3.18.24

Hello, Prairie Stars:

It’s hard to believe we are already nearing the end of the semester, with spring break in our rearview mirror and Commencement on the horizon. If you’re interested in volunteering for Commencement on campus this year, please sign up. We’ll need help with setup, assisting graduates and guiding guests. You can provide your availability for one, two or three ceremonies. 

New Information

Student Commencement Updates

Please remind graduates to complete their Intent to Participate Form by Monday, March 25, on the Commencement website. This is in addition to their graduation contract and is mandatory to participate in the ceremonies. If you know a graduate who would be an excellent student speaker, they should apply by this Friday. Information is on the Commencement website.

Harnessing AI for Workplace Efficiency: A Guide for UIS Employees

The next Employee Development Series workshop will be a virtual webinar from 9 to 10 a.m. March 27 on Harnessing AI for Workplace Efficiency. Discover how artificial intelligence can enhance your productivity, streamline daily tasks, and foster innovative problem solving. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to expand your skills, this session will provide practical solutions and strategies for all employees!

Title IX Training

Required Title IX training is due by 5 p.m. April 1. Take the mandatory training soon to fulfill this state and federal requirement.

Eclipse Watch Party

Join us for an eclipse watch party from 1 to 3 p.m. April 8 on the UIS Student Union North Patio.

Gift Days

The UI System is providing three gift days to employees who are eligible for leave benefits in fiscal year 2025 - Tuesday, Dec. 24; Monday, Dec. 30; and Tuesday, Dec. 31. With these gift days, employees will be able to enjoy Dec. 24 through New Year's Day without using vacation or other paid time off. More information is on Orbit. 

Health and Wellness Fair

Join Campus Recreation on the Quad for the Annual Health Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. April 24.

Information that Bears Repeating

RISE Professional Development Retreat Resources

Event resources from the March 1 retreat are now available on Orbit, including presentations, handouts, and a post-event discussion guide. 

Spring Accelerated Courses

Last-half spring accelerated courses begin today! Please encourage students who would benefit to learn more or sign up by Sunday, March 24. 

CAPE/CARE Awards Ceremony

The annual CAPE/CARE Awards Ceremony will be from 10 a.m. to noon March 21 in the Student Union Ballroom and will include the announcement of winners of four new awards: the Nova, Orion, Polaris and Sirius awards. Register to attend and for the option to receive a $15 meal card. 

Cyber Security Training

Required quarterly cybersecurity is due March 29. Log in to your account to complete the training video: Unintentional Insider Threats.

FAFSA Update

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education implemented two technical fixes that resolved FAFSA access for individuals without a social security number, but there are lingering issues for this population. We continue to support all students with FAFSA-related questions, and you can read the most up-to-date information on our FAFSA Simplification page.

Celebrating Our Star Power

Congratulations to Laci Engelbrecht, director of Financial Aid, our March Employee of the Month. Be sure to congratulate her for her hard work on communicating the FAFSA updates to our students, faculty and staff.

University of Illinois Springfield students earned the outstanding large delegation award at the Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation held March 1-3 at the Illinois State Capitol and Wyndham Springfield City Centre. Seven UIS students also took home individual awards.

UIS Mathematical Sciences and Philosophy faculty Liang Kong and Yifei Li are the recipients of an Illinois Innovation Network grant for their project, “Analysis and Prediction of Electricity Consumption in Chicago Region Using Graph Informer Grey Model.” 

The University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor of Computer Science Elham Buxton has published a new curriculum on artificial intelligence (AI) for students in grades 7-10. Titled “Foundations of Autonomous Vehicles,” the peer-reviewed curriculum merges AI expertise with IoT (Internet of Things) skills to create an immersive learning experience.

If you have a chance, take a walk on campus this week to see the new blooms!

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, PhD
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield