Cheyney University Policy Number AS 2010-2800
Policy on Implementation of the Keystone Scholarship Program and the Keystone Honors Academy
Approved by:President’s Council
History:Issued 11/12/2007
Revised 06/04/2013
Additional HistoryReplaces 2002-2003-O1-AA
Consistent With: PASSHE, State Law, Prior Policies
I.Purpose
The Cheyney University Keystone Honors Academy was established with the primary goal of identifying academically talented students and providing them with an enriching academic program and financial assistance as they pursue their educational goals. Membership is granted to qualified Cheyney University students with the understanding that they uphold all of the obligations of membership. The Keystone Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of Pennsylvania students of high academic achievement who meet the criteria of the Keystone Honors Academy. Students admitted into the Keystone Honors Academy who are not eligible for the Keystone Scholarship are considered for a number of other institutional or private scholarship awards.
- Qualifications for Admission into the Keystone Honors Academy
Membership in the Keystone Academy is contingent upon review of all University application materials including, transcripts, test scores (SAT or ACT), essays and recommendations. Applications to the Keystone Honors Academy are carefully and holistically reviewed by the Honors Recruiter and the Dean of the Honors Academy. Every aspect of the application is considered, including essays, recommendations/references, community service, extracurricular activities, secondary school record and SAT/ACT scores. The major consideration is potential for intellectual and ethical growth. Applications are considered without regard to race, creed, sex, national origin or financial circumstances. There is no application fee to apply to the Keystone Honors Academy.
When new applicants to Cheyney University apply to the University, the application is first considered by the Cheyney University Admissions Office. Students are notified by the Cheyney University Admissions Office as to whether or not they have been admitted to Cheyney University. Applications are then considered furtherfor admission into the Keystone Honors Academy. Students receive separate notification of admission into the University and into the Honors Academy. Upon the recommendation of the Dean, the President authorizes the scholarship. Students are mailed a letter of offer, and they must return an acceptance form and sign an agreement in order to activate membership. Transfer students may apply to the Keystone Honors Academy and current Cheyney University students (who have accumulated 24 credit hours or more of college level coursework), may also apply to the Academy.
A. Admission for First Year Students
A first-year student is defined as any student for whom Cheyney University is the first institution of higher education to which they have applied, been accepted, enrolled and earned academic credit.
Cheyney University Policy AS 2010-2800
Policy on Implementation of the Keystone Scholarship Program and the Keystone Honors Academy
Page 2
Students who have previously enrolled and earned academic credit in any other accredited institution of higher education prior to applying to Cheyney University will be considered a current college student.
Grade Point Average
A first-year student with a minimum high school grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or a numerical average of 80 out of 100 may be considered for membership in the Keystone Honors Academy and membership is contingent upon the holistic evaluation of the entire application.
Test Score Requirement
A recommended student must have a minimum SAT combined score of 1000 (on the math and critical reading sections) or an ACT score of 21
Application
Applications are considered complete upon submission of all information required in the application form, and students should first be admitted to the university before applications are reviewed by the Dean. Admission is competitive, positions are limited, and offered on a rolling basis.
B. Admission for Current College Students
Students who have previously enrolled and earned academic credit in any accredited institution of higher education, including Cheyney University, may apply for membership.
Grade Point Average
A current college student with a minimum high school grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or a numerical average of 80 out of 100 may be considered for membership in the Keystone Honors Academy and membership is contingent upon the holistic evaluation of the entire application. Admission is competitive, students are ranked, a limited number of offers are made, and the strongest applicants are given priority.
Credit Hours
A recommended college student from an accredited institution must have earned a minimum of 24college credit hours transferable towards an approved baccalaureate degree at Cheyney University, none of which may be remedial or developmental courses. A college student with fewer than 24 credit hours may be recommended for a Keystone Scholarship upon review of previous transcripts and test scores. 24 college credits must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or numerical average of 80 out of 100.
Application
Applications are considered complete upon submission of all information required in the application form, including a two-page essay.
Keystone Scholarship Eligibility
College students who have been admitted into the Keystone Honors Academy may be considered for the Keystone Scholarship. Upon review of the budget a determination will be
Cheyney University Policy AS 2010-2800
Policy on Implementation of the Keystone Scholarship Program and the Keystone Honors Academy
Page 3
made about the total number of new scholarships which may be offered. First priority for the scholarship is granted to incoming freshmen and transfer students. Following the close of the recruitment cycle, remaining scholarships may be offered to the strongest applicants from Cheyney University; retaining 10% of any available scholarships for potential spring transfer students.
C. Eligibility for Membership
Students are considered eligible for membership in the Keystone Honors Academy if they successfully meet the criteria established above; admission is competitive, students are ranked, a limited number of offers are made, the strongest applicants are given priority, and admission is offered on a rolling basis. Students are considered eligible for the Keystone Honors Academy Scholarship if they meet the criteria established above and they are United States citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States and Pennsylvania residents. Students are only eligible for the Keystone Scholarship if they are progressing towards their first baccalaureate degree. The Keystone Scholarship is not transferable to post baccalaureate work. All recipients of the Keystone Scholarship are members of the Keystone Honors Academy; however, participation in the Academy is not contingent upon receipt of the scholarship (honors students may receive a number of different scholarships, including the Humphreys Scholarship and other institutional awards).
IIIScholarship
The Keystone scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, and is intended to meet the costs associated with full time enrollment. The scholarship is calculated according to the University’s Cost of Attendance and is applied according to State and Federal Financial Aid Laws. The Scholarship is intended to cover costs of tuition, fees, room and board, a book voucher and a laptop computer.
Commuter students who are recipients of the Keystone Scholarship are entitled to receive a commuter stipend. The amount awarded for the book voucher and commuter stipend will be evaluated every year to assess commensurability with current expenses. The amount will be recommended through the Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy and approved by the Provost.
All students admitted into the Keystone Honors Academy will be considered for University scholarships, and every effort will be made to match honors students with institutional awards and scholarships from private sources. Students may receive packages from varied public and private sources, including the Humphreys Scholarship and the KBR Scholarship.
IVCurriculum and Honors Courses
Honors courses are provided to offer challenging curricula to Keystone Scholars. All students in the Honors Academy are obligated to enroll in honors courses when offered, and to progress successfully in the honors curriculum. Once established, students who enter the Academy in their first year are expected to complete all requirements towards the Honors designation on the transcript and diploma. Transfer students who are admitted into the Keystone Honors Academy are obligated to enroll in Honors Coursework consistent with their standing (sophomore level honors coursework, junior level honors coursework or senior level honors coursework). Honors students are expected to enroll in college level coursework.
Based on the rigorous admission criteria, honor students are not required to complete placement testing. Students who have received a minimum of a B in high school math and English, and who have met the testing criteria for admission into the honors program are exempt. Students who fall below the criteria will be evaluated by the Dean for recommended action.
Cheyney University Policy AS 2010-2800
Policy on Implementation of the Keystone Scholarship Program and the Keystone Honors Academy
Page 4
VHousing
Keystone Scholars are housed in designated residence halls, in designated “Honors Living-Learning Communities.” Keystone Scholars residing in a university residence hall must adhere to all university policies established for residential hall life. Keystone Scholars found to be in violation of residential hall policies are subject to sanctions outlined in the university's Student Code of Conduct and may risk forfeiture of their scholarship and/or standing in the Keystone Honors Academy. Alimited number of students have the opportunity to reside in a living-learning environment in Emlen Hall or in Humphreys Hall, and these students are obligated to contribute to the activities of the learning center. Like all privileges in the Academy, placement in Emlen and Humphreys Hall is competitive and is granted to those students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and active involvement in the honors community (including volunteer service, participation in honors events and activities, serving on the honors council, serving as an ambassador, etc.).
