9.16.24
Happy Monday, UIS:
Can you believe homecoming is next week? I’m looking forward to the Prairie Stars 5K, pep-rally block party, and supporting our Prairie Stars at the soccer and volleyball games. I encourage you all to get involved in some way to build connections with each other and our students. See what UIS Homecoming has to offer.
New Information
Fall 2024 Enrollment
Enrollment remains stable at 4,628 students, compared to 4,661 last year, with increases in new freshman, transfer and online students. We also saw a 14.2% increase in Hispanic students and an 8.3% increase in Black or African American students. Learn more about our enrollment numbers: UIS Newsroom.
Hiring Freeze
While we are happy with our enrollment outcomes, our numbers fell short of projections, meaning we will further aggravate our budget deficit if we don't implement measures to control spending. Among the first actions we are taking is a hiring freeze, effective immediately. All positions currently posted may continue. Any new position requests that come forward must have approval by unit and/or division leadership and will be evaluated by the Strategic Staffing Committee. This includes requests to backfill new vacancies. Hiring managers are encouraged to think creatively about how to meet operational needs when vacancies occur before requesting a replacement hire. Essential positions will be allowed to be filled.
Supporting Students of Concern
Have you noticed a student who seems to be struggling? The UIS Counseling Center asks you to keep these points in mind. To learn more, check out the Student of Concern reference guide.
- U - Understand the signs of distress, like changes in mood or behavior.
- I - Inquire with empathy. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference.
- S - Support by connecting them with the right campus resources.
Non-Tenure Track Faculty Bargaining
The University and newly formed non-tenure track faculty union have been engaged in contract negotiations for the past six months. The teams are meeting regularly. UIS Human Resources is working on a website to provide updates, and I will share the link when the website is live.
Get Your Flu Shot
Flu season is coming up, and UIS Health Services and the Sangamon County Department of Public Health are offering flu shots from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7 and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 31 in PAC 160 (formerly PAC C/D). Please bring your health insurance card.
Lot Closure
Construction has started on the PAC Roof Replacement Project. The lot on the southwest side of PAC will be closed until Oct. 25 to stage contractor equipment and materials.
Professional Development Funding
APAC and CSAC Professional Development Funding is available. Applicants can submit their requests for funding to support professional development activities that will help them better serve UIS. APAC applications are due Sept. 20, and CSAC applications are due Sept. 23. Awardees will be notified by Oct. 1 for APAC and Oct. 11 for CSAC.
Good Idea Fund Applications Due Oct. 1
Do you have a Good Idea that could help make a positive difference for UIS? If so, fill out the Good Idea Fund Application to be considered to receive funding. Applications are due Oct. 1, and decisions will be made Oct. 15.
SECA Bingo
Get ready to shout “Bingo!” and win some amazing prizes at our SECA Bingo event starting at noon Sept. 25 in the Student Union Ballroom. A single sheet of four Bingo cards is $5. An extra sheet may be purchased for $5 (limit one per person) – cash only. Proceeds will benefit Kidzeum. Register by Sept. 20.
International Education Week
Help celebrate International Education Week (IEW) Nov. 18-22. All departments are encouraged to consider planning workshops, events or activities based on your specialties that highlight global learning and cultural exchange. Please share your event details with International Student Services by Oct. 11 so they can be included in a campus-wide poster.
AI Newsletter
You’ve likely encountered various discussions about AI in the news. Now, hear what UIS has to contribute to this important conversation in our AI newsletter.
Access and Equity Office Relocation
The Access and Equity Office (AEO) has relocated from the Office of Human Resources to become a standalone unit under the Division of Finance and Administration. Senior Director Shelby Bedford now reports directly to the interim vice chancellor of finance and administration. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening AEO’s alignment with other campus-wide equity and inclusion initiatives and increasing coordination between prevention and response activities. For more information, please contact Shelby Bedford.
Biennial Inventory
State of Illinois regulations and University policy require units to biennially complete and certify a physical inventory of movable equipment. The objective is to reconcile each property record with the equipment in your unit confirming physical existence and to update/correct all property records. You can register and see training events on Orbit.
Friday Night Star Parties are Back
Join John Martin, associate professor of astronomy/physics, for UIS Friday Night Star Parties at the UIS Observatory 8-10 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27, and Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Information that Bears Repeating
New PAC Card Readers
During the fall semester, card reader locks will be installed at the Public Affairs Center's exterior tower entrances to enhance event security and streamline ticket operations for the Performing Arts Center. During events, access to the PAC may be restricted. While these changes may cause some inconvenience, they are crucial for prioritizing the safety of our community. Learn more on Orbit.
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 how to submit an article to Orbit.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Ken Kriz has been approved by the Board of Trustees to serve as interim vice chancellor for finance and administration for an additional year, through 2026. Ken has elevated the Division of Finance and Administration, and we are fortunate to benefit from his expertise.
Join us for the Ceremony of Investiture of Pamela (Iyabo) Twyman Hoff as the James J. Stukel Presidential Professor in the School of Education at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Student Union Ballroom. Register today!
Congratulations to James Koeppe, Campus Recreation director, and Jay Swenson, Campus Recreation assistant director, for representing UIS in the United Way Battle of the Paddle Campaign Kickoff! The UIS team raised $775 for United Way, the most of any other team.
Getting to Know You
This is a new section of the newsletter that I’ve been wanting to implement for some time. We have so many amazing people working at UIS, I thought this would be a great opportunity to spotlight an employee in each newsletter.
This week I would like to introduce Tammy Martin, a new clinical instructor for the School of Education. Read about Tammy’s past work experience, her family and love of popcorn on Orbit.
See you at Homecoming!
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.