[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 26, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 81405-81408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-32638]


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HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

45 CFR Part 1801


Harry S. Truman Scholarship Regulations

AGENCY: Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The following are the regulations governing the annual 
competition for Harry S. Truman Scholarships and the disbursement of 
Scholar payments. The regulations reflect modifications in the program 
adopted by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation on November 2, 
2000. Modifications were made to clarify and make explicit policies of 
the Foundation in administering the Truman Scholarship Program.
    This regulation describes the procedures to be followed by 
individuals who apply for or receive Harry S. Truman Scholarships and 
educational institutions which nominate Scholarship applicants, as well 
as the procedures the Foundation follows in selecting Truman Scholars 
and in administering scholarships.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 19, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, 712 Jackson Place, 
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis H. Blair, (202) 395-4831. E-
mail, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   
    OMB has determined that this regulation is not a significant action 
requiring its review under Executive Order 12866. I hereby certify that 
this regulation does not apply to small businesses, and thus will have 
no significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities within the meaning of the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This regulation relates to the 
Foundation's management and procedures, and thus is not a ``rule'' 
within the meaning of the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. et seq.

List of Subjects in 45 CFR Part 1801

    Grant programs--education, Scholarships and fellowships.

    Chapter XVIII, title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations is 
amended by revising Part 1801 to read as follows:

PART 1801--HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Subpart A--General
Sec.
1801.1   Annual Truman Scholarship competition.
1801.2   Truman Scholars are selected from qualified applicants from 
each State.
1801.3   Students eligible for nomination.
1801.4   Definitions.
Subpart B--Nominations
1801.10   Nomination by institution of higher education.
1801.11   Annual nomination.
1801.12   Institutions with more than one campus.
1801.13   Two-year institutions.
1801.14   Faculty Representative.
1801.15   Submission of application to the Foundation.
1801.16   Closing date for receipt of nominations.
1801.17   Contents of application.
1801.18   Limitations on nominations.
Subpart C--The Competition
1801.20   Selection of finalists.
1801.21   Evaluation criteria.
1801.22   Interview of finalists with panel.
1801.23   Recommendation by panel.
1801.24   Selection of Truman Scholars by the Foundation.
Subpart D--Graduate Study
1801.30   Continuation into graduate study.
1801.31   Approval of graduate programs by the Foundation.
1801.32   Eligible institutions and degree programs.
Subpart E--Payments to finalists and Scholars
1801.40   Travel expenses of finalists.
1801.41   Scholarship stipends.
1801.42   Definition of ``fee''.
1801.43   Allowance for books.
1801.44   Allowance for room and board.
1801.45   Deduction for benefits from other sources.
Subpart F--Payment Conditions and Procedures
1801.50   Acceptance of the scholarship.
1801.51   Report at the beginning of each term.
1801.52   Payment schedule.
1801.53   Postponement of payment.
1801.54   Annual report.
Subpart G--Duration of Scholarship
1801.60   Renewal of scholarship.
1801.61   Termination of scholarship.
1801.62   Recovery of scholarship funds.

    Authority: Pub. L. 93-642, 88 Stat. 2276 (20 U.S.C. 2001-2012).

[[Page 81406]]

Subpart A--General


Sec. 1801.1  Annual Truman Scholarship competition.

    Each year, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation carries out a 
nationwide competition to select students to be Truman Scholars.


Sec. 1801.2  Truman Scholars are selected from qualified applicants 
from each State.

    (a) At least one Truman Scholar is selected each year from each 
State in which there is a resident applicant who meets minimum 
eligibility criteria as established by the Foundation. These minimum 
eligibility criteria are stated in Secs. 1801.3, 1801.21 and 1801.23.
    (b) As used in this part, State means each of the States, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and considered 
as a single entity: Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (The Islands).


Sec. 1801.3  Students eligible for nomination.

    A student is eligible to be nominated for a Truman Scholarship if 
he or she:
    (a) Is a junior-level student pursuing a bachelor's degree as a 
full-time student at an accredited institution of higher education and 
will receive a baccalaureate degree the following academic year; or, is 
a full-time senior level student from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 
or from The Islands;
    (b) Has an undergraduate field of study that permits admission to a 
graduate program leading to a career in public service;
    (c) Ranks in the upper quarter of his or her class; and
    (d) Is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a permanent resident of 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.


