The Saint Mary’s College Macken Collegiate Forensics program is able to offer several scholarship opportunities to incoming freshman, transfer students, and currently enrolled SMC students. Students are selected to receive scholarships based on their level of commitment to the Macken team, their competitive potential and contributions, and their academic standing. The Director of Forensics makes all scholarship decisions.
Eligibility Requirements
- The candidate must be admitted to the College.
- The candidate must submit all required forensics scholarship application materials.
- The candidate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless award specifically requires a higher minimum GPA.
- The candidate must enroll as a full-time candidate at SMC. The candidate must commit to compete for the full competitive season.
- The candidate must enroll in Comm 191/Forensics and agree to abide by the rules and procedures of the forensics program during his/her participation.
Continuing Eligibility Requirements
- The candidate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless award specifically requires a higher GPA.
- The candidate must be a full-time student in good standing with the College.
- The candidate must be enrolled in Comm 191/Forensics and must abide by the rules and procedures of the forensics program during his/her participation in the program.
- The candidate must be a member in good standing with the forensics program.
- To be in good standing as a member of the forensics program, one must compete at a minimum of 4 tournaments per semester, taking at least 2 events.
- Specialized scholarship awards potentially mean higher travel expectations and event responsibility.
- Members in good standing also assist with on-campus activities, attend weekly meetings, participate in weekly coaching sessions, and complete assigned research projects.
Other Information Related to Forensics Scholarships
- Forensics scholarships are based on academic and competitive ability, not financial need. Forensics scholarships are partial awards rather than full-tuition scholarships.
- However, they are "stacked" on top of other aid and scholarships and do not subtract from them. Forensics scholarships are reviewed each year, with the possibility for renewal.
- Candidates must re-apply for forensics scholarships each academic year.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to actively participate in Macken Forensics activities and to make significant contributions in the following areas:
- Participation in, and work during, on-campus activities including, but not limited to, high school and college tournaments, public debates, outreach programs, and regular team meetings, as determined by the coaching staff.
- Research, practice, and other work needs of the team, as determined by the coaching staff.
- Generation and maintenance of an appropriate image for the College and Macken Forensics while participating in officially sanctioned activities.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to be team leaders and exhibit a commitment to Macken Forensics beyond that of team members not on scholarship.