2.20.23
Good afternoon, colleagues:
It’s a busy week at UIS! Today we have more than 100 potential new students on campus, along with their guests, attending an Open House. Thank you to our Admission team for putting in the hard work that goes into these events, and thanks to the faculty and staff who participated in the various activities throughout the day in buildings across campus to showcase our amazing university! Also this week, I will be attending my first U of I Lobby Day at the Capitol on Wednesday and look forward to interacting with students, colleagues, alumni, elected officials and members of the 103rd Illinois General Assembly.
New Information
State Budget News
President Killeen shared the good news last week that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s state budget proposal includes a 7-percent increase in general operating support for the U of I System. The governor also recommended a $100 million increase in MAP funding, which is an important source of financial aid for many UIS undergraduate students. At the governor’s budget address Feb. 15, UIS student Jaichan Tyrique Smith, a junior studying psychology, was an invited guest of the governor to represent Illinois students who have benefited from MAP grant funding.
2023 Commencement
Planning is underway for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13. All critical graduation and Commencement Ceremony information is being shared with eligible students via their UIS email. The Commencement website also will provide updates.
NCBI Workshop
Join me at an upcoming National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) Workshop, “Leadership for Equity & Inclusion,” hosted by the UIS Coalition Builders from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 3. This award-winning workshop consists of a series of incremental, participatory activities that empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to take leadership in building inclusive communities in their workplaces, social groups and neighborhoods. Light refreshments will be served at 8:30 a.m., and lunch is provided. Learn more and RSVP on UIS Connection.
Supervisor Development Series
February’s supervisor development session will be a Supervisor Bootcamp, taking place from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 in the Student Union Ballroom. This session will cover all the essentials a supervisor must know to lead and manage successfully. Space is limited, so please RSVP here.
Information that Bears Repeating
Executive Searches
The searches for our vice chancellor and dean openings continue to move forward. Search firm WittKiefer is partnering with UIS for all five positions. Here is a quick snapshot of each search:
- Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Provost: Applications are being accepted through March 22, and we have launched a website that provides an overview of the search. Dr. Vickie Cook and Dr. Ty Dooley are co-chairing the search.
- Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs: Semi-finalists are being interviewed this week. Search committee chair is Dr. Vickie Cook.
- Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration: Semi-finalists are scheduled to be interviewed beginning next week. Search committee chair is Dr. Jeff Lorber.
- Dean of the College of Health, Science and Technology: First-round interviews are expected to occur in late February. Search committee chair is Dr. Frances Chen.
- Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Application materials were due last week, and first-round interviews are expected to occur in late March. Search committee chair is Dr. Devin Hunter.
Our goal is to have all positions filled by July 1. Thank you to all who are serving on the search committees for these important leadership positions.
Black History Month
Black History Month is wrapping up. Several events are planned this week; a full calendar is online.
BDJ Website
To keep everyone updated on our initiatives and resources related to Belonging, Dignity and Justice at UIS, we have launched a new website. To request additions to the site, please email Kelsea Gurski at kgurs2@uis.edu.
Job Aid for Cornerstone
Thank you to everyone for your patience as our HR colleagues continue to fine tune our processes regarding our new applicant tracking system, Cornerstone. A Job Aid is available to assist you in learning these new processes. This Job Aid is a work in progress, so if you have additional suggestions, please email uishr@uis.edu.
Listening Sessions
For the remainder of the academic year, I am hosting listening sessions for any faculty or staff member who wants to share their thoughts about our university climate and culture. Please complete this online form to express your interest in participating in a listening session. A member of the Chancellor’s Office will work to schedule you.
Orbit Reminder
Don’t forget to check out Orbit, the new web hub for all things employee-related at UIS.
Celebrating our Star Power
Congratulations to Jill Hawkins-Wright, program director of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, and her amazing team for collaborating with the Washington Street Mission to provide several student volunteers to make 400 care boxes for members of the homeless population in Springfield. Students also made PB&J sandwiches and wrote notes of encouragement to include in the care packages.
Have a wonderful week!
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield