6.30.22

Dear Colleagues,

This is my last email to you as Chancellor, and I must first simply say THANK YOU.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead UIS over the last two years. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our mission, vision and values — and most of all, to our students. We were not just united in safety, we were united to each other and to our students. This inspired me to work every day to be the best Chancellor I could be for you, the students and our community.

6.27.22 

Dear UIS Colleagues:  

It’s hard to believe that today is my last Monday as your interim chancellor. Chancellor Designee Janet L. Gooch arrived on campus today, and we will work side-by-side over the next four days as she prepares for her first official day as chancellor on Friday, July 1.

New Information 

COVID-19 Update 

6.17.22

Dear UIS Students, Faculty and Staff —

I am writing to update you that UIS will not be offering on-site Shield COVID-19 testing after June 29. This includes testing for both the public and the university community. 

6.14.22 

Dear UIS Colleagues:  

New Student Orientation is in full swing, and if you are on campus this summer, I hope you get a chance to get outdoors to enjoy our beautiful grounds. We’re so proud of UIS Baseball, taking us further in the playoffs than ever before, although it didn’t end as we had hoped. Congrats to the team and coaches for this milestone in our university history!  

New Information 

5.31.22 

Dear UIS Colleagues:  

Karen Whitney BOT Remarks | 5.13.22

Good morning.

In the 22 months I have been with UIS serving as the Interim Chancellor, I am thrilled to share with you what I have come to know and appreciate most about UIS.  As I have said before, Iam so proud that UIS is a capital city university dedicated to the public good through intensive teaching, applied research and outstanding public service.

5.16.22 

Dear Colleagues:  

We made it! Knowing the Class of 2022 has walked across the commencement stage should give us all a profound feeling of accomplishment. I am so thankful for this academic year and for each of you who made it a success. I hope you find a moment to take a deep breath and enjoy the employee party today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Student Union.

New Information 

United in Safety Policy Updates 

5.10.22

Dear UIS Students, Faculty and Staff —

For two years and counting, we have been United in Safety at UIS. I am so proud of the efforts we each have contributed to stay united and weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, all with the shared purpose of providing the best educational experience possible with safety as a top priority.

As the 2021-22 academic year nears completion and we turn our focus toward summer and fall, the UIS COVID-19 response team has recommended, and I have approved, the following changes to our COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

5.2.22 

Dear UIS Colleagues:  

Dear UIS Colleagues —

It is National Volunteer Month, and I am always excited to see how dedicated our university is to serving the community and each other. This week, volunteers have the fun task of assisting and judging Springfest activities. Many of you have committed to volunteering for one or both of the upcoming UIS Commencement ceremonies in May. If you’re still looking for a volunteer activity this month, the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center has many opportunities available.

New Information