8.8.22 

Hello, UIS—

I can hardly believe that next week marks the beginning of fall semester with move-in and the first day of classes. I look forward to seeing many of you back on campus and to the success of the semester with more normalcy than we’ve had in years. Be sure to check out the university calendar to see a list of all the events happening in the first several weeks of fall.

New Information 

Fall COVID-19 Update 

I sent an email last week that outlines our approach to vaccines, testing and masking this fall. If you receive questions from colleagues or students, please continue to direct them to uis.edu/uisunitedinsafety for the latest updates, including some Fall FAQs. 

The main takeaways:  

• Everyone learning, working, living and training on campus must have the initial vaccine series (boosters are recommended). 
• Exemptions already on file will carry over.  
• Testing will be required for anyone who is not vaccinated, and we’re working on a plan to reestablish a SHIELD saliva collection site on campus (no testing for the public, though). 
• Masks are required in healthcare settings (UIS Counseling Center, UIS Health Services, SHIELD site) and are optional everywhere else, including classrooms. 
• A Zoom briefing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12. Watch your email for login info. 

New Hire Vaccine Communication 

Effective immediately, employee vaccine records will no longer be uploaded in the Medicat portal and instead will be stored by Human Resources. Hiring units should not ask new hires about their vaccine status or ask to see proof of vaccine. Learn more on Orbit. 

Academic Year Kick-off Meeting is Aug. 19

A campus-wide town-hall meeting will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, to kick off the upcoming 2022-23 Academic Year. Due to scheduling constraints associated with the UI System State Tour, we will be adapting our traditional Convocation meeting to a hybrid town-hall format, which will take place both in-person and via Zoom and feature the following components:

• Recognition of new faculty and campus leadership
• Updates from the chancellor and provost
• Budget update from the vice chancellor for finance and administration

Information on how to attend or log-in will be shared via campus email in the near future.

Moving forward, we will be launching a small committee to explore our approach to Convocation for 2023 and beyond; feel free to send ideas for our 2023 approach to Kelsea Gurski, associate chancellor for public affairs, at kgurs2@uis.edu.

UIS and LLCC Enhance Partnership

We signed an agreement last week to ensure smooth transitions for LLCC students to complete their bachelor’s degree at UIS and to allow UIS students to use reverse transfer credits to complete associate degrees. Read more.

New Logos, Style following Academic Reorganization 

New resources are available to the campus community, including updated unit logos and social media icons. Learn how to download assets for your college, school or department. 

Website Update 

Our new website continues to show dramatic improvements, which support recruitment and enrollment efforts. In July, we had more than 800,000 pageviews, a 79% increase from June, and the bounce rate has decreased 98%. Thank you for your patience through the migration process. This major change is paying off for the whole university. Read more on Orbit.  

Information that Bears Repeating 

Move-In Day Volunteers 

A few volunteer spots remain open for Fall 2022 Move-In on Aug. 16! If you are interested in helping out, please sign up on the Move-In Volunteer Sign Up Sheet. Please contact Talor Mourning with any questions. 

Celebrating our Star Power 

Congratulations to Kristin Nisbet-White for receiving the J.W. Paquette Superior Leadership Award and the Standing Ovation Gratitude Award and to Kathyy Battee-Freeman for receiving the Standing Ovation Gratitude Award from the Midwest Association of College and Employers.

Please say, “Hi,” if we cross paths on campus! I’m eager to meet you all and have a great fall semester together.

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, PhD 

Chancellor  University of Illinois Springfield