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FAQs for Current Scholars

Scholarship Award Disbursement

Scholarship Award Deferment

Requirements & Award Review

Requirement For Full Time Enrollment/ 30 Hours & 3.0 GPA

Research Stipend

Study Abroad Stipend

Continuation of Scholarship Benefits for Graduate/Professional Studies at UH

Housing

Taxes

Scholarship Award Disbursement

I do not see my Tier One Scholarship information posted in myUH account. Why is this?
During the beginning of the Fall & Spring semester, students may experience brief delays in seeing their scholarships applied to their myUH accounts.  As a Tier One Scholar, you should know that your account is protected and you will not be affected by the University of Houston’s payment deadline for any tuition and fee costs covered by the scholarship. This means you will not be dropped from your registered classes. Final amounts are posted after the University of Houston’s Official Reporting Day (ORD), which is usually the 12th class day.

I have other scholarships that I am expecting to receive in addition to the Tier One Scholarship. What will happen to those awards given the Tier One Scholarship covers full tuition and mandatory fees?
If there is a positive balance on your account because you received more scholarship funds than you had "expenses" for the semester, you will be issued a refund to your HigherONE card or the bank account of your choosing, as you setup in your myUH account. Please note that certain programs work in collaboration with the Tier One program therefore a student’s tuition and fees are covered however some awards may be reduced; i.e., Terry Scholars, National Merit Scholars, and Baylor Pre-Medical Academy Scholars.

Scholarship Award Deferment

I will be participating in a program that takes place away from campus for a semester such as study abroad, Cooperative Education, Internship, etc. What is the process to petition the Scholarship Committee for permission to defer my scholarship until I return? [Posted 9.25.12]
If a student has prior knowledge of an event or circumstance that will interfere with their studies that will prevent them from meeting the scholarship requirements, the student may submit a petition in advance in an attempt to attain approval for activities like participation in study abroad, COOP, or internship programs. Download the Academic Scholarship Petition Form.

Requirements & Award Review

What are the requirements to maintain my scholarship? [Updated 9.11.12]
Students must meet the following criteria to maintain their Tier One Scholarship: 1) enroll full-time (at least 12 hours per semester) during both Fall and Spring semesters, 2) complete a total of 30 credit hours for the academic year (Fall-Winter-Spring-Summer) and 3) maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester. Only enrolled courses at the University of Houston main campus will count towards the 30 credit hours and minimum 3.0 GPA requirements.

When will the Scholarship Committee conduct the annual review of my academic and enrollment record? 
Tier One Scholars will have their academic performance reviewed at the end of each semester to ensure they are meeting the Tier One Scholarship’s enrollment and GPA requirements.

If I have been placed on probation for not meeting one or more of the Tier One Scholarship requirements, can I submit an appeal to the Scholarship Committee? [Updated 9.25.12]
Students who do not meet the criteria to maintain their Tier One Scholarship may submit a scholarship appeal if they feel there were extenuating circumstances that prevented them from meeting the stated requirements and would like to request that the Scholarship Committee reconsider their probation or cancellation decision. The most current Academic Scholarship Appeal form can be found at http://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/forms/index.php

I am enrolled in UH classes this academic year but will not meet the required 30 hours or minimum 3.0 GPA required to maintain my scholarship. Can I inform the Scholarship Committee and elaborate on my extenuating circumstances prior to their end-of-semester review? [Posted 9.25.12]
No, a student cannot submit an appeal until they have received a communication from the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid notifying them of probation or cancellation.

I was placed on probation by the Scholarship Committee, what does that mean and how can I be reinstated to full Tier One Scholar status?
If you were notified that your scholarship status has changed from good standing to probation, this means the Scholarship Committee has found you to be out of compliance with one or more of the listed requirements for your scholarship and have issued you a warning. You will see no change in your scholarship amounts or your scholarship distribution timetable. You should be aware however that another infraction in any of your remaining semesters may result in your scholarship being cancelled. Students who complete two long semesters (Fall & Spring), meeting all established criteria, will be placed back in good standing.

Requirement for Full Time Enrollment/ 30 Hours & 3.0 GPA

I dropped a course after the drop deadline so I will receive a “W” in the course. I am no longer enrolled in the required 12 hours for full-time enrollment this semester. How will this affect my scholarship status? [Posted 9.25.12]
Your scholarship award will not be cancelled for the current semester that it has been received. However, at the end of each semester, a grade review will be conducted and students not meeting the scholarship criteria will be presented before the Scholarship Committee for review which could result in probation or cancellation.

I have Advanced Placement (AP) credits that transferred from high school, do those AP credits count towards the 30 hours in my Freshman year?
Students entering the University of Houston with Advanced Placement (AP) credits may not count those credit hours toward the completion of their minimum semester hour requirement or their yearly hour requirement.

