5.17.21
Happy Monday, UIS!
We did it! We made it through a successful academic year, managed COVID-19 on our campus, vaccinated students and staff, and celebrated commencement with our 2021 graduates — all thanks to the hard work and dedication to excellence from each of you. Thank you!
New Information
COVID-19 Testing Changes
Beginning today, May 17, UIS has transitioned to the SHIELD Illinois testing process. Here is what changes for you:
- Instead of swiping your iCard, you will need to set up a SHIELD Illinois/Point n Click account and make an appointment for the day you plan to test. That will generate a QR code to show the testing site staff. Appointments are encouraged but not required; you also can register on-site. Specific instructions for creating an account were emailed to all employees and students on May 12. Details also are on the testing website.
- You will utilize a new style of tube when testing.
- Results will be sent to a person’s Point n Click account within 12 to 18 hours of testing.
- If you are on campus this summer, the testing requirement is once per week.
A preview of the new testing process is on our UIS Snapchat and Instagram stories today.
Don’t forget about the location change! The testing site has moved from the lower level of the PAC to the Student Union for the summer. New hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
No Change to UIS Guidelines on Face Coverings
We will be evaluating the latest CDC guidance on face coverings for vaccinated individuals. Everyone must continue to adhere to our United in Safety guidelines until further university guidance is provided. Please continue to wear a face covering when in university buildings or outside if six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
COVID Briefings for Summer
The 1 p.m. Thursday COVID-19 campus briefings will occur every other week this summer. This week’s briefing will include a discussion on our Vaccine Status & Sentiment Survey.
Zoom link: https://uis.zoom.us/j/81240494358?pwd=UTcxV01kRzlFYXNjTFE1VnFDNTBPUT09
Meeting ID: 812 4049 4358
Password: 351024
+13126266799,,81240494358#
Salary Program Announced
UI System President Tim Killeen sent a system-wide message Friday announcing the authorization of a 2-percent, merit-based salary program for faculty, academic professional and civil service staff across the University of Illinois System, effective Aug. 16. More information will be provided by UIS in the coming weeks.
Support the Career Outcomes Report
As you wrap up the academic year, please encourage any graduating students to complete the Career Outcomes Survey in their email inbox. The Career Services Center is collecting data from May 2021, December 2020 and Summer 2020 grads. Graduating students (and recent graduates) have been sent reminder emails about completing the survey. They can also request the survey link any time at: https://go.uis.edu/nextstep, and more info about the survey is on the Career Development Center’s website. Please also encourage graduating students to create or update their LinkedIn profile (another great way to stay in touch).
UIS Community Garden Summer Work Nights
Spend some time this summer in the UIS Community Garden from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday. This week, volunteers will assist with weeding, mulching and caring for the sprouting plants. No prior experience or tools needed, just closed-toed shoes and your mask. Click here for directions and information on the garden.
TRAC Summer Hours
TRAC has adjusted hours during the summer:
- Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
News that Bears Repeating
PAC Teardrop Construction Begins
This summer, the Teardop drive and entry into PAC will be closed as construction crews upgrade and renovate the area. If you take public transportation to campus, bus stops have changed to reflect this construction. Click here for the revised SMTD bus stops on the UIS campus.
Celebrating our Star Power
- Congratulations to James Koeppe, Joan Sestak and the entire Commencement Planning Team for planning and facilitating a successful 2021 Stage Experience and Commencement. Countless hours went into making this day meaningful for our graduates, and it was an excellent tribute to our students.
- Hinda Seif, associate professor of sociology/anthropology & women and gender studies, has facilitated the partnership of the UIS College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and UIS Latino Student Services with the Chicago Monuments Project (CMP). Seif’s work includes moderating educational webinars like “The Chicago Monuments Project, Race, and Radical Imagination,” and “Artists’ Vision: Latina/x & LGTBQ Histories, Monuments for Chicago’s Future.” She invites UIS faculty and staff to join her June 5 webinar, “18th Street Chicago Transit Authority Station – Francisco Mendoza & a Forgotten Community Monument.” Watch the CMP website for webinar links.
- UIS Baseball came up just two innings shy of the GLVC Championship this weekend. Their record is a remarkable 37-6. The field for the NCAA Division II National Tournament will be announced later this month, and the Prairie Stars will find out their seed for the Midwest Regional Tournament. Go Stars!
As I reflect on the 2020-21 academic year, I am so proud of how our faculty and staff showed up, virtually and in person, to support our students during a truly challenging experience. Thank you for never wavering from our mission. Though we’re still on the COVID rollercoaster, we remain United in Safety!
Karen
Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield