SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES FOR EC SCHOLARS

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Scholars required to live in EC Scholars/Honors housing?
Yes. All EC Scholars must live in the Honors/International Residence Hall for the first year. In subsequent years, Scholars may remain in the honors residence or choose alternate housing.

How long does my scholarship last?
The EC Scholar award is granted for a total of eight continuous semesters at East Carolina University. The scholarship term may be extended during a "coop" semester, or because of an approved withdrawal from the university [see below].

Must I be a full-time student to receive my scholarship?
Yes. You must remain a full-time student at East Carolina University to be eligible for the scholarship. This rule may be waived for Scholars in the eighth semester of the award, upon approval of the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program.

If I receive my baccalaureate degree early, may I continue to use my scholarship for advanced study at ECU?
In most cases, yes. Students who complete the baccalaureate degree before the eighth semester of the scholarship may pursue post-baccalaureate study at East Carolina University. They may use the remaining scholarship semester[s] under the same rules and conditions as undergraduates. The exception is the Early Assurance (EA) Scholars. If an EA Scholar graduates early, he/she will not be able to apply any remaining scholarship funds to medical school. Scholars should notify the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program.

May I use my scholarship for summer school?
Yes. Scholarship funds may be used for summer school at East Carolina University for Scholars wishing to accelerate graduation. Funds may be applied to one or both summer sessions; remaining funds will be available to the Scholar so long as s/he remains eligible for the award. Scholars should send a written request to apply scholarship funds to summer study to the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program.

May I use my scholarship for study abroad?
Yes. You may request permission to use up to two semesters of your EC Scholar award for study abroad. Two semesters prior to the anticipated foreign study, Scholars should request assistance from the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program and the Director of The International Program to ensure that appropriate documentation is submitted. In addition to the EC Scholar award, there are additional funds available for study abroad through the Rivers Foundation.

May I use my scholarship for an internship semester?
Yes, under certain circumstances. You should submit a request, in writing, to the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program to apply scholarship funds to internship expenses. Permission may be granted for students participating in non-paid internships or internships completed in a foreign country.

May I suspend my scholarship during a cooperative education ["coop"] semester?
Yes. You should request permission in writing from the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program during the preceding semester. Your letter should include a description of the proposed internship, dates and place[s] of service, and when you will resume your studies and scholarship at East Carolina University.

What happens if I need to withdraw during a semester?
If you must withdraw from the university during a term, you are considered to have used that semester's scholarship funds; no refunds should be expected. If possible, Scholars should seek assistance from the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program prior to completing withdrawal procedures. Notification of withdrawal should be made to the Dean of Students, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program.

Will I lose my scholarship if I must withdraw?
No. Withdrawal from the university due to extraordinary circumstances will not necessarily affect a student's scholarship eligibility. Questions of eligibility will be resolved by the Associate Vice Chancellor and/or the Executive Committee of the EC Scholars Program.

When does East Carolina University review my record to determine if I am eligible for renewal of my scholarship?
Your record of academic achievement, leadership, and service will be reviewed at the end of each spring semester. Scholarships will be terminated for students whose performance falls below the stated expectations [see Acceptance Agreement]. A Scholar whose award is terminated due to a cumulative GPA below 3.3 [3.5 for Early Assurance Scholars] may attend summer school at East Carolina University at his/her own expense. If the Scholar raises the cumulative GPA to 3.3 [3.5] prior to the beginning of the fall term, the scholarship will be reinstated.

Under what circumstances might my scholarship be terminated?
Your scholarship may be terminated for the following reasons: failure to maintain academic standards; persistent lack of participation in leadership development or service activities; violation of university regulations; or engaging in other conduct that is incompatible with standards of the EC Scholars Program. Scholars who experience difficulty in meeting the requirements of the Program should seek assistance from the Associate Vice Chancellor.

Is there a procedure to request exceptions to these rules?
Yes. Scholars may petition the Associate Vice Chancellor of The University Honors Program and the Executive Committee for exceptions to requirements of scholarship recipients.