Southern Ute Indian Tribe (2024)

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Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Education Department

Scholarship Application Packet

For

Non-Profit Institutions

Tribal Council Approved May 1, 2024

P.O. Box 737, Ignacio, CO 81137

Phone: (970) 563-0237, Fax: (970) 563-0382

Table of Contents

Welcome .................................................................................. 3

Definitions ................................................................................ 4

Significant Information .............................................................. 6

Procedures and Criteria for Eligibility ........................................ 8

Scholarship Policies ................................................................. 9

General ........................................................................... 9

Undergraduate .............................................................. 13

Postgraduate................................................................. 15

Summer Terms ............................................................. 17

Part-Time & Limited Scholarship Awards ...................... 17

Expenses ...................................................................... 18

Awards .......................................................................... 19

Appeals .................................................................................. 20

Annual Scholarship Distribution Schedule .............................. 23

New Student Application Form ............................................... 25

Continuing Student Application Form ..................................... 27

10.

Repayment Agreement .......................................................... 30

11.

Privacy Act Form and Release ............................................... 30

12.

Student Scholarship Budget .................................................. 31

13.

Appendix .............................................................................. 33

1. Student College Check List

2. 2011 Policy Revision Memo to Executive Officer

3. Southern Ute Drum Article: An update on programs, relationships

and for-profit policy. 11 Jan. 2013

4. Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Findings:

For Profit Higher Education: The Failure to Safeguard the

Federal Investment and Ensure Student Success. 30 Jul. 2012.

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Education Department

Welcome to the Education Scholarship Program of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. As a

Southern Ute Indian Tribal Member, you are eligible for certain benefits through the

Education Scholarship Program, which include full-time scholarships, part-time

scholarships and approved summer sessions. These benefits come with a strict set of

rules and responsibilities, approved by the Tribal Council, with which you must comply.

This program is designed to operate in an efficient and timely manner. The process

ensures adequate thought and planning on the part of the applicant to gain a successful

educational experience and meet the goals of a desired degree program. Applicants who

have not completed the necessary requirements needed for a scholarship by the deadline

date will not be approved for an award (outlined in the application).

In addition to our commitment to provide a high-quality education and for the best interest

of the tribal membership, the scholarship program will no longer fund “for profit”

institutions of higher learning. For alternate schools see an Academic Advisor at the

Southern Ute Education Department or refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_forprofit_universities_and_colleges.

School shall be approved by accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher

Education Accreditation (CHEA) www.chea.org.

It is not the responsibility of the Education Department to complete your application. This

responsibility lies solely with the applicant. Incomplete or late applications will not be

considered. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Awards are approved for a period of one (1) academic year at a time. Part-time awards

can be approved year around, which include: tuition, books, and fees; mileage at the

federal rate is also available to part-time students commuting from home to attend an

institution of higher education. Summer term scholarships are available to students upon

written request. Scholarship awards cannot be used to pay pre-existing bills or be

used for any purpose other than current academic school year expenses, such as

books, fees, and reasonable living expenses.

The Education Department will fund only one (1) degree at each level: one (1) associate,

one (1) bachelor, one (1) master, and one (1) doctorate.

Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification, a loss of benefits

and, in some instances, repayment of funds already received.

Color Code

Blue- refers to Grade Point Average (GPA)

Red-refers to dates and deadlines

Green-refers to official transcripts

DEFINITIONS

“Academic achievement” shall mean awards or memberships based on GPA or other

educational achievements, including, but not limited to, the National Honor Society, Phi

Beta Kappa, Dean’s List, President’s Award, and Tri-Beta.

“Assistant Director” shall mean the Assistant Director of the Southern Ute Tribal

Education Department.

“Academic Dishonesty” shall mean a student’s failure to follow the rules of conduct as

defined by the policies and rules of the institution of higher education they are

attending.

“Academic Year” shall mean the institution of higher education’s definition of academic

year which includes the fall, winter, spring and summer terms.

“Accredited” shall mean approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) www.chea.org.

“Commuting” shall mean a commuting distance of no more than one hundred (100) miles

round trip from a student’s primary residence to the institution of higher education.

“Director” shall mean the Director of the Tribal Education Department.

“Excellence in Education Internship Program” shall mean the Internship Program that is

intended to improve job opportunities for eligible students by providing job experience.

“FERPA” shall mean Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Schools must have

written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information

from a student education record.

“For Profit” shall mean any educational institution that is run by private, profit-seeking

companies or organizations and that may not apply transferrable credits. Please see

appendix, number two (2), three (3) and four (4).

“Non-Profit institutions shall mean to receive funding form the government, tuition, and

endowments. That money is generally used to put back into the curriculum, instruction, and

other college operations.

“Good cause” shall mean death of an immediate family member, a medical condition

certified by a doctor that justifies withdrawal; hospitalization of the student or immediate

family member, or other situations beyond the control of the student, as determined by

the committee.

“Immediate family member” shall mean the student’s father, mother, brother, sister,

husband, wife, or child; other extended family members, including step or in-law relations,

may be considered on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the committee.

“Institution of higher education” shall mean an accredited college, university, vocational,

or technical school.

“July 1st Deadline” shall mean the date by which documents must be received by the

Department of Education, which is the close of business on the first day of July, unless

that day falls on a holiday or weekend, in which case it shall mean the close of business

on the next business day.

“Scholarship Award” shall mean any funds the Education Department pays to or on behalf

of the student, Including, but not limited to, funds for tuition, fees, books, and living

expenses.

“Scholarship financial dishonesty” shall mean accepting award money while not attending

school.

” Official Transcript” shall mean a sealed transcript that is sent directly from the

student’s institution of higher education to the Education Department.

“Scholarship Committee” shall mean the staff of the Education Department, excluding the

K-12 staff.

“PIN number” shall mean a personal identification number issued by the college,

university, or institution of higher education to access student records.

“Probation Period” shall mean the term following the term in which the student received

an unsatisfactory grade point average between a 1.1-1.9 for undergraduates; A 2.0 for

postgraduates, unless the institute of higher education requires a different GPA.

“Repayment Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the student and Education

Department for repayment of the Scholarship Award to the Education Department.

“Term” shall mean a semester, trimester, or two quarters.

“Third Party Payment Form” shall mean a form authorizing payment of tuition, fees, and

books on behalf of a student.

“Tribal member” shall mean an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

“Tribe” shall mean the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

“Unofficial Transcript” shall mean any transcript (i.e. web based or issued to the student)

other than an Official Transcript as described above.

SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION

COMPLIANCE

Students must comply with all scholarship policies, including repayment, and must

satisfy all program requirements before students will be considered for another

full-time scholarship or any services that require funding from the Education

Department, except for the internship and tutoring programs.

For all students, it is mandatory that they meet with the Southern Ute Education

Department’s Assistant Director attend one (1) of the scheduled scholarship

policy orientations prior to the July 1st application deadline.

CareerScope Aptitude Assessment

The CareerScope Aptitude Assessment helps students identify their career

interests to ensure they are seeking the right degree. All new students and

students entering their sophomore year of college are required to take the

CareerScope Assessment to better identify career interests.

NUMBER OF DEGREES ALLOWED

The Education Department will fund only one (1) degree at each level: one (1)

associate, one (1) bachelor, one (1) master, and one (1) doctorate.

SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS

All scholarship payments will be made according to the Annual Scholarship

Distribution Schedule (see pg. 23). The Director may request that payments be

held for those students requiring special consultations or for those students not in

compliance with the scholarship policies. Without demonstrated “good cause,”

as defined in these policies, payments will not be held for student pickup or

given out early.

COMMUNICATION

If the student is 18 years of age or older, the Education Department will

communicate solely with the student unless the student provides a signed Release

of Information Form to the Director, authorizing communications with another

individual.

PAYMENT OF TUITION

All tuition will be paid directly to the institution of higher education. It is the

student’s responsibility to submit tuition costs to the Education Department in a

timely manner. It is also the student’s responsibility to determine whether a ThirdParty Payment Form is required at the time of registration. If a student is dropped

from classes for any reason, re-enrollment and any fees incurred will be the

student’s financial responsibility. Students are responsible for paying for failed or

retaken courses.

TRANSFER AND CHANGING DEGREES

Students must submit a new degree plan and Degree Completion Form. If a

student transfers or changes their major throughout their program, be advised the

student may lose credits and the Education Department will not provide extra

funding to make up for lost credits.

REIMBURSEMENT

Tuition will not be reimbursed to the student. Tuition will be paid directly to the

institution for reimbursement. Part-time students will be reimbursed from the

Education Department for books and fees with proof of receipt or a direct bill from

the Institution.

SOUTHERN UTE TRIBAL EMPLOYEES AND ELECTED/APPOINTED

OFFICIALS

Only part-time scholarships will be awarded to full-time tribal employees and

current elected or appointed Tribal Officials Tribal employees must follow the

Tribe’s Personnel Policies regarding class scheduling, absences and work hours.

TRAVEL

An accepted student who needs financial assistance for orientation may request

per diem at the federal rate from the Education Department two (2) weeks in

advance.

Students admitted to an institute of higher education and must attend

orientation. The Education Department will pay for travel at the federal rate

not to exceed $1000.00 and if mileage exceeds 300 miles.

b. The Education Department will not pay for student’s moving expenses

and travel during holidays and at the end of each term, etc.

c. Full-time students: The Department does not pay for travel to and from

school for full-time students.

J. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

a. Part-time students requesting funds for International Studies will only

be provided a maximum of $2,000.

K. ONLINE EDUCATION

Students must be accepted to a regionally accredited “Not for Profit” Institution of

higher learning. Online undergraduate to graduate degrees will be funded both parttime and full-time. Full-time funding will be available for students enrolled in full-time

hours as follows: Undergraduate:

Freshman - 12 credit hours per semester;

Sophomores/Juniors - 15 credit hours per semester;

Seniors - 15 credit hours one semester and 12 credit hours one semester;

Graduate:

9 credit hours per semester.

L. CLASS AUDITING

The Education Department does not pay for students to audit classes.

PROCEDURES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR

CRITERIA

Be an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe;

Submit all documents required;

Demonstrate compliance with previous scholarship award requirements;

and

Attend a mandatory scholarship orientation meeting before the July 1st

deadline for full-time funding and one (1) month prior to school starting for

part-time funding.

PROCEDURES

In preparing applications for this scholarship, it is important that the following be

completed in order to expedite the application process:

Application

Full-time: Each applicant applying for a full-time scholarship must

submit a complete scholarship application packet to the Education

Department by July 1st of the current year. Incomplete and late

applications will not be considered, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Part-time: Each applicant applying for a part-time scholarship must

submit a complete scholarship application packet to the Education

Department 30 days before the term starts. Incomplete and late

applications will not be considered, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Education Plan

An Education Plan consists of:

a. A one (1) page letter explaining career goals, selection of accredited

institution, desired degree, and anticipated completion timeline.

Summer students must submit a one (1) page minimum letter identifying

career goals, problems, and successes encountered during the past

academic year two (2) weeks prior to the term starting.

c. The institution of higher education course catalog for the Academic Year

accepted that outlines the degree and courses needed.

Accepted Scholarship Recipients

Approved students must abide by all scholarship policies.

SCHOLARSHIP POLICIES

GENERAL (Applies to All Students)

1. For full-time students, a completed scholarship application packet must be

returned to the Education Department by July 1st of each year. NO

EXCEPTIONS.

2. For part-time students, a complete scholarship application packet must be

returned to the Education Department 30 days prior to the term starting. NO

EXCEPTIONS.

3. It is the responsibility of students to notify the Education Department in

writing of any address, phone number, email, or student pin number

changes within five (5) working days.

The students must accept their mail from the Education Department at all

times. If certified mail is returned to the Education Department, students

must come into the Education Department or contact the office for the

certified mail before the next scholarship check is issued.

Failure to comply may result in the Academic Advisor holding the next

scholarship check.

Full-time continuing students must submit the Continuing Student

Application Form by July 1st of each year. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Students must submit placement test scores (i.e.: Accuplacer test, SAT, and

ACT) from the institution of higher education the student will be attending,

or proof of a waiver of this requirement must be submitted, no later than

two (2) weeks after school has started.

Students must submit transfer requirements if transferring from one (1)

institution to another.

Students must submit proof of Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s degree

completion for continued scholarship funding or any other services that

require funding from the Education Department.

Changes in course enrollment, withdrawal from classes or transfers must

be approved by the Scholarship Committee two (2) weeks before changes

are made. If a student changes a course which affects tuition and/or fees,

the student will be responsible for any additional tuition, fees, and

associated costs, such as books and supplies. Students who fail, repeat, or

drop a course, or courses, for which the Tribe has paid separate tuition,

must make up those course credits or pay the tuition and scholarship back

before the start of the next academic year.

Simultaneous attendance at two (2) Institutions of higher education must be

approved by the Scholarship Committee. This arrangement must be

justified in terms of relevance to the student’s degree program.

10.

Students attending two (2) Institutions, G.P.A.’s will be averaged by the

Academic Advisor.

11.

The Education Department will not fund a second degree at the same level

regardless of whether the applicant has “terms” left over, from the first

degree. However, if a student obtains a double major at the same level and

can do it in the number of terms funded it will be considered by the

Scholarship Committee.

12.

For students who have already obtained an Associate Degree through fulltime funding by the Education Department, the maximum number of terms

funded will be pro-rated as follows to continue to a Bachelor Degree:

•

13.

Minus the number of terms funded for an Associate Degree

For students who have already obtained a Master Degree through full-time

funding by the Education Department, the maximum number of terms

funded will be pro-rated as follows to continue to a Doctorate Degree:

•

Minus the number of terms funded for a Master Degree.

14.

The maximum number of terms funded will be pro-rated for students

entering the scholarship program as sophomores – six (6) terms, juniors –

four (4) terms, and seniors – two (2) terms.

15.

Students wishing to obtain a certificate after they have completed a

degree must show proof that this certificate is relevant to the student’s

degree program or major and apply to the Certificate Program in which

they are enrolled.

16.

Students who have been denied a full-time scholarship may re-apply the

following year if they fulfill all necessary criteria. Students who have been

denied a part-time scholarship may re-apply 30 days prior to the term

starting.

17.

Special situations, such as students with documented learning disabilities

or medical conditions, will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee on a

case-by-case basis for scholarship funding.

18.

Transcripts must be submitted to the Education Department as follows:

An Official Transcript is required as part of the student’s

scholarship application due July 1st.

Unofficial Transcripts must be submitted to the Education

Department no later than two weeks after completion of each term,

quarter or session.

Official Transcripts must be submitted to the Education Department

before the February scholarship payment, or before the award for

summer session students.

If transcripts are not submitted as required, scholarship funding

and/or tuition will be placed on hold. Students will be responsible for

late fees incurred.

19.

A valid PIN number or valid student identification number or log-in

credentials must be provided by midterm of the first term for the Education

Department to access student grades and courses. If there are any

changes to either the student ID or the valid PIN number, the student must

report changes within five (5) working days to the Education Department.

Failing to do so will be a direct violation of the scholarship policies and

scholarship payment will be put on hold.

20.

Any student found to have engaged in academic or financial dishonesty will

be immediately terminated from the scholarship program, and the

student will not be readmitted into the scholarship program for five (5)

years.

21.

Students must notify the Education Department within five (5) working days

of their withdrawal from any Institution of Higher Education. Students must

submit proper documentation verifying the cause for withdrawal, which will

be considered by the Scholarship Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Failure to notify the Education Department of withdrawal and continuing to

accept scholarship funding is considered financial dishonesty.

22.

Routinely, the Assistant Director will check on the education status for

scholarship recipients. If academic dishonesty is confirmed, the Academic

Advisor can stop future scholarship payments for the term, session, or

quarter.

23.

Students who fail to complete a term without good cause must repay all

scholarship awards received for that term, plus tuition.

24.

Emergency waivers include, but are not limited to, immediate

medical/health or other deemed emergencies that prevent students from

successfully completing the term. Emergency waivers will be reviewed on

a case-by-case basis. Students must submit valid documentation to be

considered for this waiver.

Note: scholarship awards will be subject to the Tribe’s Debt

Collection Policy.

25.

In the repayment plan, students agree to abide by all Education Department

Scholarship Policies. A repayment plan, must be approved by the

Scholarship Committee, which can take one of two forms:

a. Pay the Tribe in full the total amount of the scholarship award, including

tuition. A student may arrange with the Education Department and

Finance to make monthly payments for a maximum of five (5) years,

provided she/he has not pursued the option of making up credits, in

which case the period of time for repayment will be reduced

b. Make up the number of credits funded by the Tribe for the term in which

the student failed to meet the scholarship policies and show proof of a

cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate programs and a cumulative

GPA of 3.0 for master/doctorate programs. This must be accomplished

without Education Department funding within three (3) consecutive

terms immediately following the probationary term or withdrawal.

26.

Students upon graduating must provide the Education Department an

official transcript to show proof of degree and grades.

27.

Students must follow rules of conduct as defined by the policies and rules

of the institution of higher education they are attending.

UNDERGRADUATE

In addition to the general Scholarship Policies described in Section A, which

apply to all students, undergraduate students seeking a scholarship award

must abide by the following policies. Scholarships will not be awarded to

students who fail to meet the requirements stated in these guidelines.

Scholarship awards for all undergraduate students will equal $15,000 per

term, plus tuition.

Undergraduate scholarship awards will also be limited according to the

type of degree sought by the student, as follows:

a. Associate Degree: no more than six (6) terms of funding.

b. Bachelor Degree: no more than ten (10) terms of funding.

•

Minus the number of terms funded for an Associate Degree

All students must attend visitation meetings set up by the Education

Department.

Freshman:

1. The student must be enrolled in 12 credit hours with a total of 24 credit hours

to be taken in the freshman academic year. A student must complete 24 credit

hours to continue funding for the next year.

