10.14.24
Happy Monday, UIS!
A White House proclamation published on Oct. 11 recognizes today as Indigenous Peoples' Day. Members of UIS Student Government Association began advocating for our campus to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2015. Our Civil Service Advisory Council, Academic Professional Advisory Council and Campus Senate have also passed resolutions of support. UIS graduate student Maricela Arce has been working to continue these efforts. I applaud this important work and encourage all members of our campus community to learn about the history of the day and to find ways to learn about and celebrate our diverse communities.
Also, I hope you will join me and members of the Cabinet for an Employee Info Session at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Brookens Auditorium. We'll discuss university priorities for the year, including budget and enrollment, followed by Q&A. Your input is important, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!
New Information
October Human Resources Newsletter
The October HR newsletter is now available on Orbit. Topics this month include the next Employee Development Series: Soft Skills, a Panel Discussion; Know Your U upcoming trip to Emiquon; Professional Staff Leadership Academy; annual Ethics Training due Oct. 31; and more. Read the entire newsletter on Orbit.
Career Services Opportunities
Volunteer at the Business and IT Career Fair 3-5 p.m. Oct. 17 (Networking Mixer 5-6 p.m.) in the Student Union Ballroom. Provide your materials for distribution at the Career and Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. For more info about either event, contact careerservices@uis.edu.
UIS Levels of Governance (LOG) Policy Updates
Please review the recent updates to the UIS Levels of Governance (LOG) policy. Some highlights are listed here, and more info is available on Orbit.
- Clarified governance steps for deleting an ECCE course or adding/removing an ECCE attribute
- Added steps for including on-ground delivery to an existing online program
- Updated external governance for graduate certificates, which must now be reported to IBHE as an Annual Listing item
Active Shooter Training
The UIS Police department is hosting active shooter training 10-11 a.m. Oct. 23 in Brookens Auditorium. This presentation will help you prepare for an active shooter incident and will be followed by a Q&A. Learn more, including how to schedule a private training session for your unit.
Crowdfunding Project Proposal
Interested in raising funds for a university-related project? Crowdfunding could be the answer! The project proposal form can be found on Orbit.
46th Annual International Festival
The 46th Annual International Festival is 1-4 p.m. Oct. 19 at TRAC. Attendees will receive a digital program and food tickets upon entry, allowing them to explore various cultural exhibits, enjoy food tastings and watch live performances. Learn more on Orbit.
Gaza: One Year Later
Join Kristi Barnwell, associate professor of History, and Ali Nizamuddin and Richard Gilman-Opalsky, professors from the School of Politics and International Affairs, from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 in UHB 1005 as they review events of the past year and consider what’s next for the people of the region.
Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission Public Hearing
The ADCRC will host its third public hearing at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at Southeast High School. This event will gather community input on reparations for Black Americans in Illinois who are descendants of American Chattel Slavery. Key speakers include Lesa Johnson, associate professor of Sociology/Anthropology; Kamau Kemayo, retired faculty member; and Pamela Twyman Hoff, professor in the School of Education, who will discuss the intergenerational impacts of slavery and systemic racism. To RSVP and learn more about the public hearings, please visit the ADCRC website.
Pickleball for Employees
Have you heard of pickleball? Whether you are a seasoned player or a newbie, come out and join your colleagues to play pickleball 5-7 p.m. Oct. 17 at TRAC.
Trunk or Treat for Canned Goods
Cox Children’s Center and the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center are hosting Trunk or Treat for Canned Goods. Please sign up to participate in this year’s event, which is 9:30-10:30 a.m. Oct. 25. All donations directly benefit the UIS Cares Food Pantry.
Information that Bears Repeating
International Education Week
A reminder that International Education Week (IEW) is Nov. 18–22. All departments are encouraged to consider planning workshops, events or activities based on their specialties that highlight global learning and cultural exchange. Please email your event details to International Student Services by Oct. 18 for inclusion in a campus-wide poster.
Chancellor’s Holiday Card Contest
Students can enter their original artwork for a chance to be featured on the official 2024 holiday card. Submissions will be accepted until Oct. 20. This contest is open to all UIS students, and the winner will receive a $250 award. Learn more on Orbit.
In-Person Exploring Graduate School Fair
Connect with prospective graduate students at our in-person Exploring Graduate School Fair 2-4 p.m. Nov. 11 Academic programs interested in tabling at this recruitment event should notify Leigh Brannan, assistant director of admission, by Oct. 28.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Joshua Lauer, electrician with Facilities and Services, has been named September Employee of the Month. His nominator said, "Josh serves as the backbone of our electrical shop, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the efficiency and functionality of our campus infrastructure." Lauer’s work includes modernizing campus lighting, expanding CISCO labs, enhancing security systems, and saving the Athletics Department thousands of dollars by repairing the softball scoreboard.
Heather Bailey, professor of History, has been named University Scholar for 2024, the university's highest faculty honor. She was recognized for her outstanding teaching and research on intellectual connections between France and Russia. As part of the award, she will receive $15,000 annually for three years to support her research.
Pamela (Iyabo) Twyman Hoff, professor of equity and policy, has been named the James J. Stukel Presidential Professor. This endowed professorship provides significant financial support for her research and academic activities. Dr. Hoff plans to conduct a longitudinal study on Black women's equity-centered pedagogy and a project focused on preserving African American wisdom.
Ben Hage, visiting director of Innovate Springfield, was recognized with an Outstanding New Alumni Award from his alma mater, Eureka College.
Getting to Know You
Yaz Gulnur Muradoglu is a professor in the College of Business and Management. She shares her deep fascination for economic systems that started in childhood by discussing economics at the dinner table with her father. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, running, and swimming, and finds joy in simple tasks like washing dishes. Read more about Yaz on Orbit.
Hope to see you around campus this week,
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield
P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I love to highlight your news, events and accolades.