3.7.22 

Dear UIS Colleagues –  

I hope you were able to join the campus community Friday for a moment of silence for those fighting for justice in Ukraine. Let us lead by example, showing kindness and compassion to all. 

New Information 

COVID-19 Updates 

Requirements to face coverings on campus has changed. Last week, face coverings became optional, except for these locations on campus: 

• Classrooms, laboratories and instructional spaces during in-person class time 
• UIS Health Services and Counseling Center 
• SHIELD Testing site 
• Testing location for Civil Service classification exams 
• Public Transportation 
• University and public events when required by the performer/speaker. 

Additionally, with Spring Break next week (March 14-18), we want to start off the second half of the spring semester with health and safety in mind. Therefore, all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the COVID-19 testing site at least once during the week of March 21, especially if they have recently traveled or participated in large gatherings. Hours of operation for the Shield testing site in the PAC are on the United in Safety testing website. Individuals who are not up-to-date on their vaccines should continue their twice-weekly testing requirement if they remain on campus during Spring Break, or resume twice-weekly testing immediately upon returning to campus.

Ukraine Connections

As we watch the war Russia is waging on Ukraine, please know we have some UIS students for whom this is very personal. Student Sascha Millard shared his story with The State Journal-Register, and UIS Tennis player Nikita Revin shared his story with Newschannel 20. 

Title IX Training 

It is time to take your annual Preventing Harassment and Discrimination training. Invitations were sent to your uis.edu email this week. If you missed the email, please check your spam or “other” folder. The training portal will close at 6 p.m. April 1. 

Studio Portraits 

If you need a new photograph for department websites, campus directory, speaking engagements, etc., open studio sessions are this week in BSB 95: 

• March 9, Noon to 4:30 p.m. 
• March 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness 

As a University of Illinois System employee, you may qualify for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Check your eligibility for the program and its recent updates with the PSLF Help Tool. 

Star Parties are Back 

UIS Star Parties kick off online at 8 p.m. this Friday. Follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter for the latest information and links to participate. 

 Information that Bears Repeating 

Commencement Update 

• Student Speaker: March 18 is the application deadline to be the student commencement speaker.  
• Intent to Participate: Students who wish to participate in UIS Commencement ceremonies need to submit an Intent to Participate form on the UIS Commencement website by March 21.
• Graduate Salute in the UIS Bookstore (student regalia, invitations, etc.) 
  • March 24: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • March 25: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • March 26: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Faculty and Staff Campaign 

The Faculty & Staff Campaign, “A New Dimension,” is off to a good start. Well over 100 people have already donated. There is still time to donate. Visit the FASC website for more details including payroll deductions, or see the crowdfunding campaigns running for 26 units on campus.

Academic Impressions 

UIS is continuing its partnership with Academic Impressions for three more years of online professional development. Take a look at the great resources offered there, including virtual trainings and conferences, live webcasts, blogs, research and reports.  

Accelerated Courses 

Our Spring accelerated courses begin two weeks from today. Thank you to all who are teaching. There is still time for students to register. 

Celebrating our Star Power 

Join Anne Moseley this month as Sangamon Experience hosts a virtual livestream series “Women’s History Month: Community Trailblazers.” You can find the list of programs and the livestream on the Sangamon Experience Facebook page and YouTube Channel. 

Congratulations to Dr. Christie Magoulias, interim director of the UIS School of Education, for her collaborative work with District 186 to support their new Diverse Workforce Pipeline Program. 

Thank you to Rexann Whorton and her team at the Women’s Center and Diversity Center for the outstanding programs they have created for Women’s History Month. You can find their list of activities on UIS Connection. 

With the time change this coming weekend, we are standing on the cusp of spring. Baseball, softball and tennis are in full swing, and Spring Break is right around the corner. These are the days that get us through the long, cold winter.

Karen 

Karen M. Whitney, PhD 

Interim Chancellor  University of Illinois Springfield