In her inaugural address April 13, President Gretchen M. Bataille announced the implementation of UNT's new Emerald Eagle Scholars program for all of its academically talented, first-time freshmen who have high financial needs.

Bataille introduced the program — funded by donations and a combination of federal, state and institution funds — at the celebration of her installation as UNT's 14th president to emphasize her commitment to further strengthening the university's already considerable undergraduate need-based aid programs. During her address, she also announced the creation of the Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw Scholarship Fund.

The university raised a substantial portion of its contribution to Emerald Eagle Scholars with ticket sales and sponsorships for the Emerald Ball.

"Funds raised by the Emerald Ball account for more than a quarter of a million dollars of the initial endowment to support the Emerald Eagles Scholars program," Bataille says. About 400 incoming freshman will benefit from the scholarship fund, university officials anticipate.

The Emerald Eagle Scholars program will cover tuition and mandatory fees for new freshmen from households with adjusted family incomes that do not exceed $40,000 per year. The first awards will go to first-time college students enrolling at UNT for Fall 2007.

To be eligible for consideration, students must submit the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid and must have submitted all required admissions documents by May 1.

Qualifying students must be committed to active engagement on campus, must be Texas residents and must enroll in 15 hours per semester. They also must stay on track to graduate in four years (eight semesters) and maintain a grade point average of 2.5.

"An important measure to help ensure success in this special partnership between the Emerald Eagle Scholars and UNT is the requirement that participants must engage in the richness of university life — including campus activities, mentoring and other student support programs," Bataille says. "In addition, because we believe a commitment to active engagement on campus is directly related to success, our Emerald Eagles will benefit by being connected through works or service learning with departments committed to supporting students."

To learn more, visit http://financialaid.unt.edu/.

UNT News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Contact: Roddy Wolper (940) 565-2943
Email: rwolper@unt.edu