Student Scholarships & Opportunities

The following student scholarships and opportunities are housed within NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center, Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

Scholarships

The Razor’s Edge Shark Talent program is for new Freshmen who wish to continue their artistic education and use their artistic gifts to help create a more vibrant campus life at NSU. This could mean performing with one of our music ensembles like Shark Gold, performing with a dance or theater troupe at a donor event, energizing the homecoming crowd as part of the NSU Drumline, or sharing student art at a gallery opening. The selection process is highly competitive and is based on audition or portfolio review, plus an audition and interview. Students are required to major or minor in one area of the performing and visual arts.

Hear from previous Shark Talent students. Click here.

Amount: ~$24,000/year

For more information, contact Associate Professor Dan Gelbmann, M.F.A., at gelbmann@nova.edu

Apply Now: https://nova.edu/webforms/studentaffairs/shark-preview/index.html

Audition information : https://www.nova.edu/razorsedge/sharktalent/audition.html

Housed in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, Shark Gold is composed of NSU’s top singers who showcase the talents of the most influential singers over the last 100 years, producing classic hits by Frank Sinatra, Carole King, Billy Joel and more. Shark Gold is an audition-based program designed for students with a strong passion for singing and performing. This select group will perform at various university events, fundraisers, and ceremonies, providing audiences of all ages with high-quality, transformative performance experiences.

Members of Shark Gold must complete a successful audition and interview process.

For audition requirements, inquiries, and more information about how to become a member of Shark Gold, contact Ingrid Mayi at imayi@nova.edu.

The James and Nan Farquhar PVA Grant is an arts leadership program for outstanding arts majors – art & design, dance, music, theatre. Students who are double majors must declare their arts major as their primary major in order to apply. Grant recipients regularly demonstrate professionalism, personal artistry, and strive to develop their potential as arts leaders – these students go above and beyond in service to the major program and the DCMA. Entering students may apply but the program is primarily for continuing arts majors.

Scholarship amount: varies
Application required?: Yes, plus audition/portfolio

Application Information

Applications for the James and Nan Farquhar Performing and Visual Arts Grants will be accepted February 1 through May 1 each year.

Current grant recipients who wish to reapply should complete the application and schedule a meeting with the faculty of their respective discipline prior to May 1 for a performance evaluation. Faculty recommend continuation or discontinuation of the award. After the awards are approved, all applicants will receive notification of the decision. Amounts will be adjusted based on the funds available in the endowment.

New applicants should complete the application and submit digital performance or work samples to the faculty contact listed below. Performance or work samples are evaluated by faculty in the respective disciplines prior to May 1 and awards are recommended. After the awards are approved, all applicants will receive a letter informing them of the decision. Amounts will be adjusted based on the funds available in the endowment.

Audition Info

Music audition
Performance-based audition: Students must submit a video audition performing two pieces in contrasting styles. Each piece or excerpt should be no more than two minutes in length.

Composition-based audition: Students must submit an original composition with score and audio recording of the work. Original work must be a minimum of three minutes in length.
Theatre audition
Theatre (Acting/Musical Theatre): Students should prepare two contrasting monologues or one monologue and one song.

Theatre (Technical Design): Students should submit a digital portfolio.

Dance audition
Dancers should perform a one-minute solo in the style of their choice. Video may be in a studio setting or from a recent performance.

Art and Design portfolio submission
Students should submit a digital portfolio (see portfolio guidelines).

Faculty Contacts

For more information or to schedule an audition, contact the faculty member in your area of interest:
Art and Design: Kandy Lopez, M.F.A., klopez1@nova.edu  
Dance: Elana Lanczi, M.F.A., lanczi@nova.edu  
Music: Bill J. Adams, D.M.A., wadams@nova.edu  
Theatre - Technical & Design: Daniel Gelbmann, M.F.A., gelbmann@nova.edu  
Theatre - Performance: Alex Alvarez, M.F.A., aalvare1@nova.edu 

The William A. and Evelyn J. Krueger Endowed Fund is an arts leadership program for outstanding artists in art & design, dance, music, or theatre. Grant recipients regularly demonstrate professionalism, personal artistry, and strive to develop their potential as arts leaders – these students go above and beyond in service to the DCMA and NSU community. 

Scholarship amount: varies
Application required?: Yes

Faculty Contacts

For more information, contact the faculty member in your area of interest:
Art and Design: Kandy Lopez, M.F.A., klopez1@nova.edu  
Dance: Elana Lanczi, M.F.A., lanczi@nova.edu  
Music: Bill J. Adams, D.M.A., wadams@nova.edu  
Theatre - Technical & Design: Daniel Gelbmann, M.F.A., gelbmann@nova.edu  
Theatre - Performance: Alex Alvarez, M.F.A., aalvare1@nova.edu 

Writing & Communication Opportunities

Students can apply for writing fellow positions in the NSU Writing and Communication Center.
  • assist other NSU students
  • help put on events
  • manage social media
  • conduct research
  • attend and present at professional conferences

Graduate students can apply for assistantships in the center where they will gain valuable professional experience.

