8.19.24

Good morning, UIS:

The first day of classes begin in just a few days, and I’m so excited to see our students back on campus! As we look forward, it’s also a moment to reflect on the amazing work you've done this past summer. From enriching summer programs to upcoming events, our community continues to thrive thanks to your dedication and hard work.

To kick off the academic year, don’t forget to join us at our annual Faculty and Staff Kickoff at 3 p.m. Aug. 22 in the Student Union Ballroom. After the meeting, we’ll walk to Sangamon Auditorium to greet our students and participate in the New Student Convocation, now in a new format. The day will wrap up with a party on the quad featuring free food and entertainment for everyone. Let’s carry this momentum forward into another successful year at UIS!

New Information

Enrollment Management Open House

Enrollment Management will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 27 to unveil a new mural by local artist Ashlynn Frey. The mural was funded by the UI System’s Chester Foundation. 

Fall Welcome Table Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to staff Fall Welcome Tables at various locations on campus for the first few days of classes to help direct students and guests, provide answers to common questions, and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Register online, and please contact Mary Umbarger with any questions.

Free Monitors and Wireless Keyboards/Mice for Employees

ITS has a limited number of free monitors and wireless keyboards/mice available for employees only. If you are interested in one of these items for university use, stop by ITS Client Services (lower level of Brookens). 

Human Resources Updates

The August HR newsletter is full of important dates including the Aug. 28 Employee Development Series, “Digital Accessibility: Enhancing Inclusivity and Usability.” Read more on Orbit.

Rise Professional Development Retreat

Last year’s two Rise retreats were tremendously successful — so much so, we have received financial support from O’Shea Builders for our next retreat! This academic year, we will have one retreat in early Spring 2025 that will include repeating morning and afternoon sessions to better accommodate faculty and staff schedules. Look for more information throughout the fall as plans solidify.

UIS Professional Clothing Closet Donations

As the new school year begins, consider donating professional items in excellent condition to the UIS Professional Clothing Closet for student use. UIS employees can donate year-round, while community donations are accepted during special drives. To schedule a donation, call 217-206-6508 or email careerservices@uis.edu.

Egg Cartons Needed for UIS Cares Food Pantry

The UIS Cares Food Pantry needs egg cartons of all sizes to help prepare for opening day Sept. 3. Drop cartons off in any donation bin on campus.

Lincoln Legacy Lecture: Sept. 12

The UIS Center for Lincoln Studies will host the 22nd annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture, focusing on “Lincoln and Political Conflict,” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Student Union Ballroom. The lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.

Information that Bears Repeating

Submit Articles to Orbit

Website editors can now submit articles for publishing on Orbit. Articles appropriate for Orbit should include need-to-know employee information, such as trainings, services for employees, rules and procedural changes/reminders, opportunities for morale and culture-building, etc. Learn more here.

Registration for Foot in the Door Fair

Employer registration is open for the Aug. 29 UIS Foot in the Door Fair. This is a unique opportunity to engage students at the start of the fall semester and share immediate or upcoming on-campus student employment, internships, or volunteer roles that could help students build skills, experiences, and make a valuable professional connection with you and your department/organization.

New i-Cards

As of Aug. 16, all UIS i‑cards will feature an updated wordmark and campus photo to reflect the current university brand guidelines. All unexpired UIS i‑cards with the older design are still valid—as long as the cardholder is a current student or employee. For sustainability purposes, valid cards with the old design will not be exchanged for free to obtain the "new" i-card. If you have questions, contact i‑card Programs' Help Desk.

Celebration Our Star Power

Congrats to UIS Theatre for being selected as one of 40 finalists for the inaugural Performing Arts Technologies Lab by the Doris Duke Foundation. Finalists will advance to the next phase, where a cohort of grantees will be selected to join a five-month exploratory period focusing on their innovative projects. The final list of lab grantees will be announced in September.

Summer Highlights

Just because our students and many of our faculty are away from campus for the summer doesn’t mean our good work stops at UIS. I wanted to highlight some of the work that has occurred these past few months.

Advanced Placement Summer Institutes

More than 50 teachers from high schools around Illinois gained insight and connections to strengthen how their districts prepare students for college. For the second year, the University of Illinois System hosted Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at UIS and UIUC. The goal is to provide students with accessible and affordable pathways to degrees by earning college credits while in high school.

Academic Summer Camps

UIS Continuing and Professional Education offered academic summer camps for high school students. Each experience was led by UIS faculty and offered students a challenging, fun and affordable summer experience focused on exploring emerging topics. 

Athletic Camps

Our intercollegiate sports teams hosted several camps for young, aspiring athletes this summer, including softball, basketball, volleyball, baseball and soccer. The UIS Cricket Club also held a successful tournament. 

Department of Residence Life

This summer, Residence Life hosted conference attendees as well as participants in the UIS Summer Scholars program, where students lived in Founders Residence Hall, attended classes and enjoyed evening activities.

Let's have a great academic year, everyone!

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.