7.7.2025
Happy July, everyone —
I hope everyone is enjoying a productive and restful summer. While the season brings a slower pace for some, much work continues across campus, particularly with Facilities improvements. Make sure to read the latest edition of the Facilities and Services newsletter for details about the PAC renovation, Library Commons and more.
Summer is also a time to reflect on and celebrate our recent achievements. I'm proud to share that our student-athletes posted the highest combined fall and spring GPAs in the University of Illinois System. Additionally, according to the most recent UIS Career Outcomes Report, which captures undergraduate and graduate student data from the 2023-24 academic year, 90.1% of the Class of 2024 is employed, in service or the military, or continuing their education one year after graduation.
These successes speak to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff. Thank you for all you do to support the mission of UIS.
New Information
Library Commons Construction
We received the exciting news that construction can begin on the Library Commons. We have established a project website to keep the UIS community and visitors updated on the construction progress.
Please note that beginning today, Parking Lot A-North will be closed for employees, students and campus visitors to allow the contractor to install fencing to convert the lot into a laydown area for materials and carrying out construction operations.
NorthStar Updates
Progress continues on our NorthStar strategic priorities.
- Academic Portfolio Review: Reports will be shared with Unit Executive Officers in late July/early August, and program responses will be due at the end of the Fall 2025 semester.
- Voluntary Separation Plan: The program was successful, with 18 individuals participating.
- Enrollment Growth: We are carefully watching Fall 2025 registration numbers as we get closer to the start of the academic year.
- Student Retention: The Retention Plan Steering Committee has completed its draft outlining recommendations for improving student retention at UIS. The Chancellor's Cabinet will review the plan this month.
Hiring Student Staff for Fall 2025
Planning to hire students for fall 2025? Mark your calendar for the annual Foot in the Door Fair from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 28. Registration is required.
New Online Graduate Marketing Certificates
Beginning this fall, a new online MBA certificate in marketing and graduate certificate in marketing will be available. Read more on UIS Newsroom.
UIS Service Trip to Guatemala
A team of students, alumni and staff traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, in late spring as part of an international service trip. Partnering with ImagininGuatemala, a small non-governmental organization, the group spent four days helping build a home for a family in need. Learn more and see pictures on UIS Newsroom.
Master of Public Health Program Wins State Excellence Award
Our Master of Public Health program received the Public Health Program of Excellence Award from the Illinois Public Health Association. The honor recognizes programs that deliver high-quality, evidence-based care, promote innovation, improve access, address disparities, and lead effective collaborations. The award was presented to Brian Chen, associate professor, and Lenore Killam, clinical assistant professor, in recognition of their leadership in advancing the program.
Subscribe to "UIS in the News"
Daily emails highlighting UIS mentions in radio, TV and newspaper stories are moving from Campus Announcements to a subscription-based format. To begin receiving "UIS in the News" in your inbox, sign up here and confirm your subscription in the follow-up email.
Social Media Reminders
All UIS colleges, schools, departments and units with social media accounts must comply with new federal regulations that strengthen digital accessibility. In addition, UIS Social Media Guidelines require each account to have at least two administrators. For more information, contact Blake Wood.
Department Newsletters
The June Facilities and Services Newsletter includes information on the PAC plumbing repair project, PAC elevators and construction of the Library Commons. Please also note that Brookens Library will be closed July 28 to Aug. 1 for stack maintenance.
The July Human Resources Newsletter includes information on upcoming trainings that focus on performance management and leaves of absence.
Remember, you can subscribe to department newsletters to receive an email notification when they are posted.
Upcoming Events
- Digital Accessibility 101: The Top 8 Essentials: 3-3:45 p.m. July 8. Learn the top eight accessibility issues to watch for when creating online and digital content in this virtual session. Register here.
- Lunch at the Lake: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 15. Bring your lunch to the UIS Field Station and participate in lawn games, canoeing or a lab tour. Cookies will be provided.
Check the employee events calendar on Orbit for more opportunities to learn and engage across campus: uis.edu/orbit
Information that Bears Repeating
Save the Date: Faculty and Staff Kickoff & Convocation
Please mark your calendar for the annual Faculty and Staff Kickoff at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 21, followed by Student Convocation at 4 p.m. and a party on the quad at 4:45 p.m. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy each other's company, get excited for the year and welcome our new students in a big way. Join me!
Salary Program Announced
The University of Illinois System will implement a 1% salary program for the upcoming fiscal year. In his message to the three universities, President Killeen emphasized his deep appreciation for faculty and staff, calling them the driving force behind the System's excellence. Pay for bargaining units will follow negotiated agreements. Further details about UIS' plans to implement the salary program will be shared soon.
Innovation Center News
I announced last week that the UIS Innovation Center will lease space at Horace Mann’s downtown Springfield campus to expand programs that support economic development in the region. The 2.5-year lease will allow the center to broaden programming and services focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration. The move is expected to be completed by September.
Directory Updates
Updating your UIS directory listing is an important part of website maintenance. Please review your profile to ensure that your email address, position, department and other details are accurate.
Wi-Fi Upgrade
ITS is implementing a campus-wide infrastructure refresh as part of our efforts to improve Wi-Fi performance. Please check the UIS Wi-Fi Upgrade page to see when your building is being updated.
Tips for Receiving Packages
Campus Services reminds faculty and staff to have all packages sent to Central Receiving instead of individual campus office addresses to ensure timely and accurate delivery. To learn how to receive packages on campus efficiently, visit Orbit.
Post Your Employee Announcements on Orbit
Orbit is a communication channel designed to help you share information relevant to employees, including events, professional development opportunities, open forums, policy updates, and other need-to-know content. Review the Orbit FAQs to learn what to post and how to get started. News posted on Orbit is also available to read via the UIS Mobile App.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jamarco Clark was selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Millennium Leadership Initiative, one of AASCU's signature programs that prepares higher education leaders with the skills, philosophical foundation and professional networks needed to advance to senior roles in postsecondary education.
Rick Funderburg, associate professor in the School of Public Management and Policy, received a Research Scholar Initiative award from the University of Illinois System's Institute of Government and Public Affairs. His work will help evaluate the effectiveness of Illinois' economic development investments and provide data-driven insights for future policy decisions.
Kali Osburn, building service sub-foreman in Campus Recreation, has been named the June Employee of the Month. Her supervisor, Jay Swenson, praised her initiative, noting that she updated the daily duty list and created a task document for yearly and monthly tasks to help the team stay ahead.
Congratulations to our new CSAC representatives, who are listed on Orbit.
Getting to Know You
Gabe Cagwin is the Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Before coming to UIS, he played Division I basketball and earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University at Buffalo, an experience he credits with teaching him discipline, leadership and how to balance life. He’s most proud of his wife, Angela, and their two sons, Cash and Caden. As a family, they love spending time together—especially when it involves sports, golf or relaxing by the water. Read more on Orbit.
Enjoy the beautiful weather this month, and you'll hear from me again in August.
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield
P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I love to highlight your news, events and accolades.