BIS Scholarship Opportunities

These scholarships are open to all students who have declared a major in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program, regardless of part-time or full-time enrollment status.

·   Bachelor of Individualized Study Endowed Scholarship

Award based on academic merit and financial need

·   Jack Fahey Giving Back Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to students who have financial need and have demonstrated progress toward degree completion

·   Linda D. Hemm Endowed Scholarship

Award based on academic merit to students who are juniors or seniors

Bachelor of Individualized Study Endowed Scholarship

($2,000 awarded at the end of each spring semester)

Description: The Bachelor of Individualized Study Endowed Scholarship is open to George Mason University students who have declared a major in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program.

The scholarship was established in 2004 by Karole and Diehl McKalip. Karole McKalip, a Mason alumna from the College of Education, served as GMU Director of Academic Advising and Orientation until her retirement from that position in 1997. She returned to Mason as BIS Academic Advisor until 2002.

 Qualifications for this Scholarship

• Applicant must be a BIS Program major.
• Applicant must have completed BIS 300.
• Applicant must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Applicant must have a current FAFSA or Alternative Need form on file with Mason's Office of Student Financial Aid.
• Applicant must submit required application and essay.

How to Apply:

• Applications open on February 1st, 2022.
• Applications due by April 18th, 2022.
• Apply through the Office of Financial Aid Academic Works portal.

Jack Fahey Giving Back Scholarship

($2,000 awarded at the end of each spring semester)

Description: The Jack Fahey Giving Back Endowed Scholarship is open to George Mason University students who have declared a major in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program.

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Jack Fahey, a graduate of the BIS Program, to assist currently enrolled BIS students make progress toward degree completion.

Qualifications for this Scholarship

• Applicant must be a BIS Program major.
• Applicant must have completed BIS 300.
• Applicant must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Applicant must have a current FAFSA or Alternative Need form on file with Mason's Office of Student Financial Aid.
• Applicant must demonstrate progress toward degree completion, as evidenced by previous and current enrollment.
• Applicant must submit required application and essay.

How to Apply:

• Applications open on February 1st, 2022.
• Applications due by April 18, 2022.
• Apply through the Office of Financial Aid Academic Works portal.

Linda D. Hemm Endowed Scholarship

($2,000 total -$1,000 awarded each fall and spring to the chosen recipient)

Description: The Linda D. Hemm Endowed Scholarship is open to George Mason University students who have declared a major in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program.

This scholarship was established in 2019 by Robert V. Hemm, in memory of his wife Linda D. Hemm. “Miss Linda” served as BIS Academic Advisor from 1993 until her death in 2018. She was nominated by students three times as Mason Academic Advisor of the Year, and frequently named by students in the annual Patriot Success Survey as “the person on campus who has helped them the most in their college success.”

Qualifications for this Scholarship

• Applicant must be a junior or senior BIS Program major.
• Applicant must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Applicant must submit required application, essay, and recommendation letter from a Mason faculty member.

How to Apply:

• Applications open on February 1st, 2022.
• Applications due by April 18th, 2022.
• Apply through the Office of Financial Aid Academic Works portal.

Additional Scholarships offered through the School of Integrative Studies can be found HERE.