2.7.22
Dear Colleagues –
It is hard to believe we are officially midway through winter. The snow on campus is beautiful. Many thanks to everyone who worked incredibly hard last week to keep UIS open during inclement weather. While we may have canceled on-ground classes for two days last week, many of our programs and services continued through the storm. Thank you to all employees who kept facilities open and warm, the snow cleared and food available for students who call campus home.
New Information
Latest COVID-19 Updates
- As of Jan. 31, indoor dining returned to the Student Union.
- N95 masks were distributed to departments.
- Our entry-testing requirements wrap up Feb. 11. Beginning Feb. 14, our new testing requirements for students, faculty and staff who are learning, living, working or training on the UIS campus or in UIS facilities will be:
- Individuals who are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations (those who have received a booster shot, or those who have received the initial series of vaccine but are not yet eligible for a booster): Testing will be optional unless otherwise directed by the CRRT or campus contact tracers (such as for purposes of isolation or quarantine protocols).
- Individuals who are NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations (those who have not received the full initial series of vaccine or who are eligible for the booster but have not received it) and have approved exemptions or extensions allowing them on campus: Testing will be required twice per week, with at least one day between tests if possible, unless otherwise directed by the CRRT or campus contact tracers.
- As always, check uis.edu/uisunitedinsafety for the most recent updates.
Black History Month
Some terrific events are planned to celebrate and honor Black History Month. The complete list is on UIS Connection. I encourage you to attend an event if your schedule allows. These events unite and support, which is important to our role as educators.
Tax Time
Electronic W-2 tax forms are now available for download if you set up electronic distribution consent through the OBFS-Payroll & Benefits website.
Accelerated Courses
Spring Accelerated Courses begin March 21. Please share this information with students in your classes. It’s a great opportunity for students to make the most of their semester.
International Recruitment
International students increase diversity of thought and culture on our campus, creating an atmosphere where students from all backgrounds can develop skills and an understanding of global partnerships and business. As part of our plan to grow enrollment, UIS has set a goal of adding 50 international students in Computer Science with hopes to grow by 250 new international students in programs across campus in the coming semesters. Expanding our international enrollments supports the enrollment growth needed by the university, supports the efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion, and provides a robust cultural experience for all UIS students.
Information that Bears Repeating
Teardrop Entrance Open
The teardrop entrance to the PAC is open again for employees and visitors. In the days ahead, look for a parking kiosk that will replace the individual parking meters, and landscaping will be added when the weather warms up. You can read about this project and others around campus in the Facilities and Operations Jan. 28 Newsletter.
Grad Week is in Progress
Thank you to the programs participating in Grad Week this week. Be on the lookout next week for an email from Admissions that will contain your participation data and a link to the recorded webinars. I encourage you to share it within your department or program and on your communication channels.
Institutional Scholarship Deadline
Please remind your students Feb. 15 is the deadline to apply for institutional scholarships. These scholarships stack on top of merit aid that students may have received.
Celebrating our Star Power
Congratulations to Executive Director of Student Support Services Bethany Bilyeu for being named the UIS Employee of the Year for 2021. And, congratulations to Thom Gebhardt, a building service worker in the Visual and Performing Arts Building since 2010. Thom was named UIS Employee of the Month for February 2022. If you know of an employee who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding work, be sure to nominate them for Employee of the Month.
Congratulations to Bryan Rives, director of the Performing Arts Center, and Justin Rose, director of Diversity & Inclusion, for being selected as the UIS participants in the UI System’s 2022 Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA).
Along with the beauty of winter we can celebrate being named among the top 10% of best online bachelor’s degree programs in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. Our online master’s programs were also ranked highly. Thank you for being a part of making that happen. Every day I am proud to be a Prairie Star.
Karen
Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield