The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and the Diversifying Faculty in Illinois (DFI) board would like to thank you for your role in seeing that all DFI fellows continue their studies in a manner reflective of their knowledge and proficiency as educators. Due to the unprecedented events of the past several months, we are aware of how hectic things may have become for you, the fellows, and their families. We appreciate your continued efforts and commitment in helping the DFI fellows maintain a timely and successful completion of their degree in correspondence with future employment in the state of Illinois.
We are also deeply aware of the various disruptions on campuses across the state due to the critical needs of the day. Therefore, we look to your advanced knowledge, professionalism, and expertise as institutional representatives to ensure that each fellow fulfills all requirements for the projects and activities of the program. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please contact the DFI staff.
As for the upcoming academic year, we have now finalized the selections of new and renewal applications. This process was completed by late May, and notifications should have been made available to you in early June.
Again, we thank you for your continued commitment to our DFI fellows and look forward to their sustained success.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and the Diversifying Faculty in Illinois (DFI) board would like to encourage you to continue your studies in a manner reflective of your knowledge and proficiency as educators. Due to the unprecedented events of the past several months, we are aware of how hectic things may have become for you as fellows, as well as family members and citizens. We, therefore, appreciate your diligence and commitment toward the timely and successful completion of your degree, and your future employment in the state of Illinois.
Notwithstanding, we are aware that campus activity has been altered due to the critical state needs of the day. Thus, we appeal to your determination as fellows to fulfill all requirements for the projects and activities as part of the program. You are also encouraged to contact your institutional representative if you have any questions or concerns.
Teacher candidates in the Grow Your Own Illinois program should contact their consortia coordinator directly regarding information on any disruptions caused by the COVID-19.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education is working with grantees to ensure grant funds are not negatively impacted due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Students in an internship under the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Grant should contact their institution representative on how to proceed with their academic program and their related internship.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Fiscal Year 2021 Illinois Cooperative Work Study Grant application deadline has been extended from April 30th to June 1, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
If you are having difficulty getting Letters of Intent from business during this crisis, please indicate the business name on Attachment 8 of the application along with the statement of “The Letter of Intent could not be obtained from the business due to limited access an or closure as a result of COVID-19.” If you have any questions, please email grants@ibhe.org.
The deadline for reporting when a fellowship has been paid is extended from 30 days to 60 days. After State funds have been received and the Fellow has been paid, the institution is to provide the name of the Fellow, date of payment, and amount of award after payroll deductions. Please email (humanresources@ibhe.org) for more information.
Amendments to grant agreements are available to grantees that need to change their project or to extend the grant period because of the impact of COVID-19. Please email (humanresources@ibhe.org) more information.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education is working with these entities to ensure their grant funds are not negatively impacted due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19.