What It Is
How It Works

By
Pieter Crow
06/19/2007

CONTENTS:

I. Overview
II. Student Eligibility
III. Selection of Recipients
IV. Oral Presentation
V. Award Distribution
VI. Funding
VII. The Name
VIII. Justification
IX. History
X. Motivation

Appendix A: CWC Mission, Vision, Goals, Ends and Institutional Values

Appendix B: Application Information for the Religious Freedom Scholarship

I. OVERVIEW

The Religious Freedom Scholarship will give money to student recipients at Central Wyoming College, for communicating their ultimate beliefs to the college community. The goal is for students to share their worldview, that is, their personal way of interpreting all of life and human experience. For most students that means communicating their religious beliefs. However, the scholarship will also be available to students who hold ultimate beliefs characterized as non-religious. The method by which they communicate their ultimate beliefs will be a public oral presentation. At its inception two scholarships worth $300 each will be awarded. The number of scholarships and the amount awarded may vary in the future. The scholarship is privately sponsored and has been approved by the CWC Administration and the CWC Foundation.

II. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Students who satisfy the following requirements may apply for the scholarship.

1) Two semesters of attendance at Central Wyoming College with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
2) Enrolled full time (12 credit hours) in the term when they give their public oral presentation
3) Read, agree to, and sign a copy of the five college Statements: Mission, Vision, Goals, Ends and Institutional Values. (See Appendix A for a copy)
4) Write an essay 500 to 1000 words in length explaining:
a. A summary of the student's worldview beliefs
b. A response to the statement: "Why I want to share my beliefs"
c. A response to the statement: "How I treat people who disagree with my beliefs"
5) Provide a written recommendation from a mentor, member of the clergy, spiritual leader, or CWC faculty/staff member. The recommendation must explain how the student will benefit from sharing personal beliefs, and how the college community will benefit.

III. SELECTION OF RECIPIENTS

The selection of scholarship recipients will proceed according to the provisions set forth below.

1) The sponsor of the scholarship will appoint a selection committee. The number of members and its makeup will be at the discretion of the sponsor. An attempt will be made to appoint members holding distinct ultimate beliefs.

2) The selection committee will review application materials and determine the finalists invited to deliver a private oral presentation.

3) The invited students will deliver an oral presentation in private to the selection committee. The student will explain his or her ultimate beliefs, why the student wishes to communicate them to the college community, and how the student treats people who disagree with them about their ultimate beliefs.

4) Based on the written application materials and the private oral presentations, the selection committee will determine which finalists shall be awarded the scholarship. The primary selection criteria are as follows:
a. Clarity and effectiveness of expression
b. Respect for others
c. Variety of worldviews represented by the awardees

5) Immediate family members of the selection committee are ineligible for the scholarship: spouse, parent, child, and sibling.

6) Members of the selection committee should not donate funds to the scholarship in the year that they select recipients.

IV. ORAL PRESENTATION

Students selected as scholarship recipients will earn their award money by delivering a public oral presentation. The essay written by the student as part of the scholarship application will provide the outline for the oral presentation, with the expectation that the student will offer greater detail beyond the written essay.

The scholarship sponsor and/or selection committee will coordinate with the recipient to make arrangements for a suitable time and place to deliver the oral presentation, which will be open to the CWC community and the general public. A moderator will be present to explain the scholarship, announce ground rules for the event, introduce the student, and maintain decorum. The moderator will ensure the presentation and any subsequent Q&A period adhere to time limits agreed to in advance.

Student presenters may receive questions from the audience according to the guidelines below.

1) The student will elect ahead of time whether or not to receive questions from the audience following the oral presentation. The choice is completely voluntary on the part of the student.

2) If the student elects to receive questions, the student will choose in advance the mode of answering questions. The basic choices are oral responses on the spot, written responses prepared at a later time and communicated privately to a questioner or made available by public media such as an internet website, or a combination of oral and written responses.

3) The moderator will maintain decorum at all times and has the authority to reject questions or to bring the event to a close if warranted.

4) If the student elects to receive questions from the audience, the student may answer, or decline to answer, any question on a case by case basis.

5) The student may decide to end the Q&A at any point within the time limit agreed to in advance.

V. AWARD DISTRIBUTION

Award money will be made available to the scholarship recipient subsequent to the completion of their public oral presentation. Distribution of award money will follow the standard normally employed: one-half of the amount will be distributed in the current term, with the remaining one-half distributed the following term provided the student is still actively enrolled.

VI. FUNDING

At present, funding for the Religious Freedom Scholarship is provided by the sponsor. Other donors are welcome to contribute with the following understanding:

1) Donors may not designate who will receive the scholarship award
2) Scholarship recipients may hold and communicate beliefs contrary to the beliefs of the donor.

Funds donated to the scholarship are tax deductible since they are received and distributed by the CWC Foundation. At the inception of the scholarship, two awards worth $300 each will be available. The award amount and number of scholarships may vary in the future, with the expectation that they will increase if additional donations are received.

VII. THE NAME

The name “Religious Freedom Scholarship” derives from the concept underlying the award. As a public institution of higher learning, CWC welcomes persons who hold different religious views, as shown by the various written statements outlining its mission and responsibilities. Such a welcome is consistent with the ideals expressed in the founding documents of the nation, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Historically, linguistically and legally, it is understood that the First Amendment to the Constitution celebrates freedom for religious belief, which also includes freedom for non-religious belief. Hence the name “Religious Freedom Scholarship” is inclusive of all forms of belief however they may describe themselves.

VIII. JUSTIFICATION

In various ways the scholarship contributes to the educational mission of Central Wyoming College.

1. It fulfills the Mission Statement

Enhance the quality of life through innovation and excellence in education.

The scholarship would appear to be innovative. Few if any similar scholarships are to be found anywhere in the nation. It could lend a competitive edge in promoting the college and retaining students once they are here.

2. It fulfills the Vision Statement

Provide lifelong learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of time and space.

The scholarship will provide a welcome new learning opportunity at CWC.

3. It fulfills portions of the Goals Statement

Provide an environment for cultural, economic and lifelong enrichment

Learning about the beliefs of other students provides wonderful opportunity for cultural enrichment.

Serve as a proactive community leader

With this scholarship CWC will be ahead of the state, perhaps first in the nation.

4. It fulfills portions of the Ends Statements

Because of CWC, students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in and contribute to a diverse and global community and to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens

A student able to express his or her beliefs respectfully, as well as to listen to others express their beliefs, is a citizen prepared to enter a global community marked by pluralism of belief.

5. It fulfills portions of the Institutional Values

Respect contributions of employees and students, and promote a free exchange of ideas and information

The communication of student beliefs will contribute a new dimension to this exchange, and will stimulate continuing exchange throughout the college experience.

Appreciate individual and cultural differences and respect human dignity in the service of diverse communities

Perform duties with respect for one another, in a spirit of professionalism, cooperation, dedication and care

Persons holding different beliefs may learn together, work together, and show respect for one another, even as they disagree over matters of ultimate concern. The college’s own administrators serve as a prime example. As of this writing they differ profoundly concerning their ultimate personal and/or spiritual beliefs. Yet they work together for the benefit of every student and the betterment of the institution.

IX. HISTORY

I conceived the idea for the scholarship in the spring of 2006. After discussing it with Ms. Jacque Burns, Director of Financial Aid, she suggested bringing the idea to the attention of the CWC Scholarship Committee. The Committee considered it at their September meeting. As shown in the meeting minutes the response was positive:

“After discussion, the motion was made, seconded and passed to encourage Pieter to work with the Foundation to possibly identify donors and develop funding for this scholarship.”

I discussed the proposal with Mr. John Wood, Associate Dean of Assessment and Chief Information Officer. He was enthusiastic and supported the idea. I also sat down with Mr. Dane Graham, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, who explained the minutia of how scholarships work at CWC. He too lent his support. I broached the idea with several current CWC students and they endorsed it heartily. They eagerly welcomed a new source of money to pay for their education.

In addition, I met with Vice President Graham and his office staff at the CWC Foundation, Ms. Lynette Jeffres and Ms. Jody Ray, to discuss the scholarship at length. All three expressed their support and offered several suggestions and refinements, most of which were accepted.

The CWC Administration approved the scholarship in March 2007, with the CWC Foundation granting its approval in April 2007. These approvals were communicated to me by Vice President Graham and by Dean of Student Services, Dr. Mohammed Waheed.

X. MOTIVATION

My personal motivation for developing the scholarship is congruent with my belief in Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus practiced the ethics of intrinsic blessing, the giving of goodness to all persons without exception. He taught love of neighbors and love of enemies alike, for God “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” I view the scholarship as an opportunity to give tangible blessings to students, whether their beliefs are in agreement with or in conflict with my own.

I believe the ethics of Jesus, actively practiced, produce a vibrant community of inquiry, questioning and learning. In particular I am convinced those teachings fully advance freedom of conscience and belief. If I wish the positive ethics of Jesus to be articulated, I can only do so honestly when I give others the freedom to articulate their own views first. This is a practical outworking of the Golden Rule: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

Finally, the Religious Freedom Scholarship offers respect to adherents of different worldviews. As the book of Philippians records, “... in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” The scholarship represents an attempt, however meager, to give a cup of water in Jesus’ name.

APPENDIX A

Central Wyoming College
Mission, Vision, Goals, Ends, and Institutional Values
Source: Self-Study 2005

Mission Statement

Enhance the quality of life through innovation and excellence in education.

Vision Statement

Provide lifelong learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of time and place.

