1.10.22

Happy New Year, UIS Colleagues –  

Welcome to 2022 and to the spring semester! You have already received communication about some of the topics below, but as you know, we’re committed to communicating frequently and through multiple channels to ensure you have the information you need for a successful semester. In that vein, our recurring briefings kick off this Thursday, Jan. 13, and will take place weekly for the next several weeks. A link is below. Your engagement in the briefings helps us address concerns, plan ahead and meet the needs of our community, so mark your calendars. 

New Information 

Weekly COVID-19 Briefings Re-start Jan. 13

Our weekly COVID-19 briefings resume at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13. These briefings are for all students, faculty and staff and are intended to provide updates on our campus and community health data, share news about COVID-related policies and procedures and answer questions.

Additionally, we are having an information session today at noon on Zoom to answer questions about the many important announcements sent out last week.

Spring 2022 Entry Testing 

All on-ground UIS employees and students are required to take a COVID-19 test once, twice or three times per week through Feb. 11. Weekly frequency is based on vaccination/booster status. Because we’re increasing testing frequency, we’re expanding testing site hours. Check the UIS COVID-19 testing page or my email on Jan. 6 for more information on required testing frequency and site hours. 

COVID-19 Booster Requirement 

Beginning this semester, a COVID-19 booster is required for on-ground students and employees who are eligible, unless an exemption has been granted. Booster records should be uploaded to your secure Medicat patient portal by Jan. 21. If you are unsure whether it is time to schedule your booster, please check the UIS Booster Matrix.  Employees who are vaccinated but want to seek a medical exemption or extension for the booster should contact the UIS AEO office by Jan. 21.

Isolation & Quarantine Guideline Changes

As of Friday, Jan. 7, UIS adopted new isolation and quarantine guidelines that align with those recently recommended by the CDC. The guidelines may vary depending upon on your vaccination status. Please see our website for complete details: uis.edu/uisunitedinsafety/our-approach-safety

COVID-19 Vaccination/Booster Clinic 

If you are in need of vaccination or are eligible for a booster but are unable to receive one before returning to campus, UIS will host a clinic Jan. 18. The first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine as well as Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine boosters will be available. Watch your email for more info. 

KN-95 Masks for Instructors 

UIS will provide KN-95 masks for on-ground instructors who wish to use them. Distribution will happen through the Dean’s Office in each college. A representative from each of the Dean’s Offices will need to email Facilities and Services with the number of masks needed and to coordinate delivery. In addition, Facilities and Services is working to ensure there is a supply of disposable face masks at specific locations around campus. 

Nominate a Star Staff 

The 2022 Good as Gold Awards are approaching. If you know a staff member who is an outstanding volunteer in the community, nominate them for a Star Staff Award.  

UIS Faculty and Staff Campaign 

The Office of Advancement needs participating units/colleges/departments/student organizations to submit information and photos for a custom crowdfunding page by Jan. 28. The form outlines everything they need to build your unique page. Questions? Contact Kate McKenzie at kate.mckenzie@uis.edu or 206-7070. 

Information that Bears Repeating 

Faculty Awards 

Nominations are being accepted for seven new awards to recognize the contributions of UIS full-time and adjunct faculty. Information on award guidelines can be found on the Faculty Awards & Honors webpage. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 1. 

Grad Week 2022 

Our virtual Grad Week is less than a month away. I highly encourage all graduate program directors to select a date and time during that week to present a 20- to 30-minute live webinar about the strengths and highlights of your program. Please notify Cecilia Cornell by Jan. 12 with the date/time you have chosen.  

Inclement Weather, Liberal Leave 

As the temperatures drop, now is the time to review the following UIS policies: 

• Inclement Weather  
• Liberal Leave (recently updated with remote work language) 
• Essential Services 

Celebrating our Star Power 

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Public Administration Sean McCandless, the2021 University Scholar. The annual award is considered the university system’s highest faculty honor and recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship. Dr. McCandless is also a featured speaker Jan. 12 for a UIS/Citizen’s Club of Springfield policy forum: Inequities in the Criminal Justice System. Register to attend the virtual event or watch the livestream on the Citizens Club of Springfield Facebook page. 

Congratulations to Denise Rothenbach, executive assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who was named UIS Employee of the Month for December 2021. One nominator said Denise “often puts other’s needs above her own and does her best every day.” 

Despite current challenges, a new year and new semester are filled with hope and opportunity. Be safe, and know that our campus community cares for your health and safety both on and off campus. 

Karen 

Karen M. Whitney, PhD

Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield