Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Fellowship Program.
The primary goal of the DFI Program is to diversify the faculty at colleges
and universities in Illinois. The Program is sponsored by the Illinois
Board of Higher Education and provides up to four years of fellowship
support and a tuition waiver * to qualified graduate students. Graduate
students must commit to pursuing future employment as faculty at
institutions of higher education in the state of Illinois upon the
completion of their studies. The DFI Program focuses on students from
underrepresented minority groups. You can read more about this Program at
<http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/
http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/
nominations are due in the Graduate College on or before February 17, 2014.
The Graduate College scheduled two workshops in order to assist our graduate
students in submitting the most competitive applications for this statewide
fellowship! The next Application Workshop will be held on:
* January 22, 2014 @ 1:00 PM in 650 University Hall
Graduate students may RSVP for the workshop by contacting Ms. Demetria
Ward-Kato, Graduate School Specialist, at:
deward@uic.edu. The Application Workshops cover all aspects of the
fellowship application and will emphasize writing the required essays for
this fellowship. Attached is a flier that you may also see posted in your
department. Candidates are required to submit the completed application to
their academic departments. Again, the departmental nominations are due in
the Graduate College on or before February 17, 2014.
Selection of award recipients in this rigorous competition is based on a
comprehensive review of the application materials. All academic fields at
the master's and doctoral level will be considered for this award, however,
the DFI Program Board has established the following priorities for this
Program: a) applicants interested in obtaining a full-time instructional
position in Illinois higher education, b) applicants in the first year of
their graduate program, c) applicants pursuing degrees in science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields, and d) applicants
pursuing a doctorate or other appropriate terminal degree.
Due to the state's budget condition and uncertainty of the FY 2014 state
budget, the DFI Program Board is uncertain of the exact amount of the
fellowship award. The DFI Program Board is committed to full funding.
Because of funding cuts to the DFI Program the past three years, the DFI
Program Board voted to fund renewals at $15,000 and new Fellows at $10,500
in FY 2014. Program funding for the 2014-2015 academic year is contingent
on the availability of funds appropriated by the Governor and Illinois
General Assembly.
Full-time enrollment is required while on the fellowship. Fellows must
pursue and accept a full-time teaching or administrative position at an
Illinois post-secondary educational institution, Illinois higher education
governing board, or an educational-related position at a state agency
following the completion of their graduate program for at least the same
number of years that they receive the fellowship. Students who apply for the
DFI Fellowship must demonstrate financial need. Therefore, candidates must
complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before being
considered for the award. This can be done on-line at
<http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.
http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.
deadlines, candidates should complete the FAFSA application by February 14,
2014.
(*The Graduate College will not provide tuition and fee waivers for
fellowship recipients who are pursing professional degrees programs at UIC.)