University of Illinois Springfield students had the chance to pet miniature horses and therapy dogs as a way to reduce stress leading into finals week.

The event was one of several Relax with Campus Recreation events planned through the week.

This story aired on WAND TV on May 3, 2022. Watch the story online.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (May 4, 2022) - The UIS Speech and Debate Team had a record 2021-2022 season. This academic year saw the team reach its largest size in a decade with 11 students becoming part of the organization. The team also competed virtually in half a dozen competitions throughout the season.

Members of the team also received excellent comments and strong scores for their speeches this season. In particular, novice team member Meghan Vlcek won extemporaneous speaking at the Last Chance at Illinois State tournament in March.

The University of Illinois Springfield held a Faculty Honors Reception on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Dennis Papini presided over the ceremony.

Four major awards – the Pearson Faculty Award, the Spencer Faculty Service Award, the Faculty Excellence Award and the Burks Oakley II Distinguished Online Teaching Award - were presented.

Jade Anderson is a student at the University of Illinois Springfield. During the 2022 spring semester, she has worked with the Community Voices team to learn about radio broadcasting. She spoke to Community Voices about participating in UIS athletics and her careen plans in media.

This interview took place on WUIS on April 29, 2022. Listen to the interview online.

In a joint statement from the University of Illinois Springfield Administration and the UIS United Faculty parties say,

“The University of Illinois Springfield and UIS United Faculty have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a four-year contract (Aug. 16, 2021-Aug. 15, 2025) for the UIS United Faculty collective bargaining unit, representing 134 tenure and tenure-track faculty.