Purpose

The Barton Scholarship Program, administered by the EMU Graduate School, is a competitive award honoring Eastern Michigan University alumni who earned a grade-point average of at least 3.5 while an undergraduate student. Recipients of the Barton Scholarship must pursue full-time graduate study at Eastern Michigan University and perform at a level of demonstrable academic excellence.

Ms. Miriam Barton Bradley, a life-long resident of Ypsilanti, graduated Salutatorian from Ypsilanti High School in 1912. Ms. Barton went on to Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University, where she received AB and AM degrees in 1915. She taught in the Highland Park Schools and Cleary College. Upon her death in 1964, her will instructed that a part of her estate establish the Barton Scholarship Fund to go to students, "male or female, who shall have the highest scholastic records…".

Scholarship Guidelines

This scholarship is a one-time award for new full-time graduate students. Full-time graduate study is defined as successful completion of at least 16 credit hours in the fall and winter semesters (8 credit hours each semester) with a minimum grade point of 3.5. Should the recipient not be able to meet these terms, she/he will then be responsible for repayment of tuition, fees, and other charges associated with registration/enrollment up to the amount of the award. The number of awards for fall and winter semesters is based upon the amount of funds available from interest on the endowment. Since there are only a few scholarships available, they are very competitive and held in high esteem. The exact dollar amount provided with each scholarship is dependent upon the amount of funds available during the award year. The maximum award will be $4,000 for the academic year. Applications are considered by the Graduate School biannually for the fall and winter semesters. Of the total scholarships to be awarded each year, the majority will be full-year awards beginning in the fall semester. A smaller percentage of money is set aside for students beginning their program of study in the winter semester.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must either be enrolled in the final semester of their baccalaureate program at Eastern Michigan University or have previously earned a baccalaureate degree from Eastern Michigan University.

2. Applicants must be new graduate students seeking their first graduate masters degree.

3. Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.50 or better at the time of submitting the application form and maintain at least a 3.50 grade point average throughout the duration of the award.

4. Academic achievement and seriousness of purpose are major factors in the selection of recipients and must be demonstrated through other academic endeavors such as publications, scholarly research projects, service to the community or campus organizations, or artistic performances or exhibitions.

5. Applicants must apply and awardees be admitted into a graduate academic program at Eastern Michigan University.

Application Process

1. Submit a completed Financial Assistance Application for Graduate Students Form available at the Graduate School or its Website (www.gradschool.emich.edu) and all supporting documents to the Graduate School, 200 Boone Hall, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 by February 15 for fall semester or October 15 for winter semester.

2. Two faculty members must provide letters of recommendation by the deadline date. Recommendation letters should be collected by the applicant in sealed envelopes and included with the application when submitted to the Graduate School. Letters should assess the applicant’s academic progress, seriousness of purpose, and potential for contributing to the field of study. These letters may also be used for admission consideration.

Award

• The scholarship, applied toward the recipient’s tuition and fees, can be for up to one academic year (fall and winter semesters).
• The exact amount of the award will vary from year to year depending upon available account funds.
• The maximum award may be up to $4,000 ($2,000 fall and $2,000 winter).
• For students awarded the Barton Scholarship in winter semester, the award will pay for a maximum of up to $2,000.
• Recipients are recognized at the annual Graduate Research Fair Award Ceremony, held in late March.
  

The Graduate School will notify awardees in writing of the award decision and send an Obligation Statement that must be returned by the specified deadline.