Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Awards support programs in the Diversity Services Office (DSO) of the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences (ASC), which serve Ohio State's undergraduate minority and under-represented student population in the three Colleges of the Arts and Sciences and their interdisciplinary programs. The awards are part of the ASC recruitment, retention, and recognition program for undergraduate students.
Consistent with the university's mission, the Rising Star Awards, funded from the Office of the Executive Dean Innovation Fund (311016), shall be used to support educational diversity at the university. The fund shall be used to provide ten undergraduate awards to be given to students at the end of their first year of enrollment in furtherance of the university's diversity agenda with particular attention to, but not limited to, students from underrepresented groups who participate actively with DSO or PASS programs.
WHAT: Ten undergraduate awards of $500: Selected students will receive a $500 award (in support of the ASC retention and recognition efforts). The awards will be one-time awards with new students selected each year.
WHO: DSO students: Students served by DSO include those who have declared majors in one of the three Colleges of the Arts and Sciences or an ASC interdisciplinary program. Rising Star Awards are funded by the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences and should be appropriately reserved for students in these programs.
HOW: Awards will be disbursed in the following manner (the selection committee reserves the right to make exceptions if there are no applicants from a specific college):
- 4 Arts and Humanities/ASC interdisciplinary
- 4 Biological Sciences and Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- 2 Social and Behavioral Sciences
Necessary criteria for eligibility:
- GPA 3.0 and above
Other criteria that will be considered at the committee's discretion:
- Outstanding participation in DSO or PASS events
- Active involvement in other campus organizations
- Demonstration of initiative as evidenced by internships, leadership in campus organizations, steps towards research or study abroad, interest in PASS Peer Leadership, and/or any additional input from peer leaders about students who have demonstrated superior leadership skills.
- Active participation in community service
Application process:
- Students will self-nominate using an application form (see below for application)
- Proof of campus participation from organization leaders
- Recommendation letter from peer leader
- Recommendation letter from academic advisor
- All other necessary documentation
Selection Committee:
Award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee created up by the director of the Diversity Services Office in the College of the Arts and Sciences. The university may modify any selection criteria should the criteria be found, in whole or in part, to be contrary to federal or state law or university policy.
- Director, Diversity Services Office
- Assistant Director, Diversity Services Office
- Program Coordinator, PASS
- Three ASC academic advisors