Goals

The quality of life is enhanced when people are creative, productive, healthy, satisfied with life, flexible, and open to change. The college enhances the quality of life through achieving the following goals:

• Ensure academic excellence
• Provide an environment for cultural, economic and lifelong enrichment
• Serve as a proactive community leader
• Use innovation to increase access to education

Ends Statements

• Because of CWC, Students who graduate with transfer (A.A. and A.S.) degrees will be prepared to be academically successful at other institutions of higher learning.
• Because of CWC, students who graduate with applied (A.A.S.) degrees will be prepared to be skilled, successful employees in the workplace.
• Because of CWC, students will have opportunities to successfully pursue training and education at and beyond the community college.
• Because of CWC’s partnerships with the community, the economic/business climate in our service area will be significantly enhanced.
• Because of CWC, students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in and contribute to a diverse and global community and to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
• Because of CWC, the community will have access to opportunities for cultural enrichment, wellness, and lifelong learning.

Institutional Values

To promote the Institutional Mission, Vision, and Goals, CWC collectively agrees to carry out the mission with the following values:

• Student Centered. Support students’ success and improve the quality of their lives.
• Excellence. Commit to high standards in providing quality instruction and services to enhance learning.
• Learning. Promote a blend of learning approaches to foster a learning environment for students, staff, and the community.
• Mutual Respect and Civil Discourse. Respect contributions of employees and students, and promote a free exchange of ideas and information.
• Diversity. Appreciate individual and cultural differences and respect human dignity in the service of diverse communities.
• Access. Provide opportunities for students to attend college and to access programs by overcoming barriers to time, place, and costs.
• Innovation. Recognize the importance of strong leaders, innovators, and responsible risk-takers who are persistent, resourceful, and creative.
• Integrity. Perform duties with respect for one another, in a spirit of professionalism, cooperation, dedication, and care.
• Community Building. Expand lifelong learning opportunities through economic development and promoting and building partnerships.

As a student at Central Wyoming College, and as an applicant for the Religious Freedom Scholarship, I am in agreement with the Mission, Vision, Goals, Ends and Institutional Values of Central Wyoming College.

Signature _________________________________________________

Printed Name ______________________________________________

Date _____________________________________________________

7-digit id number from CWC ID card ___________________________

APPENDIX B

The Religious Freedom Scholarship
Application Information
Fall 2007

Purpose of the Scholarship

To award scholarship money to eligible, selected Central Wyoming College students who communicate their ultimate beliefs to the college community. The goal is for students to share their worldview, that is, their personal way of interpreting all of life and reality. For most individuals that means expressing their religious beliefs. However, the scholarship welcomes applicants whether their beliefs are characterized as religious or non-religious.

Applicant Eligibility

1. Attendance and GPA. Scholarship applicants must have two semesters of attendance at CWC with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
2. Sign CWC Statements. Applicants must review, agree to, and sign a copy of the five written Statements of Central Wyoming College: the Mission, Vision, Goals, Ends and Institutional Values Statements.
3. Essay. Applicants must write a typed essay of 500-1000 words with a) a summary of their worldview or ultimate beliefs, b) a response to the statement, “Why I want to share my beliefs”, and c) a response to the statement, “How I treat people who disagree with my beliefs”.
4. Recommendation. Applicants must provide a recommendation written and signed by a mentor, member of the clergy, spiritual leader, or CWC faculty/staff member, explaining how the student (if selected) and the CWC community will benefit from the student’s presentation of his or her beliefs.
5. Private Oral Presentation. The Selection Committee will determine which applicants are selected as finalists. Each finalist will deliver an oral presentation privately before the committee, where the student will explain his or her ultimate beliefs, why the student wishes to communicate them to the college community, and how the student treats people who disagree with their ultimate beliefs.
6. Full Time. Students selected for the scholarship must be enrolled full time (12 credit hours) at the time of their public oral presentation.

Selection of Recipients

A Selection Committee designated by the sponsor will review applications and determine which applicants are chosen as finalists. After hearing private presentations from the finalists, the Committee will select a recipient or recipients for the scholarship. Final selection will be based on the written materials submitted and the private oral presentation delivered to the Committee. Immediate family members of the Selection Committee are ineligible for the scholarship (spouse, parent, child, and sibling).

Public Oral Presentation

1. Presentation. Students selected as scholarship recipients will give an oral presentation of their worldview and ultimate beliefs, using as an outline the essay provided with their application, and with the expectation that the student will offer greater detail beyond the written essay.
2. Audience. The presentation will be open to the CWC community and the general public.
3. Time and place. The scholarship sponsor and/or Selection Committee will coordinate with the recipient in arranging a time and place for the presentation.
4. Award money. Scholarship money will be distributed to the student subsequent to the completion of the oral presentation: one-half that term and one-half the following term provided the student is still actively enrolled.
5. Time frame. The oral presentation must be delivered within a reasonable time frame as determined by the sponsor and/or Selection Committee, else the award may be forfeited.

How to Apply

Submit all written materials (signed CWC Statements, essay, and recommendation) to the Financial Aid Office at Central Wyoming College by September 21, 2007.