Respect Graduate School (RGS) is proud to offer the Graduate Assistant Scholarship, a prestigious award designed to support students in their academic and professional growth. This scholarship is dedicated in memory of Sümeyra Emre, a young teacher who passed away in an unexpected traffic accident in 2024 at age 36. The young teacher shouldered the entire burden of supporting her family and ailing mother while simultaneously practicing her profession with passion. For years, Sümeyra never abandoned her brothers, who were imprisoned victims of political revenge in Turkey. She wore down the roads, defying her own exhaustion just to bring her brothers a ray of hope and moral support.

Sümeyra’s life reflected a deep commitment to service, responsibility, and moral integrity, values rooted in the teachings of Fethullah Gülen. As someone who carried and embodied this tradition with sincerity, her memory stands as a highly meaningful example of this path. Through this scholarship, Respect Graduate School seeks to attract students who are shaped by the same values and who aspire to continue this legacy through knowledge, service, and character.

About this scholarship

The Graduate Assistant Scholarship at RGS is available exclusively to students who qualify for full tuition coverage of $ 19,000 per year along with a total stipend of $ 44,000 to cover living expenses. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 each semester.
• Demonstrate a background that adheres to the teachings of Fethullah Gulen.

Graduate assistants shall be required to engage in service and scholarship beyond their course load for up to 20 hours per week on campus, primarily within the Academic and/or Student Services Departments. These tasks are designed to enhance the academic and scholarly development of the student under the guidance of the deans or their designees.

Academic Responsibilities

Graduate assistants are expected to actively participate in a variety of academic activities, including:

• Book discussions and book clubs
• Seminars and symposiums
• Conferences and other scholarly events

These activities will be assigned by the Dean of Academics in consultation with the faculty to enrich students’ academic experience.

Additional Responsibilities

Beyond academic tasks, graduate assistants may also be called upon to:

• Work in Recruitment and Admissions
• Support projects led by the Academic Dean, Student Dean, or Chief Financial Officer
• Assist with library projects
• Participate in institutional research projects

Duration of Assignments

The duration of Graduate Scholarship is three consecutive semesters during which time the student completes the MAIS degree. Assignments may extend beyond the fall and spring semesters to include winter and/or summer terms, based on the needs of RGS and the nature of its projects. In such cases, a specific signed agreement will be developed prior to the commencement of the extended assignment.

Contract and Supervision

Each graduate assistant will receive a contract before the start of each academic year outlining their duties and obligations. This contract must be signed to confirm the assistant’s commitment to fulfil the required work. The Dean of Students or their designee will provide details on the specific duties for the semester. A weekly timesheet must be submitted to the supervisor to ensure proper documentation of work performed.

Performance Evaluation and Consequences for Non-Compliance

Performance evaluations will be conducted at the end of each semester. It is imperative that graduate assistants fulfill all assigned duties and maintain high standards of comportment and performance. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in consequences such as a reduction in living expense stipends or even the loss of the tuition scholarship as determined by the Scholarship Committee.

This scholarship offers a unique opportunity for students to advance their academic careers while contributing to the RGS community. All eligible students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.