2. Students testing out of remedial courses (060 through 099) must show proof.

3. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better must be achieved in the freshman academic

year. If the student does not meet this requirement, the student will be placed

on scholarship probation for the following term. After the probationary period, if

the student does not meet the requirements, he/she must repay the entire

scholarship award, plus tuition, or fund on their own the number of credits that

were funded through a tribal scholarship, while maintaining a cumulative 2.0

GPA. A student may re-apply for scholarship funding once the repayment

requirements have been met.

4. Students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 1.0 will not be eligible for

scholarship probation and will be denied additional scholarship funding until

they have raised their cumulative GPA to 2.0.

Sophomore:

Sophomore students must declare a major by the end of the sophomore

Academic Year.

The student must be enrolled in 15 credit hours per term with a total of 30

credit hours to be taken in the sophomore academic year. A student must

complete 30 credit hours to continue funding for the next year.

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better must be maintained in the sophomore

academic year. If the student does not meet this requirement, the student

will be placed on scholarship probation for the following term. After the

probationary period, if the student does not meet the requirements, he/she

must repay the entire scholarship award, plus tuition, or fund on their own

the number of credits that were funded through a tribal scholarship, while

maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA. A student may re-apply for scholarship

funding once the repayment requirements have been met.

Students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 1.0 will not be eligible for

scholarship probation and will be denied additional scholarship funding until

they have raised their cumulative GPA to 2.0.

Associate Degree students must submit a copy of their petition/declaration

to graduate to the Education Department the term prior to graduation.

Junior:

The student must be enrolled in 15 credit hours per term with a total of 30

credit hours to be taken in the junior academic year. A student must

complete 30 credit hours to continue funding for the next year.

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better must be maintained in the junior

academic year. If the student does not meet this requirement, the student

will be placed on scholarship probation for the following term. After the

probationary period, if the student does not meet the requirements, he/she

must repay the entire scholarship award, plus tuition, or fund on their own

the number of credits that were funded through a tribal scholarship, while

maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA. A student may re-apply for scholarship

funding once the repayment requirements have been met.

Students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 1.0 will not be eligible for

scholarship probation and will be denied additional scholarship funding until

they have raised their cumulative GPA to 2.0.

A student must submit a copy of their petition/declaration to graduate

before the beginning of the senior academic year to the Education

Department.

Senior:

The student must be enrolled in a total of 27 credit hours for their senior

year with a minimum of 12 credit hours in one term and 15 credit hours in

the other.

a. Part-time funding is available for second term graduating seniors

enrolled in less than 12 credit hours.

b. Other students enrolled in less than 12 credits hours may receive parttime funding.

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better must be maintained in the senior

Academic Year. If the student does not meet this requirement, the student

will be placed on scholarship probation for the following term. After the

probationary period, if the student does not meet the requirements, he/she

must repay the entire scholarship award, plus tuition, or fund on their own

the number of credits that were funded through a tribal scholarship, while

maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA. A student may reapply for scholarship

funding once the repayment requirements have been met.

Students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 1.0 will not be eligible for

scholarship probation and will be denied additional scholarship funding until

they have raised their cumulative GPA to 2.0.

To access the graduation expense funds, a student must submit a written

request.

POSTGRADUATE

In addition to the general Scholarship Policies described in Section A, which apply

to all students, postgraduate students seeking a scholarship award must abide by

the following policies. Scholarships will not be awarded to students who fail to meet

the requirements stated in these guidelines.

Master/Doctorate:

1. Scholarship awards for all Master students will equal $20,000 per term, plus

tuition.

2. Scholarship awards for all Doctorate students will equal $25,000 per term,

plus tuition.

3. Full-time postgraduate scholarship awards will also be limited according to the

type of degree sought by the student, as follows:

Master: no more than six (6) terms

Doctorate: no more than ten (10) terms

•

Minus the number of terms funded for a master’s degree.

For students entering a postgraduate program, a New Student Application

Form for Graduate Students and an Official Transcript must be

submitted by July 1st of the year in which the postgraduate program

begins.

The student must be enrolled in a minimum of nine (9) credit hours per term,

with a total of 18 credit hours per academic year, in order to qualify for a

full-time scholarship award.

All online classes will receive part-time funding. Universities that offer one

(1) class at a time will also be considered part-time funding only.

All students must attend the visitation meeting set up by the Education

Department.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (if the Institution requires a higher GPA)

must be maintained in the master/doctorate program. If the student does

not meet this requirement, the student will be placed on scholarship

probation for the following term. After the probationary period, if the student

does not meet the requirements, he/she must repay the entire scholarship

award, plus tuition, or fund on their own the number of credits that were

funded through a tribal scholarship, while maintaining a cumulative GPA

of 3.0. A student may re-apply for scholarship funding once the repayment

requirements have been met.

Students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 2.5 will not be eligible for

scholarship probation and will be denied additional scholarship funding until

they have raised their cumulative GPA to 3.0.

10.

Juris Doctorate Programs will be funded as a Master level program.

Professional Degrees

1. A professional degree is a graduate degree that will help students advance in their

area of study to gain employment in a specific field.

Students seeking a professional degree must provide the following:

a. Proof of need from current or potential employer

b. Proof of completion of prior degree

c. Completed New Student Scholarship Application submitted by deadline

2. Professional degree seeking students must abide by all scholarship policies

according to the level of the degree being sought.

3. The Professional Degree Program will not supplement an uncompleted degree

4. Terms of funding

a. Six (6) terms of full-time funding (minimum of 9 credit hours required)

b. Part-time funding is also available (pg. 20)

SUMMER TERMS

In addition to the general Scholarship Policies described in Section A, which apply

to all students, students seeking a scholarship award for summer courses must

abide by the following policies. Scholarships will not be awarded to students who

fail to meet the requirements stated in these guidelines.

Written requests for summer school scholarships and proof of enrollment in

summer courses must be submitted to the Academic Advisor no later than

two (2) weeks before the summer session begins.

Summer session scholarships are to accelerate a student’s program, not to

make up credits or repeat classes for failed or dropped classes from the

current school year. Summer session classes must be relevant to the

student’s degree program.

Scholarships may be given for summer school if students have completed

24 credits as a freshman and 30 credits as a sophomore, junior, or senior

per Academic Year before summer school with a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Master and Doctorate candidates must have completed a minimum of 18

credits for the academic year and have maintained a cumulative GPA of

3.0 or if the Institution requires a higher GPA.

Official Transcripts must be submitted from the previous term within two

(2) weeks of that term.

Full-time summer session scholarship awards will only be given to full-time

summer session students, as defined by the institution of higher

education. Part-time summer session scholarship awards are also

available.

Summer session scholarships are not available to students participating in

the Excellence in Education Internship Program.

Summer session scholarship awards will be prorated and checks for the

next month will be mailed on the 20th of the preceding month.

Summer session scholarships will be included in the calculation of terms

funded by the Education Department as half of one (1) full term.

PART-TIME & LIMITED SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

In addition to the general Scholarship Policies described in Section A, which apply

to all students, students seeking a part time scholarship award must abide by the

following policies.

Part-time scholarship awards shall include only tuition, books, fees, and a

distance of no more than 100 miles round trip at the federal rate for local

commuting to attend an Institution of Higher Education.

•

A course schedule including days and times of classes must

be submitted for mileage reimbursement.

Part-time scholarship awards are for students that have:

a. Missed the July 1st deadline.

b. Online undergraduate and graduate degrees that are “Not for Profit”.

c. Students enrolled in part-time credit hours.

Applicants are required to submit applications 30 days prior to school

starting. This process requires adequate thought and planning on the part

of the student.

Part-time scholarship awards are available for up to 15 credit hours for

undergraduate programs and up to nine (9) credit hours for graduate

programs to allow students to complete the degree programs after the fulltime funding has been exhausted.

EXPENSES

The following expenses will be considered for payment:

Graduation Expenses: gown rental and invitations

Associate Degree

Baccalaureate

Master

Doctorate

$300.00

$350.00

$400.00

$450.00

The student must submit a written request for such expenses before graduation

together with proof of graduation eligibility.

Computer Purchases

The Education Department will help full-time students seeking computer science, engineering

and similar degrees with a computer purchase. Students are required to show proof that the

Institute of higher learning requires a computer for the degree. The maximum one-time award

is $2,500.00. All other computer requests will be referred to Education’s computer purchase

program.

3.Tutoring Services

A student may receive funding assistance for tutoring up to $40.00 an hour if a

course grade is a C or below no later than midterm. All other requests will be

reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. The student must submit a written

request for tutoring assistance and fill out the tutoring form available from the

Education Department.

4. Exams

a. A student must submit a written request for funding and a repayment

agreement to enroll in preparatory classes for exams related to his/her

education, including, but not limited to, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE),

Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or a state bar exam.

b. The Tribe will pay 100% of the exam and preparatory course-related

fees, registration, tuition and books. Funding shall be available for one (1)

preparatory course for each type of exam for each student.

c. Any student receiving funding under this provision shall be required to

regularly attend the preparatory class and take the exam when indicated.

1) The Education Department will not pay for exam retakes.

2) If student does not finish or pass exam, the repayment agreement

will be applied.

d. Students must submit proof of exam results to the Education

Department.

5. Awards

a. Once during the current Academic Year, students with academic

achievements will receive monetary awards at the Education Banquet as

follows:

Undergraduate:

$300.00

Master:

$400.00

Doctorate:

$500.00

b. The students must present proof of receiving the academic award.

APPEALS

Right of Appeal

Any student who disagrees with the decision of the Assistant Directorregarding the

application of the scholarship program policies by the Education Department

and wishes to appeal the Academic Advisor’s decision must submit a written

letter of appeal to the Director.

Letter of Appeal

a. Local Commuting Students

i. Students who live in the local commuting area have seven

working days to submit a written letter of appeal to the scholarship

committee.

b. Non-Local Commuting Students

i. Students who are not a non-local commuting student have

fourteen calendar days to submit a written letter of appeal to the

scholarship committee.

Meeting with Director

a. For students who live in the local commuting area, the Director shall

meet with the student and the scholarship committee within five (5)

working days to discuss the issue.

b. For students who are not local commuting students, the Director shall

meet with the student and the scholarship committee within ten (10)

working days.

Scholarship Committee Decision

a. The Scholarship Committee has 14 working days to make a decision

regarding the appeal.

b. The Director will provide a letter to the student regarding the decision of

the Scholarship Committee.

c. Any student who disagrees with the Scholarship Committee’s decision

may then submit a written request for a hearing in front of the

Scholarship Policies Board of Appeals (Board of Appeals) to the

Executive Officer of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe within seven (7)

calendar days (if the student is in the local commuting area) or fourteen

calendar days (if the student is a non-local commuting student) of the

Scholarship Committee’s decision.

d. Failure to submit a written request within the applicable time period shall

result in termination of the appeal process.

Content of Letter of Appeal

The letter of appeal must state the decision with which the student disagrees and

the student’s position. The student must also submit any documentation that

supports the student’s position with the letter of appeal.

Composition of the Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals shall consist of:

A former graduate level scholarship student who was subject to the

Tribe’s scholarship policies after 1999, met the requirements of the

scholarship while receiving a scholarship, and maintained a 3.5 GPA

or, alternatively, the Director of the Education Department for the

Southern Ute Indian Tribe, or his/her designee.

The Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort Career Development

Program (CDP), or his/her designee; and

A former undergraduate level scholarship student who was subject

to the Tribe’s scholarship policies after 1999, met the requirements

of the scholarship policies while receiving a scholarship, and

maintained a 3.0 GPA.

The Director shall compile a list of former undergraduate students who would be

eligible to serve on the Board of Appeals under subsection c. The former graduate

level student or the Director of Private Education or his/her designee and the

Manager of the Casino CDP shall jointly select a former student from the list to

serve on the Board of Appeals for each hearing. No person shall be allowed to

serve on the Board of Appeals if the appeal presents a conflict of interest involving

an immediate family member. Prior to commencing a hearing, the three (3)

members of the Board of Appeals shall select one (1) member to chair the hearing.

Hearing

The Scholarship Policies Board of Appeals shall hold a hearing regarding the

written letter of appeal within 15 days of receipt of the letter by the Executive

Officer. The Executive Officer shall notify the appealing student of the hearing and

the student’s right to appear at the hearing, either in-person or by telephone, to

support the letter of appeal. The Executive Officer shall also notify the Education

Department of the hearing and a representative of the Department may be present

to defend the Department’s interpretation and administration of the Scholarship

Policies.

Hearing Procedures

The appealing student shall be given a fair hearing with rights of due process;

however, strict rules of evidence and procedure do not apply. The Education

Department will first present its case, including documents and testimony. The

appealing student will then be allowed to present his/her case, including

documents and testimony. The members of the Board of Appeals may ask

questions of both the Department representative and the appealing student. The

hearing shall be closed to the public and all information shall remain confidential.

10.

Decision

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Appeals shall meet in private to

review the evidence and make a decision, by majority vote, to accept, reject, or

modify the decision of the Director. The Board of Appeals’ decision cannot include

a recommendation or directive that is inconsistent with any of the Scholarship

Policies. The Scholarship Policies Board of Appeals shall provide the Director and

the appealing student with a written decision within seven (7) days. The decision

of the Scholarship Policies Board of Appeals is final and there will be no right to a

review of the decision in Tribal Court or Tribal Council.

Annual Scholarship Distribution Schedule

Scholarship awards are for fees, books, living expenses, continuing classes,

workshops or training to enhance the degree. Students must be in compliance with

the scholarship policies in order to receive continued funding.

PAYMENT METHOD

1. DIRECT DEPOSIT

For those students who have elected to have funds directly deposited, those

amounts will be deposited on the first of the month for which the funds are

intended. This distribution schedule is based on an academic year beginning in the

month of August.

2. CHECKS

If a particular Institution of higher education has a start date other than in August, a

student attending that institution may submit a written request to the Academic

Advisor to amend this distribution schedule. The Academic Advisor may also

amend the distribution schedule to correspond with the varying schedules of other

institutions of higher education.

Checks are mailed on the 20th for those students who have not elected funds to be

direct deposited. Therefore, the Education Department is not responsible for when a

check is delivered by the postal service.

All checks are mailed.

UNDERGRADUATE

First Term:

The August payment of $5,000.00 will be mailed on the 20th of July. The

September through December payments in the amount of $2,500.00 per month

will be mailed on the 20th of each month, August through November.

Second Term:

The January payment of $5000.00 will be mailed on the 20th of December upon

receipt of unofficial transcript. Prior to the February through May payments in the

amount of $2,500.00 per month will be mailed on the 20th of each month upon

receipt of an official transcript, January through April.

MASTER

First Term:

The August payment of $5,000.00 will be mailed the 20th of July. The second

payment of $15,000.00 will be mailed the 20th of August.

Second Term:

The January payment of $5,000.00 will be mailed on the 20th of December upon

receipt of an unofficial transcript. The second payment of $15,000.00 will be

mailed the 20th of January, upon receipt of an official transcript.

DOCTORATE.

First Term:

The August payment of $5,000.00 will be mailed the 20th of July. The second

payment of $20,000.00 will be mailed the 20th of August.

Second Term:

The January payment of $5,000.00 will be mailed on the 20th of December upon

receipt of an unofficial transcript. The second payment of $20,000.00 will be mailed

the 20th of January, upon receipt of an official transcript.

New Student

Application Pg. 1

NEW STUDENT APPLICATION FORM

Deadline: July 1st

Scholarship Application for Non-Profit Institutions Application Form

Only COMPLETED applications will be considered

For all students, it is mandatory that they meet with the Southern Ute Academic Advisor

or attend scholarship policy orientation.

Undergraduate (Associate/Bachelor)

Graduate (Master/Doctorate)

Full-time

Part-time

STUDENT INFORMATION

Name:

Census #:

SS#:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Phone #:

_ Cell Phone #

INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION

MANDATORY TO COMPLETE

Accredited Institutional Information

Name

Address

Phone

Web site

Student’s Institutional Information

Student ID#:

PIN #:

Assigned Advisor/phone

Assigned campus e-mail (if applicable)

Degree Information

Declared Major_

Declared Minor

Option within Major (if applicable)

All students must provide the following information with this Application:

APPLICATION CHECK LIST

New Student

Application Pg. 2

Acceptance letter from the accredited institution of higher education you plan to attend

One-page letter explaining: 1) career goals, 2) selection of accredited institution, 3) desired

degree; and 4) and how long to complete

List of courses you plan to enroll in during the first term (academic year)

Signed Repayment Agreement in case of default (notarized)

Signed Privacy Act Form and Release (notarized)

Catalog from the accredited institution of higher education you plan to attend

Signed copy of FERPA agreement (available at Institution)

Other scholarships, grants, loans, and awards applied for (tuition, fees, and books)

Meet with advisor or attend scholarship policy orientation

Undergraduate applicants only

High School official transcript or GED certificate

Completed CareerScope Interest and Aptitude Assessment

Placement Test Scores or Proof of Waiver regarding college reading/writing/math

Two (2) letters of recommendation (excluding family, friends and Department of Higher Education staff)

Graduate Only

_ Undergraduate Official transcript

_ Three (3) letters of recommendation (excluding family, friends and Department of Higher Education

staff

Date:

Signature of Southern Ute Higher Education Employee

Date:

Signature of Applicant

For Office Use Only

Scholarship Award Recipient:

Unanimous

Approved 1.

Approved

(

Education Director Signature

Denied

Incomplete

) For (

)Opposed ( )Abstain

Date

Continuing Student

Application Pg. 1

CONTINUING STUDENT APPLICATION FORM

Deadline: July 1st

Scholarship Application for Non-Profit Institutions Application Form

Only COMPLETED applications will be considered

For all students, it is mandatory that they meet with the Southern Ute Academic Advisor

or attend the scholarship policy orientation.

