1.24.22 

UIS Colleagues –

I hope this newsletter finds you safely back into a routine and staying warm as we endure the frigid days of January. Thankfully, the month seems to pass quickly, and with it, we hold out hope that Omicron will, too. Here is some information I hope you’ll find helpful. 

New Information 

Campus COVID-19 Update 

• Entry testing continues until Feb.11. We’ll re-evaluate later this week regarding testing requirements beyond Feb. 11.  
• Weekly Zoom COVID-19 briefings are at 1 p.m. every Thursday.  
• The Jan. 18 booster clinic was a success, and we’re hosting another clinic Feb. 8. Learn more or register here. 
• As always, the most up-to-date info about our approach to safety is available here: uis.edu/uisunitedinsafety

N95 Masks for Students and Employees 

We have secured a supply of N95 masks for on-campus employees and students. Employees should arrange with their department to request their order of masks through Human Resources. Please designate an individual in your department to email uishr@uis.edu with the following information: 

• Unit or department name 
• Number of masks requested (no more than 5 per person working on campus) 
• Preferred day and time to pick up masks in HRB 30 (between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-5 p.m.) 

Students—including student workers--should pick up their N95 masks through Student Affairs. Information on that distribution process was sent to students late last week.  

Those working fully remotely should not submit requests, and it is strongly preferred that departments do a headcount and reach out to Human Resources with a group order versus individual employees making requests. 

Opportunities for Faculty 

The Office of Research & Sponsored Programs has some upcoming opportunities for faculty members, including internal and external grants, the Faculty Scholarship Series and the Learning Assistant Program. Click here for more information. 

January 24-28 is Data Privacy Week 
Learn about what you can do to protect your data, and sign up for the 2nd Annual Data Privacy Digital Scavenger Hunt. You’ll get a daily clue via email Jan. 25-27 to help you manage your privacy and protect data. 

Institutional Scholarships 

For employees taking courses or seeking a degree at UIS, don’t forget to apply for Institutional Scholarships before Feb. 15. Even if your tuition is waived, there are scholarships available for employees to help cover books, materials, and even child-care for you to attend class. 

Employee of the Year Recognition Celebration 

Join your colleagues as we recognize the 2021 Employee of the Year during a virtual ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Watch Campus Announcements for the Zoom link. 

Information that Bears Repeating 

Nominate a Star Staff or Student 

The 2022 Good as Gold Awards are approaching. If you know an employee or student who is an outstanding volunteer in the community, nominate them for an award.  

UIS Faculty and Staff Campaign 2022 

Submit a form to the Division of Advancement by Jan. 29 if your unit/college/department/student organization would like a custom crowdfunding page. Questions can be directed to Kate McKenzie at kate.mckenzie@uis.edu or 206-7070. 

Faculty Awards 

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

Celebrating our Star Power 

Please join me in congratulating Ross Owens for being named UIS’ next Chief of Police, pending UI Board of Trustees approval. Chief Owens cares deeply about UIS and has been committed to expanding his training and knowledge to lead the UIS Police Department with compassion and expertise. Read more about his 22-year career at UIS and his qualifications. Thank you to the members of the search committee for their excellent work! 

Dr. Sibel Oktay, associate professor and interim director of the School of Politics and International Affairs, was featured on a UN Dispatch Podcast: “The International and Domestic Implications of Turkey’s Tanking Lira.” Listen here. 

Thank you, everyone, for your unwavering commitment to the safety of your fellow employees and students. Like the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” We are on those stairs together. Stay safe, stay healthy. Go Stars! 

Karen 

Karen M. Whitney, PhD

Interim Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield