UIS Music program presents Fall Showcase Concert

For a musical tour around the world, UIS students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend the UIS Music Fall Showcase Concert on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

The event will feature music from a variety of countries, cultures and historical periods. Highlights include selections from Russia, China, Germany, and New Orleans plus songs sung in Swahili and Hebrew.

The evening begins with a pre-concert lecture by UIUC musicology student Jessica Davis of Urbana in the lobby outside the PAC Studio Theatre from 7 to 7:20 p.m. Doors will open for the concert following the lecture, and refreshments will be served after the performance.

The Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Todd Cranson, will open the evening with music of John Robichaux’s 19th Century New Orleans Dance Orchestra. This music was all the rage at high society dances around the turn of the 20th Century and competed and comingled with early jazz in the Crescent City.

Following the Chamber Orchestra, the Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Graf, will perform numerous selections from around the world including Eric Whitacre’s “Five Hebrew Love Songs” performed with the Chamber Orchestra.

The program concludes with selections by Sousa, Wagner, and more performed by the UIS Concert Band.

The Showcase Concert is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and will benefit the UIS Music Student Merit Award.

The current UIS Music program began in 2001 and is comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as Springfield community members, all with a variety of skill levels. Anyone interested in joining the UIS Chorus, Band or Chamber Orchestra may contact Sharon Graf or Todd Cranson by emailing music@uis.edu or calling (217) 206-6240.

Hunger Banquet spotlights problems in U.S. and around the world

The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center hosted the 5th annual Oxfam America Hunger Banquet in the Student Life Building Gym on Monday, November 16, 2009.


The featured speaker at the event was Joel Berg, executive director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger and author of the book “All You Can Eat”. Berg spoke on campus during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.

“The reason we’re hosting it is on campus we’re trying to highlight that 1 in 6 individuals in the world today suffers from hunger, so we want to really raise awareness on our campus about hunger and homelessness,” said Kelly Thompson, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

UIS student volunteers helped to organize the Hunger Banquet where participants were broken up into different groups. Students that were selected to be low-income ate on the floor only receiving rice, while those selected to be higher income ate at the table.

“I am one of those children that came from a poverty stricken neighborhood, so I think giving back to the community is a very good thing,” said Monique Johnson, UIS sophomore social work major.

Berg says raising awareness about hunger is key to stopping the problem, but that’s not all that needs to be done.

“We really strongly believe that in New York City or here in downstate Illinois you cannot end this problem with just a little more charity alone. You need government leadership and a change in our economic policies,” said Berg.

Students to be inducted into National Criminal Justice Honor Society

WHAT: Seven new members will be inducted into the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

WHEN: November 17, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Conference Room G

DETAILS: Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national honor society for criminal justice majors, recognizes the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one-third of the total hours required for graduation and must maintain specified grade-point averages overall and in the major. Inductees include Jeremy Carnes, Gregory Foster, Rebecca Garrett, Jeffrey Jacobs, Gregory Payne, Leslie Reutter, and Monica Summers. Leanne Brecklin, associate professor of Criminal Justice at UIS, serves as chapter adviser.

UIS hosts fair that helps students continue education

The University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center and Office of Alumni Relations hosted the second annual UIS Graduate and Professional School Fair on Thursday, November 5, 2009 in the PAC concourse.

The event brought 31 graduate and professional schools from Illinois and the Midwest to the UIS campus.

“We’re having this because many of our students as undergrads are trying to decide what they’re going to do after graduation and what is required to meet their career goals,” said Gale Kilbury, UIS Career Counselor.

The fair allowed students to meet with many representatives at once and gain valuable information in a short amount of time.

“Definitely having them all here in one location is more efficient for us students than having to contact them all via e-mail or trying to go to all the schools and have an orientation,” said Teela Whyte, UIS senior social work major.

Kilbury says having a graduate degree will increase student’s marketability and help them land a better job in the career path they choose.

For more information contact Gale Kilbury in the UIS Career Development Center at 217/206-6508 or gkilb01s@uis.edu.

Students honored during 2009 Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield honored more than 100 scholarship donors and their recipients during the 2009 Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby.

Nearly $200,000 in funds for scholarships come from donors who make an annual commitment to help UIS students pay for their education.

"For many of them it's the very first time that they will meet. For some of these students and donors they will form lifetime relationships," said Vicki Megginson, Associate Chancellor 0f Development.

UIS students apply for scholarships online through the Office of Financial Aid. The campus has a uniform application system that only requires a student to apply once. The information they submit is then matched with eligible scholarships.

"To get somebody to help me is very honorable. Ultimately I want to achieve my bachelor's degree in mathematical science, so I’m going to use that to teach," said Simon Wilson, UIS junior and scholarship recipient.

"I really appreciate what they've done for us and getting a scholarship really helps a student get through college and not having to worry about your finances and being able to concentrate on your academics," said Ivy Ingram, UIS senior and scholarship recipient.

For a full list of scholarship winners click here.

International Festival brings world to UIS campus

The University of Illinois Springfield hosted the 32nd Annual International Festival on Sunday, October 25, 2009 in the Public Affairs Center.

The festival allowed participants to take a trip around the world in only a matter of minutes. Each PAC conference room was organized to be a different part of the world with Asian, European, American and African culture represented.

Students and community members preformed music and dance from different parts of the world in the Studio Theatre. Springfield restaurants donated native food for visitors to enjoy.

“Having people from different parts of the world interact with each other, learn from each other, appreciate one another is not only educational, but it helps us to get along better with one another,” said Rick Lane, UIS Director of International Student Services.

The International Festival has grown each year and organizers say more than 500 visitors took part in this year’s festival.

The theme for the International Festival was “Dancing Under the Stars” in recognition of the International Year of Astronomy.

Watch a slideshow featuring the International Festival: http://www.uis.edu/sightsandsounds/slideshows/international09/index.html

UIS Peoria Center to hold open house at new location

The University of Illinois Springfield is celebrating its new downtown Peoria location by hosting an open house. The Peoria Center is located inside the Illinois Central College Perley Building, Room 120, 115 Southwest Adams Street in Peoria. The open house will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and is open to UIS alumni and friends. The new space will provide a central location and more room to allow the center to continue providing place-bound working adults with affordable, convenient way to pursue their dreams.

