What is Service-Learning Immersion?

A service-learning immersion course involves students becoming fully immersed in a service experience for a period of time. In the past, UIS students enrolled in the immersion course and earned credit for the alternative spring break service trip.

How far in advance should I start preparing/registering for a Service-Learning course?

Service-Learning courses can be registered for at the same time that you register for your other classes. However, if you plan on completing your service hours where you would be working directly with children or vulnerable populations, you need to start a month or more in advance; it takes a few weeks for background checks to be processed.

Can I use my current job as a service site for a Service-Learning course?

No. The purpose of Service-Learning courses is to provide needed service to the community, and if you are already working and getting paid at an agency, that need is already filled. You might be able to complete an Internship (for ECCE Engagement/Elective credit) where you currently work.  Contact the IPL office for more information.

Can I pick any non-profit agency to complete my service hours?

IPL/service-learning instructors may have suggestions for service-learning sites, and you can also find service opportunities through the Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center. If you wish to complete service hours at another site, you will need to have your site approved by your instructor. A determining factor in site approval is the ability of the agency to provide feedback to you (the student) and to the professor at various times during the semester.

Are Service-Learning courses required?

Service-Learning courses are not specifically required; however, Service-Learning courses can potentially fulfill either an ECCE Engagement or ECCE Elective requirement, depending on your major.

Do I need instructor approval to take Service-Learning courses?

Instructor approval is not required for most Service-Learning courses.

Are all Service-Learning courses the same?

No. Some Service-Learning courses are more general and focus on a broad view of service and leadership; the sites to choose from vary by subject area.  Other Service-Learning courses are issue-based, which means that the course focuses on one specific issue, and the service sites are related to that issue.  Other Service-Learning courses are project-based, which means that the service is not necessarily contained to one site, but may span across sites in order to complete a specific project.

What is Service-Learning?

Service-Learning is a teaching and learning method in which students provide meaningful service in the community to help them better understand what they are learning in their courses. Service-Learning focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, personal development, and community responsibility.  Service-Learning courses typically require 40 hours of direct service to complement the coursework throughout the semester.

I need to change my major, what do I do?

You can submit a Change of Curriculum Form using Student Self-Service. Please see the Change of Curriculum Form Instructions (pdf) if you have any questions regarding the completion of the form.

What happens if my GPA changes before I enroll?

You will need to sustain a 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible for Direct Admissions.

I want to upload an updated resume. What do I do?

If you're having trouble uploading or attaching an updated resume, our employment team can help sort it out. Email HREmployment@uis.edu, describe what's happening, and they'll walk you through it.

I need to update the references submitted with my application. What do I do?

If you're running into trouble updating your references , our employment team can help sort it out. Email HREmployment@uis.edu, describe what's happening, and they'll walk you through it.

Who handles employee evaluations?

Employee evaluation questions go to your Division Liaison (DL), who can walk you through the process for your department. You can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page, or email uishr@uis.edu with your department if you're not sure who to ask.

How do I find a student job on campus?

All student positions are posted on Handshake, which you can reach through UIS CareerConnect. Every open student job is listed online, so that's the one place to look, there's no separate list. Take a look and apply to any that fit!

I was just hired. Who do I ask about my start date?

Your start date is confirmed through your Division Liaison (DL), so they're the right person to ask. You can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page, or email uishr@uis.edu with your department if you're not sure who that is.

Who do I contact about new hire paperwork?

New hire paperwork is handled by your Division Liaison (DL). They'll walk you through the forms you need to fill out and make sure everything is processed correctly. You can find the right DL for your area on the HR Division Liaisons page. If you're not sure who yours is, email uishr@uis.edu with your department and we'll connect you.

I'm having a paycheck issue or have a salary question. Who do I contact?

For paycheck issues or salary questions tied to your position, your Division Liaison (DL) is the best place to start. You can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page. (Note: questions specifically about paycheck deductions, insurance benefits, or taxes are handled separately by University Payroll and Benefits; there's a separate FAQ for those.) If you're not sure who your DL is, email uishr@uis.edu with your department and we'll help.

I applied for a job. How do I check my application status?

Happy to help! For questions about your application status, send an email to HREmployment@uis.edu and include your name and the exact title of the job you applied for. That way the team can look it up quickly and get back to you with an update.

How do I change or update my name (last name change)?

To update your name with the university, you'll set up an appointment with your Division Liaison (DL) to come into the HR office in person. Your DL will explain the steps and let you know which documents to bring with you. The best way to set this up is to email your DL directly. You can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page. If you're not sure who your DL is, email uishr@uis.edu with your department and we'll get you connected. If you call your DL and they don't pick up please leave a voice message and they will respond as soon as they can.

How do I find a job on campus?

All open positions at UIS are posted online at jobs.uis.edu. That's the single place to find and apply for our openings, there's no other list, so it's worth checking back regularly for new postings.

Who is my Division Liaison (DL)?

Your Division Liaison (or DL) is your main point of contact in HR. They handle most of the day-to-day employment matters for your department, so they're usually the fastest way to get an answer. Each area of campus is assigned a specific DL, and you can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page, which lists each liaison and the departments they cover. If you're not sure who your DL is, just email uishr@uis.edu with your department name and your question, and we'll make sure it gets to the right person.

I have a question about my background check or pre-employment testing as a new hire. Who do I contact?

As a new hire, questions about your background check or pre-employment testing go to your Division Liaison (DL). You can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page. If you're unsure who your DL is, email uishr@uis.edu with your department and we'll help you get connected.

I'm having an issue with my resume in the application system. What do I do?

If you're running into trouble uploading or attaching your resume, our employment team can help sort it out. Email HREmployment@uis.edu, describe what's happening, and they'll walk you through it.

I have a question about Cornerstone, Banner, JDXpert, or the I-9 Tracker. Who can help?

Questions about Cornerstone, Banner, JDXpert, or the I-9 Tracker are handled by your Division Liaison (DL). They can help you navigate these systems or get you to the right resource. You can find your DL on the HR Division Liaisons page, or email uishr@uis.edu with your department if you're not sure who yours is.

How do I schedule an appointment with HR?

Our HR staff keep their own calendars, so the best way to set up a meeting is to email the person you need to see directly. If you're not sure who that is, email uishr@uis.edu with a quick description of what you need and we'll point you to the right person. When you email them, they'll get back to you to set up a time. Keep in mind they may not always be at their desk, so if you leave a voicemail or email, they'll return it as soon as they can.