Thank you to all who attended the Fall 2026 Employee Information Session on Oct. 15. For those who were unable to make it, a recording is available.

Below is a summary of the information shared during the session by Chancellor Gooch, Provost Schwab, Vice Chancellor Dave Meredith and University Librarian Pattie Piotrowski.

UIS Continues National Recognition

UIS continues to receive national recognition for quality and value. This year, the university was named the No. 1 public regional university in Illinois for the eighth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report and ranked among the top public regional universities in the Midwest.

We also recently celebrated a successful Homecoming Week, the launch of the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology program and the selection of Dr. Noah Reynolds as the 2026 University Scholar.

Communication Remains a Priority

Chancellor Janet Gooch acknowledged employee feedback regarding transparency and communication, emphasizing the importance of keeping faculty and staff informed during periods of change.

Employees are encouraged to stay engaged through the biweekly Inside UIS newsletter, Orbit, the UIS Mobile App, Campus Senate, APAC, CSAC and by sending feedback to chancellor@uis.edu. The chancellor also shared that a redesigned UIS.edu website is expected to launch later this year.

Facilities and Operations Updates

• Copier and Printer Transition: On behalf of Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Jill Wilberg, Chancellor Gooch provided updates on the implementation of the university's new Ricoh copier-printer system. Usage patterns are being monitored, and machine locations may be adjusted as needed. Additionally, FAQs about the copier transition have been posted on Orbit. Employees experiencing issues should contact ricohsupport@uis.edu.

• Cox Children's Center and WUIS Building: The WUIS building is scheduled to close July 30, 2027, due to significant infrastructure needs and repair costs. As a result, NPR Illinois will relocate to the lower level of the Public Affairs Center next spring, and Cox Children's Center operations will be consolidated into the main facility. Infant care enrollment will be phased out before the WUIS closure. The condition of the WUIS building and the Children’s Center’s financial sustainability are both driving this change. Consolidating Cox Children’s Center will allow us to address the center’s current $220,000 deficit and move toward a more sustainable operation.

• Sunflower Court: We have partnered with the Springfield Fire Department to provide real-world firefighter training through the controlled burning of three legacy Sunflower Court apartment buildings as part of the demolition process. Following site preparation, the area is planned to become home to a new laboratory facility supporting the Engineering Technology program launching in Fall 2027. The facility will provide students with hands-on workforce training opportunities.

• Library Commons Funding: Chancellor Gooch also addressed questions regarding the Library Commons project. The facility is funded through a State of Illinois capital appropriation administered by the Capital Development Board. Because those funds are restricted to construction purposes, they cannot be redirected to operating expenses, deferred maintenance or other institutional needs. While acknowledging the university's financial challenges, the chancellor emphasized that the project represents a long-term investment in student learning, collaboration and success.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Next Strategic Plan

Chancellor Gooch provided an update on the newly formed University Leadership Council (ULC), a cross-campus group helping inform UIS’ next strategic plan.

Early conversations have focused on three priorities: strengthening external and workforce partnerships, enhancing internal collaboration and institutional culture, and further defining UIS’ identity and value proposition. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share feedback on these three areas to help guide the ULC’s work. A feedback form is available through Oct. 28.

Academic Affairs

Provost Brandon Schwab provided updates on preparations for UIS’ upcoming Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation visit, including progress on the university's Assurance Argument and ongoing work related to accreditation requirements.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen academic advising through the university's HLC Quality Initiative. Current work includes reviewing advising structures, developing more consistent practices and exploring additional support for advisors to help ensure students receive high-quality guidance throughout their academic careers.

The provost also shared updates on initiatives designed to improve course scheduling and degree planning, including a revised standardized class schedule and enhanced degree progression plans that will help students more effectively navigate their path to graduation.

He noted continued follow-up on the Academic Portfolio Review process and highlighted the proposed bachelor's degree in arts management as an example of the collaborative opportunities emerging from that work.

Finally, Provost Schwab provided an update on this year's Good Idea Fund awards, which support projects focused on student success, experiential learning, faculty development, community engagement and innovation across campus. Those will be announced soon.

Enrollment, Retention and Student Success

Vice Chancellor Dave Meredith reported Fall 2026 enrollment of 4,008 students. While undergraduate enrollment showed positive momentum, graduate enrollment declined, largely because of decreases in international enrollment. To address those challenges, the university is expanding domestic graduate recruitment efforts, improving prospective student outreach and communications, and planning a campuswide enrollment summit in December.

Meredith also reported encouraging student success outcomes. UIS achieved a 74.4% retention rate for first-year students; 76.2% for transfers; and 80.6% for graduate students. While these rates are good, there is still room for improvement. The Division of Enrollment and Retention Management is focusing on several new initiatives to support retention, including yearlong course planning.

He also highlighted UIS Advantage, a new initiative designed to support our yield efforts while giving students access to meaningful experiences beyond the classroom, including internships, research opportunities, leadership development, mentoring and career-connected learning experiences. The program aims to strengthen student engagement, improve career readiness and help graduates distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive workforce.

Moving Forward Together

The session concluded with an update on the Library Commons from University Librarian Pattie Piotrowski. Representatives from the four units that will occupy the new building—the library, ITS, Career Services and the Center for Academic Success and Advising—are meeting regularly to prepare for the building’s opening. The units expect to move in next summer, with a ribbon-cutting anticipated in August 2027.