7.8.24

Happy Monday,

I hope you enjoyed the holiday and weekend with friends or family. As we enjoy the hot summer, I wanted to share some exciting updates and upcoming events. We're continuing our work to improve education, support our students and faculty, and keep our digital environment secure.

New Information

Copyleaks is Coming this Fall

Due to the increasing licensing costs of Turnitin and additional charges for AI detection tools, COLRS and ITS are helping UIS transition to Copyleaks this fall as our plagiarism and AI content detection tool for faculty. To learn more about this transition and next steps, visit Orbit.

School of Education, District 186 Launch Restorative Schools Network 

The School of Education is partnering with Springfield Schools District 186 to establish the UIS Restorative Schools Network, focusing on improving school environments through restorative practices. Beth Hatt, director of the UIS School of Education, says these practices reduce suspensions, conflicts, and bullying. UIS aims to be the first in the nation to ensure all its education students receive training in these practices.

Increase in Duo Phishing Attacks

The cybersecurity team has noted an increase in compromised accounts due to sophisticated attacks targeting Duo MFA, the University of Illinois’ multifactor authentication solution. To mitigate this risk, take the following steps:

• Never approve or accept a Duo MFA prompt you did not initiate or expect.
• Stay alert for unexpected or multiple Duo prompts.
• Regularly review and update your Duo MFA settings.
• Change your password immediately if you suspect any compromise.

Information that Bears Repeating

Parking Rate Increase

Effective in August, parking rates will increase by $2.50 per month to support the maintenance of campus parking lots. Parking tags for employees currently using payroll deduction will automatically renew today, and all other employees can begin purchasing their new parking hangtags online today. Hangtags will be delivered to employees’ campus addresses on or before Aug. 1. For additional details, visit Orbit.

Information Technology Services Workshop Series

This summer, ITS will host weekly workshops on a variety of topics to help streamline your daily tasks. Visit Orbit to learn more about each workshop. 

Host a New Student Breakout Session

During New Student Welcome, Aug. 21-22, you can help first-year students become better acquainted with campus and your department by hosting a breakout session. Learn more and register on Orbit.

Celebrating Our Star Power

UIS Receives OER Grant

UIS has received a $102,668 Open Educational Resources (OER) grant from the Illinois Secretary of State. This grant aims to reduce students’ textbook expenses by promoting the use of free learning materials.

Congratulations to Brian Clevenger, associate vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management, our June Employee of the Month. His supervisor said, “He has shown exceptional leadership qualities, care for staff and collaboration with faculty and staff across the campus.” Brian is known for his dependability, compassion, knowledge, leadership and commitment.

Congratulations to our new CSAC Representatives!

• Eric Kuchar - administrative assistant, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• Jamie Weber - administrative assistant, Library Administration
• Patty Meyer - director of facility operations, Facilities and Services
• Will Newton - telecommunicator, Campus Police
• Jill Ralph - administrative assistant, Facilities and Services
• Rexann Whorton - program director, Women's Center
• Aaron Stewart - facilities business manager, Facilities and Services
• Betsy O'Brien - guest services manager, Performing Arts Services

If you’re on campus this summer, please take a walk. Our native plant landscapes are beautiful this time of year while benefiting our pollinators. You'll hear from me again the first week of August when I'll share more info about the annual faculty and staff kickoff meeting and other exciting activities as we near the beginning of the academic year.

Janet Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield