholarship, high school

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2008

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 63G-3-201(2)(b); 63G-3-201(2)(c); 53B-8-108 et seq.