Regents Scholarship UMN Guide: Navigating the Application Process (2024)

The Regents Scholarship Program at the University of Minnesota stands as a significant initiative for fostering the academic growth and development of its employees. By investing in the education of staff members, the University demonstrates its commitment to creating a culture of excellence and continuous learning. The program provides tuition cost support for eligible employees who wish to pursue further studies, covering a varying percentage of tuition costs based on the employee’s status and the degree being sought.

Navigating the intricacies of the Regents Scholarship requires an understanding of its eligibility criteria, application process, and the extent of tuition benefits it offers. The scholarship aims to reduce the financial barrier for employees seeking to gain additional qualifications at the University of Minnesota by subsidizing their tuition to various degrees. Understanding the guidelines and usage of the scholarship is paramount for prospective applicants to maximize the benefits provided.

Key Takeaways

• The Regents Scholarship Program is aimed at University of Minnesota staff seeking educational advancements.
• Prospective applicants must familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and scholarship application process.
• Recognizing the scope of tuition benefits and adhering to scholarship usage guidelines is essential for successful participation.

Overview of the Regents Scholarship Program

The Regents Scholarship Program provides substantial benefits to University of Minnesota employees, offering financial support specifically tailored towards their educational advancement within the university system.

Purpose of the Regents Scholarship

The primary aim of the Regents Scholarship Program is to support the academic growth and continuous learning of University of Minnesota employees. It is designed as an investment in the workforce, fostering a culture of excellence and commitment to education within the university’s community.

Overview of Benefits

The Regents Scholarship significantly reduces the financial burden of pursuing higher education by covering tuition costs. The scholarship offers:

• 100% tuition coverage for eligible employees admitted to a degree-seeking program, focusing on those who are undertaking their first baccalaureate degree.
• A variable percentage of tuition reduction for eligible employees taking specific courses that may not lead to a degree, thereby supporting a wide range of educational pursuits within the University of Minnesota system.

Eligibility Requirements

The Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota is designed to support the educational advancement of its staff. Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for applicants interested in taking advantage of this program.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Regents Scholarship, applicants must fulfill certain conditions. They must be admitted to an eligible program and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Specific rules apply for different types of coursework and degrees sought.

Eligibility for Employees

University of Minnesota employees, including faculty, P&A, civil service, and labor represented employees with qualifying staff appointments, are eligible under certain conditions. For eligible employees pursuing their first baccalaureate degree, the scholarship covers 100% of the tuition cost. Those pursuing other educational opportunities may receive up to 75% tuition coverage.

Eligibility for Family Members

The scholarship benefits extend solely to University of Minnesota employees. Family members of eligible employees are not covered under the Regents Scholarship Program. They may seek other forms of financial assistance provided by the university or third-party organizations.

Scholarship Application Process

The University of Minnesota offers the Regents Scholarship, providing valuable financial aid for employees pursuing educational goals. The application process is straightforward, and applicants must adhere to specific deadlines and documentation requirements to ensure consideration for the scholarship.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines are crucial in the scholarship application process. Employees must submit the Request for Regents Scholarship Form ahead of the first billing due date for the term. This ensures timely processing of the scholarship and helps avoid any potential late fees or re-billing issues. Detailed deadlines and related information are available through One Stop Student Services.

Required Documentation

Applicants are required to provide documentation proving their eligibility for the Regents Scholarship Program. This may include employment verification, admission to a degree-seeking program, or evidence of enrollment in University of Minnesota credit-bearing courses. Additionally, first-time applicants seeking to cover 100% of tuition for their first baccalaureate degree must provide pertinent documentation establishing this eligibility factor.

Request for Regents Scholarship Form

The Request for Regents Scholarship Form (UM 1454) is an essential part of the application process. Employees seeking to utilize the Regents Scholarship must fill out this form with accurate information regarding their desired courses and submit it to the appropriate department within the stated timeframe. The form’s submission facilitates the billing and payment adjustments covered by the scholarship.

Tuition Benefits

The University of Minnesota’s Regents Scholarship Program offers a robust tuition benefit to its employees, providing financial support for a range of eligible credit-bearing courses.

Coverage of Tuition Fees

Full Tuition Coverage: For employees who meet eligibility criteria, the Regents Scholarship Program covers 100% of tuition fees for those admitted to a degree-seeking program and working towards their first baccalaureate degree. This benefit extends to various types of courses that bolster professional development.

Partial Tuition Coverage: In certain situations, such as for non-degree or graduate courses, a portion of the tuition costs might be covered, which allows employees to pursue higher education and professional advancement without bearing the full financial load.

Employee Contribution

Taxable Benefits: Employees should be aware that the tuition benefits received through the Regents Scholarship Program may be considered taxable income, and this additional tax burden is calculated on a calendar year basis based on the course type and level.

Academic Requirements: Recipients of the scholarship must maintain an adequate academic performance and fulfill their job responsibilities to continue receiving the benefits for credit-bearing courses that align with the university guidelines for eligible coursework.

Scholarship Usage Guidelines

The Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota provides a foundation for eligible employees to pursue educational opportunities. It offers varying levels of tuition assistance for a range of academic formats and settings.

Applicable Courses and Programs

Undergraduate and Graduate Courses: The scholarship typically applies to tuition costs for both undergraduate and graduate school courses. Eligibility extends to those in a degree-seeking program, encompassing a vast array of disciplines and academic pursuits.

• Summer Session and Academic Year: The scholarship can be used during any semester throughout the academic year, including summer session courses.
• Post-Baccalaureate and Professional Credits: Post-baccalaureate professional course credits may also fall under the purview of the scholarship.
• Additional Educational Services: Academic distributed computer services short courses, Student Union mini-courses, and recreational sports offerings are also generally included.
• Learning Abroad: Employees looking to expand their horizons can utilize the scholarship for study abroad courses through the Learning Abroad Center.

Limits on Course Registration

Academic Appointments: The number of course credits an employee may register for can depend on the nature of their academic year appointments. Those with full-time appointments might face certain restrictions in comparison to part-time employees.

• Audited Courses: Usually, audited courses are not covered by the Regents Scholarship.
• Non-Renewal or Layoff: In instances of non-renewal of appointment or layoff, the employee’s eligibility may be affected. However, particular conditions apply, and it is advisable to review the specific guidelines for such cases.

By adhering to these guidelines, eligible employees of the University of Minnesota can fully benefit from the Regents Scholarship Program and invest in their continuous learning and professional development.

Academic and Financial Considerations

The Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota significantly impacts both the academic aspirations and financial landscape for eligible employees. It provides meaningful support, reducing the financial barriers to further education. Within this context, two critical factors merit close attention: the scholarship’s effect on other forms of financial aid and its tax implications.

Impact on Financial Aid

The Regents Scholarship potentially affects an employee’s overall financial aid package. Since this scholarship covers 100% of tuition costs for eligible employees seeking their first baccalaureate degree and 75% for other courses, it may reduce the amount of financial need demonstrated when applying for additional scholarships and grants. Employees must report this scholarship to the financial aid office as it could influence their eligibility for need-based aid, and in some cases, it might alter the distribution of other aid sources.

Tax Implications

The tax implications of the Regents Scholarship are nuanced. Educational tax benefits such as tax credits and tax deductions can be affected by the receipt of a scholarship. Generally, scholarship funds used for tuition and course-related expenses are not taxable, but the scenario varies. For instance, if the value of the scholarship exceeds the costs of tuition or is used for other expenses, it may become taxable income. Furthermore, employees should be aware that depending on the coursework type, benefits from the Regents Scholarship might be considered taxable income. They need to include any taxable amount in their income tax return, reducing the need for potential tax credits and deductions related to education. It is prudent for recipients to consult the tax implications of the Regents Scholarship Program and explore the potential impact on their individual tax situations.

Additional Support and Resources

Navigating the intricacies of the Regents Scholarship Program can be streamlined with the aid of dedicated support services at the University of Minnesota. These services are specifically structured to ensure that employees and students leverage the scholarship fully, through thorough guidance on academic and financial facets.

Advising Services

The University of Minnesota provides Advising Services to guide scholarship recipients through their academic journey. One Stop Student Services is a pivotal resource for any matters ranging from academic counseling to clarifying the eligibilities for various programs, including the S-N grading system and independent study credit courses. Furthermore, they can assist with understanding the guidelines for preparatory math courses and navigating departmental or major-specific scholarship applications.

