Scholarship Amounts and Eligibility | Volunteer Opportunities and Hours | Study Abroad and Exchange Programs

Scholarship Amounts and Eligibility

• Is it possible to receive any additional money from my scholarship?
  
  Most scholarships are awarded at a set amount based on the type of scholarship you receive.  The amounts of scholarships awarded based on tuition will vary based on course enrollment. Budgetary limitations do not allow for any further variation in the amounts of set rate scholarships.
  
  
• Does my scholarship cover summer session courses?
  
  Most scholarships are a flat rate for the fall and spring semesters. For those scholarships based on tuition, awardees must be in full compliance with all continuing eligibility requirements and must be making adequate advancement toward the completion of the academic program of choice in order for their award to cover summer courses. (Presidential Scholars: Please see Academic Plan Form )
  
  
• Can some of my 12 credits be distance learning courses through other schools?
  
  USM Merit Scholarships can only be applied to USM courses. If a Merit Scholar is enrolled in less than 12 credit hours of USM courses they will lose eligibility status.
  
  
• Can I take classes in the summer to raise my cumulative GPA to a 3.0?
  
  Continuous scholarship eligibility is determined at the end of each academic year based on your cumulative GPA. Courses you take in the summer will also count toward this GPA.

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• If I can't make it to either the Accepted Student Days or the Fall Open House are there other ways to volunteer for the Office of Undergraduate Admission?
  
  The Office of Undergraduate Admission conducts several events throughout the year. To learn more about these events and how you can become involved, please visit: www.usm.maine.edu/admit/meritsch/volunteer.html
  
  
• I was wondering if there are any other service activities available for completing my 6 hours than those in the letter you sent me?
  
  A few resources that include ideas on ways to complete your service hours are:
  www.usm.maine.edu/admit/meritsch/volunteer.html
  www.usm.maine.edu/studentlife/commserv/ www.volunteerportland.org
  
  
• Can I work at my work study job without pay to complete my volunteer hours?
  
  No, you must find an opportunity that is not something for which you usually get paid. A list of opportunities can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/admit/meritsch/volunteer.html
  
  
• How do I know what counts as "volunteer" hours?
  
  Any activity in which you volunteer your time to provide service for others without being paid can be counted towards your volunteer hours. See www.usm.maine.edu/admit/meritsch/volunteer.htmlfor some examples.
  
  
• How many community service hours do I need to complete each semester to keep my merit scholarship and when must I complete them?
  
  It is recommended that you complete 6 hours per semester, for a total of 12 hours for the year. However, the requirement is not intended to be a hardship. If Merit Scholars' schedules make it difficult to complete the hours in this fashion the Merit Scholar may complete the 12 hours in one semester or even opt to complete the hours during breaks or over the summer.
  
  
• How do I record my hours?
  
  It is preferred that you use the Volunteer Service Log Form to record your hours. You can print one from the online link or pick one up at the Office of Undergraduate Admission. The information on this form should include the volunteer experience you completed, the date this experience was completed, the number of hours you participated in this experience and the signature of the person who supervised you during this experience to verify your hours. Once completed, volunteer logs can be either mailed or dropped off at the Office of Undergraduate Admission, 37 College Ave., Gorham, ME, 04038, Attn: Jeremy Robitaille.
  
  
• How do I check to see if you have recorded all of my hours for the year?
  
  It is the Merit Scholar's responsibility to keep track of completed volunteer hours. Any questions or concerns should be directed to meritscholars@usm.maine.edu.
  
  
• By when should we have to have the volunteer service log submitted?
  
  Send your completed volunteer log to the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the last day of the spring semester of each academic year or as soon after the hours are completed as possible.

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Study Abroad and Exchange Programs

• Can I apply a USM Merit scholarship to study abroad?
  
  USM Merit Scholarships only apply to USM courses or exchanges completed through reciprocal exchange programs.
  
  
• As a Merit Scholar can I only participate in exchange programs during my junior year because of eligibility requirements?
  
  The Undergraduate Scholarship Committee acknowledges the immense value of an experience in an exchange program. Merit Scholars should take every opportunity available to them to embark on exchange programs. Any requirements for continuing eligibility not met while on exchange (full-time credits, volunteer hours) will in no way affect a student's continuous eligibility upon return to USM.
  
  
• If I participate in a non-reciprocal exchange program will I be eligible to receive my Merit Scholarship when I return to USM?
  
  Once you return to USM, as long as you meet continuing eligibility requirements, your scholarship will be reinstated.

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