CSEM Scholarship

The establishment of the CSEM Program provides up to 15 Computer Science/Mathematics and 15 Engineering students with an annual scholarship of $3,125 ($1,563/semester or the amount of unmet financial need, whichever is less), with the availability of a second year award for juniors.

The program is especially designed to encourage talented students in Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics and to provide a supportive community, sharing similar interests, in an environment surrounded by success. The goal is to support students in achieving a college education and to promote academic excellence.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the award will be based on the following:

Residency status – The Office of Admissions will verify residency status. Eligible students are United States citizens, nationals, or aliens admitted as refugees at the time of application.
Financial need – The federal methodology as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be employed (FAFSA). Applicants must have FAFSA form on file with Financial Aid. The amount of outstanding financial need is based on the cost of education minus the expected contribution of the student and his/her family (if a dependent).
Enrollment status – Full-time enrollment in a bachelor degree program in computer science, engineering or mathematics.
New transfers – For best consideration complete the University of Maryland Admissions Application by May 1st as well as the CSEMS application.
Credit hours – Completion of 60 credits toward their computer science, engineering or mathematics degrees with BS degree expected in Spring 2010 or 2011.
Progress toward degree – Eligible for enrollment in upper level (300 or 400) major courses and within two years (or one year) of graduation.
Academic merit – Solid academic record.

Maintaining the Award

The award will be discontinued if the student withdraws from school or classes and no longer has full time status, fails to complete 12 credits including two courses in the major with the grade of C or better each term, or if their overall grade point average falls below 2.5.

Activities

CSEM-Scholars will engage in a variety of activities, some specifically designed for them and others that take advantage of the rich educational opportunities already available such as mentoring and advising.

1. Opening Reception. At the beginning of the fall semester, an informal reception will be held to introduce the CSEM-Scholars to the campus and to each other.

2. Faculty-Student Mentoring Program. Created specifically for the CSEM-Program, this spring semester activity will be required for all CSEM-Scholars and will build upon the research strengths and industry partnerships of CMPS and ENGR. The objectives will be to match students with faculty according to their common research or career interests, and to place students in a laboratory, research setting, or employment site. The program team will do the initial pairings. A reception will be held early in the spring semester to introduce students and faculty mentors and to make known expectations for the activity. At the end of the semester, students will be required to present a final paper sharing their experiences with other CSEM-Scholars, faculty mentors, and CSEM staff.

3. CSEM Seminar. Scholars will enroll in this fall semester seminar that will focus on career issues and graduate school information.Topics will include: resume writing, interviewing skills, locating potential employers, job search strategies, and classroom and workplace climate issues. Information will also be presented on applying to graduate schools.

4. Advising and Mid-term Monitoring. Each semester CSEM-Scholars' progress will be reviewed. In addition to receiving academic planning advice every semester in their respective academic departments, CSEM-Scholars will meet with a designated program team member to discuss issues that may hinder academic progress, to monitor progress toward the degree, and to make more accessible to these students the resources available in the University.

5. Professional Development. Scholars will be encouraged to apply for the Corporate Scholars Program, internships, research and/or co-op opportunities. For opportunities see CMPS and ENGR.

Feel free to call or write to:

Ms. Ritzie M. Coleman
Coordinator for Undergraduate Education
College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
3400 A. V. Williams Building
College Park, MD 20742-3281
TEL 301 405 2677
FAX 301 405 9377
Or email rcoleman@deans.umd.edu

Ms. Jane F. Fines
Director, Undergraduate Recruitment & Special Programs
A. James Clark School of Engineering
University of Maryland
1124 Glenn L. Martin Hall
College Park, MD 20742-3011
TEL 301.405.3857
FAX 301.314.9867
Or email jfines@umd.edu

FAFSA Form
Financial Aid
CSEM Scholarship Application