VIProcedure and Scholar Responsibilities
- Payment Authorization
At the beginning of each semester, the Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy disseminates to the appropriate offices the list of students who may receive the Keystone Scholarship and other honors scholarships. Student accounts should not be credited with the honors scholarships until the approved list is disseminated.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
A Keystone Scholarship recipient must file a FAFSAin order to receive full payment through the Keystone Scholarship. Scholarships are applied according to state and federal financial aid laws. Recipients receive “anticipated aid” until the FAFSA is verified; Keystone Scholarships are paid after state and federal grants are applied to a students’ account. Recipients receive payment in full for all direct costs associated to attend Cheyney University. Residential students should not receive a refund as a result of the Keystone Scholarship, and commuters may receive a commuter stipend. Students who do not complete a FAFSA by the last posted verification day for state and federal aid (120 days after the start of the semester) are not guaranteed full payment of the Keystone scholarship.
At least one month prior to the last posted verification date, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the Keystone Honors Academy if Keystone Scholarship recipients have not completed the FAFSA. The Keystone Honors Academy will notify the student of the requirements in writing, will specify the deadline, and will follow up with a second letter should the student fail to abide by this policy.
B.Summer Payment
Members ofthe Keystone Honors Academy may apply to receive a scholarship to cover the direct costs associated with summer coursework. A limited number of scholarships are available, and applications will be evaluated according to merit, curricular need and the availability of funding. Depending on the availability of funding, successful applicants may also receive room and boardand a book voucher, and no travel stipends are provided for commuting students.
C.Academic Requirements
Keystone Scholars must maintain full-time undergraduate enrollment status and maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative and semester grade point average. Students are expected to make continuous progress towards the degree. The scholarship will be active, depending on academic performance, for four years
Cheyney University Policy AS 2010-2800
Policy on Implementation of the Keystone Scholarship Program and the Keystone Honors Academy
Page 5
for students who enter the program in their first year, for three years for students entering in the sophomore year, for two years for students entering in their junior year, and for one year for students entering in their senior year. The scholarship will only be renewed for time beyond this if approved by the Dean; the student and faculty advisor must present a proposal that outlines a clear need for the student to complete additional coursework to complete requirements within their degree program.
A Scholar who does not abide by all expectations (maintenance of a 3.0 term grade point average, enrollment in full-time coursework, continuous progress towards the degree), is placed on probation. If a Scholar shows continued lack of performance (according to the above criteria), for two consecutive semesters, the student may be suspended from the program.
A Keystone Scholar who is placed on probation is required to meet with the Dean of the Honors Academy.
D. Attendance
A Keystone Scholar is required to attend activities and events hosted by the Keystone Honors Academy, Cultural Enrichment Activities, and major university events such as the Annual Honors and Awards Convocation and Founder’s Day. Students will receive a grid outlining all expectations associated with membership at the beginning of the academic year. Students must complete and return the obligation grid at the end of each academic semester.
E.Community Service
A Keystone Scholar must complete community service hours each year. Documentation of community service must be filed with the Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy. Involvement in community service, volunteerism and service learning coursework entitles a student for competitive application for privileges in the Honors Academy. Students will receive community service guidelines and requirements at the beginning of each academic year.
F.Honorable Conduct
Members of the Keystone Honors Academy are required to uphold the Student Code of Conduct and to represent themselves in a manner consistent with the Honors Code (outlined in the Keystone Honors Academy Orientation Package). Students who are found guilty of violating the Student Code of Conduct may be dismissed from the Honors Academy. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the Dean and the Scholarship Committee.
G.Earning Privileges
Members of the Honors Academy may apply for certain privileges offered through the Academy (such as study abroad programs, residency in Emlen Hall and Humphreys Hall, and participation in conferences). All members are welcome to apply, and selection of successful candidates is contingent upon merit. GPA, community service, active involvement in the Academy, and honorable conduct is considered meritorious.
H.Program Dismissal
Failure to comply with any of the above guidelines may result in forfeiture of membership in the Keystone Honors Academy and any/all Honors Scholarships. The Dean of the Honors Academy completes an academic performance evaluation at the end of every semester to determine a
Cheyney University Policy AS 2010-2800
Policy on Implementation of the Keystone Scholarship Program and the Keystone Honors Academy
Page 6
students’ status. Students who have not met the above guidelines are notified with a letter outlining their suspension from the academy. Extenuating circumstances and special cases shall be presented to the Dean, and the members of the Scholarship Committee for a vote.