Scholarship Program Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I want to apply for more than one scholarship, do I need to fill out more than one application?
A: No, only one online application is necessary when applying for multiple awards.

Q: Are there separate applications for your undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs?
A: No, we are using one combined online application form.  Please fill out the areas relevant to your status.  

Q: When is the deadline for this application?
A: Deadine is December 1, 2012 by 11:30 p.m.  Your application must be 100% complete before submitting.  If any sections' completion bar is not reading 100% you will not be able to submit your application electronically.

Q: Can I fax or e-mail my application?
A: No, you must complete and submit your application online.

Q: Do I need to upload the original transcript?
A: The official transcript must be uploaded with the application.

Q: Most of our awards are for students majoring in occupational safety, health and the environment and closely related degrees.  What do you consider "a closely-related degree" and can you provide me with some examples?
A: The core degrees would be those in occupational safety, health, and environment, industrial hygiene or occupational health nursing.  As you move out from there, you might find majors like engineering (industrial, environmental, etc.) other science degrees, perhaps business.  In these cases, the student needs to make a strong case that they are committed to safety through their completion of elective courses, personal statement, faculty recommendation, involvement with ASSE student chapter, work experience, etc.

Q: How many hours do I need to complete to be eligible for the undergraduate program?
A: You must have completed 60 semester hours (prior to the December 1, 2012 deadline) and be enrolled in at least 12 or more semester hours of a safety degree program (or closely related field) to be eligible for most of the undergraduate scholarships.  If you are a part-time student, you must be enrolled in at least 3-11 undergraduate level semester hours.

Q: When must I graduate in order to be eligible for your scholarships?
A: Students applying for ASSE Foundation undergraduate or graduate must graduate in May 2013 or later.

Q: I am applying for a graduate scholarship.  How many hours do I need in order to be eligible?
A: Full time students: You must be enrolled in nine (9) graduate level semester hours or more.
    Part time students: You must be enrolled in at least 3-8 graduate level semester hours or more.

Q: I am currently enrolled to begin a graduate program and have no GPA or transcript yet.  What should I do?
A: Please submit your official enrollment in a safety-related graduate degree program.  Make sure you have at least nine graduate credits "in progress".  Also include your official transcripts from your undergraduate program.

Q: Are your scholarships offered to non-U.S. citizens?
A: All of our scholarships are available to non-U.S. citizens, except for the America Responds Memorial Scholarship, the UPS Diversity Scholarship and the Harry Taback 9/11 Memorial Scholarship.  

Q: I'm a senior in high school, am I eligible for any of your awards?
A: No, you must be enrolled in a safety degree program and have completed at least 60 undergraduate semester hours.  Please check back with us in a few years.  Get involved in an ASSE student chapter as soon as possible and start building your resume.

Q: My grade point average is under the required criteria (3.0 for undergraduate and 3.5 for graduate).  Would I still be eligible to apply for your awards?
A: No, you must meet the minimum grade point average requirements. (Example a 2.98 GPA will not be rounded to a 3.0 GPA)

Q: Do I need to be an ASSE member in order to be eligible for your scholarships?
A: ASSE membership is preferred, but not required.

Q: How do I apply for ASSE membership (student, regular or professional level)?
A: To obtain an application for student membership, contact ASSE's Customer Service Department at 847-699-2929 or visit us on-line at www.asse.org/membership/becomeamember.php.

Q: If I am selected for an award, how will I be notified and when will I receive the funds?
A: Award recipients will be notified by phone or email on or around April 1, 2013.  In addition, the award recipients' names will be posted on the ASSE Foundation website at www.asse.org/foundation on or around April 1, 2013.  You can expect to receive a check by the end of May.  You will not be contacted if you are not selected for an award. However, you can log into the application and check the status of your application at any time.

Q: If I already received a Foundation scholarship in previous years, am I eligible to apply again?
A: Yes, students are eligible to receive subsequent awards.

Q: I am pursuing an associate degree in occupational safety & health or a closely related field.  Am I eligible for your scholarship program?
A: You must be enrolled in at least 12 or more semester hours and have completed 24 semester hours toward your degree.