For more information, contact the Writing and Communication Center Director Kevin Dvorak, Ph.D., at kdvorak@nova.edu.

Digressions Literary & Art Journal is a student-run literary and art journal sponsored by the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. For over twenty years, Digressions has been the preeminent journal at NSU for both undergraduate and graduate students to express their creativity. Students are encouraged to submit original works of poetry, short fiction, creative essays, dramatic scenes, artwork, and photography for consideration in the journal, which is published yearly in the winter semester.
If you're interested in joining our editorial team as an editor, reviewer, or designer, or if you have any questions relating to the submission process, please reach out to Dr. Janine Morris  jmorris2@nova.edu

 

B.A. in Communication Practicums: Students gain credits and practical media experience working in the Office of Student Media.
  • newspaper
  • television
  • radio
  • web
  • public relations
  • event planning

COMM Internships: Students work in a variety of industry settings.
  • journalism
  • marketing
  • public relations
  • social media

WRIT Internships: Students work in a variety of settings as writing interns. Some have done editorial work for professional journals and organizations, while others have worked at NSU in the Writing and Communication Center. Digressions Literary & Art Journal editorial staff can also register for WRIT internships by contacting faculty adviser Mario D’Agostino at mdagost0@nova.edu.

National Day on Writing: Every October 20, NSU joins people around the country to celebrate the importance, joy, and evolution of writing through a tweetup, using the hashtag #WhyIWrite and events hosted by thousands of educators across the country. Join the Department of Writing and Communication and the Writing Center as we celebrate why NSU students, faculty, and staff write.

Ice Cream Entrepreneur Program: NSU undergraduate and graduate students get the opportunity to act as mentors to participants in this week-long summer program that provides college-bound high school students interested in communication skills, advertising, branding, and public relations with the opportunity to learn about creating and launching a consumer-ready ice cream product.

Mako news

 

The Current: NSU’s student-run campus newspaper, offering the latest NSU news every other week. The Current can be found in newsstands on campus and online at makomedia.nova.edu. For more information, call (954) 262-8455 or email makonews@nova.edu.

Mako Radio

 

Mako Radio: NSU’s student-run radio station, broadcasts live to the tri-county area on 88.5 FM from 6 - 10 pm and webstreams at nova.edu/makoradio. For more information, call (954) 262-8457 or makoremotes@nova.edu.

MAko TV

 

Mako TV: NSU's source of student-run broadcast journalism. Mako TV publishes newscasts online at youtube.com/@MAKOTeleVision every other Friday and covers news for NSU and its community. For more information, call (954) 262-8455 or email makotv@nova.edu.

Digressions

Drigressions: Create. Imagine. Inspire. Digressions Literary and Art Journal is the student-run literary journal sponsored by the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to submit original works of poetry, short fiction, creative essays, dramatic scenes, artwork, and photography for consideration in the journal, which is published annually in the winter semester. Contact faculty adviser Mario D’Agostino at mdagost0@nova.edu for more information.

 

 

Lambda Pi Eta: Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the honor society of the National Communication Association. NSU’s Upsilon Zeta chapter of LPH was chartered in 2005. 

Eligibility:

  • declared major in communication
  • earned a minimum of 60 credits
  • cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • at least 12 earned credits in communication major courses
  • at least a 3.25 GPA in major courses
  • top 35% of class

 

The NSU Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a pre-professional organization for undergraduate and graduate students at NSU interested in public relations and communications. PRSSA aspires to advance the public relations profession by developing ethically responsible pre-professionals who champion diversity, strive for an outstanding education, and advocate for the profession. For more information or to join, contact Faculty Adviser Whitney Lehmann, Ph.D., at ws315@nova.edu.

Art Opportunities

The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition takes place each spring in Gallery 217, located in the Don Taft University Center. The exhibit is open to NSU students who have enrolled in a studio art or design course within the academic year. Students must be in good standing. All works submitted must be original, with no copyright infringement, made within the past year. Entries must be prepared for exhibition. Works previously exhibited in an NSU Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition are not eligible. All 2D and 3D media are accepted, including digital media and installations as space allows. All digital media should be in PDF or QuickTime movie form and submitted on a CD or DVD. Works that are easily installed are encouraged. The artist must provide any special equipment for installation. All artwork submitted is subject to gallery leadership approval before being installed. Students can submit up to 4 entries with completed entry forms, hanging materials/instructions and identification labels. There is no entry fee. Work will be juried by a a professional art expert known as a “juror,” who will select the works they feel are the best representation of the works submitted. The appointed juror selects the works to be exhibited as well as some of the awards. Work is not guaranteed entry into the show.

For more information on the submission process, email Associate Professor Kandy G. Lopez-Moreno, M.F.A., at klopez1@nova.edu or call (954) 262-7612.

Digressions Literary & Art Journal is a student-run literary and art journal sponsored by the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. For over twenty years, Digressions has been the preeminent journal at NSU for both undergraduate and graduate students to express their creativity. Students are encouraged to submit photographs of original artworks in mediums like painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, and photography. The journal also accepts original works of poetry, short fiction, creative essays, and dramatic scenes for consideration. Digressions is published yearly in the winter semester.
If you're interested in joining our editorial team as an editor, reviewer, or designer, or if you have any questions relating to the submission process, please reach out to Dr. Janine Morris  jmorris2@nova.edu

All Art+Design classes are designated as experiential learning units and offer students a range of opportunities such as:

  • Gallery involvement: Several exhibitions each year (Guest Artist, Faculty, Annual Student Juried, Senior Exhibition) allow students to engage in exhibit curation, production, and management.
  • Art+Science interdisciplinary collaborations: Students work with biology and medical programs in areas such as agar art (drawing with bacteria) and cadaver lab studies (as part of ARTS 1250 - Life Drawing) 
  • Internship opportunities: Students can get placed into internships throughout South Florida, including NSU Art Museum positions and brand identity development for local nonprofit agencies.
  • Local art production: Student artwork is showcased through mural painting for local businesses, design of Digressions Literary and Art Journal cover art, and at locations such as the WEstfield Broward Mall and the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Exhibit Hall.
  • Community education: Students can teach the arts at events such as NSU Story Fest, screenprinting workshops for PACE Center for Girls, and more.
The Fort Lauderdale Small Press Fair is a local event attended by over 5000 tri-county residents allowing local and regional artists, printers, booksellers, publishers, authors, poets, bookmakers, designers, zinesters and cultural workers to share ideas and showcase new work related to print making, book making and zine creation. Students can volunteer to run the screen printing demo booth or assist with parking, event photography, vendor check-in, etc. Featured photos of our faculty and students have appeared in print and online in local media channels including Sun-Sentinel, PureHoney, and Venice Magazine!

Dance Opportunities

The NSU Dance program offers opportunities for dancers and emerging choreographers to choreograph and perform as part of the performing arts season at Nova Southeastern University. NSU Dance Ensemble members have the opportunity to work with outstanding professional faculty and guest choreographers, gaining important pre-professional experience. NSU Dance Ensemble auditions take place at the start of the Fall semester and are open to all NSU students.

For more information, please e-mail Associate Professor Elana Lanczi, MFA at lanczi@nova.edu.

Dance students have several opportunities to hone their craft as choreographers and develop valuable leadership skills throughout their time at NSU. Dance majors can submit choreography for consideration to be presented as part of the Fall Dance Works show or to be a student choreographer for the Student Choreography Showcase presented each Spring.

For more information, please e-mail Associate Professor Elana Lanczi, MFA at lanczi@nova.edu.

Offering a variety of free dance classes to the NSU and the community at large. This event shares the joy and richness of the dance experience with workshops led by NSU Dance faculty, special guest artists and selected NSU dance majors.

For more information, please e-mail Associate Professor Elana Lanczi, MFA at lanczi@nova.edu.

Music Opportunities

The Mako Band is a for-credit commercial/popular music ensemble featuring diverse instrumentalists and singers from across the university. The band also performs at various on campus and local community organizations. Having a for-credit ensemble like the Mako Band is unique in a university setting and is a clear sign of NSU's commitment to providing students of commercial/popular music with the type of educational opportunities they need.

For more information, contact Professor Bill J. Adams, D.M.A. at wadams@nova.edu

The NSU Drumline is the loudest performing group on campus! The high energy drumline is made up of snares, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals and keeps the crowd pumped at various university events.

For more information, contact Professor Bill J. Adams, D.M.A. at wadams@nova.edu

The Pistris Ensemble is a smaller chamber group that performs music in a more classical style but does not neglect contemporary musical pieces either. Vocalists are welcome to audition as well.

For more information, contact Professor Bill J. Adams, D.M.A. at wadams@nova.edu

Canta Sempre is a Shark Talent student lead vocal ensemble that performs both choral and acapella pieces.

For more information, contact Professor Bill J. Adams, D.M.A. at wadams@nova.edu

Theatre Opportunities

Stage 2 Productions is a student driven company within our NSU Theatre program. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to plan a performance schedule for the year. They will also produce other works for our department including our Mayfly, improv jams, staged readings, new works, and other dramatic media. Assuming the roles of producers, directors, designers, business team members, and stage managers in addition to performers, this collective will seek to engage and encourage all students to participate, no matter their major/minor.

For more information, please contact Associate Professor Dan Gelbmann, M.F.A, at gelbmann@nova.edu or call (954) 262-7926.

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