International Studies and Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PROGRAMS
University of Missouri–St. Louis

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
PERTAINING TO THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD HOLIDAY CONTESTS

Question: 
What are the prize amounts?

Answer: 
The total prize amount is $10,500. This is divided among the three categories. Each category features the following prize amounts:

$2,000 first place
$1,000 second place
$5,00 third place

Question:
Is this a cash prize?

Answer: 
The prizes are intended to serve as scholarships, applicable to current or future financial obligations to the University of Missouri-St. Louis. If your work is selected as a winning entry, and you are in your last semester and have no outstanding financial obligations to the university, you may be eligible to receive the prize in the form of a check. In this scenario, please consult a tax professional, as this may be considered  taxable income.

Question: 
Is it possible to win in more than one category? And is it possible to win more than once?

Answer: 
No. You may only enter one category per year, and you are only eligible to win one time. Previous winners of any category are ineligible to participate.

Question: 
Are students employed by International Studies and Programs eligible to participate in the UN World Holiday Contest?

Answer: 
As the judges evaluate the submissions on a "blind" basis, it is acceptable fo students employed by International Studies and Programs to participate.

Question: 
Can one of my professors assist me with my work?

Answer: 
Certain members of the faculty and staff are judges in the contest. A student may not knowingly seek assistance nor inform a member of faculty serving as a judge regarding a proposed submision. 

Question:
Can a friend assist me with my submission?

Answer:
The submission must be an original work of the student. As such the idea and execution must be done by the student.

Question:
Does a student winning the UN World Holiday contest have to pay income tax upon receipt of the scholarship money?

Answer: 
If a student has the University directly apply the monies to his student account to pay- tuition required for enrollment, mandatory fees, books and supplies required by a course, then it is deemed a qualified scholarship and not reportable to the IRS. However, if the student desires to receive the prize in cash or overpays these qualified expenses and receives a refund from the scholarship monies, then the University would be required to withhold 14% from the scholarship monies to be received by the student. Other expenses, such as paying for living expenses, housing, travel, supplies not required for a course, etc. are considered to be non-qualified scholarship expenses and would cause the amount to be expended on these items to be subject to tax and withholding by the University at the 14% rate.

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For further information on the contest, please contact:
BOB ELL
Contest Coordinator
International Studies and Programs
Room 366, Social Sciences and Business Building
516-6454