<div><br clear="all">There seems to have been some communication break dow in the beginning of the program that needs to be addressed. I've been asked by several people about "finishing hours early". The contract does not solely represent a fixed number of 1700 hours. The number 1700 hours is the minimal number required in addition to completing the terms of agreement starting 10/5/09 - 10/4/10. We are not authorized to exit members early unless circumstances would warrant it. I want to provide each member with their signed contract, if they do not have it. The program does have some leverage to release members from contract if the situation truly warrants early releasal. I understand that some may have thought that the term date does not apply as long as they minimal hours are accomplished. This is not correct. Please see our Program Officer message below.</div>
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<div>"The contract is a binding agreement. If they complete their hours early they will jeopardize the remaining stipend and education award. If the program allows a member to complete and exit early, it's up to them to determine if the member completed satisfactorily. As for the stipend, they would lose the remainder of the payments."</div>
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<div>Please let me caution us in this matter. If the programs authorizes early release for its members, there may be some issues on the back end when it comes to the next grant period. It may appear that we do not need members in our programs for the entire grant period and it could impact the states re-authorization of the grant next year.<br>
<br><br>Carol Ammons-Program Director<br>Americorps/UCIMC<br>202 S. Broadway Avenue<br>Urbana, IL 61802<br>217-344-8820 (office)<br></div>
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