FAQs for University/Falk Scholar Potential Nominees

Criteria for Nomination

How are students chosen to be potential nominees for University/Falk Scholar?

Falk students with a standing of Senior by August 15^th and have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or above (rounded from 3.65) are invited to become a potential nominee for University/Falk Scholar.

What is meant by potential nominee?

Beyond having a 3.7 GPA, nominees for University/Falk Scholar must meet additional criteria to be able to submit a portfolio to be considered for designation as a University/Falk Scholar.

What are the additional criteria beyond GPA?

Candidates for Syracuse University and Falk Scholar exhibit outstanding accomplishment within their field of study as demonstrated by the following:

1. Academic achievement through independent research or creative endeavor within their discipline, laboratory, or studio. Independent research and creative endeavor are defined as follows:

2. Evidence of intellectual growth and/or innovation in your disciplinary field over the course of your undergraduate career.

3. Contributions to the academic environment and endeavors of the school, college and university.

Next Steps in the Scholar Process

 OK, I think I meet all of the criteria listed, what is my next step?

You must meet with your major’s undergraduate director by no later than October 1^st. During the meeting, the undergraduate director will review the criteria with you and discuss physical products (reports; articles; work samples) that you will need, in order to demonstrate independent research and/or creative endeavor. These physical products will be included in your final portfolio.

Your undergraduate program director will also collaborate with you to identify a faculty mentor who will help you build your portfolio. Faculty mentors can be from any program in the University, but should know you well, and know the independent research and/or creative endeavor work you are involved in. Your mentor will support you through the portfolio process and will need to provide a recommendation letter for your portfolio speaking to how you meet the criteria for Syracuse/Falk Scholar.

I have met with the undergraduate director for my Falk program and have identified a mentor, what should I do next?

Meet with your faculty mentor. Your mentor should collaborate with you to build and review your portfolio. Explain to them that you are developing a portfolio to be submitted to the Falk Scholar Committee for consideration to be a Falk Scholar, as well as a University Scholar.

As part of the portfolio, you will need a total of three letters of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation must be from Syracuse University faculty; one of which must be from your faculty mentor. The additional recommendation letter may be written by someone either within or outside the University (though it is perfectly fine for the third letter to come from another SU faculty member). Recommendations should come from scholars or practitioners who can creditably attest to your contributions to your major/discipline. Portfolios should not contain recommendation letters from peers or family members.

Portfolio Guidelines can be found at the  Syracuse University Guidelines for Student Portfolios page.  With the exception of the Dean’s Transmittal Form, you are responsible for compiling your portfolio in the order listed on the website above. Falk College Dean’s office will add the Dean’s transmittal form after you submit your portfolio.

When is my portfolio due?

You must send your completed portfolio in PDF format to your undergraduate program director by no later than noon on the first Friday in November. Late portfolios will not be accepted for consideration to be a Syracuse/Falk Scholar.

Who decides if I am designated as a Falk and/or University Scholar?

All decisions regarding Falk Scholars are made by the Falk Scholar Committee. The committee is comprised of the undergraduate directors of all Falk College programs and the Sr. Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Operations.

The Falk Scholar committee will review and grade portfolios via rubric. Points will be deducted for spelling errors, typos, etc. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered for the awards.

Only portfolios demonstrating the stated criteria for a scholar will be awarded the title of  Falk Scholar. Students chosen as Falk Scholars will be notified via email letter by December 15^th.

Of those chosen as Falk Scholars, the top 2 portfolios will then be sent forward to the University as the Falk College nominees for University Scholar. University Scholars are chosen by the Syracuse University Scholars Selection Committee (SUSSC) which includes faculty representatives from each undergraduate school or college. Those chosen as a University Scholar will be notified by the University in mid-spring semester.

I plan to graduate in December, am I still eligible to submit a portfolio?

Yes, we just ask that you plan to return for the spring recognition ceremony for Scholars and walk in spring Commencement.

What should I do if I have additional questions?

Please contact your undergraduate program director with any additional questions. 

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