Undergraduate Scholarship Policy

Purpose

Ontario Tech University takes great pride in recognizing the academic achievements of students. Through allocated operating funds and the generous support of businesses, service organizations and individuals, the University is able to offer a number of Scholarships and awards to assist undergraduate students with meeting the costs of their University education.

The purpose of this Policy is to set out direction to ensure that Scholarships are managed and allocated in an accountable manner, while providing recruitment and retention tools for the University.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy the following definitions apply:

“CGPA” means Cumulative Grade Point Average.

“Entrance Scholarship” means a Scholarship awarded to students entering full time studies for the first time.

“In-course Scholarship” means a Scholarship awarded to students continuing in full time studies.

“Scholarship” means a monetary award given to a student based on academic excellence. Other criteria may also apply.

Scope and authority

This Policy applies to all undergraduate Entrance and In-Course Scholarships offered by Ontario Tech.

The Registrar, or successor thereof, is the Policy Owner and is responsible for overseeing the implementation, administration and interpretation of this Policy.

Policy

The subsections that follow detail the Entrance Scholarships and awards for the University:

1. General criteria for all Scholarships include:
   1. The University reserves the right to determine acceptable academic
      credentials, grades and prerequisite courses to be used for Scholarships.
   2. Values are subject to change without notice.
   3. Entrance Scholarships are available to students attending the University from secondary school within 18 months of graduation.
   4. Recipients of Entrance Scholarships must not have previously attended a post-secondary institution.
   5. Summer school courses taken immediately prior to the start of the September term and any upgrading marks will not be included in grade calculations for awards.
   6. Students may not hold more than one Entrance Scholarship simultaneously
   7. Students must be enrolled in a minimum 80 per cent course load per term.
   8. If you are a student with a disability and your disability impacts your ability to take a full course load, the Awards office will review your application if you meet all other criteria for the Scholarship.
2. Major Entrance Scholarships include one Chancellor’s Scholarship, two President’s Scholarships and two Founder’s Scholarships. These Scholarships are awarded based on overall superior academic achievement, demonstrated leadership qualities and notable contributions in extracurricular and/or community activities. These awards are renewable for four years, as long as renewal criteria are met.
   1. Eligibility for consideration for these Scholarships includes:
      1. Minimum secondary school average of 85 per cent in grade 12 in the best six U or M level courses;
      2. Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident; and
      3. Submission of a complete application, including two references, by the posted deadline.
3. The Global Leadership Award for International Students is awarded based on overall superior academic achievement, demonstrated leadership qualities and notable contributions in extracurricular and/or community activities. This award is renewable for four years, as long as renewal criteria are met.
   1. Eligibility for consideration for this Scholarship includes:
      1. International student studying at a Secondary school outside of Canada;
      2. Minimum average of 85 per cent (or equivalent) in last year of secondary school; and
      3. Submission of complete application, including two references, by the posted deadline.
4. Renewal criteria for the major Entrance Scholarships are:
   1. Students must complete a minimum of 80 per cent of a full-time course load each term;
   2. Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.7; and
   3. Students must be registered in a minimum of 80 per cent of a full-time course load to receive the award. If a student participates in coop terms or internships, they must apply to the Awards office in writing to defer their Scholarship.
5. Awards of Recognition Scholarships (no application required) award academic achievement through automatic tuition payments issued upon admission to full-time students directly from a Canadian secondary school who have met minimum entrance grade averages. Amounts and cut off averages vary from year to year.
   1. Eligibility for consideration for these Scholarships include:
      1. Secondary school average based on the best 4U/4M courses (or
         provincial equivalent); and
      2. Applicants to the University from Canadian secondary school within 18 months of graduation.
6. In-course Scholarships recognize academic achievement in full-time study for returning students each year. These scholarships are awarded through automatic tuition payments issued to qualifying students.
   1. Eligibility for consideration for these Scholarships includes:
      1. The average of grades in the fall and winter terms of the academic
         year is 3.7 or higher;
      2. Completion of a minimum of 80 per cent of a course load in both terms;
      3. Registration in a minimum of 80 per cent of a course load in the fall term of the next academic year; and
      4. Scholarship is available for grades achieved in year one, two and three of the Student’s first undergraduate degree.

Monitoring and review

This Policy will be reviewed as necessary and at least every three years. The Undergraduate Studies Committee is responsible to monitor and review this Policy.

Relevant legislation

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Related policies, procedures & documents