The UIS Peoria Center had long been located on the ICC campus before the move and will mark 34 years in the city this year. Since its establishment in 1975, more than 2,426 area students have graduated from the degree programs at the Center. The programs offered have changed over the years, but the focus has remained on providing Peoria area working adults the opportunity to earn a degree and enhance their career options.

“The programs we offer in Peoria are business related in direct response to demand,” said Jana Wise, director of the UIS Peoria Center. “Our students, most of whom are not only working full-time but raising families, tell us it’s a tremendous opportunity to earn a U of I degree from an accredited College of Business and not have to leave Peoria.”

The programs currently offered at the UIS Peoria Center are a bachelor of arts degree in Accountancy; a bachelor of arts degree in Management; a bachelor of arts in Criminal Justice; a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a minor in Management Information Systems. In addition, three business degree completion programs are offered entirely online, a bachelor’s degree in Economics, bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA), and the Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems.

Most classes at the UIS Peoria Center are offered evenings and weekends, which accommodates working students and also the faculty. The same faculty who teach on the main campus in Springfield drive to Peoria to teach in the evenings. The business courses offered in their programs are relevant to issues impacting the economy, such as Technology, Management, Forensic Accounting, and Global Leadership.

For more information contact Jana Wise, director of the UIS Peoria Center at 309/999-4250 or wise.jana@uis.edu.

"Love Your Body Day" Fair teaches positive body image

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Women’s Center held a “Love Your Body Day” Fair on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in the PAC Concourse to teach students about positive body image.

Women were able to create buttons with phrases such as “This is why I’m hot” and "I'm a big deal because..." to give them a sense of empowerment.

"In our culture we have so much attention and it grows all the time being paid to the outer person, to the body, to the image," said UIS Women's Center Director Lynn Otterson.

The UIS Women’s Issues Caucus also sold “This is what feminists look like” t-shirts and the Alpha Phi Omega club sold pink cupcakes as part of breast cancer awareness month.

UIS Recreational Sports taught participants about the effects of nutritional supplements and how to find your “happy weight”.

“Love Your Body Day” is part of a national annual event, which UIS celebrates each year.

Theatre open auditions for Student-Directed Scenes

WHAT: Students who are currently taking THE/COM 476, Directing for the Theatre will be holding open auditions for their final project scenes.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 28 from 3:45pm – 6pm and Thursday, October 29 from 2pm – 4:30pm in the University of Illinois Springfield VPA Room 170.

DETAILS: Everyone is welcome to audition; auditions will consist of cold readings from the various plays directed by the students.

For more information contact Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson at mthom1@uis.edu.

"Girls under the Hood" teaches car care lessons

Have you ever wondered how to change a flat tire or check your oil or tire pressure? The University of Illinois Springfield Women’s Center hosted a “Girls under the Hood” event on Thursday, October 8 to answer some of those questions.

Guest mechanics from Green Toyota Scion Audi Volkswagen started out by giving the ladies an overview of what to know, what to do, and how to talk to a mechanic. Participants then popped the hood on a Toyota Camry to do some hands on learning.

"Since a lot of the students come in and regularly don't know how to maintain their car because usually their fathers, brothers, uncles or maintenance people take care of it they may not be familiar with how to take care of it during the winter months," said Women's Center Graduate Assistant Lisa Koerkenmeier.

Students who attended the event were entered into a drawing with a chance to win free car detailing or a car maintenance gift basket.

UIS Chorus to perform at Springfield's Vachel Lindsay Home

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Graf, will perform at the Vachel Lindsay Home in Springfield.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: 603 South 5th Street, Springfield, Illinois

ADDITIONAL INFO: This will be the vocal group’s first performance of the semester and the first ever at the historic home of poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay.

The event will feature music from a variety of countries, cultures and historical periods. Highlights include songs from Russia, China, and a selection sung in Swahili.

The current UIS Chorus program began in 2001 and is comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as Springfield community members, all with a variety of skill levels. After the Vachel Lindsay event, the next Chorus performance will be at the UIS Showcase Concert, which features the Chorus, Chamber Orchestra and Band and will be held at the PAC Studio Theatre at the University of Illinois at Springfield campus on December 4, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the UIS Chorus or the upcoming performance contact Dr. Sharon Graf at 217/206-6240 or by e-mail at music@uis.edu.

UIS raises pride flag as part of National Coming Out Week

The University of Illinois Springfield is celebrating National Coming Out Week on campus by showing its pride. A group of students, faculty and staff gathered in front of the Public Affairs Center to raise a rainbow-colored flag Monday, October, 5, 2009.

The first pride flag raising ceremony was held three years ago on campus and the celebration has been growing ever since. UIS Chancellor Richard D. Ringeisen issued a statement in support of the LGBTQ community at UIS calling them "important members of the entire university community."

“I think for an institution to display our pride flag so publicly is very important and it really says we’re not ashamed to have you here, we’re proud of you,” said UIS student Renee Rathjen.

“This is just another example of showing this is a very inclusive university that everyone has value to us,” said Ringeisen

The flag will fly over campus for the entire week.

Other National Coming Out Week Events:

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Meet the Author, Dr. Pierceson Book Signing, 4:00pm PAC Lobby

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Speak Out 1:00-5:00 UIS Quad

Friday, October 9, 2009
Safe Zone Training Phase 1 - 1:00-4:00 pm, PAC C/D (registrations reqd.)

For more information contact the LGBTQ Resource Office at 217/206-8316 or e-mail: LGBTQ@uis.edu.

Homecoming 2009: Over the Rainbow Relay Race

University of Illinois Springfield students slipped into ruby red high heels to face off during the Over the Rainbow Relay Race on Wednesday. The relay was part of the Homecoming 2009 at UIS, but similar events sponsored by Recreational Sports are held every week as part of “Wacky Wednesday”.

The Student Life Office helped to bring in a giant inflatable bounce house to campus for students to run through. They first started off in the high heels having to maneuver between orange cones before ditching the heels and jumping inside.

“I have a lot of respect for women because I can’t do it and women walk around in high heels all the time,” said junior criminal justice major Andrew Crain.

The male and female students with the fastest time both got an “I Won Wacky Wednesday” t-shirt.

Homecoming 2009: Mashed Potato sculpting

University of Illinois Springfield students got creative with a popular mashed vegetable during Homecoming Week 2009.

Assistant Director of Student Life Beth Hoag came up with the idea for mashed potato sculpting last year. The event was such big hit she decided to bring it back again with a few rules. Students had to design something based on UIS or the homecoming theme “There’s No Place Like Homecoming”.

UIS Food Service prepared 25 pounds of “extra stiff” potatoes for students to use. They decorated the mashed wonders with everything from food coloring to feathers and glitter.

“It’s almost like play doh just a little softer,” said junior business major Baily Meek. “I wouldn’t have expected it to be like that”.

Volunteers judged each design on creativity and theme. The winner of the contest was rewarded with a $50 gift card.

Click Here for a full list of Homecoming 2009 events.

Toastmasters Club key to student success

The University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center is working to improve the public speaking skills of students. The center has started a Toastmasters Club to bring in professional mentors from the community to work with students.

Employee Relations Recruitment Coordinator Rachel Hasenyager started the club. She says the skills that students are learning are key in job interviews. During the meeting students are called on to perform impromptu “table top” speeches. Students have a limited amount of time to talk about a subject they may know little about.

The Toastmasters Club also teaches students how to participate in the setting of a formal meeting. Every participant is introduced to the audience before they begin speaking.

Hasenyager says she hopes the club will also help teach leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Students also get the chance to network with the professional mentors brought in from the community. Hasenyager hopes that will pay off once they’ve graduated and are looking for a job.

The club meets every other Friday at Noon in the Student Affairs Building (SAB) Room 50. The next meeting will be on October 9th, followed by October 23rd.

Toastmasters will welcome Springfield native Ed Hearn, who was crowned the 2006 World Champion of Public Speaking by Toastmasters International. Hearn will present his award-winning speech on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center Restaurant.

Networking: Strategic Alliances workshop

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center presents Networking: Strategic Alliances "Collect Success Partners".

WHEN: Monday, September 28, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium Lobby on UIS Campus

ADDITIONAL INFO: Join the UIS Career Development Center, Office of UIS Alumni Relations, and Springfield Chamber of Commerce for a night of networking how-tos. Learn the tips and tricks of building your career network from hospitality expert, Beth Reutter. Enjoy refreshments while building your career network with other students, alumni, faculty, staff, Chamber of Commerce members, and other community professionals.

Don't wait for graduation or your next job search to begin building your career network. Build those connections now and be ready when opportunity knocks! Make sure to get started during our event. According to the recent NACE Job Outlook 2010 Fall Preview survey, employers are planning to trim college hiring by 7%. In another NACE Survey, nearly 70% of college seniors cited networking as an extremely useful career tool. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for the event today and start your network now!

Professional business attire is strongly recommended.

For more information about the presentation contact Kristen Chenoweth, Communication Program Coordinator at 217/206-6501 or kchen01s@uis.edu.

Fall into Volunteering Fair

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center presents “Fall into Volunteering Fair”.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Main Concourse

ADDITIONAL INFO: This is a chance for students to meet local non-profit groups and become a volunteer in the Springfield community.

Representatives from Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Illinois State Museum, Boys and Girls Club, Planned Parenthood and Memorial Medical Center will be attending along with over 15 other local organizations.

This program is also sponsored by UIS Housing and the Experiential and Service-Learning Programs.

For more information please contact Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center Director Kelly Thompson at 217/206-8448 or kthom03s@uis.edu.

Students Share Experiences from Peru Study Abroad

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield students share learning experiences and photos of their Summer Study Abroad trip to Perú during a “Brown Bag” lunch presentation.

WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Conference Room F at UIS

ADDITIONAL INFO: This is the first time UIS has sent a delegation of students to South America. They lived in the former imperial capital of Cusco for a week, climbed Machu Picchu, navigated Lake Titicaca located 12,500 feet above sea level, stayed with host families on Amantani Island, and took 28 hours of immersion Spanish! They did all this while battling soroche (altitude sickness) and eating the local cuy or guinea pig!

This dedicated group of nine UIS students spent 17 days in Perú as part of their study abroad that focused on language, culture, and history. A photo exhibit will be displayed during the same week in the PAC Cafeteria Concourse.

For more information about the presentation and the trip contact Veronica Espina at 217/206-8300 or vespi1@uis.edu.

Registered Student Organization Deadline

Now is the time for students to leave their mark on the University of Illinois Springfield campus. The Office of Student Life is taking priority applications for registered student organizations (RSOs) until September 15th.

Students are required to register on an annual basis and attend one student origination workshop. RSOs are required to have a written constitution and bylaws that govern the group along with a faculty or staff advisor.

UIS had more than 70 registered students organizations during the 2008-2009 academic year. They are separated into six different categories: Cultural/Diversity, Religious/Spiritual, Academic/Honorary, Political/Advocacy, Service or General Interest.

All student organizations fully registered by September 15th will be eligible for two $50 prizes.

Fill out the RSO registration form online: http://www.uis.edu/studentlife/Forms/Registration%20form%2009-10.pdf

For more information, visit the UIS Student Life Office Web site: http://www.uis.edu/studentlife/

UIS Career Development Center hosts Foot in the Door Fair

The Career Development Center at the University of Illinois Springfield will sponsor the 2009 “Foot in the Door” Fair for UIS students interested in part-time jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities – both on- and off-campus – from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, in the lower level concourse area of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. The event is free to all UIS students.

The “Foot in the Door” Fair is intended to bring students and local employers or organizations together to discuss career opportunities in a broad range of available positions.

A partial list of off-campus employers attending include State Farm Insurance, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum and the Illinois Policy Institute. On-campus employers attending include UIS Athletics, UIS Recreational Sports, Brookens Library and UIS’ Office of Graduate Intern Programs. The complete listing of employers and other event details can be found online at www.uis.edu/careerservices.

The Career Development Center will also have a table at the event where students can come to ask any questions they may have. Students are encouraged to bring their resumes and networking cards to the event and should be prepared to briefly outline their education, experience, goals and what types of positions they are interested in. A business casual dress code will be observed.

Additionally, the UIS Career Development Center will be holding walk-in hours on Monday, August 24, Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Student Affairs Building (SAB) 50, during which students can receive resume help and other suggestions to prepare for the event.

Students who cannot attend the event can go to the Career Development Center’s Web site and use UIS CareerConnect, a job and internship posting system, to find on- and off-campus jobs and internships, upload their resumes, as well as schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center.

