# Southern Ute Indian Tribe (2024) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asouthern_ute%3A044c68d9afd1b73d ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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 0 Table of Contents 1. Welcome .................................................................................. 3 2. Definitions ................................................................................ 4 3. Significant Information .............................................................. 6 4. Procedures and Criteria for Eligibility ........................................ 8 5. Scholarship Policies ................................................................. 9 A. General ........................................................................... 9 B. Undergraduate .............................................................. 13 C. Postgraduate................................................................. 15 D. Summer Terms ............................................................. 17 E. Part-Time & Limited Scholarship Awards ...................... 17 F. Expenses ...................................................................... 18 G. Awards .......................................................................... 19 6. Appeals .................................................................................. 20 7. Annual Scholarship Distribution Schedule .............................. 23 8. New Student Application Form ............................................... 25 9. Continuing Student Application Form ..................................... 27 10. Repayment Agreement .......................................................... 30 11. Privacy Act Form and Release ............................................... 30 12. Student Scholarship Budget .................................................. 31 1 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. 2 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 3 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. 4 “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. 5 SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION A. 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. B. 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. C. 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. D. 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. E. 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 6 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. F. 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. G. 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. H. 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. I. 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. a. 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. 7 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 A. B. CRITERIA 1. Be an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe; 2. Submit all documents required; 3. Demonstrate compliance with previous scholarship award requirements; and 4. 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: 1. Application a. 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. 8 b. c. 2. 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. b. 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. 3. Accepted Scholarship Recipients Approved students must abide by all scholarship policies. A. 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. 9 4. Full-time continuing students must submit the Continuing Student Application Form by July 1st of each year. NO EXCEPTIONS. 5. 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. 6. Students must submit transfer requirements if transferring from one (1) institution to another. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10 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: a. An Official Transcript is required as part of the student’s scholarship application due July 1st. b. Unofficial Transcripts must be submitted to the Education Department no later than two weeks after completion of each term, quarter or session. c. Official Transcripts must be submitted to the Education Department before the February scholarship payment, or before the award for summer session students. d. 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 11 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. 12 27. B. 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. 1. Scholarship awards for all undergraduate students will equal $15,000 per term, plus tuition. 2. 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. • 3. 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. 13 Sophomore: 1. Sophomore students must declare a major by the end of the sophomore Academic Year. 2. 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. 3. 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. 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. 5. Associate Degree students must submit a copy of their petition/declaration to graduate to the Education Department the term prior to graduation. Junior: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 14 4. 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: 1. 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. C. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 15 3. Full-time postgraduate scholarship awards will also be limited according to the type of degree sought by the student, as follows: a. Master: no more than six (6) terms b. Doctorate: no more than ten (10) terms • Minus the number of terms funded for a master’s degree. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. All students must attend the visitation meeting set up by the Education Department. 8. 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. 9. 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 16 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) D. 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. 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Official Transcripts must be submitted from the previous term within two (2) weeks of that term. 5. 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. 6. Summer session scholarships are not available to students participating in the Excellence in Education Internship Program. 7. Summer session scholarship awards will be prorated and checks for the next month will be mailed on the 20th of the preceding month. 17 8. E. 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. 1. 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. • 2. 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. F. 3. 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. 4. 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: 1. 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. 2. Computer Purchases The Education Department will help full-time students seeking computer science, engineering 18 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. 19 APPEALS 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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 21 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. 6. 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. 7. Composition of the Board of Appeals The Board of Appeals shall consist of: a. 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. b. The Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort Career Development Program (CDP), or his/her designee; and c. 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. 22 8. 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. 9. 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. 23 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. A. 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. B. UNDERGRADUATE 1. 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. 2. 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. 24 C. MASTER 1. 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. 2. 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. D. DOCTORATE. 1. 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. 2. 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. 25 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) Log in credentials Degree Information Declared Major_ Declared Minor Option within Major (if applicable) All students must provide the following information with this Application: 32 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 33 Scholarship Award Recipient: Unanimous Approved 1. Approved 2. ( Education Director Signature Denied Incomplete ) For ( )Opposed ( )Abstain Date 34 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) Log in Credentials Declared Major_ Degree Seeking Information Declared Minor Option within Major (ifapplicable) All students must attach the following information to this Application: 35 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 2. ( Education Director Signature Denied Incomplete ) For ( )Opposed ( )Abstain Date 28 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: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. I 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 29 , 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 . 30 , 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 $ 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 $ 31 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP BUDGET CASH FLOW WORKSHEET FOR STUDENT USE ONLY MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME Salary 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 $ 32 APPENDIX 1 Student College Checklist 33 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 34 APPENDIX 2 2011 Policy Revision Memo to Executive Officer 35 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”. 36 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 37 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. 38 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. 39 APPENDIX 3 Southern Ute Drum Article: An update on programs, relationships and for-profit policy. 11 Jan. 2013. 40 41 APPENDIX 4 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 42 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asouthern_ute%3A044c68d9afd1b73d. Public record. Not legal advice.