4.15.24
Happy Monday—
Springfest is one of our longest and most loved traditions, and it starts today! Festivities will kick off with a Scavenger Hunt tonight at 8 p.m. Later in the week, you can look forward to cheering on our students at Springfest Trivia, Flag and Chant and Mud Tug-of-War. Thanks to everyone who helped organize this special week and to employees who are volunteering as judges. It’s an exciting time for our students.
New Information
Annual Evaluations for Employees
The Annual Evaluation Process for Academic Professional and Civil Services employees is underway through Friday, May 31. Evaluations must be submitted to Human Resources no later than the end of day on Friday, June 7. For additional information about HR’s updated electronic evaluation form, upcoming trainings for supervisors and more, visit Orbit.
Annual End-of-Academic-Year Party
Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13 on the Student Union Patio. Employees are encouraged to embrace their favorite decade in keeping with the theme. RSVP today so you don’t miss out on the fun!
New Summer Courses
UIS is offering more than 250 courses starting June 3. Many of the courses address emerging trends showcasing UIS' commitment to providing innovative education. Please encourage students who would benefit to sign up or learn more by visiting uis.edu/summer.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Campus Child Advocates is hosting events educating students about topics like child neglect, human trafficking, and substance abuse issues. The organization recently put blue pinwheels near the Colonnade to provide awareness and support for victims of child abuse.
Employee Development Series
Mark your calendar for the April 24 Human Resources Employee Development Series Session: Search Committee and Search Chair Orientation. This session will be presented by the UIS Access and Equity Office and a panel of experienced search chairs and search committee members. It’s an in-person session from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in PAC 154.
Center for State Policy and Leadership Events
- April 23: Policy Summit co-hosted by the Institute for Government and Public Affairs, and April 24: Social Innovation Workshop, co-hosted by the Illinois Innovation Network.
- April 23: Center for Urban and Rural Environmental Sustainability (CURES) Conference, held in conjunction with the Policy Summit.
- April 23: Samuel K. Gove Legislative Intern Hall of Fame Reception and Ceremony. Register today!
Employee Events Calendar
Don't forget: You can add your events to the employee calendar by logging into the website, creating an event, and marking it as "employee" under event type. This makes it appear on Orbit. Check the employee calendar on Orbit frequently to stay in the know.
Information that Bears Repeating
FAFSA Update
It is important for students to complete the FAFSA to maximize their potential financial aid, and nationally, we are seeing a lag in FAFSA completions. If you know students who have questions about the FAFSA or need assistance, connect them to the Office of Financial Assistance by email, phone, in-person appointments, or during the FAFSA Week of Action, which runs today through April 20.
Take Your Child to Work Day April 25
Human Resources has put together a fun-filled day for employees’ children, including a dorm tour, a police demonstration, and a visit to the new UIS Esports Arena. Don’t wait! If your child is 11-15 years old, register today! Spots are limited.
Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey
Preventing and remedying sexual misconduct is essential to a safe environment for our students. The student Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey is open now through May 7. It is important to hear from as many students as possible so that what we learn is representative of our students’ experiences. More info and a link to the survey is available on the website.
Equity Planning Taskforce Update
The Equity Planning Taskforce is working toward creating a plan to close equity gaps in student enrollment, retention and graduation rates. The entire campus is invited to attend one or both of the open forums this week to discuss the plan and provide your feedback. Taskforce members will be present to answer questions.
- Wednesday, April 17 | 11 a.m. to noon | UHB 2021
- Thursday, April 18 | 2-3 p.m. | UHB 2021
Commencement Volunteers Still Needed
If you’re interested in volunteering for Commencement on campus this year, please sign up. We’ll need help with setup, assisting graduates and guiding guests.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Congratulations to Beth Ribarsky, director of the School of Communication and Media, for recognition in early April at the annual conference of the Central States Communication Association for Basic Course Interest Group Top Paper Award, Undergraduate Education and Administration Top Paper Award, Communication Education Interest Group Top Panel Award, and for being elected chair of the Undergraduate Education and Administration Group.
Only three weeks until Commencement—can you believe it? I’m looking forward to helping our graduates celebrate, and I know you are, too!
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield