11.15.21
Good morning, UIS Colleagues--
The days may be getting shorter, but there is still so much happening at UIS that makes this an exciting time of year. Our Cross Country team includes three students who will be competing at NCAA DII Nationals this Friday, our men’s soccer team has made UIS Athletics history by advancing to the GLVC tournament final, volleyball is competing in the conference tourney this week, and basketball has begun. This week we celebrate International Education Week and revel in the success of our Open House last week. Applications are up 7% for first-year students and 143% for graduate students for Fall 2022.
New Information
Chancellor Search Comments
The search for the next UIS Chancellor continues to move forward. A website dedicated to the search will be forthcoming. The search firm, Parker Executive Search, is currently asking for feedback regarding what qualifications, skills, and dispositions we would like to see in the next Chancellor. Please forward any suggestions regarding the search to uischancellorsearch@uillinois.edu.
Deficit Plan Open Forum
I will be hosting an open forum via Zoom from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 with Arnold Henning, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration, to share our five-year plan for reducing and eliminating our budget deficit. Joining us also will be Vickie Cook, acting associate provost for enrollment management, and Provost Papini.
Active Shooter Training
Last week, the UIS Police Department offered a training class on ways to minimize your risk during an active shooter/active threat incident. If you or your department were unable to attend the training, please contact the UIS Police Department at 206-6690 to arrange an alternate date and time for a private training session. As we continue to encourage social distancing on campus this semester, we will be postponing the shelter-in-place drill on campus.
Colonnade Lighting
Please join us as we kick off the holiday season with the annual Colonnade Lighting this Wednesday, Nov. 17. Cookies and cocoa will be offered at 5:15 with the lighting taking place at 5:30 p.m.
Holiday Parties
To maintain our safety guidelines, UIS will not host a campus-wide employee holiday party this year. However, individual departments may choose to host their own celebration. UIS Food Service is offering special holiday packs that include chocolate turtle cups, peppermint bark, fudge, caramels, peanut brittle and may also include holiday cookies for around $80. Interested departments can order by emailing Geoff Evans.
Inclement Weather, Liberal Leave
As the temperatures drop, now is the time to review UIS policies regarding Inclement Weather, Liberal Leave and Essential Services.
Information that Bears Repeating
UIS Operating Under “Substantial Transmission” Guidelines
UIS is now operating under substantial transmission guidelines. The website and chart provide details on how this affects campus gatherings. We have also released our student and employee vaccination policies for the spring 2022 semester. You can find details on those policies on the United in Safety website.
SHIELD Testing During Thanksgiving Break
The UIS SHIELD testing site will have reduced hours the week of Thanksgiving: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, and Tuesday, Nov. 23. Regular testing will resume Nov. 29.
Last Call for SECA Donations
The 2021 UIS SECA Campaign wraps up this week. If you have not done so, please consider making a payroll deduction to a charity close to your heart. You can find a list of charities as well as instructions on how to fill out the online donation form on the UIS SECA webpage.
Celebrating our Star Power
Veterans Day Heroes
A huge thank you to our faculty, staff and students who have served or are serving in our U.S. Armed Forces. Thank you to everyone who attended the Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony last Thursday. It was a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made on behalf of every one of us. A special thank you to Ann Comerford, Mark Dochterman and UIS Veterans and Military Affairs for a moving ceremony. A big thank you to Jill Hawkins and the many volunteers who tied yellow ribbons around our campus in tribute to our country’s veterans.
Successful SECA Pet Contest
Congratulations to Anna Schoenherr, office support specialist in Campus Recreation, and DeCarlos Jones in the Counseling Center, whose pets won the titles of Pet with the Most Prairie Star Spirit and Cutest Pet at UIS during the recent SECA Pet Contest. The Pet Contest raised $1,324 for the Animal Protective League (APL) in Springfield.
November is a time of thankfulness, and I am thankful for each of you and your contributions to our campus and community. I wish each of you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Cherish your time with family and friends.
United in Safety,
Karen
Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield