11.29.21

Hello, UIS colleagues --  

I hope you found time for some rest and recuperation this Thanksgiving weekend. At UIS we have so many reasons to be thankful, as you’ll see in our robust “Star Power” section this week. 

New Information 

Mandated Reporter Training 

Mandated Reporter training, which is required under the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) for all UI System employees, is now available to access. The last day to complete this training is Jan. 21, 2022. 

First Gen Student Information Session 

UIS and Rep. Mike Murphy are hosting a First Gen Student Information Session tomorrow at 6 p.m. in the Student Union. This information session will address topics specific to first generation college students. 

Open Forums This Week 

• Deficit Reduction Plan: Today | 4-5 p.m. |via Zoom 

Arnold Henning, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration, and I will share our five-year plan for reducing and eliminating our budget deficit. Vickie Cook, acting associate provost for enrollment management, and Provost Papini will also join the conversation. 

• UIS Funding Formula: Dec. 3 | 1-2 p.m. |via Zoom 

Have questions about how UIS receives its funding from the state and how the UI System distributes these funds to the three universities? Join us to learn about the funding formula and the distribution process.   

Extra Gift Day 

This year, UI System employees who are eligible for leave benefits will receive one additional paid gift day Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. President Killeen said the additional paid time off is part of our ongoing efforts to show how much we appreciate your hard work, resiliency, sacrifice and commitment in the face of extraordinary challenges throughout the COVID-19 crisis. 

Conference Services Changes 

A change is happening in how space is booked on campus. The functions of the former Conference Services department are now split between Classroom Scheduling and the UIS Performing Arts Center. For now, please use the current Conference Services phone number 217-206-6073 or email to book locations. Booking spaces in the Student Union or in a Residence Life facility should still be routed to those departments respectively.  

UIS Performing Arts Center 

• Brookens Auditorium 
• PAC Conference Rooms C/D/E/F/G/H 
• PAC Restaurant 
• PAC 3rd Floor Atrium 
• Various PAC 1st floor hallways 

Classroom Scheduling 

• Classrooms 
• Field Stations 
• Outdoor spaces 
• Other misc. locations on campus 

UIS Visual Arts Gallery Silent Auction & Benefit 

Need a holiday gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life? How about a one-of-a-kind piece of local art? The annual Silent Auction & Benefit at the UIS VGA is open and taking bids. Either drop by the Visual Arts Gallery in HSB or look online to view items generously donated from local artists. Bids must be placed on the auction website before 7 p.m. Dec. 2.  

Information that Bears Repeating 

UIS Employee Vaccination Policy 

For UIS employees transitioning to on-site work for the Spring 2022 semester, after having worked fully remote, please be aware of some upcoming deadlines with regard to vaccination status. This information does not apply to employees who worked on campus for the Fall 2021 semester and already confirmed their vaccination status, or for those who have approved alternative work arrangements or exemptions. For details regarding the employee vaccination policy, exemptions and deadlines, please visit the UIS United in Safety website. 

Deadlines

• Dec. 3: Confirm your vaccination status with the university or request an extension or exemption. If you are fully vaccinated, this means uploading your vaccination card through your secure Patient Portal. 
• Dec. 3: If you are partially vaccinated, you must upload your card and email aeo@uis.edu to share the date you will receive your second vaccination. 
• Jan. 5: Deadline to be fully vaccinated unless you have an approved extension or exemption.

Employee of the Month 

Is there someone in your department who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for Employee of the Month. 

Chancellor Search Comments 

The search for the next UIS Chancellor continues to move forward. If you have questions or a comment on the ongoing search, please submit it to uischancellorsearch@uillinois.edu. 

Teardrop Construction 

Construction is winding down on the PAC Teardrop Entrance, with only a small amount of concrete work remaining. The project should wrap up in the next two weeks. Keep up to date on all campus projects with the Facilities & Services Newsletter.  

Celebrating our Star Power 

Baker is November Employee of the Month 

Congratulations to Bob Baker for being named the UIS Employee of the Month for November. Bob has been a culinary worker with UIS Food Service for more than 20 years. One nominator said, “Bob brings a commitment to his job; however, more important is his helpfulness with others. He comes to work each morning wanting to do a good job.” 

Athletics 

Our men’s soccer team continues its trek making university history by advancing to the second round in the NCAA Tournament, our Cross Country team had a strong showing with three runners in the NCAA Division II National Championships in St. Leo, Florida, and our volleyball team also saw post-season play in the GLVC Tournament. Go Stars!

SECA Success 

Congratulations to each of you who generously donated to the 2021 State and University Employees Appeals Campaign (SECA). UIS raised $33,036 for various worthy causes around the state. A big thank you to Erica Michael, Office of the Chancellor, who has been involved with the SECA campaign for 21 years and leading it for 18 of those years. 

As we bid farewell to November and jump headfirst into finals, the holidays and the end of the year, I know it can be hectic and overwhelming. I hope you can carve out time for those traditions you cherish most; the ones that bring you happiness and peace. 

United in Safety,  

Karen 

Karen M. Whitney, PhD

Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield