Qualified students have the opportunity to participate in an innovative educational program thanks to the generosity of West Memphis community leader Thomas B. Goldsby, Jr. The Goldsby Scholarship provides funding for high school students to enroll in concurrent classes at Arkansas State University Mid-South.
Concurrent enrollment classes are college-level classes offered to high school students for both high school and college credit. While earning credit towards their high school graduation, students earn regular college credit that is recorded on a college transcript.
Students participating through the Goldsby Scholarship and who succeed in ASU Mid-South classes during each semester of their junior and senior years of high school can complete more than 24 college-level hours before graduating from high school.
The scholarship may be applied to two courses each fall and spring semester for high school juniors and seniors. Students may choose from ASU Mid-South courses approved by their high school principal that will count toward high school graduation requirements.
1. What is the Goldsby Scholarship?
To support increased access to higher education, Thomas B. Goldsby, Jr. has generously provided funds to support the enrollment of qualified high school students in ASU Mid-South courses, which can also be counted as credit toward high school graduation.
2. What is concurrent credit?
The State of Arkansas allows qualified high school students to take college courses and receive both college and high school credit. For example, a high school student may enroll in English Composition I and English Composition II and, upon successful completion of the courses, receive one English credit toward high school graduation and six hours of college English credit at ASU Mid-South.
ASU Mid-South is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; therefore, general education courses such as English Composition, College Algebra, and U.S. History are transferable to other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Consequently, qualified high school students can earn a number of college credits before they graduate from high school.
For more information about the ability to transfer courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities students and parents can view the Arkansas Course Transfer System published by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE).
3. Who is eligible to receive the Goldsby scholarship?
The scholarship was created for any student attending a public or private high school in Crittenden or surrounding Arkansas counties. Eligible students must have a 3.0 high school GPA, college level placement in the subject area, and permission from their high school principal and parent or guardian. They must also submit the necessary application packet by the scholarship deadline.
4. Can the scholarship be used to pay for any ASU Mid-South course?
To ensure that students will receive credit towards both high school and college graduation, the Goldsby Scholarship can only be applied to courses that are part of an established articulation agreement between the high school and ASU Mid-South. Please ask your high school counselor for a list of articulated courses.
5. How many courses, per student, will the scholarship pay for each semester?
The Goldsby Scholarship will pay for two classes each fall and spring semester for high school juniors and seniors.
6. Will the students’ financial need be a consideration for the Goldsby Scholarship?
No. Equal access to the Goldsby Scholarship will be provided to all students without regard to financial ability.
7. Are special fees or books to be paid for by the scholarship?
The Goldsby Scholarship will pay for tuition and the required fees that each ASU Mid-South student must pay. However, scholarship funds will not pay for textbooks; each area high school will determine whether textbooks will be purchased by the student or high school.
8. Do students need to maintain a certain GPA to continue in the program?
Yes. Both ASU Mid-South and the Goldsby Scholarship program require that an overall 3.0 GPA in both high school and college courses be maintained for continued participation.
9. Do students need to re-apply each semester?
Yes. Verification of GPA and other criteria will be needed each semester to determine continued eligibility. Returning students need to pre-register for the next semester to ensure enrollment.
10. Will students with concurrent college credit still be eligible for freshman college scholarships?
Yes. According to various Arkansas colleges and universities, students who earn college concurrent hours while in high school are viewed as entering freshmen for admission, registration, and scholarship purposes.
To participate in the Goldsby Scholarship program, students must meet the following criteria:
–Have an overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better. Students who have previously completed college courses must have both a high school GPA and a college GPA of 3.0 or better.
–Have ACT scores of 19 or better. Students enrolled in English or mathematics must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the subject area.
–Students who have not taken the ACT or whose ACT scores are below 19 must take the ACT or ACCUPLACER placement tests and score appropriately prior to enrolling in college courses. Required scores are listed below:
| ACT | ASSET | SAT | ACCUPLACER | ACCUPLACER Next-Gen | |
| Reading | 19+ | 43+ | 470+ | 78+ | 251+ |
| English | 19+ | 45+ | 470+ | 83+ | 251+ |
| Math | 19+ | 39+ | 460+ | 77+ | 249+ |
–The ACCUPLACER test is given by appointment at ASU Mid-South. For more information about these testing times or to schedule an appointment, call 870-733-6754 or visit www.asumidsouth.edu/testing-sign-up
–Complete a Goldsby Scholarship Application which must be signed by the student, his/her parent or legal guardian and turned in to the high school counselor for official approval prior to the ASU Mid-South submission deadlines of August 10 for the following fall semester and December 10 for the following spring semester.