Undergraduate (Associate/Bachelor)

Graduate (Master’s/Doctorate)

Full-time

_ Part-time

STUDENT INFORMATION

Name:

Census #:

SS#:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Phone #:

_ Cell Phone #

INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION

MANDATORY TO COMPLETE

Accredited Institution Information

Name

Address

Phone

Web site

Student’s Institutional Information

Student ID#:

PIN #:

Assigned Advisor/phone

Assigned campus e-mail (if applicable)

Declared Major_

Degree Seeking Information

Declared Minor

Option within Major (ifapplicable)

All students must attach the following information to this

Application:

Continuing Student

Application Pg. 2

APPLICATION CHECK LIST

One (1) page letter requesting continuation of scholarship, and to: 1) identify career goals,

and 2) successes and problems encountered during the past academic year

List of courses you plan to enroll in during the first term and second term (academicyear)

List of courses (general, major, and minor) to complete degree

Signed Repayment Agreement in case of default (notarized)

Signed Privacy Act Form and Release (notarized)

Current official transcript

Signed copy of FERPA agreement (available at Institution)

Complete the CareerScope Aptitude Assessment if entering sophomore year

Degree completion form filled out by registrar

Petition to graduate, if applicable

Other scholarships, grants, loans, and awards applied for (tuition, fees, and books)

Transfer students additional requirements

Acceptance letter from the accredited institution of higher education to which you are

transferring

One (1) page letter explaining the reason for the transfer

Proof of student’s request for official transcripts to be sent by former institution of higher

education attended to new institution of higher education to which the student is transferring,

or a letter from the institution stating they will not accept past transcripts

New Privacy Act Form and Release for the new institution of higher education

Date:

Signature of Southern Ute Higher Education Employee

Date:

Signature of Applicant

For Office Use Only

Scholarship Award Recipient:

Unanimous

Approved 1.

Approved

(

Education Director Signature

Denied

Incomplete

) For (

)Opposed ( )Abstain

Date

REPAYMENT AGREEMENT

IN ACCEPTING THIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FOR ACADEMIC YEAR(s)

I have read and agree to abide by all the Education Department Scholarship Policies. If I do

not, I will repay the total amount of scholarship award, including tuition.

I agree to contact the Southern Ute Department of Education to make arrangements for

repayment 30 days after the last term I was awarded a scholarship. If I fail to make arrangements

for repayment or fail to make payment or make up the number of credits as agreed, I understand

the Education Department may, under the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Code, withhold a portion of

my per capita, dividend and/or pension payments until repayment is satisfied.

A repayment plan in writing must be approved by the Scholarship Committee and can take one

of three forms:

Pay the Tribe in full the total amount of the scholarship award including tuition. A

student may arrange to make monthly payments for a maximum of five (5) years,

provided she/he has not pursued the option of making up credits, in which case

the period of time for repayment will be reduced.

Make up the number of credits funded by the Tribe for the term in which the student

failed to meet the scholarship policies, and show proof of the required cumulative

GPA. This must be accomplished without the Education Department’s funding

within three (3) consecutive terms immediately following the probationary term

or withdrawal.

Pay the Tribe the total amount of the scholarship award received for any exams. A

student may arrange to make monthly payments for a maximum of five (5) years.

have received and read a copy of the

Scholarship Policies and agree to abide by them.

Signature

Date

Note: Please have this page notarized by a notary public.

State of

County of

)

) ss:

)

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this

My commission expires

day of

Notary Public

, 20

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

(Academic Year(s)

)

CONSENT FOR GRANTING ACCESS OR TO RELEASE RECORDS TO THIRD PARTY

I hereby authorize

Name of Institution

Address

Phone

E-mail of Academic Advisor

E-mail of records office

To grant access and/or release my academic grades and all materials relating to me contained in the

files of said institution to:

To Education Department

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

PO Box 737

Ignacio, Colorado 81137

E-mail: ltaylor@southernute-nsn.gov

Name of Student

Date

Signature of Student

NOTE: Please have this page notarized by a notary public.

State of

County of

)

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this

My commission expires

day of

Notary Public

, 20

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP BUDGET

CASH FLOW WORKSHEET

FOR STUDENT USE ONLY

MONTHLY EXPENSES

Insurance

Life

Auto

Health/dental

Homeowner/renter’s

Entertainment/Recreation

Dining

Movies/theatre

Household

Mortgage/rent

Utilities: Gas/electric

Water/Sewer

Trash

Phone:Home/cell

Cable

Groceries

Home furnishings

Household supplies

Health club

Vacation/travel

Other

Debt

Credit card

Loan

Other

Miscellaneous Expenses

Education: Books/supplies

Student fees, etc.

Medical

Doctor/ Dentist

Medicine/prescription Other

Clothing

Purchases

Cleaning, laundry, etc

Automobile

Monthly payments

Fuel

repairs

School lunches

Bus pass/parking

Child care

Alimony/child support

Gifts

Membership/dues

Oil changes,

Tires

Total Monthly Expenses

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP BUDGET

CASH FLOW WORKSHEET

FOR STUDENT USE ONLY

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Salary

Income from:

Scholarship award

Tribal Per Capita

Tribal dividend

(October dividend divided by 12 months)

Self-employment

Part-time employment

Alimony/child support

Tax refund

Other Income

Available Monthly funds (savings)

Total Monthly Income

Total Monthly $

ExpensesAvailable Funds = $

Notes:

Total Monthly Income

APPENDIX

Student College Checklist

STUDENT COLLEGE CHECK LIST

FOR STUDENT USE ONLY

_____ Kuder Career Assessment required by the SUT Scholarship Program

_____ Get connected to the college of your choice

_____ Complete College Admissions Application and pay enrollment deposit

_____ Receive Undergraduate Acceptance Letter

_____ Complete Institution’s Placement/Skills Assessment (i.e. Acuplacer)

_____ Register for classes

_____ Submit completed SUIT Education Scholarship application by July1st with all

required documents.

