Introduction
This paper sets out the selection and administrative process for the award and disbursement of the Dangoor scholarships from 2010 onwards.
Eligibility criteria
In line with the donation potential scholars will need to satisfy at least three (and preferably all) of the following criteria. The candidate will therefore:
Essential
- Have applied via UCAS by the published application deadline for entry to a science or STEM degree programme in the Schools of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy or the Department of Geosciences.
- Be an undergraduate applicant.
- Be domiciled in the United Kingdom at the time of application, be eligible for 'home' tuition fee status and be required to pay the 'home' fees by the University
Desirable
- Be in genuine financial need.
- Attend a school that does not typically send many pupils to research-intensive Universities such as St Andrews or other 1994 Group members.
- Be in a school which has lower than average attainment in national academic examinations.
Promotion of the scholarship
Every eligible UK domiciled undergraduate applicant will receive a personalised email informing them of the Eliahou Dangoor Scholarship once they have submitted their UCAS application. From 1 December 2009 Student Recruitment & Admissions representatives will be informing schools about this opportunity at Open & Visiting Days as well as during established outreach activities.
A dedicated webpage will be set up on the University's main scholarship portal and this will be cross referenced to each of the science and STEM subject areas of individual Academic School websites at St Andrews. All applicants will be invited to apply for the scholarship online. However a paper based form will be available on request for those with special needs. An Administrator in Student Recruitment & Admissions will be dedicated to taking enquiries from potential scholars or other relevant stakeholders.
The decision making process
Candidates will be able to apply online from the 1 December 2009 but it is anticipated that the majority of the applications will come in once the UCAS application deadline passes. The online form will be available for four weeks beyond the UCAS closing date with applications closing in late February each year to allow the scholarship and admissions processes to coincide.
The standing Undergraduate Scholarship Committee will review the applications. The Committee currently consists of the Director of UK/EU Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions, Director of Alumni and Development Operations, Scholarship Administrator, a school-based Admissions Officer and the Senior Schools Liaison Officer. It is anticipated that the Dean of science will also be included as a full member in 2010.
As soon as a decision is made the successful candidates will be informed initially by email and then in writing. All unsuccessful candidates will be informed by email.
Award criteria
In line with existing institutional awards, the primary factor for eligible candidates in making a scholarship award is financial need. Each applicant is awarded points up to a maximum of 100 using the following established 'access' and needs-based criteria. These have been based on the income thresholds established by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and Student Finance England/Northern Ireland/Wales.
Points are broken down as follows:
|
Criteria |
Points |
Income thresholds |
|
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). |
15 10 5 |
£21,886 or less £21,886 - £26,841 £26,842 - £32,401 > £32,402 = ineligible |
|
Household Income, Tax Credits, Social Security Benefits plus any other income eg share dividends |
25 20 15 10 5 0 |
£10,000 - £19,999 £20,000 - £29,999 £30,000 - £39,999 £40,000 - £49,999 £50,000 - £54,999 £55,000 + |
|
From a single parent family |
5 |
|
|
1st in immediate family to enter into Higher Education |
10 |
|
|
Siblings or dependents in full-time education |
10 - more than two 5 - one or two |
|
|
Contextual information relating to Social or Financial Need identified in Scholarship Supporting Statement |
15 - significant need 10 - clear need 5 - some need |
E.g. Being in Local Authority care. |
|
Level of statutory support awarded |
20 maximum |
Balanced against household income |
|
Maximum points total |
100 |
|
Gross household income is
calculated by including income from parents, civil partners or guardians. Using
the above points scores applicants will be ranked and scholarships awarded
accordingly.
The Scholarships will be paid in two instalments of £500 each for the first year only. The first one within three weeks of the start of Semester 1 and the second one within three weeks of Semester 2.