Do you want to be on the cutting edge of research in your field? Do you wish to become a leader in learning from, and helping, others in the community? Do you want to learn about global issues while serving others? If your answer is "yes," we have the program for you!
The University Scholars Award recognizes outstanding students who fulfill the University goals of community engagement, undergraduate research, and global citizenship on both transcript and diploma. The University Scholars Award adds depth to your University of South Florida academic experience. It is designed to help you apply academic learning to real-life issues and problems through faculty-supervised research. This innovative program seeks to encourage students to engage in meaningful service and to 'connect' to the global community.
There are four components University Scholars complete: service to, and engagement in, the community, undergraduate research, international experience, and an integrative essay.
Service and Engagement
You will be encouraged to seek out experiences in different types of service. Through service, you will move beyond campus and work to address needs in the broader community. It is expected that you will use what you have learned in the classroom to the benefit of others. Community Engagement provides a framework for students to complete service to the community, links coursework to service, and recognizes students for their commitment to service.
In order to fulfill the meaningful service and engagement requirement of the program, you will:
Complete a significant service and engagement project (generally consisting of a leadership role and 100 hours of service)
Write a 5 page reflective paper about the service and impact on learning
Research
Through research projects, you will gain skills necessary for exploration, problem solving and for oral and written expression that can serve you well for a lifetime of learning, work and pleasure. Participation in the research process allows you to appreciate arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences in a way not otherwise possible. Thus, research may be conducted in any discipline, including visual and performing arts.
In order to fulfill the Undergraduate Research requirement of the program, you will:
Complete a significant research project
Work under the direction of a faculty mentor (generally, over two semesters)
Commit to a minimum number of hours per semester
Global
USF's commitment to international experience is driven by the belief that interaction between peoples of diverse cultures is the base upon which empathy among nations is built, and international experience is a vital building block in a university education.
In order to fulfill the international experience requirement of the program, you will:
Study abroad in-residence for a minimum of 4 weeks or have a significant international experience in a country other than your country of birth
Maintain a journal (reflective observation) following prescribed guidelines
At least one semester of foreign language study is highly recommended
Complete assignments before, during, and after the time spent abroad
Optional, complete:
a volunteer project abroad which may also count as the service potion of the Undergraduate Scholar Award
an academic research project abroad which may also count as the service potion of the Undergraduate Scholar Award
a local "international" community experience (e.g., serving within a specific cultural context)
Reflect
The final integrative essay is intended to be a reflective paper that combines interdisciplinary concepts, personal experiences, and self-analysis. You will consider how this program has contributed to honing practical skills and personal transformation.
Office of National Scholarships 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALN 271 Tampa, FL 33620 | Phone: (813) 974-3087 Fax: (813) 974-5801
Questions regarding the website? Contact the ONS Webmaster
Questions regarding the Office of National Scholarships? Email: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
Do you want to be on the cutting edge of research in your field? Do you wish to become a leader in learning from, and helping, others in the community? Do you want to learn about global issues while serving others? If your answer is "yes," we have the program for you!
