December 2025
From Provost Schwab
Greetings,
As we approach the end of the fall semester, I want to send a note of appreciation to all members of the UIS community for all you do. Over the Thanksgiving break I had a chance to reflect on all of the roles, big and small, that make an organization, community, or family function. Returning to campus with clear reminders of the work of the facilities and grounds crews, clearing snow and ice so we can safely get around, and fixing water lines, reflects the incredible work done daily, most often in less visible ways, to keep our campus functioning and our community safe. This is just an example of the incredible work of staff and faculty done every day to make UIS function.
Thanks for all you do for UIS. I hope you all have a restful and rejuvenating holiday ahead.
Brandon
Connect with the Provost
Provost's Open Hours
Faculty and staff are invited to reserve time on their calendar for Provost's Open Hours - Friday, December 5, 2-4 pm, UHB 2001.
You are welcome to stop by and sign in for an opportunity to chat with Provost Brandon Schwab on a first-come, first-served basis.
Invite the Provost
If you would like to invite Provost Schwab to attend or participate in your event, use the "Invite the Provost: Event Participation Request" form to provide all necessary details in one place. This helps us let you know about his availability and ensures he has everything he needs to prepare for your event.
Important Initiatives
NACADA/QI Progress Update
The NACADA/QI Steering Committee is actively working on recommendations to enhance our advising structure and processes, aligning with recent NACADA guidance and the HLC Quality Initiative. Four Task Groups—Advising Structure, Course Scheduling, Relationship, and Assessment—are making steady progress:
- Advising Structure: Researching centralized advising models and gathering input from diverse student focus groups.
- Course Scheduling: Analyzing feedback on scheduling challenges and exploring technology solutions, including an upcoming Ad Astra demo.
- Relationship: Addressing communication gaps in advising and developing strategies to improve the student experience.
- Assessment: Evaluating centralized advising models and assessment practices from other institutions.
A central pillar of the NACADA/QI Steering Committee is broad consultation with the UIS community. Task Groups will be reaching out for input, and you are also welcome to connect with one of the co-Chairs: Shipra Gupta, Nicole Hager, or Mike Roth.
Upcoming events:
- Update to Campus Senate, February 2026
- NACADA Advising Assessment Institute, February 2026 (four individuals attending)
- Community College Leadership Symposium, April 8, 2026 (coordinating with Enrollment & Retention Management)
Academic Portfolio Review Next Steps
Structured responses to programs' Academic Portfolio Review and Prioritization classifications are currently being accepted, and the deadline has been extended to Friday, January 9 to allow additional time for thoughtful responses.
These responses should address the expectations that were communicated in the APR prioritization results. Responses for related programs that received the same prioritization classification and expectation may be combined, if desired. Responses must be submitted to the APR Response webform.
In addition, all programs have been asked to submit degree plans by Friday, May 1st. A sample 4-year degree plan and a template can be found in a Degree Plans Box Folder. The template is provided as a resource but is not the required form to follow if programs already have current plans. Academic Unit UEOs and Leads should upload completed plans to the same folder.
Questions may be directed to Michele Gribbins.
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Stop by to Congratulate our December Graduates!
UIS December graduates will be recognized at an Open House/Reception on Friday, December 5, in the Student Union Ballroom prefunction area. Stop by between 3 and 5 to congratulate our graduates!
News Worth Celebrating
"Soil and Soul" Best Documentary Film
Congratulations to Anne Moseley and Sangamon Experience for winning Best Documentary Film at the 2025 Route 66 Film Festival for "Soil and Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley." The documentary project was a partnership with Richard Saal and Noah Sabich. Read more about the award
Resource Refresh
Free Kaplan Test Prep for Graduates
A reminder that you can help our fall graduates prepare for what’s next by encouraging them to enroll in Kaplan’s free test prep program. Students receive a full year of access to test prep for admission exams, licensure, and career-readiness courses when they sign up before graduating. Learn more about Kaplan Test Prep
Academic Affairs internal resource site
Use the convenient web link to access the new Academic Affairs internal site, where you will find faculty-staff resources such as the Faculty Personnel Policy and Academic Personnel Calendar, curriculum development and planning information, forms and guidelines/screenshot links, and organizational charts for Academic Affairs administrative offices.
Newsletter notes
Subscriptions and suggestions
Suggestions for future content: We are interested in hearing from you about topics you would like to see covered in the Provost’s Office monthly newsletter. Send content suggestions
Newsletter opt-in: The Academic Affairs newsletter is sent to employees in the Division of Academic Affairs monthly during the academic year. If the newsletter was forwarded to you or you found it in Orbit, and you would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact Monica Kroft. We would be glad to send to you directly.
Newsletter archives: Find links to recent newsletters on the Academic Affairs "News" page.
Important Dates
- Friday, December 5, 2-4 pm, Provost's Open Hours, check in at UHB 2001
- Friday, December 5, 3-5 pm, December Graduate Open House Reception, Student Union Ballroom prefunction area
- Friday, January 16, 3-4:30 pm, Academic Affairs Welcome Back Reception, PAC 3rd Floor Atrium
Office of the VCAA/Provost
Contact: Monica Kroft