Future Cougars of Color
FAQ
Answers to some common questions about the Future Cougars of Color (FCOC) scholarship event.
What do I need to do to attend this event and receive the scholarship?
Students need to meet these criteria to be eligible for the Future Cougars of Color scholarship program:
- Be a Washington state resident
- Apply for admission by the January 31 priority deadline and be offered admission to WSU Pullman for fall semester 2013
- Complete and submit the WSU Scholarship application by January 31
WSU will send invitations to eligible students beginning in January.
If I receive an invitation, is a spot at the event guaranteed?
An invitation does not guarantee a spot at the event. We strive to provide for everyone who wants to attend, but space is limited.
Students who have been invited to this event can reserve their spot on a first-come, first-served basis.
How are the scholarships awarded?
Just by attending, you receive a four-year, $1,000 FCOC Scholarship.
In addition to the standard WSU Scholarship application, the FCOC program involves an in-person interview during the event for upper level scholarships. Selection is based on academic and personal achievements highlighted on the WSU Scholarship application. Students selected to interview for the higher level scholarships will interview on Saturday morning, March 23.
A committee of WSU faculty and staff evaluates each student's application and interview results to determine the scholarship awarded. The upper level FCOC scholarship amounts can range from $2,000 to $5,000 a year and are renewable for an additional three years.
Students who receive a higher level FCOC Scholarship will be mailed an award letter from WSU Scholarship Services the week following the event.
What else happens at the event?
In addition to the scholarship activities, there are guided tours of campus; information sessions and workshops on financial aid, other scholarships, student support resources, and selected academic programs; and opportunities to enjoy University facilities such as the student union building (which includes the student bookstore, game consoles, and places to eat), and our award-winning Student Recreation Center.
Do I have to attend the event to get a scholarship?
Yes. In order to qualify for this particular scholarship, students must attend the entire Future Cougars of Color event.
However, students who can't attend FCOC may still be eligible for many other WSU scholarships. Find out more about the University's other scholarships.
Is there a cost to participate in this event?
This event is free for students.
Attendees stay for free in a hotel near campus during the event. All students will share a double room with three other students of the same gender.
The University will provide meals throughout the event.
Will transportation be available to and from this event?
WSU will provide transportation to and from WSU Pullman; students are picked up and dropped off at several central locations across the state.
Can parents attend?
For logistical reasons, and to keep attendance free, this is a student-only event.
Be assured that University staff are present during the event to help students in any way they might require. WSU enrollment counselors will ride the buses to Pullman with the students and serve as chaperones during the day and in the lodgings at night.
If you want to visit campus with your student, there are many other opportunities to visit WSU throughout the year.
What do students need to bring? What should they wear?
Students only need to bring the basics — clothes, toiletries, etc. — to this event. Meals, lodging, and transportation are provided by WSU.
Students will be sharing a double-occupancy room with three other students of the same gender so we suggest bringing a sleeping bag and pillow if possible.
Students should wear school-appropriate clothing with comfortable walking shoes. Early spring weather in Pullman can be unpredictable, so we recommend dressing in layers (bring a good jacket, at least) and bringing an umbrella.
There are some optional activities you may want to provide for:
Students who want to use the Student Recreation Center should bring a set of workout clothes and/or a swimsuit. There will also be opportunities to visit the campus bookstore/gift store, the creamery, etc., so you may want to send some spending money for souvenirs and such.
What if a student registers but is unable to attend this event?
If your plans change and your student will not be attending, please contact the Visitation team at 509-335-4980 or visitation@wsu.edu so that we can plan accordingly.