Students meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply for a Carithers Scholarship:

• Graduate of a high school in one of the following states: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee
• Plans to major in one of the following disciplines: Art, English, History, Philosophy, Theatre, World Languages and Cultures
• Holds a 3.0 or higher grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
• Submits a portfolio of his or her work in the anticipated major
• Files a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA prior to March 1.

In addition, although awards may be announced earlier, eligibility to receive the scholarship will be based on the official eighth semester transcript from the high school. Applicants must pre-register at USI for fall classes during freshman orientation in the summer before their freshman year in order to receive the scholarship. 

Renewal and Cancellation

The Carithers scholarship is renewable for a maximum of three years after the initial freshman year or until 120 credit hours are attempted, whichever comes first.

The recipient must maintain a cumulative USI grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

In addition, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA prior to March 1 each year. Although filing the FAFSA is a requirement, receiving a Society scholarship is not based on financial need.

A minimum of 12 credit hours but be completed successfully each term (summer excluded).

The scholarship will be canceled if renewal criteria are not met, and the scholarship will not be reinstated. Minimum enrollment requirements will be evaluated each semester. The cumulative GPA will be evaluated at the end of each spring semester.

Students meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• Plans to major in one of the following disciplines: Art and Design, Performing Arts, English, History, Philosophy, World Languages and Cultures, International Studies
• Holds a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
• Submits a portfolio of his or her work in the anticipated major
• Files a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA prior to March 1

In addition:

• Although awards may be announced earlier, eligibility to receive the scholarship will be based on the official eighth semester transcript from the high school.
• Applicants must pre-register at USI for fall classes during freshman orientation in the summer before their freshman year.

Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio requirements vary depending upon the discipline in which the candidate is applying. Portfolios of candidates will become the property of the Society and will be placed on file. In order for candidates who do not receive a scholarship to have their portfolios returned, their materials must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage to assure return (allow up to six months).

• Anthropology: 10-20 pages of written prose on anthropological subjects, no more than three complete works
• Art and Design: 8—10 original student works in photo or CD format
• Performing Arts: A standard video or DVD of an audition or performance, not to exceed three minutes
• English: 10—20 pages of poetry, fiction, drama, or critical analysis (must be of complete works)
• History: 10—20 pages of written prose on historical subjects, no more than three complete
• works
• International Studies: 10-20 pages of written prose on international subjects, no more than three complete works
• Philosophy: 10—20 pages of written prose on philosophical subjects, no more than three
• complete works
• World Languages and Cultures: 10-20 pages of written analysis of a short work or excerpt of world literature, the analysis written in the language of study

Cover Letter

In addition to a portfolio, applicants for the USI Society for Arts and Humanities Scholarship are asked to compose a cover letter telling the selection committee about themselves and their personal and professional goals as well as how the scholarship will help them attain them. Since this cover letter will also be used to obtain addresses for future correspondence, the contact information must be complete and clear.

Other information regarding transcripts, grade point averages, and scholastic achievement will be on forms sent to the USI Office of Admission; therefore, such information NEED NOT be repeated in the cover letter.

Application Process

Students will apply through the USI Foundation’s Award Spring Scholarship Management Process. They will use the “about me” section to show their initiative to help the committee understand their aspirations (personal, academic, and/or professional) that the scholarship will help to fulfill.  We will also be evaluating the recipient’s reflection on how the scholarship will impact them.  We are working through the details on how a portfolio can be included. Having the students use this process will allow the Foundation to select likely candidates for the committee to evaluate.