Q&A's

Q: I would like to attend a conference and present a paper in Amsterdam. Will the BIEI support such a trip?
A: You may apply for BIEI support for the trip if you are going to enhance the internationalization of one or more of your courses, and can show that the conference content is for that purpose. Attending a conference just to present a paper would not qualify for BIEI support.

Q: May my family go with me for a BIEI supported FDIB if I pay for their expenses?
A: Some FDIB will not allow family members to attend. Be sure to carefully read the FDIB restrictions. If there are no such restrictions, having family members travel to the same location at no expense to the BIEI is allowed. Any differences in room cost for more than one person would not be covered by BIEI.

Q: Who may apply for a BIEI – FDIB Grant?
A: All COBA full-time faculty on the Stephenville campus who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Full-time shall mean faculty teaching a minimum of two COBA courses and on a nine or twelve-month employment contract. Adjunct faculty teaching two or more courses may apply, but will be considered only if funds remain after the full-time faculty awards are made.

Q: Which COBA faculty will get the FDIB Grants?
A: The following criteria will be used to award BIEI – FDIB Grants:

1. A balance of awards among the three COBA departments.
   
2. The quality and/or potential impact of the proposed International Component.
   
3. The relevance of the requested FDIB.
   
4. Funds available.

Q: May I apply for more than one FDIB?
A: You may apply for more than one FDIB, but will likely only be awarded one per year. Awarding of a second FDIB Grant would depend upon the number of other applicants and the funds available. However, applying for more than one grant gives the Advisory Committee more flexibility in making awards. Other factors being equal, awards for 2007-2008 will go first to those not receiving awards for 2006-2007.

Q: Who will decide which faculty will get FDIB Grants?
A: All applicants who have submitted timely and complete applications will be ranked by the BIEI Project Director according to the types of FDIB, the quality and/or potential impact of the proposed course component(s), and the FDIB costs. The BIEI Advisory Committee will make the final decision.

Q: When will be FDIB Grants be announced?
A: Application deadlines will vary depending upon FDIB dates, but the deadlines and award dates will be posted on the BIEI Website and by e-mail. Once you are selected, you will be notified personally and asked to sign a letter of commitment. An updated list of those selected will be maintained on the BIEI Website.

Q: How much information do I have to research about an FDIB I am interested in attending?
A: All you need do is fully complete the BIEI - FDIB application and attach a copy of the announcement for the FDIB you wish to attend. The BIEI staff will do the rest, including making all travel arrangements once the FDIB Grants are announced.

Q: How much money will I have to pay out-of-pocket to attend a FDIB?
A: The goal is that you will have to pay for no more than your personal expenses. Your registration (often includes lodging and some meals) and travel will be arranged and paid by the BIEI staff. The only things for which you may have to pay will be mileage, lodging and meals, all of which will be reimbursed according to the State of Texas guidelines.

Q: What will my department head and departmental secretary have to do for me to attend an FDIB? What will be the cost to my department?
A: Your department head must approve your FDIB application and the travel request. All other arrangements and paperwork will be handled by the BIEI staff. No FDIB expenses will be charged to COBA departments.

Q: What if I want to attend an FDIB during the school year?
A: This will have to be resolved with your department head. Most of the FDIB conferences are in May or June.

Q: The MNC Shadow Project may involve a trip during the school year. Who will cover my classes?
A: As with the FDIB, the Shadow Project must be approved by your department head and your absence from classes arranged. However, Dr. Peer has agreed to pay a stipend for up to two weeks for faculty who cover your classes while you are on a Shadow Project trip.

Q: The BIEI Faculty Benefits state that I will receive a stipend for developing the course international component. How much will I be paid?
A: The amounts will vary between $50 and $400 depending upon the extent, quality and/or potential student impact of the component(s). The BIEI Advisory Committee will make the final decision on the stipend once the course component is developed and presented for approval.

Q: The BIEI Faculty Obligations state that I will have to share my FDIB experience with COBA colleagues and make presentations at the 2007 BIEI Business Outreach Workshops and the 2008 Symposium. Do I receive a stipend for these activities and how much work will be involved?
A: Both the faculty-sharing and business outreach activities are intended to take a minimum amount of your time, but you will be asked to share a maximum amount of your expertise gained from the FDIB. You will not receive a stipend for these activities, but any expenses incurred will be reimbursed.