Construction Project Highlights
PAC Plumbing Infrastructure Renovation Project
On the horizon is an essential plumbing infrastructure project that will temporarily affect the Public Affairs Center (PAC) and related operations for nearly two years.
What is Happening:
Beginning in June 2025, the university will embark on a critical plumbing replacement project in the PAC. This initiative will modernize the building’s sewer and domestic water systems, ensuring this essential campus facility’s long-term functionality and sustainability.
Why This Project is Necessary:
The PAC has served our campus and the greater Springfield community for decades. However, the plumbing infrastructure in the building has reached the end of its operational life to function efficiently. This state-funded project, which received dedicated capital project funding, is vital to maintaining the PAC as a pillar for holding classes, performances, and other university and community events.
When This Project Will Occur:
The construction timeline of this project will begin in June 2025, immediately following spring Commencement, with a planned completion scheduled for April 2027.
Impact on Operations:
The long-term scope of this project will require temporary operation adjustments and relocations for several units in phases so they can continue to serve the campus in alternate spaces, such as floors, restrooms, elevators, meeting rooms, and entry points to many areas in the PAC will be closed. While most units will remain in operation, the UIS Performing Arts Center will have to temporarily cease some operations throughout this renovation from June 2025 to September 2026; this includes both the UIS Studio Theatre and Sangamon Auditorium. Events and performances in Sangamon Auditorium, already announced through May 2025, will proceed as scheduled, and the UIS Performing Arts Center will remain fully operational through that time.
The UIS Facilities & Services and Strategic Communication teams will provide detailed updates and coordinate with affected areas in the PAC to ensure a smooth transition process. As this project is implemented, proactive planning and meetings are underway to identify alternative spaces for conducting classes, meetings, and events.
How to Learn More:
Watch for future communication in the coming weeks regarding the next steps surrounding the initial launch of this project, phased timelines, and unit implications as we work toward completion. For immediate questions, please contact Bob Mitchell, Director of Construction, at rmmtchll@uis.edu or (217) 206-6730.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we collectively undertake this necessary improvement. Your support is valued as we work together to enhance the infrastructure of the PAC and maintain the building as a key part of UIS and the greater Springfield community.
Clover 100 & 200 Exterior Renovations
Work is underway on the Clover exterior renovations project. While supply chain challenges temporarily slowed some aspects of the renovation, the project team continues to work diligently to minimize the impact on on the overall timelines.
The construction crews have begun installation of the new roof system, which marks a major milestone in the project plan.
Watch this space for updates as the project progresses!
HSB Lab Modernization
Work continues to progress in consolidating rooms 151 and 152 in HSB. The two labs will become a single large lab and lecture space that will accommodate 48 students!
The installation of new flooring was completed on December 19th with wall base and cabinetry next on the list for installation.
Completion is on schedule and in sight!
Completed
- PAC roof replacement
- Lobby refresh for displays at the Performing Arts Center
- Parking lot sign updates and kiosk moves
Ongoing
- Lab modernization at the Field Station at Lake Springfield
- Colonnade tuckpointing and repairs
Upcoming
- Modifications at the Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon
- Replace motor control centers in Brookens
Chill Out
The building engineers recently found a 17-year-old chiller motor that was vibrating abnormally. They sent it to our service provider for assessment, where the motor was measured, inspected, and underwent a load test to detect any unusual hot spots.
Did You Know? These hardworking components are essential for keeping our chillers running smoothly. Chillers, as you might know, are machines that remove heat from liquids, usually water or a water-glycol mix.
The main job of chiller motors is to power the compressor, which is the heart of the chiller system. The compressor works by increasing the pressure of the refrigerant, transforming it from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas. This process is crucial for heat removal. Once the refrigerant is compressed, it moves to the condenser, where it releases the absorbed heat.
Chillers are used in a variety of settings, from cooling large buildings to supporting industrial processes and equipment. The chilled liquid they produce is circulated through heat exchangers to cool air or equipment. We rely on these systems to keep our environments comfortable and our equipment running efficiently.
Personal Space Heaters Prohibited
Our buildings’ heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to maintain temperatures within OSHA-compliant settings to ensure safety, comfort, and productivity. Personal space heaters disrupt these systems by causing elevated temperatures that can shut off heat locally and in adjacent areas. Additionally, space heaters can overload electrical circuits, leading to tripped breakers, potential fire hazards, and costly system damage—all of which impact you and your neighbors. For these reasons, the use of personal space heaters in university buildings is prohibited. Please remove your personally-owned space heater from campus.
Please note that our aging HVAC systems may take extra time to adjust during large temperature swings, especially in the mornings or during extreme winter conditions. We encourage dressing appropriately and layering clothing to stay comfortable. A lap blanket can also add warmth.
If the temperature in your area falls below 65°F or rises above 76°F, please submit a work order for our technicians to investigate.
Bulletin Boards
Looking to share a message with the campus community? The university has several great options to help you reach your audience effectively! These include bulletin boards, digital signage, Campus Announcements, and Orbit.
We kindly ask that you refrain from attaching printed materials directly to walls. While it may seem convenient, tape, tacks, and pushpins can cause lasting damage that not only impacts the appearance of our beautiful campus spaces but also requires costly repairs.
Remember, UIS has incredibly talented teams who can assist with design, marketing strategy, and finding the best channels to share your message with the campus community. Click on the links below to get started!
Maxpanda is now Eagle!
The Maxpanda work order system is now Eagle CMMS.
Eagle CMMS is built on the same core code base as Maxpanda, but with several enhancements, including enhanced security features, improved user interface, and performance optimizations. The transition took place the week of December 9 and has been a bit rocky. However, the provider, TMA Systems, is actively working to resolve issues as they appear.
Please continue to reach out to us if you encounter problems or errors with Eagle.
We sincerely appreciate your patience as we work through the bug fixes resulting from the transition.
Classroom Scheduling and Space Requests
Planning Ahead for Spring: Important Space Request Updates
As we prepare for the Spring semester, we want to keep you informed about temporary changes to our space request process.
During this busy period, our priority is finalizing classroom assignments for academic courses. This means:
Space request confirmations may take longer than usual
Requests for the first 10 days of the semester will be tentatively scheduled to accommodate potential classroom changes
Need a space for a smaller group? Great news! You can instantly reserve meeting rooms for groups of 14 or fewer through our self-scheduling system. These rooms are perfect for team meetings, collaborative work sessions, and small gatherings.
To book a self-schedule room right now: visit the Facilities Scheduling webpage or Book A Space on Orbit.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure a smooth start to the Spring semester. Have questions? Contact us at classroomscheduling@uis.edu or (217) 206-6378.
Snow Removal and Parking
During significant snowfall, Facilities & Services (F&S) needs your help as we work to clear snow from parking lots and walkways. Our goal is to ensure safe and accessible parking for the UIS community. Implementing a "Snow Parking Day" will help us achieve this together.
How a "Snow Parking Day" Works:
Check Your Email
Before coming to campus, check your email for a "Snow Parking Day" announcement from Parking Operations. Notifications will be sent the day prior whenever possible, but always check your email in the morning to avoid surprises.
Snow Clearing Priorities
The Grounds team will start early, often staying overnight, to clear pedestrian walkways and the parking areas closest to academic buildings first, then move to outer parking areas.
Where to Park
Park in any plowed area, regardless of your parking hangtag (standard or economy). If your usual lot is plowed, you may park there. Otherwise, please park in a plowed area. Economy hangtag holders can park in standard lots without being ticketed for unassigned lot violations during a "Snow Parking Day."
Parking Restrictions
Unauthorized parking is not allowed. Do not park in spaces requiring special permits (e.g., ADA spaces, reserved PERKS spaces) or in prohibited areas like emergency and fire lanes. Violations will result in ticketing.
Residential Lots
On-campus residents have 24/7 access to their residential lots. Snow will be cleared as efficiently and safely as possible.
End of "Snow Parking Day"
An email will be sent near the end of the day to notify if the next day will also be a "Snow Parking Day." Check your email for updates before heading to campus.
For questions, contact Parking Operations at parking@uis.edu or (217) 206-8502, or visit room 43 in BSB.
Teresa Seacrist Named November Employee of the Month!
Teresa Seacrist has been named Employee of the Month for November 2024! Teresa is known for her exceptional service and dedication, always going the extra mile with a smile. She manages the parking operations and is praised for her helpful and kind attitude. Teresa puts in long hours, especially at the start of semesters, to keep things running smoothly. Her supervisor, Patty Meyer, admires her professionalism and calm demeanor, even in tough situations, showing respect and patience to everyone. Teresa's friendly nature and willingness to help make her a beloved member of the UIS community. Congratulations, Teresa!
Will Newton Joins our Move Crew!
Please join us in welcoming Will Newton to the Facilities & Services move crew!
Will joins us with a wealth of experience and a positive attitude that fits right in with our team. We are confident that his skills and friendly demeanor will be a great asset to our crew.
Welcome aboard, Will!
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or feedback. We're always happy to hear from you!
F&S Operations Desk: (217) 206-6530
Email: facilities@uis.edu
Office location: BSB 33
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also reach out directly to our units using the contact information below.
Unit Contact Information
Building Maintenance:
John Grice, Construction Superintendent
(217) 206-6704, jwgrice@uis.edu
Custodial Services:
Dustin Bringle, Supt of Buildings & Transportation
(217) 206-6531, dbrin6@uis.edu
Grounds Maintenance:
Brian Beckerman, Superintendent of Grounds
(217) 206-7202, bbeck1@uis.edu
Moving Support Services:
AJ Hamm, Building Service Supervisor
(217) 206-6379, ahamm5@uis.edu
Classroom & Facilities Scheduling:
Lisa Bowen, Space Administrator
(217) 206-6378, classroomscheduling@uis.edu
Environmental Health & Safety:
Ravneet Chhokar, Director of Safety & Compliance
(217) 206-8062, rchho2@uis.edu
Motor Pool:
Dustin Bringle, Supt of Buildings & Transportation
(217) 206-6531, motorpool@uis.edu
Parking Operations:
Teresa Seacrist, Campus Parking Manager
(217) 206-8502, parking@uis.edu