Sec. 1801.4  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Academic year means the period of time, typically 8 or 9 months in 
which a full-time student would normally complete two semesters, three 
quarters, or the equivalent.
    Foundation means the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
    Full-time student means a student who is carrying a sufficient 
number of credit hours or their equivalent to secure the degree or 
certificate toward which he or she is working, in no more time than the 
length of time normally taken at his or her institution.
    Graduate study means the courses of study beyond the baccalaureate 
level which lead to an advanced degree.
    Institution means an institution of higher education. ``Institution 
of higher education'' has the meaning given in section 1201(a) of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141 (a)).
    Junior means a student who, following completion of the current 
academic year, has one more year of full-time course work to receive a 
baccalaureate degree.
    President means the principal official responsible for the overall 
direction of the operations of an institution.
    Public service means employment in: government at any level, the 
uniformed services, public interest organizations, non-governmental 
research and/or educational organizations, public and private schools, 
and public service oriented non-profit organizations such as those 
whose primary purposes are to help needy or disadvantaged persons or to 
protect the environment.
    Resident means a person who has legal residence in the State, 
recognized under State law. If a question arises concerning the State 
of residence, the Foundation determines, for the purposes of this 
program of which State the person is a resident, taking into account 
place of registration to vote, family's place of residence, home 
address listed for school registration, and eligibility for ``in-
State'' tuition rates at public institutions of higher education.
    Scholar means a person who has been selected by the Foundation as a 
Truman Scholar, has accepted the Scholarship and agreed to the 
conditions of the award, and is eligible for Scholarship stipend(s).
    Senior means a student who is in his or her last year of study 
before receiving a baccalaureate degree.
    Term means the period which the institution uses to divide its 
academic year: semester, trimester, or quarter.

Subpart B--Nominations


Sec. 1801.10  Nomination by institution of higher education.

    To be considered in the competition a student must be nominated by 
the institution that he or she attends.


Sec. 1801.11  Annual nomination.

    (a) Except as provided in Secs. 1801.11 (b), 1801.12, and 1801.24, 
each institution may nominate up to four students annually. 
Additionally, a four-year institution may nominate up to three 
currently enrolled juniors who completed their first two college years 
at a two-year institution. Nominees may have legal residence in the 
same State as the institution or in different States.
    (b) The Foundation may announce each year in its Bulletin of 
Information or on its website (http://www.truman.gov) special 
circumstances under which an institution may nominate additional 
candidates.
    (c) All nominations must be made by the President of the 
institution or the designated Faculty Representative.


Sec. 1801.12  Institutions with more than one campus.

    If an institution has more than one component separately listed in 
the current edition of the Directory of Postsecondary Institutions 
published by the U.S. Department of Education, each component will be 
considered to be a separate institution under this regulation, and each 
may nominate up to four students. However, a component that is 
organized solely for administrative purposes and has no students may 
not nominate a student.


Sec. 1801.13  Two-year institutions.

    If an institution does not offer education beyond the sophomore 
level, the institution may nominate only students who have completed 
two years at that institution and who are currently enrolled as full-
time juniors at accredited four-year institutions. Faculty 
Representatives at two-year institutions may submit the materials 
directly to the Foundation or they may forward the nomination materials 
to the Faculty Representative of the four-year institution attended by 
the nominee.


Sec. 1801.14  Faculty Representative.

    (a) Each institution which nominates a student must give the 
Foundation the name, business address, and business telephone number of 
a member of the faculty or administrator who will serve as liaison 
between the institution and the Foundation.
    (b) The Faculty Representative is responsible for a timely 
submission of all nominations and supporting documentation.
    (c) The Foundation delegates the responsibility to the Faculty 
Representative to establish a process to publicize the scholarship, 
recruit candidates, select nominees, and assist nominees.


Sec. 1801.15  Submission of application to the Foundation.

    To nominate a student for the competition, the Faculty 
Representative must submit the completed nomination packet to the 
Foundation as provided in Sec. 1801.16. The Foundation does not accept 
nominations packets directly from students.


Sec. 1801.16  Closing date for receipt of nominations.

    The Foundation announces in its Bulletin of Information and in the 
Federal Register and posts on its

[[Page 81407]]

website (http://www.truman.gov) the date and address at which the 
Foundation must receive nominations. Nominations not received by this 
date at the address specified will not be considered.


Sec. 1801.17  Contents of application.

    (a) The Foundation provides a form that must be used as the 
application.
    (b) Each application must include the following:
    (1) A certification of nomination and eligibility signed by the 
Faculty Representative;
    (2) A completed Truman Scholarship Application signed by the 
nominee;
    (3) A policy proposal written by the nominee;
    (4) A current official college transcript; and
    (5) A letter of nomination from the Faculty Representative and 
three letters of recommendation.


Sec. 1801.18  Limitations on nominations.

    A candidate nominated by an institution and not selected as a 
Truman Scholar may not be renominated the following year.

Subpart C--The Competition


Sec. 1801.20  Selection of Finalists.

    The Foundation selects Finalists from the students who are 
nominated.


Sec. 1801.21  Evaluation criteria.

    (a) The Foundation appoints a committee to select finalists from 
the students nominated on the basis of the following criteria:
    (1) Extent and quality of community service and government 
involvement;
    (2) Leadership record;
    (3) Academic performance and writing and analytical skills; and
    (4) Suitability of the nominee's proposed program of study and its 
appropriateness for a leadership career in public service.
    (b) The Foundation selects Finalists solely on the basis of the 
information required under Sec. 1801.17.


Sec. 1801.22  Interview of Finalists with panel.

    The Foundation invites each Finalist to an interview with a 
regional review panel. Panels evaluate Truman Finalists primarily on:
    (a) Leadership potential and communication skills;
    (b) Likelihood of ``making a difference'' in public service; and
    (c) Intellectual strength, analytical abilities, and prospects of 
performing well in graduate school.


Sec. 1801.23  Recommendation by panel.

    (a) Each Panel is asked to recommend to the Board of Trustees the 
name of one candidate from each state in the region to be appointed as 
a Truman Scholar. The Foundation may authorize each regional review 
panel to recommend additional Scholars from the States in its region.
    (b) A panel's recommendations are based on the material required 
under Sec. 1801.17 and, as determined in the interview, the panel's 
assessment of each Finalist in terms of criteria presented in 
Sec. 1801.22.
    (c) In the event that a regional review panel determines that none 
of the Finalists from a state meets all the requirements expected of a 
Truman Scholar, it does not provide a recommendation. The Foundation 
will carry over the Scholarship for that state making two Scholarships 
available the following year.


Sec. 1801.24  Selection of Truman Scholars by the Foundation.

    The Foundation names Truman Scholars after receiving 
recommendations from the regional review panels.

Subpart D--Graduate Study


Sec. 1801.30  Continuation into graduate study.

    (a) Only Scholars who satisfactorily complete their undergraduate 
education and who comply with Sec. 1801.31 shall be eligible for 
continued Foundation support for an approved program of graduate study.
    (b) The Foundation does not conduct a competition for graduate 
scholarships and does not add new Truman Scholars at the graduate 
level.


Sec. 1801.31  Approval of graduate programs by the Foundation.

    (a) By December 1, Scholars desiring Foundation support for 
graduate study the following academic year must submit a proposed 
program of graduate study to the Foundation for approval. The graduate 
program proposed for approval may differ from that proposed by the 
Scholar when nominated for a Truman Scholarship. Factors to be used by 
the Foundation in considering approval include being consistent with:
    (1) Field of study initially proposed in the Scholar's Application;
    (2) Graduate school programs given priority in the current Bulletin 
of Information;
    (3) Undergraduate educational program and work experience of the 
Scholar; and
    (4) Preparation specifically for a career in public service.
    (b) Foundation approval in writing of the Scholar's proposal is 
required before financial support is granted for graduate work.
    (c) Scholars must include in their submission to the Foundation a 
statement of interest in a career in public service that specifies in 
detail how their graduate program and their overall educational and 
work experience plans will realistically prepare them for their chosen 
career goal in government or elsewhere in public service.
    (d) After completing his or her undergraduate studies, a Scholar 
each year may request in writing a deferral of support for graduate 
studies. Deferrals must be requested no later than June 15 for the 
succeeding academic year. Scholars failing to request a year's deferral 
and to receive written approval from the Foundation may lose one year 
of funding support for each year for which they fail to request and 
receive deferrals. Total deferrals may not exceed four years unless an 
extension is granted in writing by the Foundation.


Sec. 1801.32  Eligible institutions and degree programs.

    (a) Truman Scholars at the graduate level may use Foundation 
support to study at any accredited college or university in the United 
States or abroad that offers graduate study appropriate and relevant to 
their public service career goals.
    (b) They may enroll in any relevant graduate program for a career 
in public service.
    (c) Foundation support for graduate study is restricted to three 
years of full-time study.

Subpart E--Payments to Finalists and Scholars


Sec. 1801.40  Travel expenses of finalists.

    The Foundation will provide partial funding for intercity round-
trip transportation from the finalist's nominating institution to the 
interview site. The Foundation does not reimburse finalists for 
lodging, meals, local transportation, or other expenses. The Foundation 
announces the terms and conditions of support on its website (http://www.truman.gov) and in the Bulletin of Information.


Sec. 1801.41  Scholarship stipends.

    The Scholarship stipend may be used only for eligible expenses in 
the following categories: tuition, fees, books, and room and board. 
Payments from the Foundation may be received to supplement, but not to 
duplicate, benefits received by the Scholar from the educational 
institution or from other foundations or organizations. The designated 
benefits received from all

[[Page 81408]]

sources combined may not exceed the costs of tuition, fees, books, and 
room and board as determined by the Foundation. The Foundation's 
Bulletin of Information, current at the time of the Scholar's 
selection, contains additional information about the terms and 
conditions of scholarship support.


Sec. 1801.42  Definition of ``fee''.

    As used in this part, fee means a typical and usual non-refundable 
charge by the institution for a service, a privilege, or the use of 
property which is required for a Scholar's enrollment and registration.