For more information about the “Foot in the Door” Fair, go online to www.uis.edu/careerservices/foot_fair/foot_recruiter.html or call the Career Development Center at 217/206-6508. Individuals requesting disability related accommodations should also contact the UIS Career Development Center.

UIS to host tech camp for middle-school girls

The University of Illinois at Springfield’s Computer Science Department will be holding Girl Tech 2009, a technology camp for middle-school girls, on Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the University Hall Building on the UIS campus.

The camp will offer sessions on programming, robotics, computer networking, iMovie, Photoshop and computer hardware. A partial list of sessions includes Cartoons Galore!, Persona Magazine, Wireless Treasure Hunt and Robotics at the Robot Zoo. Instructors of the sessions are female faculty members in the UIS Computer Science Department and Visual Arts Department, as well as staff members in Information Technology Services.

Classes begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Before and after camp activities are planned to allow camp participants to stay the entire day.

To be eligible, students must be entering 7th, 8th or 9th grade in the fall. The registration fee is $20 per girl, which covers lunch both days, snacks and a participation T-shirt.

For more information about specific sessions and to obtain the registration form, go online to http://csc.uis.edu/girltech2009.

Voices in Praise choir to perform at Six Flags St. Louis

The Voices in Praise choir at the University of Illinois at Springfield, along with other choirs and groups, will be participating in Gospel Fest with the Spirit of Praise 2009 on Saturday, May 9, in St. Louis. The choirs will perform live in front of an audience and a panel of judges at Six Flags St. Louis for a chance to open for renowned artist Kirk Franklin.

Voices In Praise will be singing “My Name is Victory” and “If It Wasn’t For Your Grace.”

Voices in Praise has performed at various local events such as the “Amazing Grace” event at the Old State Capitol and Lincoln’s Tomb in celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday and the “Do the Right Thing” Festival for the Springfield Urban League. They have also performed at Living Word Fellowship Ministries and Abundant Faith, the Healing Waters Reception, the grand opening of the new Springfield Urban League Studio and Faith AME Church in February for the Black History Month Women's Breakfast.

Future endeavors for the choir include singing at the Graduating Seniors Capitol Honors Breakfast for the Capitol Honors Scholars Program at UIS on Saturday, May 16.

Alpha Phi Sigma honor society to hold inductions

Induction ceremonies for four new members of the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma at the University of Illinois at Springfield, the national criminal justice honor society, will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, in the Public Affairs Center restaurant on the UIS campus. A dinner will accompany the induction ceremonies.

Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national honor society for criminal justice majors, recognizes the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one-third of the total hours required for graduation and must maintain specified grade-point averages overall and in the major.

Students being inducted are Ashley Douglas, Kaila McKenzie, Leslie Ochoa and Joe Sawyer. Leanne Brecklin, associate professor of Criminal Justice at UIS, serves as chapter adviser.

The ceremony will also honor 12 members who are graduating this academic year: Joe Dattoli, Ashley Douglas, Michelle Edwards, Karen Harrold, Jon Hartwig, Shane Hibbs, Jennifer Lamb, Anthony Mikels, Audra O’Brien, Howard Purdue, Nicole Reynolds and Samantha Wood.

UIS’ Criminal Justice department is housed within the College of Public Affairs and Administration and offers the baccalaureate degree and undergraduate minor.

9th annual Science Research Symposium

The University of Illinois at Springfield’s ninth annual Science Research Symposium – featuring presentations on applied or theoretical research by undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in science programs at UIS and other four-year colleges in the area – will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17, on the UIS campus. The symposium is free and open to the public.

Awards will be presented for the best student posters and oral presentations. College-level science presentations are welcome from schools outside UIS. The presentations and a keynote address will be held in Brookens Auditorium, located in the lower level of Brookens Library.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Peter Ward, professor of Paleontology from the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, who will speak on “Extinctions: Past, Present, and Future” from 3 to 4 p.m. A reception for Dr. Ward will immediately follow the keynote program.

UIS began hosting the symposium in 2001 to recognize the growing number of college students engaged in research projects. Dr. Rebecca Landsberg, UIS assistant professor of Biology and symposium co-coordinator, noted, “The symposium aims to encourage scientific dialog and inform the academic community of scientific research conducted at UIS and neighboring campuses. It is open to undergraduate and graduate students and faculty involved in applied or theoretical research. We particularly encourage presentations by students.”

Other goals include promoting community interest in scientific research and inviting nationally recognized scholars to share information about their own research.

The deadline to submit an abstract is March 27. For details, including format, guidelines and registration, go to www.uis.edu/biology/. The registration fee for presenters is $10; however the fee is waived for students who are members of biology or chemistry student clubs.

Symposium sponsors at UIS are the Biology, Chemistry and Clinical Laboratory Science programs, the Speaker’s Fund, the Research Board and student science clubs.

For more information, contact Landsberg at 217/206-7338 or rland3@uis.edu, or Dr. Yash Mhaskar, assistant professor of Chemistry and symposium co-coordinator, at 217/206-7336 or ymhas2@uis.edu.

Voices in Praise Choir to participate in Old State Capitol event

The Voices In Praise Choir (VIP) from the University of Illinois at Springfield will be one of eight to ten local choirs participating in the “Amazing Grace – A Time of Spirituals” event at the Old State Capitol on Saturday, February 7. The event will run all day with singing from the local choirs and a showing of the movie Amazing Grace, which details the ending of the slave trade in Europe through William Wilberforce.

The day will culminate with all of the choirs joining together at President Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb to sing “Amazing Grace.” The event commemorates Lincoln’s 200th birthday and celebrates the end of slavery.

The Voice in Praise Choir will perform at 11 a.m. at the Old State Capitol and will sing four pieces: “Down by the Riverside,” “Swing Low,” “Wade in the Water” and “Kum Ba Yah.”

The choir will also be performing the same selections at the Faith Temple AME Church during its annual Black History Month Breakfast on February 28 at 10 a.m.

11th annual Springfield Collegiate Career Fair to be held at UIS

The career planning and placement offices of the University of Illinois at Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College, Robert Morris College and Springfield College in Illinois/Benedictine University will host the 11th annual Springfield Collegiate Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, in the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. The primary audience for the free event is current students and alumni of the four participating institutions.

Representatives from approximately 100 area employers are expected to be on hand. A partial list of those already confirmed includes Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois workNet Center, and Scentsy.

