The UNO–AAUP Scholarship builds on the legacy of two earlier faculty-supported awards honoring Dr. Donald L. Greer and Dr. Bernie Kolasa, whose careers embodied the AAUP’s commitment to academic freedom, shared governance, and public service.

The scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to the principles and practices that sustain strong academic communities. This includes active engagement in shared governance, participation in student senate or representative bodies, involvement in community organizing or activism, and/or contributions to disciplinary stewardship—efforts to uphold the vitality of an academic discipline through advocacy, community education, organizing, or scholarly work that reinforces its importance to a well-rounded university curriculum and a democratic society.

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
• Demonstrate engagement in one or more priority areas: shared governance, student senate leadership, community organizing or activism, or disciplinary/scholarly stewardship.
• Submit all required materials by the posted deadline for the Spring semester scholarship cycle (offered once per year).

Application Materials:

1. Personal Statement (500–750 words): Applicants should describe their involvement in shared governance, student representation, activism, or disciplinary stewardship; reflect on the impact of their work; and explain how their efforts align with the mission and values of the AAUP. Examples of relevant projects, experiences, or scholarly activities are encouraged.

2. Letter of Support (1): A letter from a faculty member, advisor, organizational leader, or community partner who can speak to the applicant’s contributions, leadership, and commitment to the values outlined above.

3. Résumé: A résumé highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, service, and relevant experiences.

Awards:

• The scholarship is awarded once annually in the Spring semester.
• One to two awards, typically ranging from $500 to $1,000, will be granted each year depending on the applicant pool and available funding.

Evaluation Rubric:

I. Personal Statement (1–10 Points)

Score Range Level Indicators

8–10 Strong / Exceptional Substantive involvement with specific examples. Thoughtful reflection on impact. Clear alignment with AAUP mission and values. Well-organized and within 500–750 words.

5–7 Adequate Relevant involvement with some examples. Reflection present but may lack depth. General alignment with AAUP values.

1–4 Limited Minimal or unclear involvement. Few examples. Little reflection. Weak or missing alignment with AAUP values.

II. Letter of Support (1–5 Points)

Score Range Level Indicators

4–5 Strong / Exceptional Contribution Detailed examples of leadership and meaningful impact. Strong, specific endorsement. Clear

commitment to relevant values.

3 Adequate Confirms involvement and positive contribution but with limited detail. General endorsement.

1–2 Limited Minimal detail, vague endorsement, or little evidence of leadership or impact.

III. Resume (1–5 Points)

Score Range Level Indicators

4–5 Strong / Exceptional Current, organized resume highlighting academic achievement, leadership, service, and relevant experiences.

3 Adequate Relevant experiences listed but scope or depth may be limited.

1–2 Limited Outdated, unclear, or limited evidence of leadership, service, or relevant engagement