1.26.26
Big things are happening on campus. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and patience as this work progresses.
Construction on the new Library Commons is moving forward, with structural steel installation underway and progressing from the quad toward campus housing. Underground plumbing is being installed at the same time, and additional steel deliveries and crane activity are expected in early February. Updates and photos are available at our Library Commons website.
Meanwhile, the Public Affairs Center is entering the final phase of a major plumbing infrastructure upgrade. Beginning May 13, the building will close for up to four weeks while crews replace the main water line serving the facility — a critical step for long-term reliability. Although the building will be closed for occupancy, employees may briefly enter to retrieve materials as needed. Division leaders are coordinating with units to determine whether on-campus, remote or hybrid schedules will work best during the project.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we work to enhance our campus.
New Information
VCERM Search Update
As we continue our search for the Vice Chancellor/Vice Provost for Enrollment and Retention Management, I am pleased to share that Brian Clevenger will provide interim leadership within the ERM division upon Vickie Cook’s retirement at the end of February. Provost Schwab will provide administrative oversight of the division until a permanent leader is named.
Campus Services Transition Update
A number of changes to Campus Services were completed as the office was phased out in December. Although Campus Services has closed, many services remain available through new processes and vendors. To help clarify what’s changed and what’s available, here are a few highlights:
- Graphic design: University graphic design services are available through the Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy on a case-by-case basis at no cost. Please note updated timelines and how the review process works.
- Branded swag and apparel: Swag and apparel can be purchased directly from licensed vendors.
- University stationery: A centralized process for ordering stationery, including business cards, is nearly complete, which will simplify requests. Stay tuned for more information.
- Printing: Printing is no longer available on campus. Units should select their own external printing vendors. For recommendations or other questions, contact marketing@uis.edu.
If you need vendor recommendations or have other questions, please contact marketing@uis.edu.
UIS Commencement
UIS Commencement will take place this year at the Bank of Springfield Center due to the PAC plumbing project, with two ceremonies held by college.
12:30 p.m.: Graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
5:30 p.m.: Graduates from the College of Business and Management and the College of Public Affairs and Education
The number of tickets available per graduate will be determined once registration numbers are finalized.
Participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Division of Student Affairs is excited to share that there will be a UIS float in Springfield's St. Patrick's Day parade! We need your help to make this a success! Sign up by Feb. 13, to express your interest in helping build the float, walk/ride in the parade or both! The parade will take place on Saturday, March 14, in downtown Springfield.
Good as Gold: Springfield Volunteer Awards
Help shine a light on the incredible work happening in our community by submitting a nomination to recognize outstanding local volunteers and nonprofits. Nominations are due Feb. 14, and the ceremony will be April 20. Visit the Volunteer & Civic Engagement page to review the award categories.
Voluntary Separation Plan Announcement
We are continuing our Voluntary Separation Plan as part of the university’s NorthStar initiative to address budget challenges tied to enrollment and personnel costs. Eligible employees can apply from Jan. 26 through March 6 with notifications issued by March 27. Additional information can be found on Orbit.
Web Team Developments
The UIS Web Team is sharing weekly accessibility reports to help campus units get ready for the April 2026 U.S. Department of Justice deadline. At the same time, the team is working on a website redesign planned for Fall 2026 that focuses on usability and accessibility. To keep this work on track, design and layout changes will be paused while accessibility fixes and the redesign are underway.
UIS Fund Award Recipients
The Division of Advancement is pleased to announce the Spring 2026 UIS Fund awardees, whose projects reflect the breadth of innovation, support and enrichment made possible by generous donor support. The following initiatives have been selected for funding: AI‑Based Modeling of Solar and Weather Impacts on Building Energy Efficiency, Hardware for the Hub, The Get Free Music Series, VitaTaxHub@UIS and Wellness Hub at UIS. Read more about each of these on Orbit.
