From Provost Schwab
Colleagues,
I hope you are doing well as we approach the final weeks of the academic year. It’s amazing to think that we will soon welcome a new batch of graduates into the UIS alumni ranks.
Over the past few days, I’ve been reflecting on the Chancellor’s Thinker Series event last week. “A Call to Think: On Common Ground” featured two UIS alumni who discussed their friendship and experiences leading student clubs on opposing political sides while being housemates. It was a great and timely conversation. True to its title, the event got me thinking, and here’s how.
I did not know the alumni speakers beforehand, so when they joined the chancellor on stage, I didn’t know which one represented the “R” and which one represented the “D” by political affiliation. As they introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds and current work, I found myself making assumptions about who led which student group based on their appearance and jobs. To my surprise, I was completely wrong! This moment of internal dialogue and snap judgement, in a low-stakes situation, was a gift. It provided a fantastic opportunity to consider my personal biases and how they might appear in other situations. It also reminded me that we all have biases influencing our thoughts and actions daily, something important to consider in our divided society.
Even as the speakers shared how they discovered they had more commonalities than differences, it reminded me how easy it is to rely on biases to judge others. It was a healthy reality check and a reminder that we are all susceptible to making assumptions about others, both consciously and subconsciously.
Have a great month ahead!
Sincerely,
Brandon
Connect with the Provost
Provost's Open Hour
Faculty and staff are invited to Provost's Open Hour - Tuesday, April 8, 4-5 pm. Check in at BRK 373.
You are welcome to stop by and sign in for an opportunity to chat with Provost Brandon Schwab on a first come, first served basis.
Invite the Provost
Inviting the Provost to your event just got easier! Use the "Invite the Provost: Event Participation Request" form to provide all necessary details in one place. This helps us let you know about his availability and ensures he has everything he needs to prepare for your event.
Important Initiatives
Academic Portfolio Review Update
UEOs and identified program contacts were sent a data gathering survey for the Academic Portfolio Review process on March 25th. We request that these surveys are returned to Michele Gribbins (mgribbin@uis.edu) by Friday, April 25. An Academic Portfolio Review FAQ web page has been created to answer frequently asked questions about the process.
HLC Quality Initiative Proposal Update
We look forward to sharing a draft of our Quality Initiative proposal for review by the UIS community later this week. In the meantime, updates on the project can be found on the Quality Initiative page of the OIRE website.
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Assurance of Student Learning Day - April 16
Please join faculty and staff on Wednesday, April 16th from 9 am to noon in the South Ballroom of the Student Union as they share their experiences developing and assessing capstones, internships, and study away experiences. This year’s Assurance of Student Learning Day (ASLD) will also include a panel discussion highlighting current assessment efforts across UIS, providing valuable insights and ideas to enhance your own assessment strategies. Following the discussion, attendees will learn about an exciting new faculty development program funded by our Title III LEADERSHIP grant focused on expanding and enhancing high-impact practices. We hope to see you there!
Critical Thinking Star Faculty Fellow Applications Open
The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) and the General Education Council (GECO) encourage faculty to apply to be a Star Faculty Fellow for critical thinking assessment. This is an exciting opportunity for faculty to contribute to the assessment of general education at UIS. Over a two-year term, Fellows are provided a small stipend to identify signature assignments to be used for assessment, assess student work, and provide recommendations to GECO and the Provost’s Office for how to improve learning outcomes and assessment within general education courses. Applications will be accepted through the OIRE website through April 30, 2025.
Speaker Series Event Proposals Invited
The Office of Undergraduate Education is accepting ECCE Speaker Series proposals for Fall 2025 events through Monday, April 14 at 5 pm. Funding up to $1,000 is available for a live event. In addition, limited travel funding is available for transportation and lodging.
Senate Committee on the Library - Faculty Survey
The Senate Committee on the Library is conducting a survey of all faculty members to gather information on how they use, value, and evaluate library resources. The survey is open until Wednesday, 4/9, and will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Please consider sharing your feedback to help the library improve its services.
News Worth Celebrating
Professional Development Program for GAs
The Graduate Assistantship Office offered its inaugural professional development workshop for assistants on March 21. GAs had indicated that the topic of greatest interest to them was time management. Robert Bussey, Academic Skills Teaching Assistant in the Learning Hub and a student in the Human Development Counseling program, led an interactive session titled ”Finding the Balance: A Time Management Workshop for Graduate Assistants.” Grad Ed is planning additional events for next year.
Meet Mike Roth
We introduced you to Mike Roth earlier this spring, prior to his arrival at UIS. He's now on board and has shared a bit about his journey to UIS. (Thanks to COLRS Multimedia Specialist Scott Moomaw for the video work!)
Resource Refresh
iTravel Services - Anthony Travel
The University of Illinois System has contracted with Anthony Travel, a national leader in higher education travel, for all university funded business travel needs including air, hotel, car rental and more. Employees have the option of working directly with a dedicated travel consultant or accessing the iTravel online travel booking tool. If you are a travel arranger for other employees or guests to the university, email the UPAY Travel Management Office at tmo@uillinois.edu and request travel arranger permissions. After travel arranger permissions are granted, an employee can add you as a Travel Arranger in their iTravel profile so you can book travel on their behalf. Read more about iTravel
Policy Update: Business Meals, Food Supplies, and Alcohol
Two clarification updates are available for policy 8.1.1 Business Meals, Food Supplies, and Alcohol: A TCard Exception Form is not needed in cases where a vendor has an agreement with the system to be paid by TCard. Link to the Business & Finance blog post
Chrome River now Emburse Enterprise
The University of Illinois System's travel and expense management tool, formerly known as Chrome River, is now known as Emburse Enterprise. Other than the name, the look of the online tool and procedures remain the same. Read more about Emburse Enterprise
Newsletter Notes
Subscriptions and suggestions
Suggestions for future content: We are interested in hearing from you about topics you would like to see covered in the Provost’s Office monthly newsletter. Send content suggestions
Newsletter opt-in: The Academic Affairs newsletter is sent to employees in the Division of Academic Affairs monthly during the academic year. If the newsletter was forwarded to you or you found it on Campus Announcements, and you would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact Monica Kroft. We would be glad to send to you directly.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, April 8, 4-5 pm - Provost's Open Hours, check in at BRK 373
- Wednesday, April 16, 9 am - 12 pm - Assurance of Student Learning Day, Student Union South Ballroom
- Tuesday, May 6, 2:30-4 pm – Faculty Honors Reception - register now
Office of the VCAA/Provost
Contact: Monica Kroft