Faculty Fellows Program
The Faculty Fellows Program contributes to the UIS mission through faculty research and service to a university unit, including COLRS, OPEL, Enrollment Management, and the Chancellor's Office. Applications for the next class of fellows open each spring. Learn about the Faculty Fellows Program.
Office of Digital Accessibility (ODA)
The Office of Digital Accessibility (ODA) ensures that all digital content, technologies, and learning environments are accessible to all members of the campus community and the public.The office collaborates with campus departments to promote inclusive digital practices, advocates for accessible technology procurement, and helps address barriers that impact the experiences of students, faculty, and staff. It provides guidance on accessible design, evaluates digital platforms for compliance with WCAG standards, and supports faculty and staff through training and consultations.
Digital accessibility is a civil right. It ensures that all students, faculty, and staff—regardless of ability—can fully participate in learning, teaching, research, and campus life. Accessible digital content and tools remove barriers to education, promote equity and inclusion, and are essential for compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Beyond legal requirements, accessibility reflects our campus commitment to diversity, innovation, and academic excellence by creating an environment where everyone has equal access to information and opportunities.
Primary audience: UIS Faculty and Staff
Office of Engaged Learning (OEL)
OEL provides innovative experiential learning opportunities for a diverse student population through the Internship and Prior Learning Office and the Study Away Program. Learn more about engaged learning at UIS.
Primary audience: UIS Students, Industry and Education Partners
OEL supports innovation in engaged learning through experience. Staff administer worldwide study away, internship, project, service-learning, and prior learning academic experiences and advise faculty in the development of international educational experiences and support for student program travel. We also consult with industry partners to create effective experiential programs at host sites.
Center for Online Learning, Research & Service (COLRS)
COLRS is the UIS hub for the study and application of online learning pedagogy, technology, and best practices related to online learning. Learn more about online learning support at UIS.
Primary audience: UIS Faculty
- Online and blended pedagogical professional development and support
- Instructional design consultation and peer review through the use of digital technologies
- Consultation and support for the creation of digital instructional content
- Digital accessibility professional development and document remediation
- Consultation and support for high-quality digital learning environments
- Conducts and supports research related to online and blended learning
Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE)
CFE supports world-class teaching by providing programming for current faculty, including online, part-time, and full-time faculty. Learn more about faculty development at UIS.
Primary audience: UIS Faculty
- Administer faculty development workshop schedule
- Repository of prior faculty development workshop materials
Contact OPEL
Email: opel@uis.edu
Office: BRK 488
Meet the OPEL Staff.
Mailing Address:
One University Plaza
MS BRK 482
Springfield, IL 62703