Introduction 

In October 2023, the University of Illinois Springfield was awarded a five-year $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) under Title III – Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP).

UIS received project funding for the Learning, Expanding, and Developing Enriched Support for High-Impact Practices program.

The SIP grant’s implementation is led by a steering committee structure, overseen by the project director.

Project Aims

overhead shot of students spelling out UIS in front of the colonnade
  • Integrate High Impact Practices across campus
  • Strengthen Existing High Impact Practices
  • Shore Up Academic Support
  • Institutionalize Best Practices for Student Success

Title III Newsletter

Learn more about UIS high-impact projects and more

Academic Program Objectives

  • By September 30, 2028, increase the fall-to-fall retention rate of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students from 73.9% to 80%. This represents an increase of 8.3% over the baseline figure of 73.9% (four-year average, 2017-2021 cohort retention). (GPRAMA)
  • By September 30, 2028, increase the percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students graduating within six years from 53.1% to 60%, an increase of 13% over baseline graduation rate (5-year avg, 2012-2016 six-year freshman cohorts). (GPRAMA)
  • By September 30, 2028, increase the number of full-time, degree-seeking students from 2,693 to 2,828, a cumulative graduation rate (5-year avg, 2012-2016 six-year freshman cohorts). (Long-term GPRAMA)
  • By September 30, 2028, decrease D, F, and Withdrawal (DFW) in undergraduate courses with >10% DFW rates from an average four-year baseline of 18.9% in 2019-2022 to 12%, a decrease of 36.4%, from the baseline.

Institutional Management Objectives

  • By September 30, 2028, increase the percentage of students engaging in at least two high-impact practice activities before graduation from 43% to 80% annually.
  • By September 30, 2028, increase UIS student satisfaction and engagement as measured by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).

Fiscal Stability Objectives

  • By September 30, 2028, increase student Full Time Enrollment (FTE) by 3.0% by retaining students who would have left UIS in their first year because of disqualification from financial aid, academic suspension, or another reason.
  • By September 30, 2028, decrease grant cost per degree from $669 to $573 – a decrease of 17% from the baseline. (Long-term GPRAMA) (Baseline: 4-year average: 655)