It takes a strong team to do the important work we’re tasked with in higher education. With that in mind, UIS launched the Rise initiative in Fall 2023. Rise is focused on lifting up the UIS community through intentional engagements for professional development, culture-strengthening and belonging.
Upcoming Opportunities
2026 RISE Professional Development Retreat
This year’s RISE Professional Development Retreat, set for Feb. 6, will introduce and support the CARE Framework, a university-wide approach that focuses on creating a culture of caring and strengthening student-centered practices through Communication, Action, Respect and Empathy.
We have a fantastic day planned, with engaging breakout sessions and a vibrant keynote experience centered on helping us connect our important work at UIS to the CARE Framework.
Below you will find details for the day, including information about the opening energizer/coffee hour; breakout sessions; and the keynote lunch experience, which will be capped off with a Chancellor's Thinkers Series discussion between Chancellor Gooch and keynote presenter Dr. Celina Peerman.
Each participant may attend two 50-minute breakout sessions at a time convenient to them. Seating in each room will be first come, first served. While we've planned as best we can to provide enough space for each session, it is possible that rooms may reach capacity and attendees may have to choose a different session. Participants who indicated they could attend either morning or afternoon sessions should consider attending in the afternoon, as the morning sessions are expected to be busy.
Check-in Procedure: All participants must check in at the designated table in the Student Union Ballroom pre-function area. The table will be staffed from 9 to 10 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. Please check in and pick up your nametag prior to your first breakout session.
Information Table: An information table will be staffed in the University Hall first-floor concourse. Volunteers at this table cannot check-in participants but will be available to help answer questions.
Opening Energizer: We are offering a bonus opportunity to kick off the retreat in an intentional way. Come to the second floor of the Student Union at 9 a.m. to check in, grab some coffee, catch up with colleagues, and participate in a brief energizer activity by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jamarco Clark.
Morning Breakout Schedule: Five 50-minute breakout sessions are offered in the morning; two at 10 a.m. and three at 11 a.m. All will take place in UHB.
Afternoon Breakout Schedule: Six 50-minute breakout sessions are offered in the afternoon; three at 2 p.m. and three at 3 p.m. All will take place in UHB.
Keynote Lunch Experience: Participants can arrive to the Student Union Ballroom for lunch as early as noon. Lunch will be a soup and sandwich bar, and vegan/vegetarian options will be available. Please arrive in time to grab lunch and find a seat with colleagues by 12:30 p.m. Dr. Peerman will present, “Leading with CARE: Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Empathy in Higher Education,” and then will join Chancellor Gooch for a discussion on, “How CARE Shapes Learning and Leadership.”
Feedback: A post-retreat survey will be emailed next week to gather feedback on the day's events. Please share your thoughts and suggestions by completing the survey.
Thank you to O'Shea Builders for its ongoing financial support of RISE.
On behalf of the RISE retreat planning committee, we’re excited to see you soon!
RISE Retreat Agenda & Session Descriptions
| Activity Time Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Check-in & Opening Energizers 9-9:45 a.m. Student Union Ballroom | Get your nametag at the check-in table, grab some coffee and join your colleagues for a fun opportunity to start off your day with a positive mindset. |
| A Drop for Your Bucket | Dr. Jamarco Clark 9:15 a.m. Student Union Ballroom | Begin your RISE experience by reflecting on what it means to truly care within our campus community. Think of someone at UIS who, through your lens, exemplifies care and compassion in their work or interactions. As we kick off the day, be ready to “give them a drop in their bucket”—a simple act of recognition that reinforces the culture of care we strive to build together. |
| Breakout Sessions (each participant may attend 2) 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. UHB | If you do not attend the 9 a.m. opening event, please visit the Check-in Table between noon and 2 p.m. in the Student Union second-floor pre-function area to check in and get your nametag. Copies of the breakout schedule will be available at the check-in table as well. |
| AI as a Communication Partner: Tools for Clear, Consistent, and Timely Action | Kara McElwrath & Jessica Baumberger | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | UHB 2008 Follow Through: Building Trust Through Accountability | Dr. Travis Bland | 3 p.m. | UHB 1007 Teamwork & Respect | Ann Comerford | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. | UHB 1005 Student Voices at UIS | Student Panel moderated by Mary Umbarger | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | UHB 3080 Creating Experiences that Matter — Lessons from Industry Partners | Panel moderated by keynote speaker Dr. Celina Peerman | 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. | UHB 2021 Cultivating Other-Awareness & Its Contribution to Workplace Psychological Safety | Dr. Jim Klein | 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. | UHB 3081 | |
| Lunch, Keynote Address and Chancellor’s Thinker Series chat with Chancellor Gooch 12:15-1:45 p.m. Student Union Ballroom | Enjoy lunch with other RISE participants while hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Celina Peerman, an organizational psychologist who will speak on “Leading with CARE: Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Empathy in Higher Education.” Following her address, she will join Chancellor Gooch for a Chancellor’s Thinker Series discussion on “A Call to Think: How CARE shapes learning and leadership.” Participants can arrive for lunch as early as noon. |
| Breakout session | Time | Location | Room Capcity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teamwork & Respect | Ann Comerford | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. | UHB 1005 | 48 | This interactive presentation will explore how respect forms the foundation of effective teamwork. Participants will learn communication behaviors that build trust, strategies for creating a positive team culture, and methods for handling conflict respectfully. Engaging team building activities will reinforce key points. The session will emphasize that every team member contributes to a respectful environment where people feel valued, heard and supported. |
| Creating Experiences that Matter — Lessons from Industry Partners | Panel moderated by keynote speaker Dr. Celina Peerman | 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. | UHB 2021 | 60 | This dynamic panel will bring together customer service experts from three leading Springfield businesses to share insights on creating exceptional experiences that foster trust, loyalty, and satisfaction. Panelists will discuss strategies for building strong relationships, responding effectively to challenges, and cultivating a culture of care—principles that translate seamlessly from the business world to higher education. Attendees will gain practical ideas for elevating service to students and colleagues, learning how intentional actions and consistent follow-through can transform everyday interactions into meaningful experiences. |
| Student Voices at UIS | Student Panel moderated by Mary Umbarger | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | UHB 3080 | 50 | This session will feature a student panel representing a wide range of perspectives across UIS who will share why they chose UIS, what they value, what they would change, and how AI fits into their daily lives. Participants will also have time for Q&A. |
| Cultivating Other-Awareness & Its Contribution to Workplace Psychological Safety | Dr. Jim Klein | 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. | UHB 3081 | 40 | By cultivating "other-awareness" in the workplace, we can impact psychological safety and productivity in the workplace. The active fostering of empathy, inclusion and openness contributes to coworkers feeling seen and valued. This transparency encourages risk-taking, speaking up, sharing, and humility minus the fear of retaliation and/or punishment. The intersection of these dynamics can contribute to better collaboration, innovation, and team performance. |
| AI as a Communication Partner: Tools for Clear, Consistent, and Timely Action | Kara McElwrath & Jessica Baumberger | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | UHB 2008 | 100 | This interactive session explores how artificial intelligence can support staff and faculty in communicating more clearly, consistently, and efficiently. Participants will learn how AI tools can help draft messages, maintain a consistent tone, and reduce response time. The session will also highlight practical ways to use AI for follow-through, including reminders, task automation, and information retrieval, allowing participants to free up time while staying responsive and accountable. |
| Follow Through: Building Trust Through Accountability | Dr. Travis Bland | 3 p.m. | UHB 1007 | 48 | This session will focus on setting realistic expectations, meeting deadlines, and communicating delays or changes effectively. |
Recordings
2025-2026
- Fall 2025 UIS Faculty-Staff Academic Year Kickoff (8/21/2025)
2024-2025
- Spring 2025 Employee Information Session (03/04/2025)
- Fall 2024 Employee Info Session (10/16/2024)
- Fall 2024 UIS Faculty-Staff Academic Year Kickoff (8/22/2024)
Please see our list of past events.