9.30.24
Hello, UIS:
We had a great start to Homecoming week, but the weather just did not cooperate on Friday. The upside is that the fun continues tonight with the postponed bonfire and fireworks at 8 p.m. I love the sense of community that surrounds Homecoming, and I hope you shared in the fun and excitement by dressing for the theme days, participating in events or attending soccer or volleyball games. Thank you to Student Affairs and the Homecoming Committee for your leadership!
New Information
U.S. News Rankings
UIS was named the top public regional university in Illinois for the sixth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The 2025 Best Colleges rankings, released last week, also rank UIS as the seventh-best public regional university in the Midwest. See more of our rankings: UIS Newsroom.
Employee Info Session Oct. 16
Join me and other members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet at 3 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium for updates about our university priorities for the coming year with a Q and A at the end of the session.
Open Photo Sessions
The Department of Strategic Communication will host two Open Photo Studio sessions 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 9 and noon-4:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in BSB 95. The photos can be used for university and professional purposes. Read more on Orbit.
Annual Ethics Training
Watch for info about the mandatory 2024 Annual Ethics Training, launching on Oct. 1. Learn more on Orbit.
Fall Accelerated Classes begin Oct. 21
Please encourage students to register for a fall accelerated class. This is a great opportunity for them to catch up, get ahead or simply take a course on an interesting topic. A full list of classes is available here.
In-Person Exploring Graduate School Fair
Faculty and staff can connect with prospective graduate students this fall at our in-person Exploring Graduate School Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 11. Academic programs interested in tabling at this semester’s graduate recruitment event should notify Leigh Brannan, assistant director of admission, by Monday, Oct. 28.
Civil Service Advisory Council Meeting
The next CSAC meeting will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 2 via Zoom. All civil service employees are welcome to attend. If you wish to speak during the open comment period at the end of the meeting, please email CSAC@uis.edu with the anticipated subject matter by Oct. 1.
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
Like AP staff, Civil Service employees are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest in compliance with Policy and Rule 16.01. If you have potential conflicts to disclose, please submit the Disclosure Form for Civil Service Employees. Once completed, please send the form to your supervisor for approval and then to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Learn more on Orbit.
CAPE Digital Badging Services
The Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) offers digital badging services that let UIS departments validate employee skills and acknowledge student achievements for workshops, trainings, conferences and other learning events. Learn more on Orbit.
System Well-Being Webinar
There is still time to register for the system-wide Student and Employee Mental Health and Well-Being Committee event, “Advancing Student and Employee Health and Well-Being as a Health Promoting University," 1-3 p.m. Oct. 9 on Zoom. Register now on Orbit.
Fall Lunch and Learn Series
The UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society will host three Lunch and Learn events this fall at Illini Country Club – Oct. 10, 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.
Digital Accessibility
In April, the Department of Justice published a final rule updating the regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This rule emphasizes the need for web content and mobile applications to be accessible to people with disabilities. Over the next two years, we will be responsible for making sure that all of our digital spaces are accessible. To help you in this process, we will be sharing resources and tools.
- Accessibility Tip - Contrast Colors
- Color contrast refers to the difference in brightness between two colors, measured as a ratio. To meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), most text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, with exceptions for large text, incidental content, and logos. Poor contrast can hinder readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Learn more on Orbit.
Impact of FY24 Faculty and Staff Campaign
We had another great year because of amazing employees like you! Your collective generosity made a significant impact on our campus. An outstanding 49.7% of employees made at least one gift last fiscal year and many made multiple donations. Mark your calendar for next year's campaign kickoff on March 6! We'll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Campaign. Learn more about this year's impact.
Information that Bears Repeating
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.
Get Your Flu Shot
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. Learn more on Orbit.
Good Idea Fund Applications Due Oct. 1
Complete the Good Idea Fund Application by Oct. 1 to be considered to receive funding. Decisions will be made Oct. 15. Learn more on Orbit.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Yona Stamatis, associate professor of ethnomusicology, is featured in “Music of Hope,” a short-form video nominated for a Mid-America Emmy Award. The story was produced by Julie Staley, a UIS doctoral student in public administration and the owner and CEO of Springfield-based Spencer Films.
Jennifer Martin, associate professor in the School of Education, has partnered with Springfield Public Schools District 186 to integrate yoga and social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum.
We welcome Gabe Cagwin, PhD, as the new vice chancellor for advancement at UIS. Gabe will also serve as senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation. His appointment is subject to approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
Getting to Know You
This week I would like to introduce John Ferry, a distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health. Read about John’s love for environmental chemistry and his new journey into farming on Orbit.
Have a great week, 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.