Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI)

The application for the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) program is open for the 2023-2024 academic year. DFI aims to increase the number of minority full-time tenure track faculty and staff at Illinois' two-and-four-year, public and private colleges and universities. Please refer to the application and link below for more information.  

The following are the eligibility requirements for the DFI application:

·  Applicants must be admitted to a Master's or Doctoral program at a participating institution at the time of application (e.g., provide an acceptance letter to a graduate program at NEIU)

·  Completed screening form (page 9 of application)

·  Completed application form

·  Proof of Illinois Residency (e.g., has lived in Illinois for at least three years)

·  Copy of Voter Registration Card

·  Part of an underrepresented group designated in the Act (e.g., African American, Hispanic American/Latino, Native American, Asian American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)

·  Professional Goals Statement

·  Academic eligibility (e.g., An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning; Minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a grade scale of 4.0 = A in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work; and over a 3.2 in at least 9 hours of graduate study; Unconditional admission to a post-baccalaureate degree program). 

·  Academic Pursuit (e.g., Applicants in all academic disciplines are eligible. Applicants must be pursuing a doctorate or master's degree. Applicants must pursue a career in teaching or administration at an Illinois post-secondary institution or Illinois higher education governing board). 

·  Demonstrate Financial Need (e.g., Applicants must demonstrate financial need in the form of W2 Forms. A FAFSA must be filed each year to maintain eligibility)

·  Statement of Underrepresented Status

·  Three letters of recommendation 

·  Official transcripts - (no copies)

The DFI Award is available for a maximum of four years: Master's Degree (2 Years), Doctoral Degree (2 Years), or a Doctoral Degree (4 Years). 

The application deadline is Friday, February 10th, 2023 at 4:00 pm. All application materials must be submitted to the DFI Institutional Representative, María J. Nataren, office in building B-141. If you have any questions or concerns please email mjnatare@neiu.edu or refer to their website:https://www.ibhe.org/dfi.html

 

We look forward to receiving your completed application, 

NEIU DFI Institutional Representative