Wolfpack Student Initiative -- Frequently Asked Questions

How did this organization get started?
During the 2000-2001 academic year, Student Body President Harold Pettigrew recognized the necessity for students to be proactive in addressing the large amounts of unmet financial need facing the student body. In a study conducted during his tenure as president, Pettigrew found that an overwhelming number of students were willing to contribute to the never-ending battle against unmet financial need.
The endowment also serves as a memorial, immortalizing the spirits of Wolfpack students who have passed away. Each year, Student Government makes a contribution on behalf of these students.

The Mission:
An effort, for students and by students, the Wolfpack Student Initiative will help to ensure that no one is kept from access to higher education at N.C. State by providing need-based scholarships for students.

How does the endowment work?
A commission of Wolfpack Students, under the executive branch of the Student Government, holds several fundraisers each year. The money raised is transferred to NC State’s account, where it gains interest over time. Once $15,000 has been accumulated, the endowment becomes a permanent part of the NC State Fund. The $15,000 solidifies the account, and any exceeding amount can be awarded in the form of scholarships at a rate consistent with that approved by the State. Only a portion of the balance beyond the principle amount is awarded so that economic downturn does not affect our ability to award scholarships.

Grand Total so far:
$16,900

How many scholarships have been awarded so far?
This is a new organization, and we are very proud that we have given away our first scholarship already! See our Media Coverage page for details.

How can I make a donation?
Please see our Donations page, and thank you!

Who is eligible to receive a scholarship?
The scholarship recipient must meet all requirements for the awarding of need-based university scholarships as outlined by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at NC State. The commission determines the format, i.e. renewable/non-renewable, amount, etc, of the scholarship to be awarded. However, the scholarship recipient is determined by OSFA according to their records of student financial need. Students are selected for the scholarship based on whomever demonstrates the most unmet financial need.
We realize that many people have parents who do not support them in college, including some students on the WSI committee. However, at present we have only enough funds to award one or two scholarships, and with this in mind, we are aiming for the students whose families do not have enough funds even to make it a choice.

Can I apply for a WSI scholarship?
At this time, no applications are necessary and none will be accepted.

Who makes up the WSI commission?
The commission consists of a Director and Treasurer, each appointed by the Student Body President, as well as a member of the Senate Tuition and Fees Committee and at least 5 at large students. These are the only official Student Government positions, and members are added to the commission by recommendation from the Director and approval by the Student Senate. For more information on the rules and regulations for the commission, please consult the Student Body Statutes.

How can I join the WSI commission?
Any student who wishes to join the commission is certainly welcome to do so. To join contact our current Director, Travis Rankin at tmrankin@ncsu.edu. Permanent members as well as volunteers are welcome, and the time commitment is up to the student. We offer all sorts of positions, including fundraising organization, communication, and others. Students are welcome to work in any or all areas they wish to.

When and where are meetings held?
Meetings are typically held on Mondays. For information on exactly when meetings will occur please consult the WSI page on the Student Government Website.

Who can I contact for more information?
Please send email to the commission’s account at wsi.06.07@gmail.com.