BANNEKER-KEY
Information for Banneker-Key Scholars Entering in Fall 2008
Overview
Special Events & Activities
On-Campus Housing and Dining
Book Allowance
Summer 2008 Freshman Orientation
Internship, Cooperative Education, and Study Abroad Programs
Academic Requirements
Multiple Scholarships
For More Information about Financial Matters
For More Information about Banneker Key Scholars and the Honors Program
Overview
The Banneker-Key is Maryland's most prestigious scholarship. There are two levels of funding. The first level provides full tuition, residence hall room, and basic campus meal plan for four years. The second level provides $8,000 per year for four years. Both levels of the scholarship include an additional annual book allowance of $1025 per year. On campus, we make no distinction between "full" and "partial" Banneker-Key Scholars, except in the confidential records of the Offices of Admission and Office of Financial Aid.
Banneker-Key Scholars entering in fall 2008 are guaranteed access to residence hall housing on campus for all four years.
Special Events & Activities
One of the highlight events for first-year Banneker-Key Scholars is the annual President's reception. Held at the President's home, this is a great opportunity for students to meet President and Mrs. Mote, deans, faculty, some of our generous scholarship donors, and other Banneker-Key scholars.
An action-packed calendar of events throughout the year provides continuous opportunities for Honors students to develop strong ties with faculty and other students in this vibrant intellectual community. Some of the student favorites include a lecture series; a film festival; on- and off-campus theater events; open microphone nights for showcasing student music, poetry, fiction and drama talents; career-building workshops; art and photography contests; the annual whitewater raft trip; and Honors' signature ice cream socials. For more information please visit the Honors Event Calendar.
On-Campus Housing and Dining
Entering Banneker-Key Scholars are strongly encouraged to live in the Honors residence halls at the beginning of their college careers and are automatically assigned to Honors housing unless the student requests other housing. Scholars entering in fall 2008 will be guaranteed access to four years of residence hall housing on campus. For questions concerning housing and dining plans, please visit the Department of Resident Life and Department of Dining Services. The full Banneker-Key Scholarship covers the cost of residence hall housing and the cost of the basic "red" campus dining plan. If available, students may choose a more expensive housing option or meal plan and pay the difference in expense. If a student wishes to live of campus or serve as an RA on campus, the portion of the full Banneker-Key scholarship not used will be credited to the student's account and a check for the account credit will be sent to the student's permanent address at the beginning of the term.
Book Allowance
All Banneker-Key Scholars receive a book allowance each year. This amount was $1025 per year in 2007-08 and usually increases slightly each year. One-half of the book allowance is credited to the student's financial aid account at the beginning of each term. If the student has a credit in the account then a check for the credit amount will be mailed to the student at the beginning of the term.
Summer 2008 Freshman Orientation
Banneker-Key Scholars are encouraged to participate in the freshmen orientations for Honors students. These special orientations are scheduled for June 12-13, June 26-27, or July 17-18. During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to get to know each other, learn more about the Honors Program, meet with their academic advisors, and register for fall classes. The Banneker-Key Scholarship does not cover the freshman orientation fee. Normally, this fee is deducted automatically from your Banneker Key book allowance unless you request otherwise.
Internship, Cooperative Education, and Study Abroad Programs
There are many opportunities for Banneker-Key Scholars to participate in exceptional research, internships and cooperative education experiences on and off campus. These programs provide opportunities for scholars to test classroom learning in the world of work, explore career possibilities, and enhance personal and professional development prior to graduation, as well as serve the community through volunteer experiences. For further information, visit the Career Center.
Check out Maryland's vibrant Study Abroad Program. Banneker-Key students who plan to participate in cooperative education or study abroad should contact their Honors advisor, study abroad advisor, and the Office of Student Financial Aid the semester before travel begins to ensure proper allocation of the scholarship. In many cases, the Banneker-Key Scholarship can be applied toward the costs of studying abroad.
Academic Requirements
Banneker-Key Scholars must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better each semester and complete at least 24 credits each academic year. Students who anticipate that they may fall below the minimum GPA requirements for the scholarship are encouraged to see their advisor right away. Students who fall below a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 are permitted a one-time/one- semester grace period to allow them to re-qualify for their scholarship. Students who find that they need to request an exception due to extenuating circumstances can do so in writing to the Scholarship Appeal Committee, c/o Ms. Taneka Hopkins, Office of Financial Aid.
Multiple Scholarships
Banneker-Key Scholars often receive other scholarships. Full Banneker-Key Scholars who are also awarded other scholarships, such as Maryland Distinguished scholarship, will be entitled to receive their Banneker-Key Scholarship in conjunction with outside funds up to the amount of the University of Maryland's cost of attendance as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. For example, in 2007-2008, full Banneker-Key Scholars were able to accept up to $3,024 in outside scholarship money. Partial Banneker-Key Scholars are able to accept all other scholarships up to the University of Maryland's Cost of Attendance.
For More Information about Financial Matters
Questions regarding the financial aspects of the Banneker-Key scholarship, student account, and general financial inquiries should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
For More Information about the Banneker Key Scholars and Honors Program
For more information about the award and benefits of the Banneker-Key
Scholarship and about the University Honors Program, please go to www.honors.umd.edu
, call 301-405-6771, or email bannekerkey@umd.edu.