Tammy Craig, director of the Career Development Center at UIS, noted, “This is the most high profile event held on campus for students who would like to talk with local and national businesses as well as agencies of the local, state and federal government. The professional atmosphere gives students the chance to make positive first impressions on company representatives.” Craig added that, in addition to searching for a job, students are encouraged to attend the fair for networking and gathering general information.

Beyond information about actual job openings, the fair is designed to provide an open information exchange about different organizations, hiring trends and the best routes to future opportunities. For potential employers, it is a chance to disseminate pertinent information and to develop a pool of candidates interested in future opportunities, internships and summer openings as well as permanent employment.

Information for students, alumni and others: Pre-registration is not required; business-casual attire is required and participants should bring copies of their resumes to the fair. UIS’ Career Development Center is also offering opportunities for advance preparation with several programs. “Career Fair Prep Expo: Making the Most of Career Fairs” will be held in the Public Affairs Center, across from the Food Emporium, on Thursday, February 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and on Friday, February 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Just In Time Career Fair Prep Workshop” is on Wednesday, February 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Career Development Center, Student Affairs Building 50, and a workshop on “Recession Proof Job Search Techniques,” sponsored by the University of Illinois Alumni Association, is on February 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Career Development Center.

For current UIS students and Career Development Center clients, a “Last Chance Resume Critique” will be held on Friday, February 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Career Development Center.

Information for employers: Advance registration is required. Free booth space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is available online at http://www.uis.edu/careerservices. For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 217/206-6508.

UIS’ Career Development Center is located in room 50 of the Student Affairs Building, phone 217/206-6508. An updated list of employers participating in the Career Fair, as well as the web-based programs UIS-SUCCESS and CareerSearch are available on the center’s website at http://www.uis.edu/careerservices.

Art Students League Holiday Sale

• 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, December 11
• PAC concourse
• Artwork and art supplies

Finals Week Cram-a-thon

• Monday & Tuesday, December 15 & 16
• 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. in the Diversity Center, SLB 22
• Free limited printing, on-campus transportation, and laptops available for use within the center

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training for women

Free 12-hour self-defense course for all UIS women students, staff, and faculty

• Wednesday evenings in February (Feb. 4, 11, 18, & 25)
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Led by Sgt. Mike Stuart and Ofc. Amanda Baughman of the UIS Police
  

Contact the UIS Women's Center at 6-7173 or womenscenter@uis.edu to enroll.

Learn more about RAD

For more information on acquaintance and stranger rape prevention as well as rape survivor support, information and referrals, contact the Women's Center.

Playing Shakespeare

2 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, in VPA 170, the Acting Studio

Students will perform two contrasting Shakespearean monologs -- "audition packages" that are a major piece of their work in the course.

For details, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 6-6613.

CTL Finals Help House

Workshops

• Tuesday, December 9
  Prewriting Strategies & Thesis Statements - 10 a.m., Founders Hall 153
  Integration - noon, BRK 416
  MLA Style - 4 p.m., Founders Hall 153
  

• Wednesday, December 10
  Grammar & Mechanics - 10 a.m., Founders Hall 153
  Avoiding Plagiarism - 11 a.m., Founders Hall 153
  

Walk-in Math & Writing Tutoring
December 9 & 10 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Founders Hall 153

Advocates for Academics 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland
December 10 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Founders Hall

• Homemade soup
• Prizes
  

For more information: afa@uis.edu

Veggie Club art show

Accepting submissions through 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 3
Artwork should relate to nature, animals, or vegetarianism

• Exhibit runs December 3 to 5, in Brookens concourse
• Opening night reception begins at 6 p.m.
• 1st and 2nd place prizes awarded
  

For more information, contact Ashleen Woods at awood03s@uis.edu

International Education Week activities

Presented in conjunction with International Education Week 2008, November 17 to 21, a program of the U.S. Departments of State and Education

Sunday, November 16
31st annual International Festival, 4 to 8 p.m., lower level PAC and Brookens Auditorium

Monday-Wednesday, November 17-18
Information Fair, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m., Food Emporium
Information on Study Abroad, ESL, International Student Association, Global Studies major, Diversity Center
T-shirt sales (Ashikaga, Japan and Study Abroad themes), games, and surprises

Monday, November 17 and Tuesday, November 18
Presentation on Study Abroad Opportunities, noon and 5 p.m., PAC conference room F

Wednesday, November 19
Presentation on the new Global Studies Major, noon and 5 p.m., PAC conference room E

Thursday, November 20
International Center Open House, 1 to 2:30 p.m., HRB 52

For more information, contact Jonathan GoldbergBelle at 6-8319

Bookstore Grand Opening

UIS' new bookstore will celebrate its Grand Opening in Founders Hall on Thursday, November 13.

• Ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.
• Discounts on clothing and gift items
• Refreshments
• Prizes
  

Sustainability brown bag

"Save Time, Save Money, Save Trees: Conserve Your Limited Resources through Office Sustainability"

noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, December 4, PAC F

Speaker: Rose Schweikhart Cranson, dean's assistant, College of Public Affairs & Administration

Next program: February 4. Jamie McGill, campus recycling coordinator, will talk about Recycling at UIS.

Campus blood drive

• 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 19
• Bloodmobile will be parked near Lincoln Residence Hall
• If you have questions about donating, call 753-1530.
• Walk-ins are welcome, but to schedule an appointment, call Jessica at 753-1530 x 6814 or sign up online.
  

Central Illinois Community Blood Center is the only blood provider to 19 central Illinois hospitals, including Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

UIS to display paintings by UN award-winning artist

"One Night of Grace," paintings by Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao, will be on display in the Student Access Gallery at the University of Illinois at Springfield from Monday, November 17, through Friday, November 21. (The painting "One Night of Grace" is shown at left.)

An artist's talk beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, will be held in conference room H of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. A reception will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, in the Access Gallery, which is located in the Visual and Performing Arts Building on the east side of the campus. Get directions

The exhibit, artist's talk, and reception are all free and open to the public.

The events are sponsored by the UIS Art Students League; co-sponsors are the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services and Springfield School District 186.

Alao recently took first place in the prestigious United Nations International Art Competition. His winning entry, "Girls and a Greener Environment," chronicles the life of a young girl from infancy to adulthood, and the values she acquires along the way.

