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Renewal Scholarship FAQ's

Updated 12/21/09

Do I have to attend a Renewal Workshop?

If you are a freshman or first-year transfer student, yes.
If you are not a new incoming alumni scholar the Renewal Workshops are not mandatory. However, it is recommended that students attend a workshop to make sure they understand the process of renewing their scholarship.

Why don't I receive the service e-mails?

Verify with the ASC advisor that they have your correct e-mail address. If they have your correct e-mail address and you still don't receive the messages, the problem is that your e-mail server is blocking the messages as spam. This happens frequently with aol.com addresses, and sometimes with hotmail or others. The best thing for you to do is provide your ucla.edu address and then check that account frequently.

I participated in I'm Going to College and Heal the Bay. What type of service is this?

These two programs actually count as Alumni Association service. ASC has a long tradition of organizing volunteers for these events. Although they are not Alumni Association or ASC programs per se, they are supported and organized by ASC members.

How do I know if it's UCLA service?

Did it originate with a UCLA-approved service organization or club?
Are you volunteering for a UCLA faculty or staff member for a UCLA-specific project?
Does the service project promote UCLA?
Are you representing UCLA in the community?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is a UCLA service. If you're still unsure, ask your ASC advisor.

I'm performing service for an academic course. Will these hours count towards my Renewal Scholarship service requirement?

No. Any service work that is done for course credit does not count for the Renewal Scholarship. Also, you cannot be paid for the service you perform. However, volunteer research that is not for credit CAN be used for your Renewal Scholarship.

If I attend club meetings, is this considered service?

Meeting attendance is not considered volunteer service. Think active participation, not passive participation. If you were to volunteer for one of the club's activities, that would be considered service. The same goes if you are an officer planning the club's activities.

How many service hours can I claim for one project?

No more than 10 hours of service for a single event unless you were on the planning committee. For example: you can claim only 10 hours for Dance Marathon, even if you danced for 24. But if you were on the Dance Marathon planning committee, you can claim the time you spent helping to prepare for the event.

Can I do more than three hours of service with the Alumni Association?

Yes, of course. You can do all 30 service hours or more!

I'm a State Finalist. Do I still have to participate in the Renewal Scholarship process?

Yes. Completing a Renewal Agreement, performing and logging service, and participating in the Renewal Interview are necessary to receive a future award disbursement.

I have to complete service hours for another program. Can I use them for this scholarship as well?

Yes, as long as the service hours meet all of the Renewal Scholarship criteria.

What is a Renewal Interview?

All Alumni Scholars must complete a brief interview with an alumnus to receive their Renewal Scholarship. Interviews typically take place on a Saturday in late May or early June. An interview appointment time will be assigned to all those who complete their service by the deadline. You will be notified of your appointment time prior to the weekend.

When do I receive my Renewal Scholarship?

Scholarship payments will be deposited in your SBAR account the following academic year.

Additional Questions

Do I still receive my Alumni Scholarship money if I'm studying abroad?

Different terms apply to different study-abroad programs. If you intend to study with an UCLA-sponsored Education Abroad Program (EAP), your award will be disbursed to your SBAR account in the normal fashion throughout the year, divided into three equal payments each quarter. If you choose to study with a non-UCLA program, your award money will be disbursed to you when you return to UCLA. For instance, if you studied in a non-UCLA program for fall quarter and then returned for winter and spring, you would receive your award divided into two payments in winter and spring.

Who must I notify about studying abroad?

As soon as you decide you will be studying abroad, contact the ASC advisor at 310-206-0663 to inform Alumni Scholarships of your plans. They make the changes to your disbursement schedule, and also make the necessary arrangements to ensure your scholarship will be renewed for the following year if you will not be on campus to put in your 30 hours of service. It is extremely important that you inform us of your plans to study abroad; failing to do so could jeopardize your renewal.

How do I log my service hours?

Click here for the Logging My Service Hours tutorial.

How do I get more involved in ASC?

By applying for a position as a coordinator and serving under the guidance of an Executive Board member, not only can you gain valuable leadership experience, but you also become a more active participant in the Alumni Scholars Club. Coordinator applications are made available each fall and positions are filled shortly thereafter.

What are the non-monetary benefits of receiving an Alumni Scholarship?

• Opportunity to receive additional Alumni Scholarships throughout matriculation at UCLA
• Academic counseling from the Division of Honors for first-year Alumni Scholars in the College of Letters and Science
• Alumni Mentor Program - Choose a UCLA graduate as a mentor and receive valuable advice and guidance on issues such as choosing a major, potential career paths, applying to graduate school and the transition to the workforce
• Leadership development - Alumni Scholars attend leadership development workshops throughout the year or you can apply to become an ASC coordinator or Executive Board member
• Free photocopying, computer and printing privileges at the James West Alumni Center
• Support from Alumni Association staff, including a full-time advisor, to help resolve questions and concerns regarding campus programs and services
• Alumni Scholars Club membership - As a member of ASC, students get access to additional benefits:
• Welcome into a friendly extended family of continuing students, alumni and staff who help new students transition to life at UCLA
• Leadership development activities
• A network of fellow Alumni Scholars, to build through social activities and service to the campus community
• Help recruit highly accomplished prospective UCLA students
• Alumni Association programs and activities
• Become a donor and give back through the Alumni Scholars Club Scholarship
• Qualify to be an ASC coordinator or Executive Board member and help direct activities and manage budgets