4.21.25

Happy Monday, UIS:

Congratulations to the amazing employees and retirees who were recognized last week at the annual Retirement and Recognition Ceremony. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and great fellowship while highlighting some of our exemplary employees. Congrats to the honorees, and thank you to Human Resources for planning a beautiful event.

New Information

New AEO Coordinator

Ray Rodriguez, MPH, NBC-HWC, started as the senior director of Access and Equity and Title IX coordinator on March 31 and brings nearly four decades of leadership experience in higher education. Learn more about him on Orbit.

FELP Applications

Faculty members and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by May 1 for the Faculty Entrepreneurial Leadership Program on the FELP website. Learn more on Orbit.

Proposals for UIS Funds

The Division of Advancement is accepting project proposals for one-time awards from the UIS Fund through April 30. The fund supports opportunities that were not planned or included in the budget. Award decisions will be announced by May 9. Learn more on Orbit.

Annual Evaluations

Human Resources has updated the Annual Performance Evaluation's structure, rankings and functionality. Evaluations must be submitted by June 6. More information can be found on Orbit.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Access and Equity Peer Educators, Gender and Sexuality Student Services and the Women’s Center will host information tables and awareness events throughout the month, including Denim Day on April 30. Participants are encouraged to wear jeans—or any denim—to protest the social stigmas surrounding sexual violence. Learn more on UIS Connection.

Instructional Technology Request Form

ITS and Classroom Scheduling Services are accepting requests for classrooms and instructional technology for Summer and Fall courses. Separate forms for each course should be submitted by faculty, but submission does not guarantee room assignments, equipment or services.

HLC Quality Initiative

After conducting a university-wide survey and targeted focus groups last year, the Provost’s Leadership Team has determined that the focus of our HLC Quality initiative will be enhancing advising services for students. Please provide your feedback on the proposal by April 18 through Orbit.

Homecoming 2025 Program Proposals

Have an idea for a UIS Homecoming event? Submit your thoughts by June 16. Homecoming is set for Sept. 14-20, and this year’s theme is “Written in the Stars.”

Newsletters

The April Facilities and Services Newsletter includes an update to the work order for requesting services, a location change for the Motor Pool, and staff highlights. 

Upcoming Events

• Health and Wellness Fair: The Annual Campus Recreation Health and Wellness Fair is 1-3 p.m. April 22 on the UIS Quad. ImpactLife will host a blood drive during the event, and donors can find the registration link on Orbit. 
• Senior Art Exhibit “Room 9”: Featured work by senior visual arts majors is on display through May 8 in the Visual Arts Gallery and the Access Gallery. A reception will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 24. 
• Course Survey Report Demo Session: Academic Affairs and ITS are offering course survey report demo sessions to highlight the enhanced reporting functionality of the recently launched Course Survey App. The next session is 10-10:45 a.m. April 23 in UHB 2022, or you may attend virtually. There will be other sessions May 1.
• Employee Development Series, Hiring Student Employees: The next session will be virtual from 9 to 11 a.m. April 30. Important topics include CareerConnect, undergrad and grad hourly positions, Leadership Lived Experience and graduate assistants.
• End of Academic Year Party: The annual party, themed “Travel the World,” will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 on the Student Union Patio, including music, food and fun for the UIS community.

Information that Bears Repeating

Commencement

We look forward to celebrating graduates on campus in a few short weeks. Tickets were issued last week, and it’s important to note that the number of tickets varies by ceremony, based on participation, and tickets are not transferable between ceremonies. Students who no longer need all their tickets are encouraged to email commencement@uis.edu. Please continue to check the commencement website for additional information.

Immigration Update

Some international students and recent graduates have had their visa status terminated. Staff from International Student Services have contacted affected individuals to provide resources and guidance on immediate next steps. An informational website is available as a resource. 

Summer Classes

There is still time for students to register for summer courses, which begin June 2. Please encourage students who would benefit to sign up or learn more by visiting our summer page.

Celebrating Our Star Power

Daniel Aguilar, program coordinator for Hispanic/LatinX Outreach, was announced as the interim director of the Diversity Center. Daniel has been instrumental in advancing the work of the Center throughout the year, and we are excited to see continued growth and impact under his leadership. 

Congratulations to the following faculty who will present at the Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, hosted by the University of Illinois System June 16-19 in Chicago: Hei-Chi Chan, Anne-Marie Hanson, Neetu Singh, Michael Chuang, Brandon Derman, Megan Styles, Kyle Blount and Hua Chen. Registration is still open with early bird savings extended through May 15. Learn more about the presenters’ workshops on Orbit.

Getting to Know You

Have a good week,

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.

Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield

P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I love to highlight your news, events and accolades.