Sec. 1801.43  Allowance for books.

    The cost allowance for a Scholar's books is $1000 per year, or such 
higher amount published on the Foundation's website (http://www.truman.gov).


Sec. 1801.44  Allowance for room and board.

    The cost allowed for a Scholar's room and board is the amount the 
institution reports to the Foundation as the average cost of room and 
board for the Scholar's institution, given the type of housing the 
Scholar occupies.


Sec. 1801.45  Deduction for benefits from other sources.

    The cost allowed for a Scholar's tuition, fees, books, room and 
board must be reduced to the extent that the cost is paid by another 
organization, or provided for or waived by the Scholar's institution.

Subpart F--Payment Conditions and Procedures


Sec. 1801.50  Acceptance of the scholarship.

    To receive any payment, a Scholar must sign an acceptance of the 
scholarship and acknowledgement of the conditions of the award and 
submit it to the Foundation.


Sec. 1801.51  Report at the beginning of each term.

    (a) To receive a Scholarship stipend, a Scholar must submit a 
current transcript and Payment Request Form containing the following:
    (1) A statement of the Scholar's costs for tuition, fees, books, 
room and board;
    (2) A certification by an authorized official of the institution 
that the Scholar is a full-time student and is taking a course of 
study, training, or other educational activities to prepare for a 
career in public service; and is not engaged in gainful employment that 
interferes with the Scholar's studies; and
    (3) A certification by an authorized official of the institution of 
whether the Scholar is in academic good standing.
    (b) At the beginning of each academic year, the Scholar must have 
his or her institution submit a certified Educational Expense Form 
containing the following:
    (1) A certification by an authorized official of the institution 
that the Scholar's statement of costs for tuition, fees, books, room 
and board and other expenses required for the academic year is 
accurate; and
    (2) A certification of the amounts of those costs that are paid or 
waived by the institution or paid by another organization.


Sec. 1801.52  Payment schedule.

    The Foundation will pay the Scholar a portion of the award of the 
Scholarship stipend (as described in the Foundation's Bulletin of 
Information) after each report submitted under Sec. 1801.51.


Sec. 1801.53  Postponement of payment.

    (a) A Scholar may request the Foundation to postpone one or more 
payments because of sickness or other circumstances.
    (b) If the Foundation grants a postponement, it may impose 
conditions as it deems appropriate.


Sec. 1801.54  Annual report.

    (a) Scholars with remaining eligibility for scholarship stipends 
must submit no later than July 15 an annual report to the Foundation.
    (b) The annual report should be in narrative form and cover: 
courses taken and grades earned; courses planned for the coming year if 
Foundation support will be requested; public service and school 
activities; part-time or full-time employment and summer employment or 
internships; and achievements, awards and recognition, publications or 
significant developments.
    (c) Newly selected Scholars are required to submit by the July 15 
following their selection an annual report updating the Foundation on 
their activities and accomplishments since the time they submitted 
their applications for the Truman Scholarship.

Subpart G--Duration of Scholarship


Sec. 1801.60  Renewal of scholarship.

    It is the intent of the Foundation to provide scholarship awards 
for a period not to exceed a total of four academic years, only in 
accordance with the regulations established by its Board of Trustees, 
and subject to an annual review for compliance with the requirements of 
this part.


Sec. 1801.61  Termination of scholarship.

    (a) The Foundation may suspend or terminate a scholarship under the 
following specific conditions:
    (1) Unsatisfactory academic performance for two terms, failure to 
pursue preparation for a career in public service, or loss of interest 
in a career in public service;
    (2) Failure to meet the criteria in Sec. 1801.3(d), Sec. 1801.30(a) 
Sec. 1801.31(a) and (b), or Sec. 1801.51;
    (3) Failure to submit a report or request required by the 
Foundation or providing false, misleading, or materially incomplete 
information on any report, payment request or other submission to the 
Foundation; or
    (4) Failure to begin use of the graduate portion of the scholarship 
within four years of the date of receipt of a baccalaureate degree 
unless granted an extension in writing by the Foundation.
    (b) Before it terminates a scholarship, the Foundation will notify 
the Scholar of the proposed action and will provide an opportunity to 
be heard with respect to the grounds for termination.


Sec. 1801.62  Recovery of scholarship funds.

    (a) When a Truman Scholarship is terminated for any reason, the 
Scholar must return to the Foundation any stipend funds which have not 
yet been spent or which the Scholar may recover.
    (b) A Scholar who fails for any reason to complete, as a full-time 
student, a school term for which he or she has received a Foundation 
stipend, must return the amount of that stipend to the Foundation. The 
Foundation may waive this requirement upon application by the Scholar 
showing good cause for doing so.

    Dated: December 14, 2000.
Louis H. Blair,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-32638 Filed 12-22-00; 8:45 am]
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