January-February 2026

From Provost Schwab

Greetings,

I’m grateful to see campus (and our online classrooms) back in action with the beginning of the spring semester. Although the idea of “spring” seems like a far-off concept given our recent weather, I know that this semester we will see the seasons change, our faculty and staff will transform the lives of our students, and we will all contribute to the good of UIS and our communities.  As we review early enrollment indicators (below), let’s remember that behind every number is a student whose life and future are shaped by the care we invest in teaching, advising, and support.

Below you’ll find ways to plug into Academic Affairs and University priorities, including the Academic Portfolio Review & Reprioritization, HLC Reaffirmation, and the NACADA Quality Initiative. Your continued feedback on these initiatives is welcome via the OIRE Projects & Initiatives page. And we can all play a part in demonstrating the Communication, Action, Respect and Empathy of the CARE Framework, as well as welcoming prospective students and their families during Open House events.

I also want to remind you of a few resources available to the university community.

The UIS Immigration website provides information and resources for international immigrant communities at UIS.

The Gender and Sexuality Student Services department provides education, advocacy, support, mentoring, and a safe space for sexual and gender minority students.

The Dean of Students is also a great place to find student-focused resources, including the Counseling Center.  

The Employee Assistance Program is available for faculty and staff.

Wishing you a steady, purpose‑filled semester.

Brandon

Spring 2026 Enrollment Headcount Observations

Overall enrollment -356 (-8.09%)

• Undergraduate -9 (-0.4%)
• Current continuing -35 (-1.7%)
• New transfer +12 (+6.6%)
• New first-time freshman +14 (+200%)
• Master’s -348 (-16%)
• Current continuing -216 (-11%)
• New first-time graduate -131 (-44%)
• Doctoral +1 (+1%)
• International students -341 (-38.5%)

Biggest gain: Undergraduate first-generation students up approximately 9%.

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Connect with the Provost

Important Initiatives

NACADA/QI Progress Update

The NACADA/QI Steering Committee continues its work this Spring for improving our advising structure and processes, based on NACADA recommendations which crosswalk with our HLC Quality Initiative. With holistic student success front and center, here's an update on Task Group next steps:

• The Advising Structure Group will interact with student focus groups. 
• The Course Scheduling Group has identified themes in scheduling pain points and is evaluating recommendations.
• The Relationship Group is refining recommendations on how we might best leverage Learning Pathways (Degree Progression Plans) that are being updated/created this Spring. 
• The Assessment Group is considering elements of assessing a centralized advising model, and in early February, a contingent of four will attend the NACADA Advising Assessment Institute. 

Read more about the HLC Quality Initiative and/or engage with Steering Committee Co-Chairs: Nicole Hager, Shipra Gupta, Michael Roth.

Academic Portfolio Review & Reprioritization Update

A big thank you to all programs for submitting reprioritization response action plans. A total of 379 actions across 154 programs was received. The Provost is currently reviewing the submissions. Programs can expect follow-up in the coming months. As a reminder, degree plans are due by Friday, May 1st, and a sample 4-year degree plan and template are available in the Degree Plans Box Folder.

OIRE Data Book

The Institutional Research Data Book has been updated with Spring 2026 census information. Programs and units are encouraged to reference these refreshed reports to support their planning and decision-making.

HLC Reaffirmation

Work continues toward our 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. Committee membership and progress updates are available on the HLC Reaffirmation website. Thanks to the many faculty, staff, and students contributing to this important institutional effort.

Opportunities to Make a Difference

Faculty Volunteers Needed - CARE Framework Rollout Committee

The Chancellor's Office seeks 2-3 faculty members who are interested in helping brainstorm and evaluate suggestions for incorporating CARE into the university culture. The CARE Framework, which will be featured at the Feb. 6 RISE Professional Development Retreat, is the university’s institution-wide commitment to Communication, Action, Respect and Empathy. The committee will meet approximately twice per month this semester.

Please contact Kelsea Gurski to indicate your interest or if you have questions about this opportunity.

Welcoming Open House Guests

UIS will host prospective students and their families at an on-campus Open House on February 16, 11 am - 2 pm. The event will include opportunities for them to learn more about UIS, tour campus and housing, chat with staff and current students, learn how to transfer credits and pay for college, and more. Prospective graduate students will be able to learn about UIS graduate programs, as well as Graduate Assistantship and Graduate Public Service Internship opportunities.

As a welcoming community, this is our opportunity to share a smile, offer directions, and otherwise extend hospitality to our prospective students.

News Worth Celebrating

New Peer Review of Teaching Program Launching at UIS

The Guiding Lights New Faculty Mentoring Program Advisory Board has introduced the new UIS Peer Review of Teaching Program, a developmental, non‑evaluative opportunity for faculty to reflect on and strengthen their teaching. Open to all UIS faculty, the program offers structured peer observation, feedback, and guided reflection focused on course design, instructional practices, student engagement, and alignment of learning goals and assessments.

Participants who complete the process will receive a Certificate of Completion, which may be used in teaching portfolios and other professional materials. The program aims to foster collegial dialogue, shared learning, and continuous improvement in support of UIS’s commitment to teaching excellence and inclusive pedagogy.

Questions? Contact Dr. Jennifer Martin

Join us for the rollout event on March 24, noon–1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

Public Affairs Center (PAC) Between-Semesters Closure

As part of the final phase of PAC’s plumbing infrastructure improvement project, the Public Affairs Center (PAC) will be closed to occupancy beginning Monday, May 13, for up to four weeks while crews replace the main water line serving the building. We appreciate Facilities scheduling the closure between semesters to minimize impact.

Academic Affairs unit leaders will communicate with staff and faculty whose assigned work spaces are in PAC to discuss temporary work arrangements. Monica Kroft is available to assist unit leaders who need help identifying temporary on-campus space, and she will coordinate with Facilities for assistance moving required equipment.

Resource Refresh

OPEL - Where We've Landed

While ongoing Brookens roof issues are being addressed, the entire OPEL unit has moved to new locations: 

OPEL (Online, Professional, and Engaged Learning)

• BRK 363C - Layne Morsch
• BRK 363 - Brenda Hunsley
• BRK 363B - Cynthia Park 

COLRS (Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service)

• BRK 323 - Emily Boles
• BRK 322 - Carrie Levin
• BRK 321 - Taylor Lester
• BRK 320 - Scott Moomaw
• BRK 359 - Kay Powell

ODA (Office of Digital Accessibility)

• BRK 359 - Carey Applegate
• BRK 317 - Jacob Gulso
• BRK 336 - Sai Danthala
• BRK 339 - DART Team

OEL (Office of Engaged Learning)

• BRK 383 - Main Office
• BRK 385 - Badria Luteify
• BRK 386 - Jess Flynn
• BRK 387 - Lauren Roalkvan
• BRK 389 - Shannon Stanley
• BRK 390 - Rob Weis

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

• Thursday, February 12, 11:30 am - 1 pm, Provost's Open Hours, Check in at UHB 2008
• Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13 - Spring Break - UIS open; no classes
• Tuesday, May 5, 2:30-4 pm – Faculty Honors Reception - save the date
• Saturday, May 9, 12:30 pm - Commencement - CHST, CLASS, BOS Center
• Saturday, May 9, 5:30 pm - Commencement - CBM, CPAE, BOS Center

Office of the VCAA/Provost
Contact: Monica Kroft