Old Dominion University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Old Dominion University (ODU) offers a wide array of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students, designed to support their academic pursuits and alleviate financial burdens. These scholarships are funded through various sources, including endowments, annual donations, and specific programs, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarship landscape at ODU, encompassing academic, need-based, and program-specific awards.
General Scholarship Information
ODU provides numerous scholarships based on a variety of criteria. Some awards are determined entirely by academic merit or potential, with recipients generally maintaining a GPA of at least 3.4 and being enrolled as full-time, degree-seeking students. However, selection procedures vary. To be eligible for any scholarship, students must first be admitted to the University. Some scholarships may also require a portfolio, audition, or participation in a specific program. Successful applicants will receive written notification of any scholarship awards.
How to Apply
All incoming freshmen and transfer students are automatically considered for Academic and Endowed scholarships managed by the Student Office of Financial Aid based on the information provided on their admissions applications. New students can indicate their interest in institutional scholarships by selecting "YES" to the institutional scholarship indicator when completing their application for admission.
Continuing and graduate students should complete the Scholarship Form for Continuing and Graduate Students, which is available for students who have a change in scholarship eligibility according to the Criteria Checklist included on the form.
Important Deadlines
All FAFSA forms and Scholarship Forms for Continuing Students must be submitted by February 15 before the upcoming academic year to the Office of Student Financial Aid, located at 121 Alfred B. Rollins Jr. Hall.
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Specific Scholarship Opportunities
ODU offers a diverse range of scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines, talents, and backgrounds. Here's a detailed look at some notable scholarships:
Art Department Scholarships
The Art Department offers scholarships annually to students within its programs. Students apply for all available scholarships at one time through the Scholarship Competition, which is open to all Art Department majors with at least one semester of coursework remaining and less than 180 total academic credits by the time of graduation. Scholarship types are awarded based on the artistic merit of work submitted and a combination of concentration, GPA, enrollment, and financial need, according to the specifications of available scholarships. All media will be considered, and students are encouraged to submit up to five (5) works. Students who apply for need-based scholarships must fill out a FAFSA prior to submitting to the Scholarship Competition.
Ken Daley Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by an endowment established by the artist Lorraine Fink and her husband Dr. H. William Fink to honor Professor Ken Daley, the longtime faculty member and founder of the Printmaking concentration in the Art Department. The scholarship is awarded to a rising Senior in the BFA program who has a declared concentration in Print and Photo Media and whose minimum GPA is 3.0. The scholarship is based on merit and a review of the student's portfolio.
Rita A. Frank Scholarship
The Rita A. Frank Scholarship was established to assist a student in the College of Arts and Letters enrolled in the studio art class of blacksmithing, metalwork, jewelry-making, or equivalent. Recipient(s) must be full-time student(s), graduate or undergraduate; Sophomore or above, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the student's major (not the overall GPA of 3.0).
Gorlinski Family Scholarship
This scholarship assists a full-time undergraduate Senior majoring in Art and working on their final project as they are nearing graduation. It is endowed by the Gorlinski family in memory of their daughter, specifically for students studying in the Fine Arts Program. Eligibility requirements include: at least half-time enrollment, a fine arts major with demonstrated financial need, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 (portfolio and FAFSA required).
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Jensen Scholarship
The Jensen Scholarship was established by George and Linda Jensen to assist a Junior or Sophomore art major within the College of Arts and Letters. The award is contingent upon full-time enrollment and maintenance of outstanding academic performance.
Art Department Scholarship
This award is intended for full-time undergraduate students attending Old Dominion University and enrolled in the B.F.A. Program, B.A. with Studio Major, B.A. in Art Education, or the M.A./M.F.A. program in Visual Studies. Selection is based on the student's portfolio.
Robert McCullough Prize
The Robert McCullough Prize is a cash award given yearly to an exceptional Graphic Design student, regardless of class standing (graduating seniors may apply). The award is selected by graphic design faculty and will be submitted during the annual scholarship judging as a PDF portfolio consisting of 5 graphic design projects. The Prize was established in memory of Professor Robert McCullough, longtime Art Department faculty member and founder of the Graphic Design concentration.
Helen and Richard Parker Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Helen and Richard Parker to assist an undergraduate student majoring in art history. The award is contingent upon full-time enrollment, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstration of financial need (FAFSA required). The scholarship will be awarded in two equal (fall/spring) installments.
Art Department Painting and Drawing Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for an undergraduate or graduate student in arts/fine arts with an emphasis on painting or drawing. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has achieved a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need (FAFSA required). The student must be a United States citizen or Israeli citizen, with preference given to Israeli citizens.
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Charles Sibley Art Scholarship
Established by friends and supporters of the Art Department in honor of Professor Charles Sibley, a former prominent member of the art faculty at Old Dominion University. The award may be shared by studio art majors and art history majors, undergraduate or graduate.
Melinda Vooss ArtFully Yours Scholarship
The Melinda Vooss ArtFully Yours Scholarship was established to assist students during their K-12 student teaching internship in Hampton Roads. It is open to all Art Education seniors who have completed the required coursework for the BFA in Art Education K-12 public school licensure.
Music Scholarships
Annual scholarships totaling $105,000 are available for instrumentalists and vocalists performing in the following ensembles: Wind Ensemble, University Choir, Madrigal Singers, Jazz Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Brass Choir. All awards are given in memory of the late composer F.
Dr. John C. Scholarship
A competitive, annual scholarship awarded to keyboard or composition majors, given in memory of Dr. John C. This scholarship fund totals approximately $150,000; individual scholarships are awarded to select incoming freshman students based on audition and instrumentation needs. A competitive, annual scholarship awarded to four undergraduate string students by audition held in the spring. Open to all current and potential ODU full-time students. While F. Scholarships are awarded annually by the Art Department to students within its programs.
Honors College Scholarships
The Honors College scholarships are awarded to a select group of entering freshmen and transfer students who, based on their academic achievement, are selected for admission into the Honors College.
International Student Scholarships
ODU offers several scholarships specifically for international students.
Dragas Family Scholarship
The Dragas Family Scholarship funds a first-year or sophomore, undergraduate, international applicant from Greece planning to study at Old Dominion University.
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
Old Dominion University offers a renewable (up to four years) international undergraduate merit scholarship. The #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program recognizes international students who have a vision for embracing intercultural understanding. Beginning in Fall 2020, ODU will offer two annual, renewable scholarships for up to four years of study that cover 50% tuition at the time of initial matriculation. The scholarships are open to first-year international students admitted for undergraduate degree-seeking study in all academic majors and fields of study and applied to tuition costs at ODU. Successful applicants will be dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.
ROTC Scholarships
The four-year ROTC Scholarship is available to students who have graduated from high school or possess an equivalent certificate prior to starting college. Scholarships are offered in different monetary levels up to $16,000 annually and cover the cost of college tuition and fees.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who have been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a result of military service. Eligible students, as confirmed by DVS, are guaranteed a waiver of all tuition and mandatory fees for eight semesters at a Virginia public college or university and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Eligible students may receive a stipend to offset educational expenses such as housing, dining, books, and supplies. SCHEV works with DVS and the public colleges and universities in disbursing funds. The amount of the stipend is determined annually by SCHEV and is dependent on the student's enrollment status; the number of participating students; and available funding.
Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) Scholarship Program
Students currently enrolled, accepted for enrollment, or pending enrollment in a full-time bachelor's degree program at a designated college or institution with the desire to complete college and receive a guaranteed commission as an officer in the United States Coast Guard can apply for CSPI.
Monarchs Maximizing Access to Research Careers (M-MARC) Undergraduate Student Training for Academic Research (U*STAR)
Monarchs Maximizing Access to Research Careers (M-MARC) Undergraduate Student Training for Academic Research (U*STAR) supports students' academic and research activities while they train to enter Ph.D. M-MARC Trainees begin the program when they are Juniors majoring in Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, or Psychology.
Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP)
The primary purpose of the VTSLP is to provide financial support to students who are preparing to teach in one of Virginia's critical shortage fields. The critical shortage fields are determined annually through the Supply and Demand Survey of Administrative and Instructional Personnel and distributed to every school division in Virginia by the Department of Education.
Scholarships for Undocumented and DACA Students
To be considered for ODU Scholarships, undocumented and DACA entering freshmen (EFR) should complete the Admissions Application and profile. Although undocumented and DACA students are currently ineligible for federal student aid or state aid, students may qualify for other types of financial aid, including private loans, endowed scholarships, or departmental scholarships, depending on the student's major and meeting criteria for each scholarship. Additionally, undocumented and DACA students are encouraged to complete the residency/domicile form for consideration to receive in-state tuition rates.
Financial Aid Considerations
The financial aid department assigns a budget for expenses related to housing and meals. This budget helps determine a student's eligibility for aid. Tuition assistance will consist of State, Federal, and institution grants, not to exceed the tuition-only cost. The actual award will vary based upon the types of financial aid a student may receive.
Impact of Additional Scholarships
If you have recently received additional scholarships, advise the financial aid office immediately so that the scholarship may be considered when calculating the automatic deferment. Students are strongly urged to contact the organization and arrange that scholarship checks be forwarded to the appropriate address prior to the tuition deadline. Some organizations require proof of registration and/or academic transcripts before sending a check to the University.
VMSDEP and Financial Aid
As a state veteransâ benefit, the VMSDEP will be included as a financial resource in your financial aid package and may reduce state grants, university grants or scholarships, federal loans, federal work-study, and private loans. A student cannot receive both VMSDEP and state grants. Students eligible for the VMSDEP tuition waiver cannot combine it with Chapter 33 benefits or the ODU employee tuition waiver.
Tips for Scholarship Success
- Let your essays reflect your personality. Scholarship committees want to know who you are beyond your academic achievements. Share your passions, experiences, and goals in a genuine and engaging way.
- Always keep the donor informed of your progress. Once you receive a scholarship, maintain communication with the donor. Send thank-you notes, updates on your academic progress, and share how the scholarship has made a difference in your education.
- Submit all required documents on time. Pay close attention to deadlines and ensure that you submit all required documents, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation, by the specified dates.
- Proofread your application carefully. Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all materials for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A polished and error-free application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.
- Seek assistance from the financial aid office. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Office of Student Financial Aid for guidance and support throughout the scholarship application process. Financial aid counselors can provide valuable insights and answer any questions you may have.
Marilyn Frakes Quinn: A Story of Perseverance and Inspiration
Marilyn Frakes Quinn's life story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Born on Halloween in 1937, Marilyn faced hardship early in life when her mother passed away from asthma when she was a small child. Her father entrusted her care to her older sister. Growing up in Southern Missouri, she lived in a small shack without electricity or running water until she completed high school.
After marrying, she moved to Buckroe Beach in Hampton, Virginia, in 1954 as the wife of a young Airman. Following a divorce in 1970, Marilyn moved her family into her brother's kitchen, determined to support her three sons without relying on public assistance. Despite limited prior work experience, she obtained a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate, enabling her to provide for her family and ensure that all three sons completed a college education.
Marilyn's career path led her to become Safety Director for a St. Louis Ship shipyard. In 1992, she achieved the remarkable feat of passing the Nursing Home Administrators exam without formal postsecondary training in health care administration, teaching herself college-level management, personnel, and finance. From 1992 to 1996, she served as administrator of the River Oaks Care Center in Steele, Missouri, transforming it into a vibrant and caring community for elders and the disabled.
Marilyn Frakes Quinn's journey serves as an inspiration to students pursuing their educational goals at Old Dominion University. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to lifelong learning embody the values that ODU strives to instill in its students.
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