Publish Date

9.20.22

Hello, UIS employees— 

I’ve been enjoying seeing everyone on campus and getting to know our students. Now that the U of I State Tour has ended, I am looking forward to spending more time at events and gatherings – the excitement is palpable as we continue to enjoy a renewed sense of togetherness. Hopefully, this translates to high levels of engagement from students in your classes, activities and in your work spaces. After all, we’re all here for them — to ensure they have the best student experience possible.  

New Information ­­­­

Homecoming this Thursday and Friday 

The Student Activities Committee has been hard at work planning events to celebrate homecoming this week. Let’s all come out to support our students and add to the excitement of this important tradition. 

Thursday, Sept. 22 

  • 4:30 p.m. - Check out the RSO Sidewalk Chalk Competition, west entrance of the Student Union 
  • 9 p.m. - Flag Football Tournament, Rec Park 

Friday, Sept. 23 

  • 2 p.m. - Pep Rally, TRAC 
  • 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. - Women and Men’s Soccer games, Kiwanis Stadium 
  • 9 p.m. - Bonfire and Fireworks, TRAC South Field 

DEI Forum

Thanks to all who attended Friday’s townhall, during which we shared the Recommendations from the Underrepresented Faculty Recruitment and Retention Task Force report and engaged in a broader discussion about how to approach DEI efforts as a university. A recording is available on my website, and I am certain that opportunities for dialogue on this important topic will continue. Don’t forget to volunteer for the DEI Strategic Planning Committee by Friday, Sept. 23. Email Shelby Bedford at sbedf2@uis.edu if you are interested.

Active Shooter Training this Wednesday 

The UIS Police Department is presenting an active shooter/active threat training at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Brookens Auditorium. Time will be allotted for questions. UIS Police also offer special department or unit training upon request. Learn more: uis.edu/news/training-active-shooter-response 

Cybersecurity Training due Sept. 30  

Remember, all employees must complete a brief, quarterly training to remain compliant with UI System requirements. Learn more: uis.edu/news/new-cybersecurity-training-now-available 

HR Open Forum: JDXpert, Cornerstone 

Human Resources will host an open forum to answer questions related to new platforms JDXpert and Cornerstone from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, via Zoom. If you have specific topics you’d like addressed during the session, email uishr@uis.edu.  

Fall Accelerated Courses  

Please encourage students who would benefit to sign up for a Fall 2022 accelerated class. Courses run Oct. 17 – Dec. 3. Students can learn more here: uis.edu/accelerated 

UIS Zoom Backgrounds 

Branded Zoom backgrounds are now available to the campus community. Choose from graphic treatments or seasonal campus photos. Download here: uis.edu/brand 

International Education Week Nov. 14-18 

International Student Services is encouraging the campus community to participate by planning workshops, events or activities based on your specialties in line with the goals from the U.S. departments of State and Education: to prepare Americans for a global environment; and to attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences. Please notify ISS of your programming by Oct. 14 to be included in campus marketing. Learn more about International Education Week: iew.state.gov 

Information that Bears Repeating 

Fall Enrollment Numbers 

Census Day was a huge success with us leading our regional competitors with an increased headcount of 6.4% for fall. Our goal this year was flat enrollment in light of multi-year decreases, so this is a huge success for the university.  

Grad Week Sept. 26-30 

Thank you to everyone who is participating in Grad Week. We are looking forward to continuing the momentum of our rising graduate student enrollment. Please encourage undergraduate students to sign up for a webinar to learn more about graduate education at UIS: uis.edu/grad-week 

Celebrating our Star Power 

Congratulations to UIS faculty selected for the 2022-23 cohort for the system-wide Public Voices Fellowship: Jennifer Martin, School of Education; Sean McCandless, School of Public Management and Policy; and Amy McEuen, School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health. The program helps faculty amplify their expertise in ways that can contribute to public conversations about pressing issues.  

Also announced last week, UIS was ranked the No. 1 public regional university in Illinois for the fourth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report, and we moved up to No. 3 public regional university in the Midwest. Additionally, we were recognized as one of the top best value schools and a top school for veterans. Thanks for all you do to contribute to these wonderful accolades, which not only reflect the quality of education we provide but also helps us attract new students!  

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, PhD 

Chancellor 

University of Illinois Springfield 

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