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Northern Illinois University

Division of International Programs

Lillian ("Pauline") Cobb Faculty Travel Fellowships for International Teaching and Service

Academic year 2009-2010

This program is funded through an endowment that was established from the estate of Lillian ("Pauline") Cobb, who served as the first Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature from 1930 to 1966. It is a competitive grant program designed to promote the active involvement of regular NIU faculty members in international travel that will enhance their on-campus programs.

Goals

The aim of this grant program is to support the strategic priorities of the Division of International Programs for campus internationalization within the overall strategic plan of Northern Illinois University.  Within that plan, the mission of the Division of International Programs is "to lead our institution in becoming a comprehensive global university by serving as the nucleus and catalyst of international activity throughout Northern Illinois University."

Each year the specific invitational priorities of the Cobb Faculty Travel Fellowship program may be adjusted to support particular aspects of the strategic plan and mission.  For the 2009/2010 competition (for funds available in CY 2010), we have identified the following invitational priority

  • Support the creation of new faculty-led study abroad programs by providing travel funds for faculty to visit potential new venues for such offerings.  We are particularly interested in proposals for programs that will serve students or academic departments which are currently underrepresented in study abroad at NIU.  Cobb Fellows will be expected to explore logistic needs and requirements as well as to firm up any arrangements with local providers, colleagues and/or institutions.

Eligibility

All tenured or tenure-track faculty members at NIU are eligible to apply, including faculty members who have no more than a 50% administrative appointment outside their academic department. Faculty who have received a Cobb Fellowship in the past are eligible again, although preference may be given to those who have never received a Cobb Fellowship or who have limited international experience.

The Associate Provost for International Programs, in consultation with the International Programs Advisory Council (IPAC), will make the final determination of which proposals for the 2009-2010 cycle of competition will receive grant support and how much.

Amount of grant support

A total of $6,000 is available to be awarded in this cycle.  We anticipate awarding three or more grants from the Cobb endowment, with the maximum award to be $2,000.  Except for extraordinary circumstances, a match of 20% is expected from the faculty member's department and/or college.

Deadlines

Proposals for the 2009-2010 academic year (the period of January 1, to August 15, 2010) are due in the Division of International Programs February 5, 2010. Applicants will be notified whether they have received an award by March 15, 2010.   

Proposal format

  • A completed cover sheet including signatures from the Department Chair and College Dean
  • A project description  (not to exceed 2 pages) that includes the following information:
    • Venue of proposed study abroad program
    • Potential course to be taught and elements of the program
    • Proposed contacts to be made during Cobb-funded travel, including possible hotels, transportation companies, academic colleagues, venues, and institutions
    • The proposed project time lines for the site visit.
  • A budget including the total expenditures, the amount being requested from the grant program, and the amount and source of matching funds. A 20% match from the faculty member's department and/or college up to $500 is expected.
  • Brief CV with a summary of international experiences, if any, and the qualifications of candidate; not to exceed 2 pages.

Grant recipient obligations

  • Complete the proposed project within the planned time line
  • Expend grant funds within allocated budget limits and according to agreed upon categories and purposes
  • Evaluate the impact of the project
  • Submit a request for reimbursement within two weeks of the end of the project
  • Submit a report on project outcomes and contacts made within two months of the end of the project.  The report should include an evaluation of the feasibility of realizing the faculty-led study abroad project and a timeline for doing so.  The report will be shared with the Office of the Provost and with the NIU Foundation.

Approved by IPAC on October 15, 2009.

October 2009