Forensic Microscopy Training Delivery Program
Funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

The National Institute of Justice has awarded The College of Microscopy funds to train 200 forensic trace evidence examiners over a two year period. The available funds cover tuition for any of eleven select courses, and all travel, lodging and per diem expenses.

Forensic trace evidence examiners employed in state or local crime laboratories are eligible to enroll in any of the courses listed below. For course dates and descriptions, please click on the courses below.

General Microscopy Courses:

Forensic Trace Evidence Courses:

Benefits of attending the College of Microscopy

• Students use the latest and most up to date microscopy equipment available.
• Each College of Microscopy course is taught by recognized experts in forensic science and microscopy, with decades of real-world experience. Many of our instructors have worked in crime laboratories and are certified by the American Board of Criminalistics.
• All courses are certified by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). IACET credits are award upon satisfactory completion of the course requirements.

How to Register:

Registration for one of the College of Microscopy’s eleven courses listed on the College of Microscopy website under the NIJ Training Program must be completed by downloading, the registration form and returning it to the College Registrar via mail, e-mail, or fax at 630-887-7412. PLEASE NOTE: Registrations must be approved by your Laboratory Director in writing. Registrants accepted for enrollment and placed on a class roster will be notified at least 45 days before the beginning of the course.

Registrants should not make unchangeable/non-refundable travel reservations until notified they have been placed on the roster for a course. Only students successfully completing the course will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses.

Reimbursement:

In accord with the terms of NIJ Award No. 2008-DN-BX-K181 the available funds under the Award cover tuition and travel expenses. Students will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred to and from the course at the College of Microscopy, 850 Pasquinelli Drive, Westmont, IL 60559 and for actual costs for room and meals while attending the course. Travel reimbursement is limited to reasonable expenses but not more than the maximum allowable costs under Government reimbursement policies.

Flights: Upon acceptance in the course, students must submit to the registrar at least 21 days prior to the start date of the course proof of an acceptable flight itinerary showing flight schedules, travel times and cost. As an alternative, use of personal vehicles are allowed but will be reimbursed based upon the standard Government mileage rate up to the maximum expense of a reasonable flight. For students from the local area, use of personal vehicles is allowed up to the maximum allowable Government mileage expense.

Accommodations: Lodging accommodations can be made through local hotels listed on the College website. Only room cost, state, and local taxes will be reimbursed. All other charges including expenses for additional travelers and incidentals (e.g., movies, room service, etc.) will be the sole responsibility of the traveler.

Meals: The actual costs for meals (excluding alcoholic beverages) will be reimbursed at a rate no greater than your standard state government per diem rates or standard GSA rates for the greater Westmont, Illinois area, which ever is lower. PLEASE NOTE: Only the cost of meals supported by receipts will be reimbursed.

Auto Rental: The actual costs for auto rental will be reimbursed at a rate no greater than your standard state government per diem rates or standard GSA rates for the greater Westmont, Illinois area, which ever is lower. Incidental Expenses: Additional incidental travel costs paid by the participant such as airport parking, tolls, and other miscellaneous incidentals will be reimbursed at actual cost.

Receipts Required: All travel costs to be considered for reimbursement must be verified with original itemized receipts accompanying the travel voucher. Reimbursement will be made only to those participants who successfully complete the course requirements.

This project is supported by Award No.2008-DN-BX-K181 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. For more information about the National Institute of Justice please visit them online at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/about/welcome.htm.

Information and questions regarding this program can be directed to: