Requirements and FAQ

JLN scholars attend a variety of workshops and events

Four students wearing masks sit at a table decorating pumpkins at a JLN fall event.
A table is setup with directions and crafting supplies for a JLN gratitude workshop
A female student wearing a plaid shirt and mask holds up a painted pumpkin.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ

If you still have questions about the Jaguar Leadership Network, please look at our frequently asked questions below. You can also contact us.

Students are selected as JLN Scholars based on their success during the first semester of college and their demonstrated levels of financial need. The Office of Student Financial Services collaborates with the Office of Academic Affairs to holistically review students who would benefit most from participating in the program. Other selection criteria include intent to pursue a four-year degree program offered at IUPUI (or IUPUC), as well as demonstrated leadership potential. Only residents of Indiana are eligible at this time.

JLN Scholars must complete the following requirements:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each
    year by April 15
  • Complete 30 credit hours per year (which can include transfer
    credits)
  • Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) above a 2.0
  • Be a resident of Indiana
  • Complete the 1 credit course UCOL-U 220 Jaguar Leadership Network
    with a C– or higher during your first year in the program (fall and spring semester), which is specifically designed for and offered to JLN Scholars
  • Be responsible for completing, on average, 4–7 hours of hands-on learning activities per week, which will include your attendance at specific events and activities
  • Pursue and complete at least one engaged learning experience in your second year of the program

First-year students can count AP credit, dual credit, and accepted transfer coursework toward the requirement of 30 credits per year. Some students may be offered additional scholarship funding to enroll in one online summer course in the summer before the sophomore year.

Any courses taken at IUPUI, IUPUC, or IU Fort Wayne with a passing grade will count toward the 30 credit requirement. Online courses taken through Indiana University and transfer credits accepted by IUPUI will also apply. Before transferring credit hours, students should consult with their assigned academic advisor to determine whether transfer credits will be applied to their specific degree program requirements.

The JLN program coordinates with the Office of Student Financial Services to process student awards. Students selected for the JLN program are eligible to receive a scholarship for up to $5,000 for up to two academic years. A student's award will be based on unmet financial need, determined by their FAFSA. Awards will be disbursed during the fall/spring semesters.

The program is designed to reduce students' financial burden so they have opportunities to engage more fully with IUPUI campus activities. In addition, the program requirements will take, on average, about 4–7 hours per week. Students interested in pursuing additional work opportunities for pay will be assisted in securing on-campus employment, whenever possible. If students need to work additional hours for pay, they are strongly encouraged to limit this commitment so that school can remain a top priority.

JLN Scholars are encouraged to seek on-campus work opportunities, which help students be more successful. The JLN program hours do not count toward students' maximum hours of working on campus.

Participation in the JLN program extends across the sophomore and junior years at IUPUI, with the goal of positioning JLN Scholars to compete for paid internships, work, or research experiences during the senior year. The holistic support, experiential learning opportunities, and community engagement experiences are designed to develop students as leaders and to help them acquire professional skills that are important for career success.