Library Scholarship Award

The University Library is pleased to offer the Claude and Lynn and Coppel Endowed Student Scholarship to support the academic pursuits of library student workers and Library Club members. The scholarship was established by Mr. Claude Coppel to recognize outstanding library student assistants and Library Club members who demonstrate excellence in the performance of their assignments and exceptional contributions to the University Library and the CPP community.

The scholarship is open to all currently employed library student assistants or student assistants who worked in the library during the past academic year. Additionally, if you are an active member of the Library Club for at least 2 semesters (or 1 Summer session and 1 semester) you are also eligible to apply. Applications for the 2022-23 school year are now closed. Honorees will be announced on May 5 in the University Library Grand Reading Room.

• Student employees and Library Club members who qualify must complete an application by the deadline which you can find here.
• Submit a 500 (max) word essay, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font.
  • Please address what you have learned about yourself while working in the library or serving on the Library Club. How has working in the library or being a member of the Library Club helped you in your academic career and what are your most memorable or challenging experiences while working in the University Library or serving as a member of the Library Club.
• Please redact your name from the essay submission.
• Submit unofficial transcripts (you can obtain unofficial transcripts by logging into Blackboard).
• Submit a photograph of yourself for a scholarship presentation.
• Submit a signed Memo of Understanding indicating award preference.
• As part of the application process, there are 3 general application questions that the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships includes in all submission forms. It is encouraged that you fill these questions out but responses to these questions will NOT be part of our scoring towards this scholarship. The General Application is designed to assist students with being considered for scholarship opportunities that do not require additional requirements. For these opportunities, students are “auto-matched” and they have the potential to automatically qualify for additional scholarships. The questions are:
  • What organizations have you been involved in that promote inclusivity and diversity (i.e. Cultural Centers, Diversity Initiatives, Non-Profit Organizations Volunteer work)? Only include organizations/centers you have been involved with the last three years
  • In 200 words or less, please elaborate on your involvement with the organization selected (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Member, etc.)
  • In 1,000 words or less please write a personal statement discussing each of the following: Leadership activities;  Academic goals; Career Objectives; and Why this scholarship would be helpful to you.

Stimulating Ideas (4 points)

• Focuses on a specific event or experience
• Presents an engaging picture of the action and people involved
• Contains specific details
• Makes readers want to know what happens next

Logical Organization (4 points)

• Includes a clear beginning that pulls readers into the essay
• Presents ideas in an organized manner
• Uses transitions to link sentences and paragraphs
• Flows smoothly from one idea to the next

Engaging Voice (3 points)

• Speaks knowledgeably and/or enthusiastically
• This shows that the writer is truly interested in the subject
• Contains specific nouns, vivid verbs, and colorful modifiers

Attention to Directions (4 points)

• The essay is a maximum of 500 words, double-spaced, 12 point font, and Times New Roman
• Redacted name from the essay
• Follow file naming conventions (as stated on the application form)
• Submits unofficial transcripts, memo of understanding, and photo along with essay

Grammar/Conventions (5 points)

• Sentence structure and variety
• Spelling, punctuation, capitalization
• Word choice and usage
• Verb tense is parallel
• Nouns/pronouns/verbs agree

Rubric based on Personal Narrative Rubric from the Higher Education Compact of Greater Cleveland