BANNEKER/KEY SCHOLARS
Banneker/Key Scholars Team at the Help the Homeless Walkathon on the DC Mall.
Information for Banneker/Key Scholars (Fall 2009)
Overview
Special Events & Activities
On-Campus Housing and Dining
Book Allowance
Mobility Initiative (iPod Touch & iPhone)
Summer 2009 Freshman Orientation
Internship, Cooperative Education, and Study Abroad Programs
Academic Requirements
Rules for Accepting Multiple Scholarships
Preparing for National Awards and Scholarships
More Information about Financial Matters
FAQ's
Still Have Questions? Contact us.
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 a partial tuition scholarship each 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 2009 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. Banneker/Key Scholars will gather for events and service projects throughout the year.
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 2009 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 off-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 2008-09. 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 at the beginning of the term, then a check for the credit amount will be mailed to the student's home address. This allows students to purchase books from any vendor or use the book allowance for other educational expenses.
Mobility Initiative
Banneker/Key Scholars will be contacted via e-mail in the summer with detailed information about the mobility initiative and how to order their own iPhone/iTouch.
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. Please email bannekerkey@umd.edu with questions.
Rules for Accepting 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 2008-2009, full Banneker/Key Scholars were able to accept up to $3024 in outside scholarship money. If you are awarded outside scholarships in excess of $3024, please let us know so that we can advise you based on your individual circumstances. Partial Banneker/Key Scholars are able to accept all outside scholarships up to the University of Maryland's Cost of Attendance.
Preparing for National Awards and Scholarships
Want to travel or study after you graduate? Want to win a nationally/internationally prestigious award to attend graduate school after you graduate from Maryland? Banneker/Key Scholars are very competitive candidates for national awards and scholarships. However, successful applications for awards such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Goldwater and others require early preparation and planning, even beginning in the freshman year. Visit the National Scholarships website (www.scholarships.umd.edu). Make time during your first year on campus to meet your National Scholarships Office advisor and learn about opportunities that will be a good match for your interests.
For More Information about Financial Matters
For more information about the award and benefits of the Banneker/Key Scholarship, please go to the Office of Student Financial Aid website for Banneker/Key Scholars.
FAQs
http://www.financialaid.umd.edu/Scholarships/bannekerfaqs.html
Still Have Questions? Contact Us.
Please feel free to be in touch!
Phone: 301-405-6771 (University Honors Main Office)
Email: bannekerkey@umd.edu
