8.23.21 

Happy Monday, UIS! 

In the world of higher education, “It’s game day!” Classes are in session, and we’ve officially started a new academic year.  

New Information 

Updated Fall 2021 Approach to Safety 

We’ve updated our safety guidelines for the Fall 2021 semester, and one important change is vaccinated employees and students should resume weekly saliva testing. High transmission rates in Sangamon County, coupled with the return of students from all over the state and world, led us to take extra precautions for the health and safety of everyone. We hope some of the heightened measures will be temporary. The new fall guidelines include a color-coded chart to allow you to safely plan for guests and activities within your classroom and departments. 

Chancellor’s Campus Open Forum Sept. 16 

I'm hosting a Campus Open Forum from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to share progress on my top 10 goals for UIS and an update on the search for the next chancellor, among other things. We’ll have plenty of time for Q&A, too. This event will feature both in-person and virtual options. Watch your email for more info and to RSVP (in-person attendance will be capped).  

New Director of Athletics 

Laura Liesman has been named the new UIS Director of Athletics designate, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. She comes to us from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, where she serves as the Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Recreation and Director of Athletics. Laura’s first day is Sept. 1.  

New Faculty and Administrators  

Welcome to all new faculty—we're excited to welcome you to the UIS family! Also, congratulations to the following faculty and staff who are serving in new-to-them administrative roles this year: 

• Lucia Vazquez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation  
• Kat Novak, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education 
• Brian Kelley, Interim Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, Director of Residence Life  
• Arnold Henning, Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration 
• Ann Comerford, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 
• Lan Dong, Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences  

Fireside Chat on Criminal Justice Reform and Police Accountability 

UIS is teaming up with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation for a first-of-its-kind speaker series that embodies the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and promotes social change. The virtual event, called “Tackling Criminal Justice Reform and Police Accountability,” happens 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Register at go.uis.edu/ILBCFSpeakerSeries to receive the Zoom link. 

Personalize Your UIS Directory and Website Profiles 

Did you know you can now add a personal biography through the ITS directory? Go to uis.edu/directory and search your name. Scroll down, click “edit,” and then click “add to your biography.” Change the default i-Card photo by submitting a Website Project Request with the photo you would like to use (min width of 600px). If you would like to remove your image, select “hide my photo.” 

Catch a Prairie Stars Game 

Our Athletics season is getting underway. I can’t wait to catch a soccer and volleyball game, and I encourage you to do so as well. Before you go, please check the updated UIS Athletics Fall Spectator Guide. 

Prairie Star 5K Aug. 28 @ 9 a.m. 

Registration is open online. The cost is $18 for faculty/staff/community members. Register by Aug. 25 to be guaranteed a T-shirt.  

Information that Bears Repeating 

Cybersecurity Training 

This week, all UIS full- and part-time employees will receive an email from the UI System about online quarterly cybersecurity training. Beginning this fall as part of our Information Security Policy, you will receive a notice with a link to the training website. Each training will take approximately 20 minutes. I ask that you please comply with the training request. Cybersecurity training helps protect the university, students and employees. 

Parking Tags  

Don’t forget to purchase your parking tag for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

SHIELD Testing 

The SHIELD testing center has moved back to the lower level of the PAC. Hours for students, faculty and staff are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Community hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Celebrating our Star Power 

Congratulations to Kristin Nisbet-White for earning her SHRM-Senior Certified Professional Credential! The senior level credential shows the world Kristin’s skill level, helps her advance her career and allows her to be even more strategic about helping students plan for the future. Kristin also received the APAC Professional Development Award. 

A huge thank you to the faculty and staff volunteers who helped make freshman move-in day a success! Your great attitude and willingness to help sets us apart. 

I am so excited to be back on campus with you for the start of a new academic year. We always wonder if we are making a difference and, clearly, you are. The most recent Career Outcomes survey found that 96% of bachelor’s degree graduates from 2019-2020 are employed or continuing their education. That is thanks to the education they received here at UIS.  

So, let’s get to it again. 

See you soon, 

Karen