His paintings have been exhibited in this country at a number of venues, including the Harvard Business School, the Indianapolis Art Center, the Martin Luther King Art Center, the African Unity Festival, the Nigerian Consulate, the Nigerian Embassy, the United Nations headquarters, the World Bank headquarters, and the Empire State Building. His work has been published by the Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.

Alao is currently touring the United States with his art, working with school-aged children, and giving talks about the mystery and magic of Africa.

For more information about the exhibit at UIS, contact Dannyl Madura, Art Students League president, at 217/220-2320 or dmadu2@uis.edu.

31st annual International Festival will focus on "Harvest Celebrations around the World"

The University of Illinois at Springfield will host its 31st Annual International Festival, this year focusing on "Harvest Celebrations around the World," from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 16. The event is free and open to the public.

The festival will feature cultural performances and exhibits, plus a variety of ethnic foods from local restaurants. All activities will take place in the lower-levels of the Public Affairs Center and Library on the UIS campus.

This year, in "theme park" fashion, each room will represent a different part of the world with continual performances, food, and exhibits presented together. Programs will be available to help participants visit the celebrations of their choice. The theme of "celebrating the harvest" is intended to illustrate how people in other countries observe their equivalent of America's Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, contact the UIS Office of International Student Services at 217/206-6678 or send an e-mail to iss@uis.edu.

UIS among host sites for international programming contest

The University of Illinois at Springfield will host a round of competition in an international programming contest on Saturday, November 1. Spectators are welcome.

Sponsored by IBM and the Association for Computing Machinery, the 33rd annual ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest – also known as the Global "Battle of the Brains" Software Competition – sets three-member teams of university students against each other in a competition to solve real-world problems.

The event has become the largest and most prestigious competition of its kind, each year attracting thousands of students – including some of the world's finest students in computing sciences and engineering – from universities around the world. Ninety winning teams from regional contests, held from September to December, will advance to the World Finals, which for 2009 will be hosted by KTH – Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

At UIS, 18 teams from eight colleges and universities will compete. Teams will meet for registration and welcome from 9 to 10 a.m. in Brookens Auditorium, lower level of Brookens Library on the UIS campus. Team members, special guests, and a representative from IBM will be introduced and the competition will begin at 12:30 p.m. An awards ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium will present ribbons to the top four teams and prizes to the top three teams. The UIS Computer Science Club will host the event, which is sponsored locally by UIS, Novanis, and Capitol Strategies.

Last year, five teams from the UIS competition site placed among the top 10 in the Midwest Regionals and two teams from the UIS competition attended the World Finals.

For more information about the UIS competition, contact Laszlo Acs, past-president of the UIS Computer Science Club, at 622-5398.

UIS to host first annual Graduate and Professional School Fair

The Career Development Center at the University of Illinois at Springfield will host the first annual Graduate and Professional School Fair on Thursday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The Graduate and Professional School Fair will connect UIS students, alumni, and community members with representatives of higher educational institutions from many disciplines. Participating recruiters include the University of Illinois at Springfield, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, SIU School of Medicine, Western Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University School of Law, Bradley University, and Illinois State University's Mennonite College of Nursing.

"Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the different graduate programs that are available, discuss program requirements, and network with recruiters to gain valuable insight and contacts," said Tammy Craig, director of the UIS Career Development Center.

In the afternoon, three breakout sessions will be held in PAC in conference room C/D. They include: Deciding to go to Grad School (12:30 to 1 p.m.); The Grad School Application Process (1:30 to 2 p.m.), and a Panel Discussion/Q&A Session (2 to 3:30 p.m.)

Advance registration is not required; however, registration tables will be available at the event to provide participants with event materials, nametags, and other information. Individuals requesting disability-related accommodations should contact the UIS Career Development Center prior to the event.

For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 217/206-6508.

Sustainability Brown Bag Series

A new monthly event sponsored by the Senate Committee on Sustainability

• "Sustainability Initiatives at Food Service" - noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, PAC G

Speakers: Alan Barnhart, food service Administrator, and Howard Seidel, executive chef. Presentation will also discuss the Local Food Initiative.

• "Save Time, Save Money, Save Trees: Conserve Your Limited Resources through Office Sustainability" – time and place tba, Wednesday, December 4

Speaker: Rose Schweikhart Cranson, dean's assistant, College of Public Affairs and Administration

For more information, contact Tih-Fen Ting, SCS chair, at 6-7876 or TTing1@uis.edu.

Campus Adobe Day

Representatives from the U of I Software WebStore and Adobe will be on hand to present free workshops that explore Adobe Creative Suite 4’s new features and functionality.

9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday, November 3, PAC C/D

Three sessions:

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. See how Creative Suite Design Premium enables a cross-media workflow
• Noon-1 p.m. Learn how to move your projects into the digital age quickly and effectively
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. Empower learning with PDF and Adobe Acrobat 9
  

Seating is limited; register for one or all of the sessions and get additional information

UIS kicks off holiday project with trick or treating for charity

The Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at the University of Illinois at Springfield will sponsor the campus' first Trick or Treat for Canned Goods competition on Halloween, Friday, October 31.

The event is part of the first-ever UIS Holiday Stars Project, a campus-wide service initiative giving focus to UIS' efforts to make a difference in the local community during the upcoming holiday season. The overall goal is to collect 2008 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank.

Teams of UIS students who register for the trick or treat event will be assigned neighborhoods where they will collect non-perishable food items. The teams will canvas their neighborhoods in advance, on Saturday-Sunday, October 25-26, distributing collection bags, along with doorhangers that explain the project.

On Halloween, the teams will revisit their neighborhoods between 4:30 and 8 p.m. to pick up donations. Collected items will be weighed, and prizes will be awarded to teams that bring in the most food in pounds.

The Holiday Stars Project continues through November, when specially marked collections bins will be placed around campus and UIS will participate in a federal Hunger study in conjunction with the Foodbank. Everything collected during the project will be presented to the Foodbank on December 4.

Central Illinois Foodbank serves 160 agencies throughout 21 central Illinois counties and also hosts the Kids Café, part of a nation-wide program through America's Second Harvest that feeds children a hot, nutritious meal in a safe environment.

For more information about the UIS Holiday Stars Project, contact Kelly Thompson, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, at 217/836-3706.

UIS presents a look at "Campus Computing and the Law"

"Trouble Online: Campus Computing and the Law," a program aimed at giving college students insight into legal rights and responsibilities related to social networking sites, will be presented Wednesday, November 12, at the University of Illinois at Springfield. The event will be held twice, at noon and 5 p.m., in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library on the UIS campus. Both sessions are free and open to the public.

In a program hailed as "entertaining, even hilarious," attorney/advocate C. L. Lindsay III (at left) -- author of The College Student's Guide to the Law: Get a Grade Changed, Keep Your Stuff Private, Throw a Police-Free Party, and More! (Taylor Trade Publishing, 2005) -- will lead a discussion designed to teach students "everything they need to know about their online lives," including what their rights and potential liabilities are, as well as how the laws operate. Topics will include the various ways that information posted to a student's Facebook or MySpace page can open the door to problems such as repercussions for violating plagiarism and intellectual property laws, diminished job opportunities, and increased vulnerability to Internet predators.

A recognized expert in the field of student rights and educational law, Lindsay is the founder and executive director of the Coalition for Student & Academic Rights (CO-STAR), a national organization that provides free legal assistance to thousands of college students each year. Lindsay's weekly column, "Ask CO-STAR" is distributed nationwide on Knight Ridder/Tribune's College Wire Service.

Sponsored by the UIS Career Development Center, the event is co-sponsored by the UIS Office of Alumni Relations, Student Activities Council, and Student Government Association. It is also presented as part of the ECCE Speakers Series at UIS -- events that aim to exemplify engaged citizenship as part of the university's effort to foster appreciation for and practice of diversity and the active effort to make a difference in the world.

For more information, contact Kristen Chenoweth in the Career Development Center at 206-6501. Individuals who would like to request disability-related accommodations should contact the Center at 206-6508 no later than October 31.

For information about ECCE events, contact series coordinator Kimberly Craig at 206-6245 or send an e-mail to speakerseries@uis.edu.

UIS to host Campus Preview Day

The University of Illinois at Springfield will host a Campus Preview Day for prospective students and their families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 8. The program will include an academic fair, campus tours, lunch, and greetings from Chancellor Richard Ringeisen and Provost Harry Berman.

For reservations or additional information, call the UIS Office of Admissions at (217) 206-4847 (toll-free 1-888-977-4847), or send an e-mail to admissions@uis.edu. For those unable to attend the regular session, individual visits can be arranged by contacting the Admissions Office.

The next Preview Day is scheduled for Saturday, January 24.

Postcard Party

9:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 22
Women's Center, SLB 15 (new location)

Send postcards to women in Ohio, reminding them to vote on Election Day

Why you should go:

• Free food
• Watch a movie
• Encourage people to exercise their right to vote
  

Hosted by the Women's Issues Caucus and Student Government Association

For details, send an e-mail to wicaucus@uis.edu.

Webcast for Campus Sustainability Day

A live interactive webcast on "Climate Realities, Challenges and Progress in Higher Education" will be open to members of the campus community (release time policy applies for staff)

1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 22, in Brookens Auditorium

Made possible by the UIS Provost’s Office, Senate Committee on Sustainability, and Office of Sustainability

See a description of the program and information about the moderator and speakers

Contact Facilities and Services at 6-6530 for details.

UIS program will address domestic violence

The Healing Waters Empowerment Project: "I Will Carry My Sister's Pain" will be presented at the University of Illinois at Springfield beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library on the UIS campus. The event, as well as a 6 p.m. reception in the Public Affairs Center restaurant, is free and open to the public.

Presented in recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the program tells the stories of six victims of domestic violence, who share their experiences through song, dance, poetry, and inspirational readings.

Event facilitator LaTrice Nettles explained that the program is designed to provide a forum to discuss domestic violence and how it affects men and women of all cultures, sexual orientations, and races, and to raise awareness and understanding of domestic violence and related issues, including how to get out of a violent situation.

Featured performers will be Briana Byrd, Dorian Byrd, Shellie Moore Guy, Joy Johnson-Williams, Nina Little, Sandra Solomon, Juanita Spann, and the Suffice Gospel Choir and Beloved Dance Team.

The event is sponsored by the UIS student organization Living Word Bible Study; co-sponsors are the UIS Student Activities Committee, Women's Center, Diversity Center, and Office of Volunteer & Civic Engagement, and student groups Suffice Gospel Choir, Student Parents Association, and Christian Student Fellowship.

For further information contact LaTrice Nettles at 836-0861 or Lwbs@uis.edu.

Women's Center Open House

Staff of the Women's Center will host an open house

in their new location -- SLB 15

from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, November 6.

For more information, call 6-7173.

UIS students to take part in AmeriCorps Opening Day events

Sixteen students from the University of Illinois at Springfield will be among AmeriCorps members from around the state who take part in the 2008 AmeriCorps Opening Day ceremonies, Thursday, October 16, in downtown Springfield.

The Midwest Campus Compact Citizen-Scholar (M3C) Fellows AmeriCorps Program is a 10-state initiative that creates opportunities for students to work together as agents of civic change in their local communities and on their campuses.

Morning activities at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center will involve the students in a service project assembling CPR and first aid information packets for the American Red Cross. In the afternoon, students will collect non-perishable food items for the Central Illinois Food Bank as they march to the State Capitol, escorted by members of the Springfield Fire Department.

The students also will hear remarks from a number of speakers, including Scott Kimmel, executive director, and Rosemary Keefe, commissioner, of the Serve Illinois Commission; Springfield Mayor Timothy Davlin; State Representatives Lisa Dugan and Richard Brauer; State Senator William Haine; former AmeriCorps member Patti Kurtz; and Parkland College Director of Student Life Tom Caulfield. Jerry Lambert, from WICS TV20, will serve as master of ceremonies.

See more information about the Midwest Campus Compact Citizen-Scholar Fellows Program.

For information about UIS' Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center contact Center Director Kelly Thompson at 206-8448 or volunteer@uis.edu.

Midterm Stress Free Zone

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, October 16, PAC concourse

• Tips on reducing stress
• Free neck massages by licensed therapists
  

For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 6-7122.

Depression screening day

Thursday, October 9

The Counseling Center and Campus Health Service will offer free depression screenings in HRB 64 (noon to 4 p.m.) and the LRH conference room (noon to 3 p.m.).

