OGE Professional Development Grant

The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) fosters a culture of continuous learning within the field of international education. The intent of the OGE Professional Development Grant is to provide OGE staff and faculty with elevated funding opportunities in order to cultivate new skills, enhance current knowledge, and develop best practices in order to support UIC’s global engagement.  Approved grant proposals will simultaneously support the applicant in their professional career while also benefiting their department’s efforts within the framework of UIC’s internationalization strategy.

Types of professional development and award description Heading link

A total of up to $10,000 will be allocated each year to promote professional development within OGE.  Types of professional development suited to this grant include but are not limited to trainings, certifications, workshops, webinars, invited or conference presentations and funding for special projects.  Professional development grants may not be used for University of Illinois system tuition reimbursement. Awards will range from $500 to $5000.  The number of award winners will vary depending on the funding available and the cost of the grants awarded.  Receipt of an OGE Professional Development Award will not adversely affect or diminish any unit-based or contractual professional development funds.

Eligibility Heading link

UIC employees (staff and faculty) with at least two years of employment within OGE at the time of application are eligible for this grant. This includes individuals appointed to a regular position, both full-time and part-time.  Status is determined at the time of the submitted application, but recipients who leave OGE before their grant is disbursed will not be funded.  Department heads within OGE are not eligible.  Preference will be given to proposals from those who have not previously received grant funding.

Application deadline Heading link

Applications must be submitted to oge@uic.edu. Applications will be reviewed twice a year during March and September.  Applications must be received by March 1 (or the next business day if that day falls on a weekend) and September 1 (or the next business day if that day falls on a weekend) to be considered for the relevant funding cycle.  Funding decisions will be announced within 4 weeks.

Application process Heading link

Submit the application as a PDF to oge@uic.edu.  Applications must include the following:

  1. A brief description of the proposed professional development activity.
  2. A narrative, no less than ½ page, which describes the rationale for participating in the professional development activity and its importance to the applicant’s career goals.
  3. A list of all grants received during the past five (5) years and the outcomes of those grants.
  4. An itemized list of the specific expenses to be covered by the award.
  5. A signed statement or email of support from the applicant’s supervisor.
  6. If the applicant’s supervisor is not the leader of the relevant OGE unit, the unit head must submit a statement or email acknowledging they have reviewed the application.
  7. A resume or CV (not to exceed 4 pages).

Award review process and notification Heading link

  • Only complete applications that are submitted by the deadline will receive consideration.
  • Final determination for all awards will be made by the Vice Provost for Global Engagement, based on the recommendations provided by the review committee.
  • Applicants will receive notification of their awards within 6 weeks of the application deadline.
  • The Office of Global Engagement, will notify the grantees and clarify the method by which funding will be provided.
  • Awards must be used within the fiscal year which ends on June 30 although the funded activities may continue into the subsequent fiscal year.
  • Outcomes of the professional development grant must be shared with OGE personnel through a written outcomes report and OGE forums or newsletters.