Scholarship Administration

Kent State University Foundation holds more than 1,500 donor-funded scholarships. 

Administration and awarding of donor-funded scholarships is done in accordance with the donor agreement on file. The agreement outlines the selection criteria, allowable expenses and assigns scholarship administration. 

Many colleges/units have their own scholarship administrators, however, scholarships with broad criteria are managed centrally by the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Key Considerations
  • When working with your DPAE contact to create a new scholarship, make the criteria as broad as possible.
  • It is important to award scholarships on a regular basis as funds are available. Donors intend for their gifts to be used expeditiously. This allows us more opportunities to share the impact of their giving.
  • As a general rule, scholarships are awarded each spring for the upcoming academic year.
  • Scholarships are typically not retroactively awarded.
  • Colleges and units have various methods of recipient selection in accordance with the donor agreement. Kent State University has final selection authority for all scholarships and donors may not be part of the selection process.

Scholarships are administered through Scholarship Universe, the university’s scholarship management platform. 

Step-By-Step Guide

Scholarship administration training is available from the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid as needed and typically occurs at key points throughout the year. You can request training by reaching out to their office at finaid_scholarships@kent.edu. 

FAQs

How do I check my balances?
Contact the Kent State University Foundation: cmcdowe5@kent.edu.

Can I award mid-year?
No, scholarships must be awarded at the start of semesters as students must have a balance on their account to accept the funds. 

How do I know how much to award?
The Kent State University Foundation provides monthly award balances to the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for distribution to appropriate scholarship administrators.

Where can I see a list of all my area’s funds?
Use the KSU Fund Finder tool and search for your area. 

Who To Contact

If you have any questions about scholarship agreements (MOUs/Gift Intention Forms), contact: donorservices@kent.edu.

If you have questions about fund balances, contact Cynthia McDowell in the Kent State University Foundation at cmcdowe5@kent.edu.

If you have questions about Scholarship Universe, contact the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid: finaid_scholarships@kent.edu. 

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