1.8.24
Welcome back, UIS!
I hope everyone had a well-deserved, relaxing break with friends and family. The holiday season is a time to unwind and reflect on our accomplishments from last year and look forward to our goals in the new year. As we dive into 2024, let's continue to focus on student success, foster a positive and collaborative work environment, support each other's growth and embrace the exciting projects and initiatives that await us.
New Information
Paid Leave for All Workers Act
Communication will be sent out this week from both UI System Human Resources and UIS Human Resources regarding the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. This new legislation provides up to 40 hours of paid leave per year to certain employees who do not currently receive vacation leave. Please pay close attention to the communication from UIS HR regarding how this affects UIS faculty and staff.
FAFSA Update
The Department of Education initiated its “soft launch” of the 2024-25 FAFSA right before the new year, and since that time, the website has been going offline periodically for maintenance. The UIS Office of Financial Aid has been communicating with students and families about the FAFSA regularly. Please reassure students that there is no rush in early January to complete the FAFSA if they encounter difficulty accessing the website. UIS encourages students to complete their form by March 1.
Employee of the Year Celebration
The Employee of the Year celebration is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. Jan. 25 in the Student Union. Register today and mark your calendars to come out and support your colleagues!
New Bursar Location
The University Bursar office has moved to UHB 1001. Updates about the latest facility transformations are on Orbit.
Study Away Scholarship Opportunities
UIS has scholarships available for students to cover the costs of international travel related to participating in approved Study Away programs. To be eligible for a scholarship, students should apply by Feb. 5.
Liberal Studies Program Enhancements
We recently enhanced our Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program to better meet the needs of adult learners who aspire to complete their college education. Visit the UIS Newsroom to learn more about the program’s enhancements.
College Cost Transparency Initiative
UIS has joined the College Cost Transparency Initiative, which aims to provide a better understanding of the cost of attendance and aid available for students.
Information that Bears Repeating
Exploring Graduate School
Our online Graduate School Week events continue Jan. 29 through Feb. 2 as a great recruitment tool under a new name, Exploring Graduate School. Academic programs have until Jan. 12 to register.
Celebrating our Star Power
Congratulations to Zach Logsdon, IT Technical Associate (LS), for being named the December Employee of the Month. Zach has been going above and beyond with his work in ITS, especially in support of the new Esports Arena. Not only was he involved with the planning of the arena space, but he also volunteered to build gaming computers to save UIS thousands of dollars.
An Illinois Innocence Project client, Brian Beals, was dismissed of all charges in December after spending 35 years in prison for a wrongful murder conviction. The Innocence Project partnered on the case with The Law Office of Laura Nirider and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s Conviction Review Unit.
Have a great week!
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield