The total amount of college scholarships awarded has increased to nearly a million dollars annually, benefiting hundreds of students. Our undergraduate and graduate students can now apply to nearly 100 different scholarship opportunities. These scholarships recognize strong academics, foster student research, and allow our students access to special opportunities such as internships and studying abroad. This is a request for renewal of funding for our current scholarship platform NextGen Scholarship Manager - https://www.ngwebsolutions.com/scholarship-manager/
This is primarily a student-facing platform - to search and apply for college scholarship opportunities
Faculty members and other recommenders - are able to seamlessly offer letters of support for applicants
Scholarship Committee members are able to review materials online versus paper applications
Scholarship Office/Fin Aid Office staff will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the platform.
Web-based. The software is incorporated into our website and current Scholarships page, via SSO login. Can also be connected to social media.
- Entirely online process for students, faculty/recommenders, and committee members.
- “Paperless” process works well for the Enrollment Management/Financial Aid, reducing traffic to Jay Express & BMW Building
- "Green" helps w space and records retention
Web-based. Vendor provides maintenance and support. There is some minimal impact on our DoIT regarding data file transfers.
Scholarship Coordinator, Financial Aid
The scholarship management software platform touches on all of the goals of the 2025 strategic plan. Scholarships both afford access and recognize students who are interested in study abroad, experiential learning, and pursuing STEM-related programs (Goals 1, 2). By supporting an online system, scholarships uphold our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion (and accessibility). Students of all backgrounds can apply on their time, removing the barriers of time and location. There is no bias for on-campus versus online students. Most importantly, access to scholarships are a tool in the students' aid arsenals to graduate as close to debt-free as possible (Goal 3). Finally (Goal 4), an online platform offers operational efficiencies and substantial cost savings (versus the need for staffing, paper, etc.). It is also entirely "green," supporting our efforts to be more sustainable and reduce the college's carbon footprint.