_____ Tuition & Fee Information

_____ Housing Application & Meal Plan

_____ Complete medical history & Immunization form

_____ Health Insurance Information

_____ Attend new student orientation

_____ Purchase textbooks

_____ Campus parking permit information

_____ Cable /Telephone service for your dorm room

APPENDIX

2011 Policy Revision Memo to

Executive Officer

Education

Department

Memo

To:

Andrew Frost – Executive Officer and Tribal Council

From:

La Titia Taylor, Director

CC:

scholarship file

Date:

6/17/14

Re:

Scholarship revisions for Adult Education, Certificates and degrees

The Education Department is requesting a working session with Tribal Council for one of the

following dates: May 23rd – anytime, May 25th 1-5pm, May 26th – anytime or June 3rd 1-5pm.

Attached for approval are copies of current policies and red line policies for three Education

programs: Adult Education, Certificates and Degrees.

Adult Education

1. The Adult Education policies have minor revisions which are added to be in-line

with our other policies.

Certificate

1. The Department is requesting to separate the Certificate Policies from the degree

policies so that tribal members do not mix the degree information with certificate.

2. In addition, the certificate programs are year around and have no deadline.

3. We also request that the total amount of tuition be reduced to 20,000 from 25,000.

Over the past 3 years either the tuition or scholarship account has been over. We

have absorbed the cost by not over expending in other accounts.

4. The Department is requesting to add a policy to fund at the part time level for

recertification’s and licensures.

Degrees

1. We are recommending that the tribe no longer fund “For Profit Institutes”.

a. We have researched this issue and find that these institutes are usually online

and cost 3X the amount than a “Not For Profit Institute”.

b. Most colleges will not transfer credits from the for profit institute. An article

we read stated that a single mother went to a for profit institute and received

an associates degree and paid 30,000. She wanted to transfer to a not for

profit college to obtain the bachelors degree and the credits would not

transfer. She would have had to stay at the current school and pay the

expensive tuition to complete the bachelors degree. She couldn’t afford it.

c. Business will hire an individual with a degree from a not for profit school

before the hire from a for profit school.

d. The Federal Government is concerned with the amount of education money

they are awarding to students that attend for profit institutes. For example: if

a student goes to University of Colorado (CU) and applies for a Pell grant or

student loan for tuition for 1 term; for the same term at a for profit institute

the government is giving the student 3X the amount. Essentially 3 students

from CU as opposed to 1 student at a for profit school like the University of

Phoenix (UOP) could be funded. Last year the UOP received 4.3 Billion

dollars of income from federal student aid, nearly 8X as much as the largest

nonprofit recipient which was Penn State.

e. We have several students that have experienced at Apollo College receiving

loans that they had no idea they received. The student didn’t want the loan

but somehow they were billed and forced to take the loan. Our staff called

Apollo on behalf of the student. We were transferred 5 to 7 times to try and

talk to the right person. When we finally got a person we asked them to

produce documentation to show where the student signed for the loan. We

were then told, “You are a third party entity, and we will not talk to you”.

We then recommend to the student to get a lawyer.

f. We experience that they change tuition costs and give the student one cost

and the department another.

g. They make it difficult for students to be enrolled in 15+ credits/term which

conflicts with our policies.

h. They have a high turnover in employees so every year we have to try and

establish a relationship with a new employee.

i. All other institutes have academic advisors that we speak to. For profit

institutes have financial advisors.

j. As the Director, I posed as a potential student and I was going to be admitted

as long as I had a good credit score and some form of financial account they

could access. In addition, their recruiting practices are deceptive and mislead

students. They prey on students that are eligible for Title V (eligible for

financial aid, low income and minorities). In December 2009 UOP was fined

78.5 million dollars for illegally paying recruiters for the number of students

they enrolled.

k. Students are not being taught to multi task. For example at a not for profit

institute a full time student will take 4-6 courses a week for 5 months. They

are learning to think a variety of ways and have to manage numerous courses

at once. A for profit school will normally give 1-2 classes every 5 weeks.

With this type of schedule and the courses being online the student has a lot

of down time. This type of system also conflicts with our scholarship

distribution schedule. Policies require grades before the next term of

payments can be made. Credits overlap terms and students are upset when

we hold a scholarship payment until proof of all credits are submitted with a

transcript.

l. It is difficult for the Department and student to obtain an official transcript

because there is always a hold on the students financial account because they

forget we have a letter of credit or do not communicate with us.

m. The policies state that we don’t pay for retakes or failed courses. When this

happens to a student attending a for profit college they have to pay over

1,000.00 for the retake as opposed to not for profit colleges where the same

course is roughly 300.00. In addition their system pushes the students

graduation date back up to 5 weeks for each failed course.

n. We spoke to the Northern Ute Tribe and they will not fund for profit

institutes because of the costs and lack of quality.

2. The Department is requesting to change the juris doctorate program to be funded at

the masters level instead of the doctorate level. Through research and investigation

we have found that this degree is the first professional graduate degree in law.

Unlike other doctorate programs the juris doctorate does not require a dissertation.

3. The Department is requesting to change the policy and provide part time

scholarships to online degrees. A person has the time to go to work while taking

online courses. Many fulltime employees who have not completed college choose

online schools so that they can continue to work.

4. The Department is requesting to change the policy to allow only one associates, and

bachelors degrees. Tribal members want to continue to stay on the same level of

degree instead of increasing their level of education. Tribal members who have

utilized this option are not attempting to find employment. Plus it is saving the tribe

money.

5. The Department is requesting to change the policy for fulltime employees to receive

part time funding only.

The Department has worked with Monte Mills on the revisions. He has recommended that it is

ready for Tribal Council’s review. We are requesting Tribal Council to approve the revisions so

that we may get the information out to the tribal membership before the July 1st deadline. If

approved we will provide a list of for profit institutes to the membership to help them find an

appropriate institute and we will provide an article in the DRUM about the changes.

APPENDIX

Southern Ute Drum Article: An

update on programs, relationships

and for-profit policy. 11 Jan. 2013.

APPENDIX

Health, Education, Labor, and

Pensions Senate Committee

Findings: For Profit Higher

Education: The Failure to

Safeguard the Federal Investment

and Ensure Student Success. 30

Jul. 2012

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.