Diversity Excellence Scholarship (Current Undergraduates students)

The Diversity Excellence Scholarship (DES) recognizes the academic achievement and potential of students who, through sharing their varied cultural perspectives, will enhance the excellence of the University. The University of Oregon offers these scholarships as part of our diversity mission.

This application is only for currently enrolled UO Undergraduate Students only.

Award Information

Annual award amounts are $6,500. The scholarship is renewable with the length of eligibility based on the recipient’s grade level at the time of awarding. Students must be full time each term in order to receive this scholarship. The DES is a tuition remission scholarship. It may be reduced if used with UO staff/staff family rates or other tuition remission scholarships such as Student Support Services Scholarship or Osher Scholarship. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Scholarship, although it may be combined with the UO Excellence, Summit or Apex Scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a current UO Undergraduate student
  • Only domestic and Dreamer students are eligible to receive the Diversity Excellence Scholarship (international students may not receive this particular scholarship)
  • Have financial need as defined by federal and state guidelines
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater

How to Apply

  • Submit this application by March 1.
  • Your online reference must also be submitted no later than March 1.
  • Submit your FAFSA or ORSAA (listing UO as a school) by April 1 The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an online application for students who are US citizens, Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) or other eligible non-citizens. The ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application) is an alternative to the FAFSA for Dreamer students including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as well as other undocumented students.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected by the Diversity Excellence Scholarship selection committee based on the following:

  • Past academic performance
  • Participation in campus or community activities
  • Consideration given to the following: financial need as defined by federal guidelines, an individual’s ability to contribute to diversity, first generation of the family to attend college
  • Preference given to Oregon residents

Scholarship Renewal

To maintain scholarship eligibility, you must:

  • Maintain full-time student status
  • Maintain a minimum 3.00 UO GPA
  • Make satisfactory progress toward completion of a degree
  • Meet regularly with a scholarship advisor

Award Notification

Recipients will be notified in June.

Award
$6,500 annual award
Scopes
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Deadline
03/01/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. This application is only for currently enrolled UO Undergraduate Students.
  2. Reference Request: Provide the name and email address for an individual who will be able to provide a reference for you. This person may be a school official, a member of a community organization, an employer, or any other non-family member. They will be asked to speak to your performance and potential as a student or as a leader, provide examples of ways that you have shown leadership or contributed to your community or family, and speak to your strengths and ability to overcome adversity.

    You should reach out to this individual personally at least 10 days before the March 1 deadline so that they can talk with you about your request and have plenty of time to get it submitted.

  3. The University of Oregon values diversity and seeks to foster equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful community. With the Diversity Excellence Scholarship, we support UO students who use their identities and experiences to enhance the excellence and education of all students at the University.

    Essay 1: What do you think is a critical diversity-related issue facing your community and what would you do to address the issue? How do elements of your identity and experience influence your solution?

  4. Essay 2: Diversity Excellence Scholarship recipients are responsible, engaged members on their campus and in their communities. Tell us about a time you took initiative to solve a problem or meet a need in your community, family or environment. What was a challenge you encountered in this experience and how did you learn from it?
  5. Essay 3: Every academic journey requires an adjustment period or transition. What barriers or challenges do you anticipate facing as a student during the next phase of your journey? What strategies or resources have you used in the past that will help you succeed academically moving forward?
  6. I understand that in addition to submitting the Diversity Excellence Scholarship application by March 1, a letter of reference must be submitted by my recommender by March 1. I authorize the university to share the reference submitted on my behalf to the selection committee for review as part of my application materials.
  7. I understand that financial need is a factor in selection for the Diversity Excellence Scholarship and my 2024-25 FAFSA or ORSAA listing the University of Oregon must be submitted by March 1.
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