Section 1080.100  Purpose

a)         This Part provides for the administration of the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Act [110 ILCS 930] and the program of financial assistance under this Act called the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Program (DFI).  DFI combines two former programs, the Illinois Consortium for Educational Opportunity Program (ICEOP) and the Illinois Minority Graduate Incentive Program (IMGIP).

b)         The purpose of the DFI Program is to encourage minority students to enroll and complete academic programs at the post-baccalaureate level and to enhance the diversity of faculty and professional staff at Illinois higher education institutions and agencies. (Section 6 of the Act)  Only full-time students with a demonstrated financial need are awarded this highly competitive fellowship.