Fifth Year Scholars

Distinguished Student Program Enhances Campus Community

Carnegie Mellon's Fifth Year Scholar program is now taking applications for the 2008-2009 academic year. Founded in 1991, the program enables a handful of exceptional students to remain on campus for one full year after completing their degree − tuition free plus a $7,000 fellowship.

"The program provides each scholar with an opportunity to pursue interests in new fields of study, but the campus community also benefits from the students' extended stay," said Indira Nair, vice provost for education. "Their individual projects and group activities enhance the university community in unique ways."

Past scholars include a business administration student who implemented Summit, a program through which students explore a variety of non-degree-related interests prior to the start of spring semester.

Another scholar, a student of social and cultural history and international relations, designed a Panhellenic New Member Program, which prepares students for the specific issues they will face as members of Greek organizations.

And a computer science student spent her fifth year completing a gender studies minor while designing and installing an artistic piece in Margaret Morrison Carnegie Hall celebrating the accomplishments of women.

"Carnegie Mellon is fortunate to have the richness of these students' talents on the campus for an additional year," Nair added.

Selection of scholars occurs during the junior year (fourth year for architecture majors) and is based on academic performance, co-curricular involvement and the development of a community impact proposal.

Students on schedule to complete their degree requirements in May 2008 are eligible to apply now to be a 2008-2009 scholar. The deadline for application is Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007.

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