Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships

REGULATIONS

FOR

2016

1. 0 PUR P OS E
The purpose of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship is to provide support for students to achieve a high academic
standard in a programme of study at the University of Waikato, excellence in a sporting code or the creative or
performing arts, and to develop leadership qualities through a tailored leadership and personal development
programme.
2. 0 N U MB ER O F SC H OL A R S H IP S A V A I LA B L E
The University determines the maximum number of scholarships available annually.
3. 0 EL I G IB I LI TY
3.1

The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship is open to both New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and
international students 1.

3.2

To be eligible for consideration for the award of the Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate:
(a) academic achievement, as defined under section 4 below, and
(b) significant achievement to date and potential to further excel in either
(i) a sporting code, or
(ii) a performing or creative art, and
(c) leadership qualities.

3.3

Consideration of applications will also be subject to an assessment of:

(a) the alignment of the sport or performing or creative art concerned 2 to the Universitys Vision and to
the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programmes Purpose, and
(b) the Universitys capability, in conjunction with relevant local agencies, to provide access to facilities
and developmental support appropriate to the sport or performing or creative art.

3.4

When selecting recipients, the Panel may take into account the applicants willingness and ability to fully
participate in, and contribute to, the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme.

4. 0 A C A D E M IC C R I TER IA
4.1

Applicants who have not previously been enrolled at the University of Waikato or any other tertiary
institution must, by 26 February 2016, have:

Restrictions on the funds awarded to international students do apply: see section 8.1
For a list of the creative / performing arts and sporting codes currently supported, please refer to the Hillary Scholarship website
(www.waikato.ac.nz/about/hillary/partners.shtml)

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(a) achieved University Entrance AND admission to their programme of study, OR

(b) achieved by other means, such as the Cambridge International Examinations or the International
Baccalaureate examination, a standard of academic achievement deemed by the University to be
equivalent to (a) above.
4.2

Applicants who have undertaken previous tertiary study must have achieved, in the most recent year of
study, a standard deemed by the University to be equivalent to a minimum B grade point average in a
degree level full-time year of study or equivalent.

5. 0 A PP L IC A T IO N S
5.1

Applications for the Scholarship must be received by the University of Waikato Scholarships Office on the
prescribed form by 18 September in the year preceding the intended year of tenure.

5.2

Applicants must include with their application:

(a) a curriculum vitae (including a one-page summary of relevant achievements & awards)
(b) a (maximum two-page) personal statement that briefly presents the following:
- best performance to date and why
- future aspirations for creative or sporting endeavours
- leadership & community involvement
(c) a reference from an agency relevant to the sporting code, performing art or creative art concerned,
attesting to the applicants abilities in that sport or art, potential to further excel, and leadership
qualities
(d) a second reference as follows:
a. applicants currently enrolled in secondary school must attach a completed Principals
assessment form
b. all other applicants must attach a reference attesting to the applicants leadership
qualities, and ability to maintain academic standards while pursuing his or her creative or
sporting endeavours.
(e) where relevant, copies of creative works or recordings of performances (creative / performing arts
applicants only). Please note that all dance, screen and media, graphic design, music and theatre
studies students are required to submit a USB, DVD or CD containing recordings of performances /
examples of work. Other arts applicants may choose to do so if they feel such material would be
helpful to the Selection Panel.
(f) an up-to-date copy of their NZQA Record of Achievement or Academic Transcript

6. 0 SE L EC T I ON
6.1

The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships Selection Panel will be chaired by the Head of Student and Academic
Services and up to six other members will be appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in consultation with
the Head of Student and Academic Services and the Chair of the Scholarships Committee.

6.2

The Selection Panel:

considers the applications and may contact referees on a confidential basis for further relevant
information,

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships

may consult with representatives of relevant sporting or creative agencies to assess the standing of
any achievements listed in the applicants portfolio,
may, at its discretion, require the applicant to undertake an interview or audition,
determines the awards and reports its decisions to the Scholarships Committee, and
reserves the right to award fewer scholarships than the maximum available in any year.

6.3

The Selection Panels decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into following the Selection
Panel meeting.

6.4

In exceptional circumstances, the Selection Panel may award a conditional Scholarship when an applicant
has not fully met the requirements of the regulations. It is expected that this would be a temporary situation.
A conditional Scholarship will normally be offered for a period of one semester. Should the recipient meet
requirements imposed by the Selection Panel during this period (such as maintaining a certain level of
performance or academic achievement) the conditional status of the Scholarship will cease, and the recipient
will be subject to the normal criteria of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship. Should the requirements imposed
by the Selection Panel not be met during this conditional period, the Scholarship will be discontinued. Such
requirements will be made clear to the recipient at the time at which the conditional Scholarship is offered.

7. 0 A WA R D A N D R E TE NT I O N O F T HE S C H O LA R S H IP
7.1

Successful applicants will be advised of the offer of a Scholarship in writing and must advise the Universitys
Scholarships Office of their acceptance of the offer by the prescribed date.

7.2

Acceptance of the offer carries with it a commitment by the student to participate in a leadership and
personal development programme provided by the University to assist the student to maximise performance
in his or her sporting or creative endeavour, and develop leadership skills, while maintaining academic
standards.

7.3

The Scholarship is awarded initially for one year. The Scholarship must be taken up in the year in which it is
awarded. In exceptional circumstances, the Sir Edmund Hillary Programme Executive Group may allow a
candidate to defer their award for one year. Students wishing to defer their award must apply in writing to the
Sir Edmund Hillary Programme Executive Group, and applications for deferment will be considered on a case
by case basis.

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships

7.4

Tenure of the Scholarship may continue for the consecutive period of enrolment required to complete the
relevant qualification, provided that the recipient:
(a) achieves at least a B average across all papers taken each year, and
(b) sustains a level of performance in their sporting code or creative or performing art, to the satisfaction of
the Sir Edmund Hillary Programme Executive Group, and
(c) fulfils the leadership and personal development aspects of the programme to the satisfaction of the Sir
Edmund Hillary Programme Executive Group.

7.5

Scholars who meet the conditions noted in 7.4 and continue on the programme are bound by the regulations
of the Scholarship.

7.6

Should the recipient graduate and wish to enrol in a higher level qualification, they will be eligible to apply for
the Sir Edmund Hillary Higher-Qualification Scholarship for the consecutive period of enrolment required to
complete the new qualification, provided they continue to meet all other requirements of the Scholarship 3.

7.7

Through the Scholarships Office, the University regularly monitors the students performance, and reserves
the right to impose further conditions where the students progress, conduct or participation is unsatisfactory.

7.8

The Scholarships Committee may terminate a Scholarship at any time and recoup any funds disbursed if it is
not satisfied that the recipient is following the required programme, making satisfactory academic progress,
or otherwise complying with the conditions governing the Scholarship and/or the regulations of the University
of Waikato.

7.9

The recipient of a Scholarship shall have the right to appeal to the appropriate University Committee 4 against
any decision to terminate a Scholarship.

8. 0 V A L U E O F T HE SC H O LA R S HI P
8.1

The Scholarship will cover the costs of domestic tuition fees and associated charges. It will be paid directly
to the students fees account with the University at the time of enrolment. Alternatively, if a recipient of the
Scholarship resides in one of the University Halls of Residence, they may make a written request that the
Scholarship be applied as an accommodation credit (equivalent to the cost of their domestic tuition fees) in
lieu of a tuition fees credit.
Should an international student be awarded the Scholarship, the Scholarship will cover the equivalent of the
recipients tuition fees at domestic rates. It will be the responsibility of the student to pay the balance of their
fees.

8.2

The student may be eligible for further benefits, tailored to suit his or her pursuits. These benefits will be
negotiated on a case by case basis with the Universitys High Performance Student Manager, and defined in
the students annual plan. Such benefits may comprise:
(a) full or partial access to relevant University and/or community services and facilities
(b) subsidised participation in particular development or training opportunities.

Application forms for students wishing to apply for such an extension of their Scholarship are available from the Scholarships Office.
Student appeals for University of Waikato Scholarships granted for undergraduate or completely taught postgraduate level study should be
made to the Education Committee; student appeals for research level study (e.g. Masters) should be made to the Research Committee.

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships

9. 0 C O ND IT I ON S
9.1

The Scholarship is not transferable for cash.

9.2

Normally, the Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with any other tuition fee scholarships awarded by
the University of Waikato. In exceptional cases the Selection Panel may choose to allow the recipient to hold
other tuition fee awards. Exceptional applicants already in receipt of (or offered) an award which precludes a
full Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship may be offered a place on the Programme, but would not receive the
tuition fees component of the award.

9.3

The student should enrol in at least 40 points per Semester during the tenure of the award. Should a student
wish to enrol in less than 40 points in any Semester, they must obtain the Sir Edmund Hillary Programme
Executive Groups approval to do so.

9.4

If, during the tenure of the award, a student withdraws from any paper(s) after the Universitys withdrawal
deadline, they will be liable for the relevant fees.

9.5

Students withdrawing due to circumstances beyond their control should be aware that they are able to apply
in writing to the Head of Student and Academic Services for withdrawal on compassionate grounds.

9.6

In special circumstances (such as unavoidable withdrawal from study due to commitments directly
associated with the students sporting, creative or performing art endeavours consistent with the intent of the
Scholarship), the Sir Edmund Hillary Programme Executive Group may offer an exemption or waiver in
respect of the provisions of these regulations if an appeal for withdrawal on compassionate grounds is
unsuccessful.

9.7

There is an expectation that all Scholarship recipients in the sports of cricket, football, hockey, netball,
rowing and rugby will play for the respective Waikato University Club, being Hamilton Star Varsity Cricket
Club, Waikato Unicol AFC, Waikato University Hockey Club, University of Waikato Netball Club, Waikato
Rowing Club and Waikato University Rugby Football Club. However, exemptions may be granted by
agreement between the recipient and the University of Waikato Hillary Programme Executive taking into
account the recipients personal and playing commitments.

9.8

With regard to representative competition it is preferred that Scholarship recipients represent their sport in
the region in which they are studying; Waikato for students at the Hamilton campus or the Bay of Plenty for
students studying at the Tauranga campus. However, a Hillary Scholar may, by agreement of the Hillary
Programme Executive, continue to represent his/her home (or existing) region if it is within the Universitys
primary recruitment area, refer Appendix 1, and if;
a. the Scholar is in receipt of a Prime Ministers Scholarship, and/or
b. the existing support structures available to the Scholar are such that it would be a
disadvantage for the Scholar to change representative status.

9.9

Where approval is given for a Hillary Scholar to represent their home (or existing) region, a condition of this
approval will be that the Scholar will be asked to support the sport in the area in which they are studying.
This will be discussed as part of the Leadership and Personal Development Programme.

Primary Recruitment Area

Max Oulton

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