Free Tax Filing Assistance Available Through IRS Program
UIS is hosting free tax filing assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for individuals who qualify, including those with lower incomes, disabilities, or limited English proficiency. While this program is open to the community, UIS employees who meet the eligibility guidelines can take advantage of this service to get help preparing and filing federal and state tax returns. For more information on eligibility and scheduling, visit UIS Newsroom.
Department Newsletters
The Human Resources Newsletter includes important updates and reminders, including guidance for events involving minors on campus. Employees are reminded to submit an electronic form at least 30 days in advance for any campus activities involving minors. For more information, please review the Protection of Minors website or contact Paige Lavin.
Upcoming Events
- Employee Development Series: Workers' Compensation: 9-10 a.m. Jan. 27. UHB 3081 or online. This session outlines the workers’ compensation policy, the benefits it provides and the process used by the system office to administer those benefits.
- Water and the Environment Symposium: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 28. Online. This event connects scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Illinois System to collaborate on water and environmental projects. Registration is open now.
- The Curious Case of Accessibility Checkers: 11 a.m.-noon. Jan. 28 Online and BRK 416. This hands-on training shows participants how to use digital tools to check and improve the accessibility of online content.
- ECCE Speaker Series: “Understanding Dehumanization to Resist Dehumanization”: 6 p.m. Jan. 28. Brookens Auditorium. David Livingstone Smith, a professor of philosophy at the University of New England, will explore dehumanization, including sociohistorical factors, powerful propaganda that spreads the fear of evil and human psychological vulnerabilities to manipulation.
- Health Promotion Symposium: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 29. Online. Join the online discussion where scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Illinois System come together to collaborate on health promotion. Registration is open now.
- Employee of the Year Ceremony: 3-4:30 p.m. Jan. 29. Student Union Ballroom. Come and celebrate our 2025 Employees of the Month and see who is announced the Employee of the Year. Registration closed on Jan. 23.
- 2026 RISE Professional Development Retreat: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 6. Student Union Ballroom and UHB. 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. Sessions will be offered both in the morning and afternoon, with a shared keynote lunch experience for all participants. Registration closed on Jan. 23.
- OER Virtual Meetups by Discipline: 1-2 p.m. Feb. 6. Online. This session will focus on open educational resources (OER) and give participants a chance to share experiences, swap tips and explore ways to work together. Registration is open now.
- UIS Flag Football Welcome Event for Coach Wood: 1 p.m. Feb. 3. TRAC. UIS Athletics has announced the hiring of Colin Wood as the first head coach of its new women's flag football program. Wood will begin his role in early February, leading the Prairie Stars as they build their inaugural roster and lay the foundation for a spring 2027 season of competition.
Check the employee events calendar on Orbit for more opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate together.
Information that Bears Repeating
New Cybersecurity Training
There is a new cybersecurity training, “Physical Security Best Practices,” due by March 31.
Digital Accessibility Deadline
The deadline to ensure your websites and course materials meet digital accessibility standards is April 24. If you need help, the Office of Digital Accessibility offers a workshop to help you get everything ready. Check the upcoming events section for more details.
Star Power
Siddharth K. Upadhyay, assistant professor, is a co-author of a new national research study that finds employees with disabilities perform at levels comparable to non-disabled employees but continue to face lower pay and higher levels of perceived discrimination. Learn more on UIS Newsroom.
Getting to Know You
Morell Old, a clinical assistant professor and digital instruction librarian, loves interacting with students and faculty in their roles. They enjoy the “scavenger hunt” of finding sources to help with research and credits their many excellent professors and teachers for demonstrating the value of careful planning, attention to detail and making good use of time when reading. Outside of work, they recently gave a talk on Greenland sharks at Terror Camp. Did you know that Greenland sharks can live longer than any other vertebrate? Learn more about Morell on Orbit.
Stay warm,
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 always appreciate the opportunity to showcase your news, events and accomplishments. Highlighting the outstanding work happening across our campus community allows us to celebrate your achievements, promote engagement and share the many ways UIS continues to make a positive impact.