10.28.24
Good afternoon—
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Fall Employee Information Session on Oct. 16. If you missed the session, the recording is available on Orbit. Topics included our budget plans and an enrollment update. I’m confident we can build a bright future for our community and continue to make UIS a great place to learn, work and grow.
Congrats to our men's and women's cross country teams who placed third and fourth respectively at the GLVC Championship held on our campus Saturday. We're proud of your hard work!
New Information
Access and Equity Office Update
Shelby Bedford, senior director for Access & Equity and Title IX coordinator, has shared the news that her last day at UIS is Wednesday, Oct. 30. All support services provided by AEO, including Title IX services, will continue to be provided to the UIS community and can be accessed by contacting 217-206-6222 and aeo@uis.edu. Title IX concerns should be directed to 217-206-9999 and titleix@uis.edu. While we search for new leadership in this important area, we will be partnering with U of I System HR in the System Offices for AEO services and Title IX investigations.
Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program
The Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program honors successful UIS alumni who are under the age of 40 or have graduated within the past five years. Nominations for the inaugural class are being accepted through Nov. 15 on Orbit.
Proposal Submission for International SRI Congress
The Sustainability Research + Innovation Congress invites you to submit session proposals by Dec. 7 around the challenges, solutions and questions to create a more sustainable future. The annual event is co-presented by the U of I System in Chicago June 16-19, 2025, the first time the event is coming to North America.
October AI Newsletter
Topics in the October AI newsletter include a Generative AI and Education webinar, resources, tools and more. Read the full newsletter on Orbit.
Academic Professional Advisory Committee Collecting Feedback
All Academic Professionals may use the APAC feedback form to ask questions and voice your concerns. Submissions can be made anonymously.
Good Idea Fund Awards Announced
The Provost's Leadership Team has announced that 12 of 23 Good Idea Fund proposals submitted for AY 24-25 received partial or full funding. Read about funded proposals as well as outcomes of last year's Good Idea initiatives.
Mental Health Awareness
This is the time of year when the number of people struggling with mental health often increases. Be mindful of any shifts in behavior, mood or emotions in yourself and others, as these can be early indicators that additional support may be needed. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please refer to Orbit for a list of resources.
First-Generation Survey and Event
UIS is hosting a First-Generation Celebration on Nov. 8, marking the 57th anniversary of the Higher Education Act. The act has helped millions of first-generation students complete their degree. All first-generation faculty, staff and students are invited to attend and celebrate their success. If you were a first-generation student, complete this survey to share advice for other students, indicate your interest in learning about first-generation initiatives and more.
Upcoming Events
- Free Screening of Mariupolis 2 at 6 p.m. tonight in Brookens Auditorium, including a discussion with Ukrainian co-producer Hanna Bilobrova.
- Annual fire drills will be conducted on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Some assembly locations and procedures have changed, so check yours on Orbit.
- UIS Theatre presents Hurricane Diane the weekends of Nov. 1 and 8 in the UIS Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at UISpac.com.
- JCPenney special discount day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 for UIS students, alumni, faculty and staff.
- SECA is hosting an online basket auction Nov. 4-8, and the overall campaign is seeking donations through Nov. 13. Read more about SECA on Orbit.
- Sangamon Experience's Soil and Soul exhibit and documentary film premiere is 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7.
- The Exploring Graduate School fair is Nov. 11. Please encourage undergraduate students to attend.
- The Visual Arts Gallery is showcasing A More Perfect Union by John Early, open through Nov. 14.
Information that Bears Repeating
Flu Shot Clinic
UIS Health Services and the Sangamon County Department of Public Health are offering flu shots from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 31 in PAC 160 (formerly PAC C/D). Please bring your health insurance card. Learn more on Orbit.
Fall Lunch and Learn Series
The UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society will host two more Lunch and Learn events at Illini Country Club on Nov. 12 and Dec. 4. If attending in person, the cost is $40 and includes a hot buffet lunch. Virtual viewing options are also available. Learn more or register here.
Parking Hang Tags Still Available
Parking hang tags for the 2024-25 academic year are still available for purchase online. Once you've made your purchase, you can pick up your hang tag at the Parking Operations office (BSB 43) by appointment.
Crowdfunding Project Proposal
Interested in raising funds for a university-related project? Crowdfunding could be the answer! The project proposal form is available on Orbit.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Tena Helton, professor of English, has started optimizing the Esports Arena for her ENG 113: Video Games and Gaming course. She incorporates video games as tools for literary analysis, asking students to examine narratives, plots and character development. Learn more about how Dr. Helton is using video games as a learning tool on Orbit.
A recent study explores the accuracy and reliability of financial advice provided by ChatGPT. The study, titled “ChatGPT, Help! I Am in Financial Trouble,” was co-authored by Minh Tam (Tammy) Schlosky and Serkan Karadas, both assistant professors of finance in UIS’ College of Business and Management, along with Sterling Raskie, a senior lecturer in finance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and adjunct instructor at UIS.
Madison Vangunten, human resources associate, has been named the Employee of the Month for October. She was recognized for her expertise in HR systems, her dedication to the campus community and her positive and welcoming attitude. “Madison provides excellent customer service and is highly knowledgeable on HR processes as well as policies and procedures,” said her nominator. “She goes above and beyond to assist anyone on campus and in the department. She is incredibly kind and friendly and wants to make sure everyone feels welcome at UIS.”
Getting to Know You
Guadalupe Trejo is an Office Administrator for the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. At work, she enjoys supporting faculty, planning events and continually expanding her knowledge in administration and wellness training. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her trying new foods at the Old Capitol Farmers Market, walking at Washington Park, or reading at a used bookstore. Read more about Guadalupe on Orbit.
Enjoy this fall weather,
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.