It gives you an incentive to be the best you can. Participants come from a variety of disciplines, including political science, philosophy and religion, English, mathematics, education, chemistry and business, Morris said. Participation in FDIG requires sacrifice by both students and their nominating institution. Students livingoutside commuting distance to UGA usually move Athens to continue their education, often leaving family and homes behind. Sisson made frequent commutes to Savannah to visit her family.
Students also incur considerable incidental expenses while finishing their education.
Although FDIG funds tuition expenses and supplies a living stipend, the cost of education often exceeds the money provided, and FDIG participants are prohibited from holding outside jobs, relying on student loans or supplemental compensation from their nominating institution. Sisson said Armstrong was supportive during her leave of absence. Faculty represented her on committees, and her class load was distributed to others in her department. In addition to granting Frost's leave, Brenau supplemented her FDIG stipend, allowing her to maintain her salary level while pursuing her doctorate. Nominating institutions also make sacrifices.