110 ILCS 930/7.5

(110 ILCS 930/7.5)

Sec. 7.5. Institution and institutional representative responsibilities.

(a) A DFI institution shall:

(1) be a qualified institution of higher education;

(2) commit to providing leadership, information, and placement opportunities for DFI fellows;

(3) designate an institutional representative; and

(4) recover funds provided to a student who does not meet the conditions of an award under Section 10 of this Act and return the funds to the Board.

(b) A DFI representative shall:

(1) actively recruit students who will be eligible for DFI awards and verify to the Program Board that applicants for DFI financial assistance meet all eligibility requirements;

(2) maintain records for award recipients, including DFI application materials, contracts, and records of award payments;

(3) provide award recipients with academic and support services, such as mentoring, counseling, and other activities that would enhance the chances for degree completion and success in achieving the goals of the DFI;

(4) supervise the payment of awards from funds awarded by the Program Board;

(5) collect, process, and forward to the Program Board, by the announced deadline each spring, all new applications and renewal forms from eligible students; and

(6) assist award recipients who complete their program of study in seeking a full-time teaching or administrative position at an Illinois institution of higher education or a full-time position as an employee of this State in an educational-related capacity; such positions may include, without limitation, administrative positions in State elementary, secondary, or higher education agencies.

(Source: P.A. 104-437, eff. 11-21-25.)