4.18.23
Dear UIS Community:
Next week, as part of our Belonging, Dignity and Justice efforts and in response to recent camps events, UIS will host Kevin Jones, a restorative practices expert who provides training and support to educational institutions. Kevin holds a master’s degree in restorative practices and provides training and coaching nationally and internationally.
On Monday, April 24, Kevin will provide training on how to conduct a Restorative Practices Informed Listening Circle for interested staff and faculty. Listening circles provide participants a safe and structured outlet to voice their feelings and opinions following a difficult situation. Please fill out this form by Thursday, April 20, if you are interested in this opportunity. The training will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 24 in the Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room. Space is limited, so your attendance will be confirmed via email later this week. We hope participation in this training will serve as a foundation for UIS having a group of individuals who may be able to support listening circles on our campus in the future as need arises.
Later that day, Kevin will moderate a Listening Circle from 3 to 5 p.m. April 24 in the LRH Great Room for the university community at-large to share thoughts and feelings regarding the March 5 Student Government Association meeting and the March 7 SGA townhall. This is open to anyone who would like to attend, but we ask that you RSVP via this form to ensure we don’t surpass capacity limits.
On Friday, April 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. in PAC G, Kevin will moderate an Action Planning Session for students, faculty and staff to work collaboratively to identify a range of possible action items for moving the university forward in relation to campus climate and feelings of marginalization among some members of the UIS community. Please fill out this form no later than Friday, April 21, if you are interested in attending this session. Space is limited, so your attendance will be confirmed via email early next week.
It is my hope that in offering these opportunities, our university community will be better equipped to navigate difficult situations and interactions among members of our community; collegially engage in productive and healing conversations; and continue to advance the university in our work in belonging, dignity and justice.
Thank you to the Division of Student Affairs for helping to bring Kevin to UIS. I look forward to learning from his expertise and hearing from the university community during these sessions next week.
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield