In an effort to attract more of the best students, Southwest Mississippi Community College trustees approved changes to the academic scholarship policy for the next school year during Tuesday’s meeting.
“The biggest difference is our commitment to attracting the students who have scored higher on the ACT,” SMCC President Dr. Steve Bishop said. “We’re making an effort to continue to attract the high-ability students. We would like to increase the number of students in that category. We have several students with a 30 or higher score on the ACT, and we would like to reward those students with a very competitive academic scholarship.”
The biggest change is for honor students who score 27 or above on the ACT. Those scoring 27 or 28 on the ACT will receive full tuition and a $500 bookstore voucher. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Under the old plan, students only got full tuition.
Also, students who score 29 and above receive full tuition, room, meals and a $500 bookstore voucher, provided they maintain a 3.0 GPA. Under the old plan, students who scored over a 29 on the ACT received full tuition and money for books.
To qualify for the scholarships, students must be enrolled full-time, must not have a college degree but must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must have attended more than three full-time semesters and must successfully complete at least 12 hours for each semester the scholarship was received.
Honor student scholarships are awarded only for scores earned before enrolling in college courses.
Bishop said he believes the new policy changes are too good to pass up.
“If the students and parents look at this, they will realize this is a great deal,” he said.
In other business, trustees:
• Approved a change order to reduce by $2,000 the amount of the football press box construction project. The aluminum flooring in the hospitality room of the press box is stained. Because it is not practical to remove and replace the flooring, the contractor offered to reduce the amount of the contract.
• Approved naming the north-south road off Jaguar Trail that provides access to tennis, baseball, softball, soccer and the football practice field as Sports Park Drive.
• Agreed to seek a second quote for roofing repairs on the men’s and athletic dorms. Trustees have recieved one quote for the work and they want to contract with the lower bidder.
• Approved recommendations of faculty for the 2013-14 school year.