• Written self-tests
• Confidential screening interviews
• Videos
• Brochures
  

Symptoms of depression include: loss of interest in favorite activities; feeling sad, helpless, or worthless; changes in sleeping and eating habits; an inability to concentrate; fatigue and loss of energy; feeling irritable, tense, anxious, and restless; suffering unexplained aches and pains; and thoughts of death or suicide

For more information, call the Counseling Center at 6-7122

UIS to host Campus Preview Day

The University of Illinois at Springfield will host a Campus Preview Day for prospective students and their families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. The program will include an academic fair, campus tours, lunch, and greetings from Chancellor Richard Ringeisen and Provost Harry Berman.

For reservations or additional information, contact the UIS Office of Admissions -- phone (217) 206-4847 (toll-free 1-888-977-4847), e-mail admissions@uis.edu. For those unable to attend the regular session, individual visits can be arranged by contacting the Admissions Office.

The next Preview Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 8.

Flu shots scheduled

When and Where

• Thursday, October 2, PAC C/D, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 7, PAC G, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 22, in PAC C/D, 1 - 7 p.m.
• Thursday October 23, PAC C/D, 3 - 7 p.m.
  

Cost

• Students: $16
• Significant others of students: $20
• Employees without State of Illinois Insurance and their spouses, significant others, and their family members living in the home; who are 17 years of age or older: $20
• State Employees and retirees who provide proof of State of Illinois Health Care Insurance: Free
  

For more information, call Campus Health Services at 6-6676

Bioblitz 2008

Third annual Bioblitz
Saturday, October 11, at the UIS Emiquon Field Station

For members of the campus community who care about biodiversity and want field experience

• Learn to collect biological samples
• Work with experts to identify them
• Picnic lunch provided
• $10 per person covers lunch and transportation
  

Space is limited. Sign up in the Biology Department office, HSB 223.

Bookstore moving to Founders Hall

The UIS Bookstore in the PAC will be closed September 26, 27, 28, and will reopen in Founders Hall on September 29.

UIS Pre-Law Center offers preparation for LSAT

The Pre-Law Center at the University of Illinois at Springfield will offer an LSAT Primer Program -- designed for UIS students and others planning to take the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) -- from Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21, in room 3B of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus.

Sessions for the three-day program will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Presented primarily for UIS students but open to others on a space-available basis, the program will be particularly helpful to those planning to apply to law school within the next two years.

Cost is $190. Advance registration is due by Wednesday, September 17.

"The primary purpose of this course is to provide affordable LSAT preparation to students who will eventually apply to law school," said Pre-Law Center Director Dennis Rendleman. "In addition, it gives students the confidence to know they can succeed on the LSAT."

Rendleman noted that the course includes two LSAT exams administered under simulated conditions; instructional sessions in each section of the exam; test-taking strategies and hints for better performance; and personal strategies and writing tips.

The program is presented with support from UIS' Institute for Legal, Legislative, and Policy Studies.

To register or for more information, send an e-mail to prelawcenter@uis.edu, or telephone 217/206-4529.

UIS to host Speed Networking Experience

The University of Illinois at Springfield's Office of UIS Alumni Relations, in conjunction with the UIS Career Development Center and the Entrepreneurial Club, will host a Speed Networking Experience from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, in the Auditorium lobby area of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. Presented as a Homecoming event for students, alumni, businesses, and community professionals, the event is free, however advance registration is necessary.

Business trainer Marion Richter will be on hand to offer networking tips. Participants will learn how to make a large number of contacts in a short amount of time, and will also have the opportunity to make actual contacts that can enhance their professional and personal lives.

Reservations should be made by September 26; early registration is strongly encouraged. To register, go to www.uiaa.org/spfld and click on "Speed Networking Experience."

For more information, contact the UIS Career Development Center at careerservices@uis.edu, phone 217/206-7544.

Support Group for Individuals Caring for Aging Family Members

Monthly brown-bag sessions open to students, employees, and family members of UIS and LLCC.

Facilitated by Vince Flammini, visiting clinical instructor, Social Work, and Carolyn Peck, associate professor, Gerontology

Noon to 1 p.m. in PAC E

On four Thursdays: September 25, October 30, November 20, and December 18

For more information, contact Carolyn Peck at Cpeck2@uis.edu.

Free Kaplan graduate/professional school practice exams

• GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, September 13, in PAC E-F-G
• Realistic setting
• Get results the following week

Preregistration required by September 11

Presented by the Office of UIS Alumni Relations

"Foot in the Door" Fair for UIS students

The Career Development Center at the University of Illinois at Springfield will sponsor the 2008 "Foot in the Door" Fair for UIS students interested in part-time job, internship, and volunteer opportunities – both on- and off-campus – from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, August 28, in the lower level concourse area of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. The event is free to all UIS students.

Students are not required to register in advance, however they will be asked to stop by a registration table at the event. At that time, programs will be available with detailed information about the employers and organizations present. Participants should bring copies of their resume and be prepared to briefly outline their education, goals, experience, and transferable skills. A business casual dress code will be observed.

UIS students who would like help preparing for the event can contact the Career Development Center, located in room 50 of the Student Affairs Building, telephone 206-6508 or e-mail careerservices@uis.edu.

During the 2007 Part-Time Job Fair, representatives from more than 20 off-campus organizations and a dozen on-campus departments participated, along with approximately 250 students.

This year, UIS on-campus offices represented will include Recreational Sports; English as a Second Language; Experiential and Service Learning Programs; Graduate Public Service Internship Program; Institute for Legal, Legislative, and Policy Studies; Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program; Disability Services; Multicultural Student Affairs/Diversity Center; Student Life; and Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

Some 30 off-campus employers and organizations are also currently expected to attend, including Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum; Aflac; Buckle, Inc.; Capitol Radio Group; Family Service Center; Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach; Illini Bank; Memorial Health System; Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery; Planned Parenthood; Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center; Springfield Public School District 186; Springfield YMCA; State of Illinois-Central Management Services; Target; and Youth Service Bureau.

Information for recruiters interested in participating

Updated information for students

Recruiters and participants who would like to request disability accommodations should also contact the Career Development Center.

Involvement & Volunteer Expo

Registration is now open for campus groups that would like to take part in the Involvement and Volunteer Expo, to be held August 27 during Welcome Week.

Participants will have an opportunity to promote their organizations to new and returning students.

Register your group and get more information