2.21.22 

Good morning, UIS Colleagues –

We are officially one month away from the first day of spring. That is certainly something to celebrate after last week’s weather. There is so much happening on our campus and more to come. Here is some information to help keep you updated. 

New Information 

Chancellor Search

The search committee for the next UIS chancellor is reviewing the applications, and finalists will be visiting our campus in early March before spring break. During those visits, we will host a University Forum for each candidate during which UIS faculty, staff and students can meet the candidate and ask questions. Information about the time and location of those forums (including virtual access information) will be provided soon. Following the forums, attendees will be asked to submit their feedback on the candidates.

COVID-19 Updates 

• Relaxed testing requirements went into effect Feb. 14. Testing is optional for staff and students who are up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters. People with approved exemptions or extensions should continue to test twice per week.  
• While masking requirements across the state may be changing soon, face coverings are still required at UIS. We’re reviewing feedback from across campus to inform our approach for the rest of the semester.
• The UIS SHIELD testing site is no longer open on Fridays. Testing hours remain the same Monday through Thursday. However, the site is closed today, because the lab is recognizing the President’s Day holiday.  
• Human Resources has a well-stocked supply of N95 masks. Please be sure your department has picked yours up. 

Graduation and Commencement 

Less than three months remain until Commencement! The deadline for students to file a graduation application was last Friday. In early March, students who wish to participate in Commencement ceremonies will receive communication about completing an intent to participate form. All employees are included on these student communications for situational awareness in case you receive questions. However, if you or a student have a specific question, contact commencement@uis.edu. 

Our Stage, Our Voices 

Welcome to Reggie Guyton, the inaugural 2022 artist-in-residence at the UIS Performing Arts Center. Reggie will work directly with Artistic Programs Director Carly Shank. Their goal is increasing inclusion of historically marginalized groups in our artistic community. Check out their new video for more information.  

Accelerated Courses 

UIS Accelerated Courses begin March 21. Please encourage students to look at the 40+ courses being offered to see if one may help them advance in their degree process. Thank you to faculty who are teaching these courses and providing this important opportunity to current and prospective students! 

Faculty and Staff Campaign 

The 2022 Faculty and Staff Campaign kicks off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 3 at the Student Union. Sign up for a grab-and-go lunch, and enjoy prizes and more. Click here to register for your entry time.  

Alumni Gala 

The Alumni Gala is this Friday in the Student Union Ballroom. We will honor Trif Alatzas with the UIS Alumni Achievement Award, Donovan Pepper with the UIS Distinguished Service Award and Teresa Haley with the UIS Alumni Humanitarian Award. In-person attendance is limited. Registration is still open to attend virtually. 

UIS Author Festival 

The UIS Author Festival happens virtually tomorrow. Join at 6 p.m.to hear from Dr. Graham Peck, Dr. Elizabeth Ribarskyand Dr. Neetu Singh.  

Information that Bears Repeating 

CAPE & Care Awards

Award nominations are still being accepted for the Chancellor’s Award to Recognize Excellence in Civil Service and Chancellor’s Academic Professional Excellence Award. The deadline for nominations is March 3. Winners will be announced at the joint Employee Appreciation CARE and CAPE Awards Ceremony on March 31. 

Grad Week Success 

Congratulations to the Office of Graduate Studies, departments/programs, and the Office of Admission, for making Grad Week 2022 a success! A total 228 attendees participated in 15 live webinars. Know of a student who might still be interested? Webinar recordings are linked on the website.  

Wellness Connection 

The long winter can be draining. Subscribe to the UI System’s Wellness newsletter for inspiration and ideas, fitness tips and recipes.  

Celebrating our Star Power 

Congratulations to the UIS Performing Arts Center staff for receiving the Caitie Barker Pride Award from the Phoenix Center in Springfield. During Springfield PRIDE Fest, the Performing Arts Center live-streamed the event from the UIS Studio Theatre when COVID-19 prevented the event from taking place in person. 

Catch Anne Moseley on The History Channel tonight! Anne, acting director of the Center for Lincoln Studies, was interviewed by a film production crew for I WAS THERE, Lincoln’s Assassination. Anne’s episode airs at 9:30 p.m. 

Congratulations to Department of English and Modern Languages Chair Dr. Donna Bussell, who was selected for the 2022 Beard Leadership Circle Award from Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). 

As we close out Black History Month, I want to say a special thank you to the staff, faculty and students who planned and carried out some outstanding programs. The Ebony Ball is still to come this weekend, and the month will end one week from today with a reflective closing ceremony at the Diversity Center. It makes us all proud to be Prairie Stars. 

Karen 

Karen M. Whitney, PhD

Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield