Frequently Asked Questions regarding the ASUN Scholarship
1. Who is eligible?
Any full-time student entering the Professional Nursing Program for their BSN, RN - BSN or RN - MS completion programs, and Master’s students.
2. What does the scholarship provide?
Tuition and fees are paid as well as reimbursement for expenses covering all books, two uniforms, and certain items that help with the completion of the nursing program (this does not include parking, gas or computer expenses) and a monthly stipend for living expenses (all items listed are subject to change pending the availability of funds).
3. What does the student have to do in return for receiving the ASUN scholarship?
Upon graduation, the student will have a SERVICE OBLIGATION to the Indian Health Service.
4. What does service obligation mean?
When a scholarship student graduates, she/he will look for and interview for nursing employment with:
- the Indian Health Service (IHS) or
- a program conducted under a contract entered into under the Indian Self-Determination Act or
- an urban Indian organization assisted under Title V of the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act or
- the private practice of nursing if, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the Secretary, such practice is situated in a physician or other health professional shortage area and address the healthcare needs of a substantial number of Indians.
5. Will I get paid during my service obligation?
Yes. The graduate will be hired and receive full benefits/salary as would any employee of similar status. The ASUN Scholarship recipient has promised to seek employment in an agency that serves American Indian people.
6. How long will my SERVICE OBLIGATION be for?
One semester will count for a full "ONE YEAR." If the student starts receiving the scholarship in the Spring Semester, that will be considered one year of support when calculating SERVICE OBLIGATION.
- ONE YEAR of scholarship support = TWO YEARS of SERVICE OBLIGATION
- TWO YEARS of scholarship support = TWO YEARS of SERVICE OBLIGATION
- THREE YEARS of scholarship support = THREE YEARS of SERVICE OBLIGATION
- FOUR YEARS of scholarship support = FOUR YEARS of SERVICE OBLIGATION
7. What happens if a student fails to fulfill the service obligation?
That individual will re-pay to the Federal Government a sum that represents the amount given plus penalty charges at a repayment schedule set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
8. How do I apply for the ASUN scholarship?
Read and complete the application packet including obtaining three references (forms will be in application packet). All students must separately apply to ASU, College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation for admission into the Professional Nursing Program (BSN) and meet the set criteria. Candidates applying for the ASUN Scholarship must be introduced to and interviewed by the members of the ASUN Advisory Committee. Awarding of the ASUN Scholarship is strictly based on the decision of the ASUN Advisory Committee, the applicant’s admission status into the Professional Nursing Program, and available scholarship funds.
9. Where can I get the ASUN scholarship application?
Ask the ASUN Staff for a copy. The ASUN office is located in the College of Nursing Building & Healthcare Innovation, first floor, Room 128. The staff will assist with any questions you may have about the scholarship and the program.