Financial Services

Financial Services at the University of Minnesota offers comprehensive support regarding the financial aspects of the Regents Scholarship Program. Billing due date inquiries, management of the student receivable account, or understanding the tax implications of receiving tuition benefits are all addressed by this sector. Departmental financial advisors or the responsible administrator/supervisor are available to clarify the financial processes. They are equipped to discuss how the scholarship interacts with other programs, including CCAPS and the Carlson Executive MBA Program, ensuring all financial procedures align with the University’s regulations.

Terms and Conditions

The Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota provides substantial aid towards tuition costs, encouraging employees to further their education. The scholarship caters to different categories of university staff, with provisions for covering tuition fees partially or fully based on their employment status and educational pursuit.

Scholarship Renewal

Eligibility for Renewal: Employees must be admitted to a degree-seeking program to qualify for continued scholarship support. Renewal considerations are based on successfully meeting the academic requirements set forth by the program each semester.

• Criteria: Maintenance of satisfactory academic progress.
• Period: Evaluation occurs before each academic semester.

Change in Employment Status

Effect on Scholarship: A change in employment status can significantly affect scholarship benefits.

• Layoff: Employees placed on the layoff list might see alterations in their scholarship benefits, but specifics should be reviewed in the official Regents Scholarship guidelines.
• Sabbatical/Professional Development Leave: These statuses can complicate the amount of tuition cost covered. Employees should consult the policy on the effect of leave on scholarship eligibility.
• Non-Degree Seeking Student: Employees enrolling as non-degree seeking students must adhere to strict deadlines to submit the Request for Regents Scholarship form to avoid late fees and rebilling.

In all cases, maintaining eligibility requires adherence to university policies and deadlines related to the Regents Scholarship Program.

Definitions

In understanding the Regents Scholarship Program at the University of Minnesota, specific terms are crucial. These terms define eligibility, coverage, and processes essential for prospective and current participants in the program.

Important Terms Explained

UM 1454: This is the form employees must submit to apply for the Regents Scholarship. It is critical to submit this form on time to avoid any late fees or billing issues.

Non-Credit Courses: These are courses that do not provide academic credit and generally are not covered by the Regents Scholarship.

Academic Distributed Computer Services (ADCS): ADCS refers to the technology resources and services provided by the University of Minnesota to support the academic needs, which may be accessible to scholarship recipients.

Baccalaureate Degree Program: A program of study which leads to an undergraduate degree. The Regents Scholarship covers 100% of the tuition for eligible employees admitted to such a degree-seeking program for their first baccalaureate degree.

Academic Credit: This represents the recognition of coursework taken, usually measured in credit hours. The scholarship covers courses that are credit-bearing.

Thesis Credits: These are credits earned towards a degree for work done on a thesis. Depending on the employee’s eligibility and program of study, the Regents Scholarship may cover thesis credits.

Resident Tuition: The tuition rate charged to students who meet the University of Minnesota’s residency requirements. The Regents Scholarship applies to this tuition rate for eligible employees.

Admitted Freshmen: Students who are newly admitted to a baccalaureate degree program. Eligible employees who are admitted as freshmen to their first baccalaureate degree program can benefit from the scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Minnesota’s Regents Scholarship provides valuable financial assistance to its employees. These questions help to understand the program’s key aspects, including eligibility, financial assistance, application processes, maintenance of the scholarship, service commitments, and its distinction from other aid programs.

What are the eligibility requirements for the University of Minnesota’s Regents Scholarship?

Eligibility centres around University of Minnesota employment status. Employees must be admitted to a degree-seeking program and working towards their first baccalaureate degree to qualify for 100% tuition coverage—or meet other employment criteria for reduced tuition benefits.

What type of financial assistance does the Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota offer?

The scholarship covers a percentage of the tuition costs, with full or partial coverage based on the employee’s program of study and whether they are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

How does one apply for the Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota?

Interested employees should submit a formal Request for Regents Scholarship form before the first billing due date of the term to ensure the benefit is processed on time.

What are the academic expectations for maintaining the Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota?

The scholarship demands academic excellence. Recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the University’s policies and standards to retain their scholarship benefits.

Are there any service or engagement commitments associated with the Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota?

While specific service commitments are not outlined, the program encourages employees to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, which align with the University’s goals of fostering a culture of excellence.

How does the Regents Scholarship at the University of Minnesota differ from other financial aid options?

The Regents Scholarship is distinct as it’s an investment in the University’s employees, offering tuition benefits that support employee development and education, different from student-focused financial aid which typically includes loans, grants, and external scholarships.