–Be approved by the school principal.
1. Complete the ASU Mid-South Application for Admission by obtaining an Application for Admission from the Admissions Office in the Reynolds Center at ASU Mid-South or apply online at www.asumidsouth.edu
Students who have previously enrolled in ASU Mid-South do not have to fill out a new Application for College Admissions each semester, but do have to re-apply for the Goldsby Scholarship each semester.
2. Complete the Goldsby Scholarship application online or obtain a Goldsby Scholarship Application from your high school guidance counselor, from the Learning Success Center in the Reynolds Center at ASU Mid-South, or by calling 870-733-6775.
A new scholarship application must be submitted each semester that a student applies for a Goldsby Scholarship.
Both applications must be completed and submitted by August 10 for the fall semester and December 10 for the spring semester:
a. Goldsby Scholarship Application: Meet with your high school counselor to select appropriate courses from the list of approved courses for Goldsby Scholarship students. Goldsby Scholarship funds will pay for two college courses per semester for high school juniors and seniors. Students may enroll in additional courses but the scholarship funds will only apply to two courses.
b. Application for Admission: Obtain an Application for Admission from the Admissions Office in the Reynolds Center at ASU Mid-South or apply online at www.asumidsouth.edu
3. High school counselors will send high school transcripts and may be able to provide other types of admission documents to the College prior to Regular Registration for the semester of enrollment.
Recipients are required to write a formal thank you note to the Thomas B. Goldsby, Jr. family for each semester they are awarded the scholarship and to send it to the following address by the first day of class:
Mrs. Sandra C. Goldsby
c/o Arkansas State University Mid-South Foundation
2000 West Broadway
West Memphis, AR 72301
Sample Thank You note:
(These comments are provided as an aid to you as you write your thank you letter. You may use your own thoughts and words to express your appreciation.)
Dear Goldsby Family,
Thank you for your donation to the Goldsby Scholarship for Concurrently Enrolled Students that is allowing me to get a head start on my college education. I attend (Marion High School/West Memphis Christian School/Academies of West Memphis) and I plan to graduate in (year?). I am receiving your scholarship for the (Fall ‘YR/ Spring’YR) semester.
I hope to (go on to what college? and/or one day get a degree in? and/or my ultimate career goal is what?)
This scholarship means (how much/what?) to me and my family.
Thank you again for your generosity.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
ASU Mid-South instructors provide all students with official course syllabi, which clearly state course policies, including grade allocations, attendance, and academic honesty requirements. Syllabi also list required course materials and a calendar of course assignments and tests, as well as the instructors’ office hours and contact information. Concurrently enrolled students and their parents should read course syllabi carefully to determine the instructor’s expectations.
Students are encouraged to communicate with their instructors regarding any academic difficulties they may experience so that additional assistance may be provided or recommended. Official grades are available on the college’s website under “My Cruiser.” Mid-term grade reports are issued to all concurrent students and their high school counselors each semester.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are not tolerated. When an infraction occurs, the course instructor has the authority to assign a grade of “F” for the assignment, test, examination, or course as outlined in the course syllabus. Students receiving an “F” as a result of academic dishonesty may not drop the course to avoid the grade penalty. If a student believes a charge of academic dishonesty has been unjustly made and the course grade is lowered as a result, the student may appeal by following the guidelines for an academic appeal as outlined in the ASU Mid-South Catalog.
All students are expected to abide by the policies and procedures explained in the ASU Mid-South Catalog. Parents are encouraged to use the catalog as a reference for descriptions of courses and degree programs, academic policies, behavioral expectations, learning resources available at the college, and procedures for grade appeals and grievances.
Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Non-discrimination Statement
Arkansas State University Mid-South does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, sex, disability, genetic information, veteran status or marital status in any of its practices, policies or procedures, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other designated youth groups. This includes, but is not limited to, employment, admissions, educational services, programs or activities which it operates or financial aid.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
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Jeremy Reece |
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For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the office that serves our area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
