THE ROBERTSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM

THE ROBERTSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM The Robertson Scholars Program was established by Julian and Josie Robertson of New York in 2000, and provides opportunities for those who have gained admission to either Duke University or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the USA to enjoy the benefits of both institutions. During the second semester of their second year, Robertson Scholars enrolled at Duke will be able to live and learn at UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC-Chapel Hill Robertson Scholars to live and learn at Duke. Julian and Josie Robertson have generously offered one place to a talented New Zealand undergraduate student each year. Purpose The Robertson Scholars Program aims to foster collaboration between Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition, it aims to provide an opportunity for students with proven academic ability to benefit from what the two universities have to offer. Robertson Scholars are expected to participate in the Robertson Scholarships academic enhancement activities, including regular school year and summer programmes. Value and Tenure The Program provides full tuition, room and board and a living stipend. In addition, support is provided for three summers of service, research and travel, as well as a laptop computer. This award is for a four year undergraduate programme, provided the Scholar maintains good academic performance and conducts himself/herself in accordance with the expectations of the Program, Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. The Scholarship is available for students of most courses of study including pre-medicine and prelaw. Study in medicine and law past this level is excluded. The Scholarship may be held concurrently with any other bursary or scholarship, provided that the rules of the other award allow this. The Scholarship must be taken up in the year in which it is awarded. All candidates who are shortlisted for interview must be prepared (as a result of full prior discussion with their parents or guardians) to accept a scholarship if it is offered to them. Eligibility Candidates for the Program must: • • • • be entered for NCEA Level 3 or equivalent senior school exam in the year of application; be over eighteen years of age on the first day of October in the year they would commence studies at Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill (the year following application); be New Zealand citizens or have New Zealand permanent resident status; normally have completed their five years of secondary schooling in New Zealand. Note: • If candidates have not already sat an SAT Test, then they must take the ACT Standardized Test no later than 1 May in the year the award is to be taken up. For more information on these Tests, refer to website: http://www.fulbright.org.nz/education/tests.html. Candidates must have applied or be intending to apply for admission to Duke and/or UNC Chapel-Hill. • Applications Applications, on the application forms provided by the NZVCC, must reach the Scholarships Manager at the NZVCC by 1 December in the year prior to that in which the award is to be taken up. Every application shall be accompanied by: • • • A statement outlining the applicant’s general interests and activities. A 250 word statement detailing reasons for wishing to study at Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill and the proposed course of study. It is expected that candidates will have researched their chosen course of study and will have a firm idea of their degree programme. The names of three persons, other than the candidate’s school principal (who will already be providing a reference), from whom references have been requested. Two reports should describe academic achievements, interests and abilities. At least one reference should be from a person of standing in the community not from the candidate’s school, nor closely related to the applicant’s family. A certified copy of birth certificate and proof of New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. Signed NZVCC Privacy Form. Certified copies of academic records to date. • • • Year 13 Results: The NZVCC will obtain Year 13 exam results from NZQA. IB and Cambridge candidates must forward to NZVCC immediately a certified copy of their results by courier or fastpost as soon as they are received. Selection The award will be made on the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising the Convenor of the NZVCC Scholarships Committee, Julian Robertson, two nominees of the donor, one nominee of the NZVCC and one secondary school principal. Short listed candidates will be invited to attend an interview each year. No scholarship will be awarded to anyone who has not attended a personal interview with the committee. In determining the suitability of a candidate, the Selection Committee shall have regard to the academic ability of the candidates as evidenced by their performance in NCEA Level 3 and NZ Scholarship, or equivalent senior school exams. Other factors such as leadership potential, commitment to community service, courage, collaborative spirit and behaviour that is grounded in strong ethical principles, will also be considered. The Selection Committee’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into following the selection meeting. If, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, no applicant of sufficient merit has applied for the award in any year, then the award shall not be offered in that year. Ultimate selection to the Program is contingent upon admission to one or both of Duke or UNCChapel Hill. Reports All holders of a scholarship shall make regular reports on the progress of their studies to the NZVCC at such times as may be required and shall make a final detailed report to it at the conclusion of the scholarship. The NZVCC shall send a copy of each report to each member of the Selection Committee. The NZVCC shall be at liberty to publish any of such reports or make such other use thereof as it may think fit. Publicity The successful candidate will agree to have his/her name published and be available for interviews with the media if required. Suspension or Termination The NZVCC/Robertson Scholars Administrators may at any time suspend or terminate any scholarship, or require the forfeiture of such proportion of the scholarship as the Committee may determine, if it is satisfied that the Scholar is not diligently pursuing the approved programme or has failed to comply with any of the terms and conditions on which the scholarship was awarded. The scholarship shall be terminated and no further payments shall be made if a Scholar ceases to pursue the approved programme. Concessions The Selection Committee, may, if it thinks fit, relax or modify the application of any of these regulations in any special circumstances or in order to avoid hardship to any Scholar or candidate for a scholarship.