Dr John Holt Scholarship for Animal Welfare

1. Background

a. The Scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Dr John Holt, a pre-eminent veterinarian, widely respected in Australia and internationally, who was renowned for his passionate commitment to animal welfare. Dr Holt was much loved for his honesty, humility and the encouragement he gave to others, and was a mentor to generations of veterinarians, including eight university professors.

b. The Scholarship is for the support of an outstanding student enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program with the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, who is committed to animal welfare.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant either commencing or being currently enrolled full-time in the first year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program within the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:

I. academic merit,

II. a commitment statement detailing a vision for animal welfare both in Australia and globally, and plan to be a future leader in this area, and

III. a personal statement detailing:

i. personal characteristics that demonstrate a willingness to help and inspire others on issues related to animal welfare,

ii. proven leadership in relation to animal welfare issues, and

iii. involvement in extracurricular activities related to animal welfare issues.

b. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Head of School/Dean of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, or their nominated delegates.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at $6,000 per annum and is tenable for up to 4 years.

b. The Scholarship annual value will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.

c. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of the Head of School/Dean of Sydney School of Veterinary Science or their nominated delegates, and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university without prior approval.

d. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

e. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must maintain a minimum Semester Average Mark (SAM) of 65 each semester.

b. Recipients must remain enrolled in the eligible degree full-time unless prior approval is sought to study part-time, due to extenuating circumstances such as a medical condition that limits the recipient’s capacity to study full-time.

c. Recipients undertaking an exchange during the tenure of this Scholarship are required to have achieved a Satisfied Requirements grade (SR) to receive their next payment.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,

II. commences part-time study without prior approval,

III. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance,

IV. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application,

V. accepts an alternative scholarship, administered by the University of Sydney, valued at

VI. $6,000 per annum or more for the same purpose as this Scholarship,

VII. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VIII. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.

b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.