4.3.23
Good morning,
It was an honor last week to host the Board of Trustees meeting on the UIS campus — the first time the board has met in Springfield in person since the start of the pandemic. I had the opportunity to showcase the Sangamon Experience to BOT members and UI System guests, which received rave reviews. Thanks to Director of Engagement and Curator Anne Moseley for sharing her expertise about the Sangamon region with our special guests. Also last week, I traveled to Chicago to share our vision for connecting UIS’ strengths to the work that will occur as part of the Discovery Partners Institute; this was a collaborative effort by several faculty and staff members, and I extend my sincere thanks for the time and energy put into UIS’ presentation.
New Information
CAPE and CARE Announcements: April 5
The CARE and CAPE awards ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, in the Student Union Ballroom. Registration is still open. All employees who attend will receive a meal card for Staff Appreciation Day. If you’re unable to attend but would like a meal card, complete the registration form and indicate you are unable to attend. I hope to see you there.
Summer at UIS
Registration is open for summer classes, which begin June 5. UIS offers two terms of affordable summer classes to help both current students and those from other colleges or universities meet their goals. Upper-level and general education courses are available to fit busy schedules. Reduced fees this year make it more affordable than ever, so please spread the news! Learn more: uis.edu/summer
New Humanitarian Award
Employees are encouraged to nominate a UIS alumni for the Dr. Tai R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin Humanitarian Award. This is a new award that honors an individual who has had an exemplary impact on humanity. The honoree will receive a $50,000 award that they will present to a department or program of their choosing at one of the U of I System universities; the opportunity to present a lecture or program; and a $5,000 honorarium and travel expenses.
Springfest is Near!
Springfest, our students’ beloved springtime tradition, needs volunteer judges! See a full list of dates/times, and sign up at this link.
Commencement News
The Commencement Committee has been hard at work preparing for the ceremony on Saturday, May 13, at the Bank of Springfield Center. We are expecting approximately 675 graduates to join us for this special day. If you would like to assist with activities that will be taking place that day, please consider signing up to volunteer.
Orion Lab
The UIS Computer Science Department has opened a new high-tech research laboratory. The “Orion Lab” is located in the lower level of the Health and Sciences Building and includes 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and engravers, computing, cybersecurity and fabrication equipment. Faculty and peers provide guidance to students on how to use the equipment in order to complete projects. Some of the research projects underway in the lab include building an underwater remote-operated vehicle, a low-cost jet plane capable of Mach 2.5 and a hydroponics tower to grow plants in a limited footprint. Read more on the UIS Newsroom.
Information that Bears Repeating
Executive Search Updates
- Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/Provost: Applications were due March 24, and semi-finalists will be interviewed this week and next. Dr. Vickie Cook and Dr. Ty Dooley are co-chairing the search.
- Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs: Finalist interviews are complete, and we expect to make an announcement soon. Search committee chair is Dr. Vickie Cook.
- Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration: Finalist interviews are complete, and we expect to make an announcement soon. Search committee chair is Dr. Jeff Lorber.
- Dean of the College of Health, Science and Technology: Finalists are on campus this week. Search committee chair is Dr. Frances Shen.
- Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Finalist interviews are expected to occur in mid-April. Search committee chair is Dr. Devin Hunter.
HR Programs
Save the date for these upcoming HR events:
- April 27: Take Your Child to Work Day
- April 28: Annual Retirement and Recognition Ceremony, 9-10:30 a.m.
- May 15: End of Academic Year Party for employees, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Celebrating our Star Power
UIS has been designated a Voter Friendly Campus by NASPA and Campus Vote Project. This is the second time we have earned the designation, which recognizes institutions that have planned and implemented practices that encourage students to register and vote in the 2022 elections and in the coming years.
Betsy Goulet, clinical assistant professor, was among three honorees at the Railsplitters Banquet on Friday, March 31, for her contributions to public service.
UIS English instructor Jennifer Whalen’s first book of poems has earned a Lightscatter Press Prize – congratulations!
UIS students and faculty won several awards at the Society for Advancement of Management International Business Conference earlier this month – way to go!
Have a great week,
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield