The Waiver/Scholarship Program of the University of Maine System has been established to encourage eligible Native Americans to pursue higher education in Maine. The tuition waiver program covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees. The scholarship program covers the cost of room and board on campus, at the double room rate.

Tuition and Fees Waiver:
The Tuition Waiver pays all tuition and mandatory fees. Tuition for any regular credit bearing course (graduate or undergraduate level) is waived whether the student is or is not enrolled in a degree program. Mandatory fees are also waived. The program will not cover medical expenses, fines, and other fees that are not required for enrollment in classes. The program does not cover books and supplies.

New Applicants:
You will have to complete an application form and sign the program guidelines and provide supporting documents. You may obtain and Tuition waiver and scholarship application packet by calling 207-780-4006 or
email: mcsa@usm.maine.edu

Returning Students:
Depending on the circumstances, students may have to provide an updated application , a set of guidelines, and documentation of your eligibility . Contact the Multicultural Student Affairs office for information at 207-780-4006 or email at: mcsa@usm.maine.edu

Documentation Needed:
You must obtain a letter or an official document signed by a band or tribal official verifying your membership. Descendents must provide documentation of a parent's or grandparent's band or tribal membership. In addition, descendents will need to provide the appropriate birth certificates indicating the relationship to the parent/grandparent. Application Process: Once all documentation has been obtained please contact the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at 780-5798 in order to initiate the short application process.

Eligibility:
You are eligible if your name is included on the current tribal census of the Passamaquoddy Nation, Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseets, or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs; or if you have lived in Maine for at least twelve months prior to application and a grandparent was either included on the census of a state, federal, or provincial North American Indian Tribe or held a band number of the Maliseet or Micmac Tribes.

Determining Tribal Eligibility:
Members of Maine Tribes: To be considered a Maine tribal member your name must be included on the current tribal census of the Passamaquoddy Nation, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet, or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. An original document from the enrollment offices of these four tribal communities must be presented in this documentation process.

It is the applicants responsibility to obtain clear documentation that proves membership in a Maine tribe.

Members of Other Tribes:
To be considered a tribal member of another tribe your name must be included on the tribal census or enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. If you are from a Canadian Reserve, you must provide an original document showing your band number. An original letter or certificate from the tribal official who certifies membership, a band card, or a certificate of degree of Indian blood issued by the US or Canadian governments is required.

Additionally, documentation of state residency for the past twelve months prior to application must be provided. Forms of documentation include rental or home ownership, utility bills, etc. Your documents will be photocopied and the originals will be returned to you.

Note: Out of state students who reside in Maine for twelve months are eligible for a special incentive scholarship, reducing their first year of tuition to in-state rates.

It is the applicants responsibility to obtain clear documentation that proves membership in a federally recognized tribe.

Descendants of a Tribal Member:
An original document from a federally recognized tribal office stating that a parent or grandparent is an enrolled member to that tribe or has enrollment on the tribal census must be presented for eligibility. If your parent or grandparent is from a Canadian Reserve, you must provide an original document showing their band number. An original letter or certificate from the tribal official who certifies membership, a band card, or a certificate of degree of Indian blood issued by the US or Canadian governments is required.

Once enrollment documentation of the parent or grandparent has been provided, documentation from the applicant showing state residency for the past twelve months prior to application must also be provided. Forms of documentation include rental or home ownership, utility bills, etc. Also, to trace decadency, the applicant must present birth certificates depicting the parent and possibly another birth certificate tracing the parent to the grandparent. Your documents will be photocopied and the originals will be returned to you.

Note: Out of state students who reside in Maine for twelve months are eligible for a special incentive scholarship, reducing their first year of tuition to in-state rates

It is the applicants responsibility to obtain clear documentation that proves decendancy to a tribal member.

Room & Board Scholarship: The Scholarship Program pays for all room and board charges for full-time students who have been accepted into a degree program. A double-occupancy room and nineteen meals per week are provided through this scholarship.

Room and board charges incurred when classes are not in session are not covered by the scholarship. Housing is provided at the double occupancy rate. Meal plans are available only to students living on-campus.

Federal regulations require that a student's total financial aid package for educational purposes not exceeding the total cost of attendance. Your room and board scholarship may be reduced if you are awarded more funding that it costs for you to attend school.

Additional Requirements:

• Apply for Federal Financial Aid. The FAFSA must be completed each academic year in order to remain eligible. It is highly recommended that you fill out the FAFSA no later than February 28th

• Be admitted into a degree program as a full-time, matriculated student.

• Maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester.

• Reside is a residence hall on campus.

• Continue to show satisfactory academic progress as defined by institutional policy and/or federal guidelines.