At the end of the Spring semester, I will have completed only 24 credit hours. Am I allowed to enroll in summer classes to meet the 30 credit hour requirement? [Updated 9.11.12]
Yes, you may enroll in summer classes to fulfill your scholarship requirements. However, you should be aware that your scholarship will not pay for these courses. Students must enroll in courses at the University of Houston main campus to be considered part of the thirty (30) hours requirement. Transfer credit will not be considered for the thirty (30) hours requirement.

If I enroll in a course at UH during the Winter Session, will the Tier One Scholarship cover my tuition? Also, will the credit hours count towards the 30 hours requirement and 3.0 GPA minimum? [Updated 9.11.12]
Students enrolling in the University of Houston's Winter semester will have tuition and fee charges assigned to their Spring semester and will be covered by the Tier One Scholarship. Credit hours earned during the Winter semester will be reflected during the Spring term and will count toward the 30 credit hours and minimum 3.0 GPA requirements.

I am planning on taking summer courses. Does my scholarship cover these classes?
The Tier One Scholarship only covers enrollment for the Fall & Spring semesters: summer enrollment is not covered. In addition, out-of-state students will not be awarded in-state tuition waivers for summer.

I want to enroll in a UH online course, will this apply towards the required 30 hours to maintain the Tier One Scholarship?
Yes, enrolling in any UH course will count towards the 30 hours requirement. The method of course delivery can be face-to-face, hybrid, or online.

Can I enroll in a UH main campus course that meets at an off-campus location? [Posted 9.11.12]
Students may enroll in UH main campus courses that meet elsewhere. For example, UH main campus courses that meet at one of the UH System Off-Campus Teaching Centers (Sugarland, Cinco Ranch, Northwest, etc.) will qualify and count towards the 30 credit hours and minimum 3.0 GPA requirements.

I will enroll in more than 18 hours during the Fall or Winter/Spring semester. Will the Tier One Scholarship cover all my tuition? [Posted 01.09.13]
Each Tier One Scholar is eligible for 8 semesters of Tier One benefits (10 semesters for architecture). If you enroll in the UH PharmD program after having taken 6 semesters of undergraduate courses, then you will still have 2 semesters of remaining eligibility. As long as you continue to meet the Tier One Scholarship criteria, your tuition will be covered at the Pharmacy tuition rate for those 2 semesters. Additionally, you will still be eligible to request your research and study abroad stipends during that time, if they have not already been utilized.

I am a graduating senior. Am I still required to enroll in at least 12 hours during my last semester or take 30 hours for the year? [Posted 4.11.13]
Prior to the start of your last semester, you may submit a Scholarship Petition form requesting to seek an exception from one or both requirements. Attach an official letter from your Academic Advisor on UH letterhead that confirms the courses and number of credit hours that you need to fulfill your degree requirements for graduation.

Research Stipend

How do I take advantage of the Undergraduate Research opportunity offered by the Tier One Scholarship?
You can discuss your research interests with Dr. Veronique Tran during the Tier One Coffee Chats and/or attend one of the Tier One Research Info Sessions.  Once you decide that you want to pursue research, then you will be referred to Karen Weber the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, who will assist you with finding a faculty mentor and research opportunity that meets your interests.  

When can I start my research experience?
Students may engage in research at any time during their four years at UH.  All Tier One Scholars are encouraged to conduct undergraduate research, regardless of major.  In many cases, it is advantageous to get started early in research during the freshman or sophomore year.  Early exposure and training will open doors to further research opportunities during the summer between your sophomore and junior year or junior and senior year.  Getting started early may also lead to a long-term research project that can result in a Senior Honors Thesis. 

How do I receive my research experience stipend?
You may apply for your stipend anytime after you begin your research experience but no more than 45 days before your start date. In order to receive your stipend you must first gain approval by submitting the proper forms to Dr. Tran. . Download the Research Stipend Form and Research Summary, complete it and obtain required signatures before you submit it to Dr. Tran. Once your request has been approved and processed, you will receive notice that the request has been processed by Mr. Stephenson. You will receive your funds through your MyUH account, it will be used to cover any balances you have on your account before you are able to request a refund.

Study Abroad Stipend

How do I take advantage of the Study Abroad opportunity offered by the Tier One Scholarship?
You can discuss your research interests with Dr. Veronique Tran during the Tier One Coffee Chats or attend one of the Tier One Study Abroad Info Sessions.  Once you decide that you want to go study abroad, you will be referred to Maria Saldana the study abroad advisor with the Office of International Studies and Programs, who will assist you with finding a study abroad program, or helping you to create a personalized program for your particular requirements

When can I start my study abroad experience?
Students may study abroad as early as the Winter Break of their Freshman year at UH.  All Tier One Scholars are encouraged to go on a study abroad experience.  Tier One Scholars may apply for additional UH and national scholarships to supplement their Tier One Study Abroad Stipend.  There are opportunities for intensive language study, study abroad, and research abroad.

