Explain the Health benefits and/or the other options.
How good will the new cafeteria be?
Could we have a swimming pool on campus?
Are they going to request a solar design for our new campus building?
How will UIS expanding to a 4-year college effect UIS relationship with LLCC?
What changes can we expect this year? Will new programs be offered?
Are we going to have new doctoral programs at UIS in the near future?
How do we go about receiving grant funds, etc.?
Why was the stipend increase so small?
Why do GAs have to do so much paperwork (evaluations, time/task, etc.)?
Is there stress management at the Counseling Center?
What justification does a GA have to have to file a grievance?
Are there one-bedroom apartments in Springfield within a 10-mile radius in the $300 range?
What do all these abbreviations stand for?
What's a student to do in Springfield?
How do you balance work and school?
What are the various means of transportation available from the University?
Tuition and fees / Course Loads . . .
What are the fees not covered my our GA the stipend?
What are some web resources for graduate assistants?
What's a student to do in Springfield?
Beth says :
Restaurants:
Cafe Brio, 524 E. Monroe -- Trendy, great food, reasonably priced for lunch, although dinner can be a bit pricey.
Feed Store, Downtown -- Wonderful soups and sandwiches, and the best carrot cake
Magic Kitchen Thai Restaurant, 4112 Peoria Road -- Great food, not expensive, kind of a "dive" but very popular.
Panera Bread, 3101 West White Oaks Drive and new Dirksen Parkway location -- Good sandwiches, bakery items and coffee. Wireless!
Sebastian's, 221 South 5th -- Expensive, but great food and a nice atmosphere.
Xochimilco, 2941 West Iles -- Mexican food, very reasonably priced, with a very friendly staff. Located close to the mall.
Coffee:
Barnes and Noble, 3111 S. Veteran's Parkway.
Entertainment:
For entertainment, I can think of a few things. Movies are always our best bet. We also hike in Washington Park or Lincoln Memorial Gardens, take in a play at the Theater Center or Sangamon Auditorium, or go to Andiamo (206 South 6th) for live music. Heartland Peace Center usually has a speaker at least once a month, and that can be very interesting too.
Jennifer says :
Restaurants:
Olive Garden -- for good Italian food
(or Saputo's, but it is $$).
D'Arcy's Pint -- for cheap, fast, high cholesterol food and drink.
Cracker Barrel--for good breakfast
Cup of Coffee:
Barnes & Noble
Starbuck's
Soups & Cookies:
Panera -- for a pastry or soup; they have really yummy cookies and soups. I recommend the shortbread cookie and the chicken and rice soup in a bread bowl.
Karen Says :
Fine Dining:
Alexander's Steakhouse (W. Jefferson at Bruns)
Sebastian's (221 South 5th St.)
Gallagher's (2242 S. 6th St.)
Variety:
Applebee's (3335 S. Veteran's Parkway)
Cheddar's (3151 Horizon Dr.)
Chili's (2891 S. Veteran's Parkway)
Lone Star Steakhouse (2881 Veteran's Parkway)
Ned Kelley's Steakhouse (3455 Freedom Dr.)
Outback Steakhouse (3201 Horizon Dr.)
Ruby Tuesday (located in White Oaks Mall)
TGI Friday's (2100 W. White Oaks Dr.)
Italian:
Olive Garden (2991 S. Veteran's Parkway)
Gabatoni's (300 E. Laurel)
Pasta House (2800 Southwest Plaza Dr.)
Saputo's (801 E. Monroe)
Seafood:
Chesapeake Seafood House (3045 E. Clearlake Ave.)
Red Lobster (2696 S. Dirksen Parkway)
Chinese:
China 1 (212 South Grand Ave. and 2355 W. Monroe)
China Star (1899 Sangamon Ave.)
China Wok (1955 W. Monroe)
Grand Buffet (2753 S. Veteran's Parkway)
Mr. Eggroll (635 W. Jefferson)
New China Restaurant (2801 S. 6th)
Tai Pan (2636 Adlai Stevenson Drive)
Japanese:
Tokyo of Japan (2225 Adlai Stevenson Drive)
Thai:
Magic Kitchen "BYOB" (4112 Peoria Rd.)
Mexican:
El Rancherito (1825 W. Jefferson)
Azteca (310 E. Monroe)
Taco Trio (106 W. Jefferson)
Pizza:
Mario's (3073 E. Clearlake Ave. or 2841 Mansion Rd.)
Sandwiches:
Jimmy John's (3128 S. 6th St.)
Jeffrey's Specialty Sandwiches (3430 Freedom Dr.)
Quizno's (1911 W. Iles Ave.)
Monty's (Montvale Dr. or Bruns Lane)
Bellacino's (2636 S. 6th Street)
Panera Bread (W. Wabash or Dirksen Parkway)
Bar and Grill:
D'Arcy's Pint
Brewhaus (617 E. Washington)
The Office Sports Bar and Grill (1919 W. Iles Ave.)
What are the various means of transportation available from the University?
The UIS Housing Office provides Springfield Metropolitan Transit District bus maps and a nightly shuttle for campus residents.
Are there one-bedroom apartments in Springfield within a 10-mile radius in the $300 range?
To assist you in finding a place to live, the Housing Office has compiled a list of apartment complexes in Springfield. The office also maintains an Off-Campus Booklet. Here, local landlords advertise available apartments, houses or mobile homes. In addition, the office maintains listings for Sleeping Rooms, as well as "Roommate Wanted" listings. The Housing Office is located in the Commons and can provide you with a desk from which to work as well as a telephone to use.
The Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee discussed Springfield Housing options. Karen Guthrie, a member of the committee, obtained the following information:
One-bedroom apartments for under $300:
Madison Park Place (426 13th St.)
A one-bedroom and one-bath (combination shower & tub) apartments start at $235. These apartments have three closets, a dining room, and a separate kitchen. For more information call, (888) 592-2776
One-bedroom apartments between $300 and $400:
Orchard Park (1516 Seven Pines Rd., Suite A)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $340. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, ceiling fans, laundry facilities in each building, large closets, swimming pools, and fitness room. For more information on these or other apartments at Orchard Park call 787-2288.
One-bedroom apartments between $400 and $500:
Pine Woods (1665 Seven Pines Rd)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $425. These apartments include large walk-in closets, ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchens, on-site laundry facilities, and private patios/balconies. For more information call on these or other apartments at Pine Woods call 787-4800.
Wyndham Chase (206 West Canedy)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $425. These apartments include laundry facilities, swimming pool, and modern spacious interiors. For more information on these or other apartments at Wyndham Chase call 698-5407.
Cedar Point (1666 Seven Pines Road)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $416. These apartments come in six distinct floor plans, with laundry facilities, pool, and tennis court. For more information on these or other apartments at Cedar Point call 787-5950.
Westbrook (1833 Seven Pines Road)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $465. These apartments have new appliances available, spacious floor plans, laundry facilities, swimming pool, and a double tennis court. For more information one these or other apartments at Westbrook call 787-7755.
Hunter Glen (2644C Stratford Drive)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $485. These apartments have washer/dryer connections and built-in bookcases. For more information on these or other apartments at Hunter Glen call 787-2293.
Old Towne Apartments (748 North Bruns Lane)
One-bedroom and one-bath apartments start at $459. These apartments include a large swimming pool, tennis court, playground area, ½ court basketball, and on-site washer/dryer facilities. For more information on these or other apartments at Olde Towne call 787-1730.
To find a roommate, go online at www.sharerent.com and browse through a roommate directory.
How do we go about receiving grant funds, etc.?
The UIS Grants and Contracts Office can help identify sources of funding for the research projects. Contact Deb Koua at (217) 206-7409. Additionally, the UIS library has a substantial collection of information on foundations.
Why was the stipend increase so small?
The stipend increase for Graduate Assistants over the past several years has matched the increase for UIS staff.
International students have to pay the Out-of-State tuition. So, if a student exceeds the 12-hour maximum, do they have to pay the difference if they take 16 credit hours?
Taking more than three graduate level courses while working 20 hours per week at an assistantship is not a good idea. Thus, registering for more than 12 credit hours per semester is contrary to the graduate assistantship policy. However, under certain circumstances, an exception to this policy may be granted. Technically, the tuition waiver is for 30 credit hours for the year (12 hours Fall and Spring and 6 hours in the Summer). Therefore, a student who takes 16 hours one semester could balance out the overload by taking fewer hours in the spring or summer.
What are the fees not covered by the stipend?
The waiver covers the activity fee, intercollegiate athletic fee, and Career Center fee. It does not cover general fees and course fees.
Why does an international student have to take a minimum of 8 credit hours, whereas residents don't have that rule? (for Graduate Assistantships)
The difference in the minimum enrollment requirement for international and domestic students was eliminated as of Fall 2001. Assistants must enroll for a minimum of 8 credit hours in a regular semester.
Explain the Health benefits and/or the other options.
The insurance program for graduate assistants is the same as for all UIS students. Students enrolled in any non-online course will automatically be assessed a student health insurance fee. Students with equivalent coverage outside of the University's plan may file a Student Health Insurance Petition for Exemption form along with proof of insurance to have the insurance fee removed. Click here for more information about student health insurance.
Why do GAs have to do so much paperwork (work plans, evaluations, etc.)?
The paperwork is aimed at ensuring that expectations are clear for both the GA and the Supervisor.
How do you balance work and school?
Beth Shetter says:
Balancing work and school can seem like walking a tightrope some days. You have a paper due tomorrow, but your departmental newsletter has to be finished and it's your job to see that it is. I've come up with a few strategies that may help you deal a little more effectively (and a little less stressfully) with the balancing act.
First, remember that good communication skills will serve you well in all areas of life. Soon after you've been hired, sit down with your supervisor and establish the parameters of your job, as well as his or her expectations of you. Which comes first--job or studies? With open lines of communication their needs as well as your, will be better met.
Second, prioritize. Learn the primary and secondary responsibilities of your job, and use that knowledge to develop a routine. With good organizational skills (and a scheduling book), it may seem that you actually have a few more hours in each day.
The third point is probably the most important. If you haven't learned to avoid procrastination by graduate school, now is the time to take a crash course! Remember, most classes come with a syllabus, most jobs do not. Do that class research assignment early, and then smile when your supervisor hands you a project he needs tomorrow!
Finally, remember that you are entering a new phase of your life and there will be a period of adjustment. Don't be too hard on yourself; the skills that got you the job are still there!
Is there stress management at the Counseling Center?
The following information is provided by Dr. Judy Shipp, Director of the UIS Counseling Center:
The Counseling Center provides counseling, outreach, and psychological consultation for UIS students, staff, and faculty. We provide information and assistance for depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, procrastination, eating disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse and other personal concerns. The Center also conducts a Depression Screening Day every year during the month of October. The Counseling Center's web page provides information about our services, common reasons that people visit the Center, our calendar of upcoming events, and links to articles on psychological topics of interest to students, staff, and faculty.
The Counseling Center is an active participant on the UIS Substance Abuse Task Force which plans educational, awareness, and prevention activities for the campus. We sponsor information tables to promote Alcohol Awareness Month in April, National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week in October, and Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month in December. Our annual TALENT EXPO is our biggest event of the year and will be held on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Student Center. Auditions will be held on March 5 and 6 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Lincoln Residence Hall. Membership on the Substance Abuse Task Force is open to all UIS students, staff, and faculty. For more information on these or other topics or to talk with one of the counselors, stop by the Counseling Center in the Student Affairs Building, Room 30, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or call 206-7122.
Every rule should have an exception. We've noticed that UIS policy is not very flexible. How do you explain that?
The consensus on Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee was that UIS staff and faculty are fairly flexible. In general, adhering to policies ensures fairness and equal treatment.
How good will the new cafeteria be?
Very Good.
Could we have a swimming pool on campus?
One of the private fundraising priorities for the campus is construction of a health/recreation center with a swimming pool.
Are they going to request a solar design for our new campus building?
A solar design will not be requested, but energy efficiency will be a factor.
Why are the courses here offered for 4 credit hours while every other university prefers to go with just 3 credit hours for each course?
The origins of this policy go back to UIS history as an institution that served commuter students. Nonetheless, at the graduate level, it is not uncommon for courses to carry four credit hours. At UIUC, for example, one graduate unit is equal to four credit hours.
At the undergraduate level, the campus policy already encourages the use of three credit hour courses at the lower-division level. Over time it is likely that upper-division courses will be changed to three credit hours.
Who do you see if you have trouble scheduling your classes (i.e., lack of classes, pre-requisites, and time conflicts)?
See your Advisor.
How do we forward mails from multiple e-mail accounts into a single e-mail account ? I have two e-mails accounts, a GA account and a student account.
Due to security reasons, UIS does not allow forwarding mails from multiple UIS e-mail Accounts into a single UIS account. But if a student wants to forward his/her mails from the various UIS e-mail accounts into a Hotmail or a Yahoo account (which provide the option of popping mails from other servers), it is possible to do so.
Click here to learn how to forward e-mails into a Yahoo account.
Click here to learn how to forward e-mails into a Hotmail account.
What justification does a GA have to have to file a grievance?
Filing a grievance is a serious action. The best approach is to talk with Mr. Jim Korte, Assistant Dean of Students, who can explain the procedure and may be able to suggest ways to resolve the situation short of filing a formal grievance.
Also, supervisors and the GAs sometimes get into disagreements about expectations and job performance. In these situations, it is a good idea to meet with Dr. Lynn Pardie, Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Education and Research.
How will UIS expanding to a 4-year college effect UIS relationship with LLCC?
UIS's relationship with LLCC continues to be cordial and cooperative. An indication of such cooperation is that the two institutions recently signed a joint admissions agreement facilitating transfer of students from LLCC to UIS.
What changes can we expect this year? Will new programs be offered?
Although no new degree programs are under active consideration, several graduate programs (Human Services, Educational Leadership) are planning new graduate certificates.
Are we going to have new doctoral programs at UIS in the near future?
UIS is not planning additional doctoral programs in the near future.
What are some web resources for graduate assistants?
www.uis.edu/graduateassistantships/links.html
What do all these abbreviations stand for?
Here is a full list of UIS acronyms.
