2.24.25
Good morning, UIS:
It’s still February, but warmer weather is around the corner, and the next UIS Update will come out at the start of Spring Break! Between now and then, we have lots going on. I really enjoyed my time last Friday at the annual Alumni Gala, where we recognized three talented alumni and a dedicated emeritus faculty member. These individuals represent just how far a UIS degree can take you as well as the passion our faculty put into their life’s work. You can read more about this year’s honorees on the UIS News website.
Please be sure to set aside time next week for our Spring Employee Information Session, 3-4:30 p.m. March 4 in Brookens Auditorium. During this session, you will hear from me and other UIS leaders about updates on our NorthStar strategic priorities as well as other important news and issues affecting UIS.
New Information
Final Access to Historical Course Evaluations
UIS is transitioning to a new course survey app. Faculty should download any comments they wish to retain from the outgoing evaluation system before Aug. 15, as access will be discontinued. More information is available on Orbit.
Threat Assessment Team Website
A new Threat Assessment Team webpage is now available. Learn about the team, its responsibilities and how to reach out with concerns.
New ISS Director
Please join me in welcoming Zafrul Amin as the director of International Student Services. He brings two decades of experience in higher education. Learn more on Orbit.
UIS Bookstore Moving to FRH
As part of the PAC infrastructure update, the UIS Bookstore will temporarily move to classrooms 153 and 154 in Founders Residence Hall beginning in March. For more details on this transition, visit Orbit.
Kaplan Access
UIS students now have free access to Kaplan’s industry-leading test prep resources for graduate admissions, licensure and credentialing exams and skills development courses. More information is available on Orbit.
Student Surveys
UIS has partnered with Ruffalo Noel Levitz to issue three surveys to gauge satisfaction and priorities among the following populations of students: on-campus undergraduate students, on-campus graduate students and online students. These students will receive emails requesting their participation through March 21.
Spring Accelerated Courses
Please encourage students who would benefit to sign up for spring accelerated classes, which run March 17 to May 3.
Department Newsletters
Read the February Facilities & Services newsletter to learn about progress on the exterior renovations at Clover Court and information on projects such as the PAC plumbing update, softball complex repairs and new gardens.
Upcoming Events
- Employee Development Series: Technology Tips & Tricks with Kara McElwrath, 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 26 in UHB 2032 or via Zoom. This session will introduce new technologies in productivity, communication and AI.
- 25th Faculty and Staff Campaign Kickoff: noon to 1:15 p.m. March 6 in the Student Union. Stop by for lunch, connect with colleagues, pick up swag and be inspired to give.
- UIS Police Active Shooter Training: 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 6 in Brookens Auditorium, providing safety strategies, emergency communication details and a forum for questions.
- Chancellor’s CAPE, CARE and Star Awards: A celebration for the winners of the Chancellor’s Awards, 3-4:30 p.m. March 13 in the Student Union Ballroom.
- Retirement & Recognition Ceremony: Celebrating employees who have reached employment milestones, 9-10:30 a.m. April 17 in the Student Union Ballroom.
Information that Bears Repeating
Federal News: Education Department
The federal Office for Civil Rights published a "Dear Colleague Letter” outlining the current administration’s interpretation of the scope of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The Education Department has said it will issue additional guidance soon. More information about the letter is available on Orbit.
NorthStar Initiatives
Progress continues on our NorthStar initiatives. The NorthStar website is updated frequently.
Non-Tenure Track Contract Negotiations
Updates regarding contract negotiations between the University and Non-Tenure Track Faculty Union are posted regularly to the Human Resources' Employee Relations bargaining page.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Heath Bruce, assistant director of marketing, was named February Employee of the Month. His supervisor said, “Heath always goes above and beyond to produce top-quality work that reflects positively on our unit and puts a best foot forward for the university in our community and beyond.”
The Sangamon Experience documentary, “Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley,” will screen at the Farm to Film Fest April 12-13 in Washington, Iowa. Produced by UIS alumnus Rich Saal, the film tells the stories of 10 farmers in the Sangamon River Valley. Learn more on Orbit.
Getting to Know You
Justine Moser is the education program coordinator for the Performing Arts Center. She has a passion for theater and education and is thrilled she gets to work in a position where those interests are intertwined. She enjoys seeing students experience theater for the first time. When she’s not working, she hosts dance parties with her husband and two toddlers or performs with the Capitol City Improv Group. Read more about Justine on Orbit.
Enjoy this last week of the month,
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield
P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I love to highlight your news, events and accolades.