student parent association
A Parent Enrolls at UIS Donate
When Kendra Johnson came to UIS in the fall 
of 2010, she brought with her an excellent record from a community college in Chicago and her dreams of becoming a school social worker.
She also brought along her 6-year-old son.
Parents’ Questions
At Sunflower Court, a set of townhouses 
where many student-parents live, Kendra immediately ran into some questions:
- Where would her son go to school?
- How did the bus system work?
- What was the best place to buy groceries?
- And what activities could she do with him in Springfield?
This determined young mother found the answers to these and other questions.
Making It Easier for Others
This got Kendra thinking: What about other students who bring a child to UIS? Was there a way she could make things easier for them?
She took this idea to Student Affairs at UIS. Staff there suggested that Kendra begin a student organization.
Specifically for Parents
The Student Parent Association (SPA) now meets once a month to share information and encourage each other. Before each meeting, Kendra knocks on all the Sunflower Court doors to invite parents. The group sends out emails to commuter parents, too.
The group plans events for parents and children where families can meet and get to know each other. Last semester, with support from Student Life, the group sponsored a Family Fun Day with an inflatable slide, a bounce house, a bubble machine, cotton candy, and pizza.
Now when parents have a problem, they have a support system close at hand to turn to.
Ready for a Challenge
Under Kendra’s leadership, SPA would now like to do more.
The group’s first goal is to improve the children’s playground with:
- More equipment that is appropriatefor babies and toddlers,
- Playground flooring that is appropriate for all ages
- A security fence to keep animals out, and
- Benches for parents.
You Can Help
Would you be willing to contribute supplies for any of these causes? The Housing Department at UIS, which oversees Sunflower Court and the other townhouses, has agreed to install any equipment, fencing, and other improvements that you donate. Gifts of money are also welcome.
Making Good Better
UIS is a wonderful place for parents to get a college degree, and your gifts toward an improved playground would help to attract more to the campus and make their time in college easier for them and for their children. You would also be making the playground safer for children who play there.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact Ron Wojcicki at 217.206.6058 in the Office of Development. You can also email him at wojcicki.ron@uis.edu.