7.12.21
Happy Monday, UIS!
I appreciate everyone’s hard work and caring approach to responding to questions from the July 1 announcement of our student vaccination policy for the upcoming semester; please help us spread the word to our students to be sure they understand our Fall 2021 requirements. UIS leadership is spending this week discussing our approach for employees and guests, and we intend to announce all major decisions this month. This Thursday’s 1 p.m. campus briefing will focus on your thoughts and ideas about possible approaches for a vaccination policy for faculty and staff. Please attend and bring your questions or ideas to share.
New Information
2020 Commencement
We are excited to announce plans for an in-person Commencement Celebration for the Class of 2020. The celebration is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 18 in Sangamon Auditorium. The Commencement Committee is working out the specifics regarding guest attendance, safety requirements and other details. Stay tuned.
Remote Work Policy
The Chancellor’s Cabinet has approved a Remote Work Policy for Academic Professional and Civil Service staff, which will take effect Aug. 16. Supervisors should review this policy carefully and discuss with their AP and CS employees who may be interested and have a role that is appropriate for a remote-work arrangement. A Zoom session for supervisors will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 16, to address questions. Please note that on-site work guidance for Fall 2021 is under development, and this guidance may further help supervisors make an informed decision about remote work options for employees.
Zoom link: https://uis.zoom.us/j/84053952534?pwd=NjNmQm1rdG9lRlJZclJYV2VhR2QyQT09
Meeting ID: 840 5395 2534
Password: 117213
+13126266799,,84053952534#
New Contract System
We have a new system for handling contracts at UIS. As of July 1, all contracts (revenue generating, no funds and payable) will be handled through the UIS Purchasing and Contract Management Office. That processing was previously provided through the Contract Services Office (CSO) in Urbana. Any questions on this transition can be directed to Jill Menezes (jmene1@uillinois.edu) or Erin Appenzeller (eappe3@uis.edu).
University-related Travel Guidance
New guidance on university-related travel during the pandemic has been issued. It remains the policy of the University that travel must serve the best interest of the University of the Illinois System, have a legitimate business purpose and be related to the employee's job duties. It is also strongly recommended that anyone traveling on university business be vaccinated against COVID-19. The entire policy can be accessed on the UIS United in Safety website.
Tech Prairie STEAM Expo
UIS faculty, staff and students have an opportunity to showcase their developments in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math this August during the Tech Prairie STEAM Expo. The Expo is looking for highly interactive exhibits and demonstrations, and there is no charge to have a booth. UIS faculty and staff interested in demonstrating at the UIS booth should contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu.
Upcoming PAC Shows
The UIS Performing Arts Center has released its 2021-22 season. Be sure to check out the great lineup.
Sangamon Experience Summer Programming
UIS’ Sangamon Experience continues to offer excellent programming over the summer. Its next program, “More than Courage: Sangamon County Veterans Remember,” takes place from noon to 1 p.m. July 14. The program will livestream on the Sangamon Experience Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
Information that Bears Repeating
Student Vaccine Requirement Exemption Deadline
The deadline for students to apply for a medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement is July 15. Exemption information can be found on the United in Safety website. The complete vaccination policy can be found here.
Salary Increases
The merit-based salary increase program announced by President Killeen this spring is on track to be implemented in August. Unit supervisors will be receiving information about the implementation plan.
Celebrating Our Star Power
President’s Executive Leadership Program
Congratulations to UIS’ Brian Kelley, interim executive director of Auxiliary Services and Director of Residence Life, and Kathy Novak, acting associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, for their selection into the 2021-22 President’s Executive Leadership Program (PELP)!
It’s a busy summer, and the work we are doing is more important than ever. I hope each of you is finding time to unwind and re-energize before we begin the fall semester on Aug. 20!
United in Safety,
Karen
Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield