Guidelines | FAQ | Time Table | Application [.doc - 42kb]

Employee Grant-In-Aid (GIA) Program
FAQ
2007-2008

Who is eligible?
Permanent or continuing full-time employees having two years satisfactory performance at FGCU prior to August 7th of the academic year in which the grant will be awarded, and who are pursuing programs of study assisting them toward enhancement and growth in their current and future roles.

How many grants are available?
For the Academic Year, Grant-In-Aid awards are available for the fall and spring semesters.  Unless otherwise decided, a total of 4 full-time grants will be awarded: two in Faculty/A&P category and two in USPS category.

 What does the grant cover?
The grant award may cover educational leave for the Academic Year.  Selected recipients may elect to take full-time or half-time leave.  Departments will receive OPS funds to help defray replacement costs.  USPS and A&P employees will receive a maximum $700 stipend to help cover the cost of books and incidentals.

What about my salary and benefits?
Employees awarded grants will remain on full salary during the term of the Grant (half salary with half-time work assignment if half-time grant is awarded).  All benefits will remain in effect.

What about Financial Aid?
If receiving Financial Aid, you must report a Grant to the Financial Aid office at the institution you attend, as it may impact your total financial aid package.

Will I receive tuition assistance?
The University program is currently under review with a decision expected prior to the Grant award date.

Is there any obligation expected from me?

• Each grant recipient is obligated to successfully complete the course work requirements during the period of the educational leave.
• Each recipient is obligated to complete a period of employment with FGCU equal to twice the equivalent of the period of education leave.

How do I obtain a Grant?
Employees applying for a Grant should submit:

• Completed Application
• Personal Statement expressing career objectives and no more than 3 letters of referrals

Official Transcript from last institution attended - Request immediately from your institution.

What will be the evaluative criteria?
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Contribution to the University's diversity goals
• Anticipated completion date of the degree
• Benefit to the University
• Enhancement opportunity for the employee
• Length of service
• Strength of academic record
• Strength of references
• Strength of personal statement
• Ability to complete service requirement
• Satisfactory performance

Who will make the decision?
The FGCU Grant-In-Aid Committee comprised of faculty, A&P, and USPS employees will review applications and make recommendation(s) to the President and the Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance.  In case of a tie, the award may be split.

Where do I send my application?
All applications and supporting documents must be received in the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, Academic Building 5, Suite 213, by March 30, 2007, by 5:00 p.m.

Any questions regarding the grant selection process should be addressed with Cheryl Seals-Gonzalez, Director, Institutional Equity and Compliance, ext. 7406.