How do I receive my study abroad stipend?
It is recommended that you apply for your stipend as soon as you have made a decision regarding your study abroad experience. In order to receive your stipend you must first gain approval by submitting the proper forms to Dr. Tran. Download the Study Abroad Stipend Form, complete it and obtain required signatures. Once your request has been approved and processed, you will receive notice that the request has been processed by Mr. Stephenson.  You will receive your funds through your MyUH account, it will be used to cover any balances you have on your account before you are able to request a refund.

Continuation of Scholarship Benefits for Graduate/Professional Studies at UH

If I graduate early from my undergraduate program and have not used all of my semesters of scholarship eligibility, will the Tier One Scholarship cover my tuition and fees for graduate and/or professional programs at UH? [Posted 03.06.13]

Students receiving 4-year (8 regular semesters – Fall/Spring) scholarships awarded by the University Scholarship Committee and who complete their baccalaureate degree in fewer than 8 regular semesters may apply the remainder of their award toward graduate or post-baccalaureate studies at the University of Houston as long as there is no break in full-time Fall/Spring enrollment for the duration of their 8-semester award.   To be considered full-time, undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours and graduate students must be enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.

The scholarship would cover tuition and fees for courses that you would enroll in as a post-baccalaureate or student enrolled in Master’s, PhD program or professional programs such as Pharmacy, Optometry, Social Work, Law, etc. offered at the University of Houston. Your enrollment in the graduate/professional courses must be in the Fall or Spring immediately following the semester of your graduation. Additionally, you will still be eligible to request your research and study abroad stipends during that time, if they have not already been utilized.

I have been admitted to UH College of Pharmacy and plan to pursue my PharmD degree next Fall. I still have two remaining semesters of eligibility for my Tier One Scholarship. Can I continue to receive the Tier One Scholarship benefits once I am enrolled in the UH PharmD program? [Posted 01.09.13]
Each Tier One Scholar is eligible for 8 semesters of Tier One benefits (10 semesters for Architecture majors). If you enroll in the UH PharmD program after having taken 6 semesters of undergraduate courses, then you will still have 2 semesters of remaining eligibility. As long as you continue to meet the Tier One Scholarship criteria, your tuition will be covered at the Pharmacy tuition rate for those 2 semesters. Additionally, you will still be eligible to request your research and study abroad stipends during that time, if they have not already been utilized.

Housing

I do not plan to live on-campus but would like to accept the meal plan benefit. Is this possible? [Posted 05.30.13]
If a student is not living in one of the approved on campus facilities, the Tier One Scholarship will not cover the meal plan. Meal plans are only covered as part of the housing benefit since the meal plan is required for students living on campus.

Which on-campus housing properties will the Tier One Scholarship cover for the 2nd year? [Updated 05.22.13]
The following response is applicable for Fall 2013-Spring 2014: Students who remain in Cougar Village for their 2nd year will receive the Cougar Village double room rate (proposed to be $2756). Students who select Cougar Place for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 will have their room/board benefit increased to cover the Cougar place rate which is proposed to be $3285 per semester. Students who choose to live in another on-campus residence hall (e.g., Moody Towers, Quadrangle, Calhoun Lofts, or Bayou Oaks) will receive the cost of that facility not to exceed the Cougar Village double room rate.

What meal plan will the Tier One Scholarship cover? [Updated 05.22.13]
For scholars who are living on campus as part of the Tier One Scholarship benefit, the Tier One Scholarship program will cover up to $1,700 per semester in meal plan charges plus the meal plan tax. If a student chooses the $1,800 meal plan the scholarship will cover $1,700 and the student will be responsible for paying the remaining balance. The housing and meal plan award will only be given as a combined benefit for students living in approved on-campus properties. The housing and meal plan award may not be separated into individual awards.

If I did not live on campus during year 1 and/or year 2, can I receive the housing and meal plan benefit during year 3 and/or year 4? [Posted 05.22.13]
Tier One Scholars are eligible for on campus housing and meals during their first two years of college at UH. In special circumstances, if a student has not used their one or both years of housing benefit, he/she may petition to receive the Tier One Scholarship housing and meal plan benefit in other years. A student must be receiving a Tier One Scholarship in the semester that they are receiving the housing and meal award. Petitions will reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Petitions can be downloaded at the SFA website and must be submitted via email as instructed on the form: http://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/forms/index.php#Academic Scholarship Petition

Taxes

Where can my parents and I find information about how scholarships will affect our taxes? [Posted 4.11.13]
 UH Student Financial Services has a webpage that has useful information about reporting tuition, scholarships, and refunds on IRS Tax forms.

[Last Updated: May 2013]