September 2026

From Provost Schwab

Colleagues,

I hope your semester is off to a good start and that you have found some enjoyment connecting with students and colleagues. It was fun to participate in a variety of student welcome week activities, and I want to give the Student Affairs team, and everyone else involved in putting it on, a huge thanks. It seems to get better every year.

Although we haven’t reached our official census date as of this newsletter, our Fall 2026 new student enrollment reflects both encouraging gains and ongoing challenges in different student populations. First-year enrollment is a significant bright spot. I’ll hold back on numbers until they are official, but we anticipate a double-digit percentage increase in first-year students. That is great news and suggests that our undergraduate recruitment strategies and market positioning are gaining traction. Unfortunately, new transfer student enrollment is down compared to last year. This is an important student group for us, and we continue to focus on strengthening partnerships and transfer pathways.

Not surprising, our biggest enrollment hit is in the graduate student population, and in particular International students. Like other institutions, we have seen significant enrollment loss over the last couple years as a consequence of changes in visa processing, geopolitical factors, and shifting international demand. This obviously negatively impacts students’ access to the great educational opportunities we offer. It also negatively impacts our institutional finances.

As I mentioned at the annual kickoff meeting, this year we will be focusing efforts around reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), moving forward with response plans and actions from the Academic Portfolio Review, improving our course scheduling processes, building a repository of up-to-date academic degree plans, and continuing reforms around academic advising as part of the HLC Quality Initiative. You can read updates on some of those initiatives below, and others will be highlighted in future newsletters.

Despite the challenges we face as a university, there is amazing work done every day by our incredible faculty, staff, and students. What you do matters and brings life-changing opportunities to our students, their families, and our communities. Thank you for what you do for UIS.

Best wishes for the year ahead,

Brandon

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Connect with the Provost

Important Initiatives

QI Update: Strengthening Advising to Promote Student Success

At the end of May, recommendations from four task groups that comprise the Quality Initiative (QI) Steering Committee focused on Strengthening Advising to Promote Student Success were submitted to Provost Schwab. Over the summer, the provost convened the Academic Affairs Course Scheduling Working Group to review the recommendations of the Course Scheduling Task Group and develop implementation recommendations. The working group's report was submitted to the provost in July. A document that combines both reports (UIS login required) is available for review online. The recommendations include adoption of a new course scheduling grid and scheduling parameters beginning with the Summer and Fall 2027 schedule build. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to provide feedback on the plan through the OIRE Feedback Form. 

Recommendations from the other QI task groups are under review and are being distilled into actionable steps for implementation.

Charting Our Course to HLC Reaffirmation: Navigating by the Stars

UIS is preparing for our next Higher Learning Commission (HLC) comprehensive evaluation, a critical step in reaffirming our institutional accreditation through 2028 and beyond.

Over the next 15 months, faculty, staff and students will work together on a university-wide self-study and Assurance Argument demonstrating how UIS meets HLC standards in mission, integrity, student success and institutional sustainability. The process will culminate with a peer-review site visit November 8-9, 2027.

Our effort will be guided by the theme Charting Our Course: Navigating by the Stars, which reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and our shared role in shaping the university's future. Accreditation helps maintain access to federal financial aid, protects the value of a UIS degree and strengthens our institutional reputation.

Faculty, staff and students will have opportunities throughout the process to share feedback, contribute evidence and help tell the UIS story.

Our Path. Our Purpose. Our Proof. Together, we're charting what's next for UIS.

Opportunities to Make a Difference

Good Idea Fund - Apply Now

We are excited to announce that the Good Idea Fund is available again this year! This initiative offers one-time (non-recurring) funds to support innovative ideas from UIS staff and faculty. If you have a project that could make a positive impact on our University, we want to hear from you! We invite a wide range of ideas that can create broad impact. Whether it's a new program, a research project, or an initiative to improve campus life, we encourage you to apply and share your vision with us. Read about previous years' Good Ideas

You may request up to $5,000, and smaller requests are also welcome. Applications submitted by October 1 will be considered, and decisions by the Provost's Leadership Team will be communicated by October 15. All funds must be expended in the current fiscal year, and a final report from awardees is due no later than July 15, 2027.

Let's work together to bring your great ideas to life and make a difference at UIS!

Opportunities from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

The Scholarly Presentation Support Program provides up to $600 to support faculty participation in professional conferences. Deadline: Ongoing until May 1, 2027

 The Non-Instructional Assignment for Grant Writing program provides one NIA to be used in the spring of the 2027 semester to prepare a competitive grant proposal for submission to an external agency. Deadline: September 18, 2026.

Graduate Student Recognition: The Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award recognizes exceptional graduate scholarship and outstanding master’s-level research. Faculty are invited to nominate eligible students who graduated in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 for this prestigious award.

Funding for Student Research: The Student Research Funding Program supports student research, scholarly, and creative activities by providing awards of up to $500 per academic year. Faculty are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible students pursuing research and creative projects. Deadline: Ongoing until May 1, 2027.

Mental Health Awareness and Support

Please take a few minutes to explore the University of Illinois Mental Health Awareness and Support website, which is intended to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and connect members of our university communities with available resources and support. The site includes:

• A system-level mental health awareness and support training resource.
• Information about the importance of mental health and well-being for students, faculty, and staff.
• Resources intended to help members of the university community better recognize concerns, understand available support options, and connect individuals with appropriate services.
• Links to additional University of Illinois System mental health training materials and resources.

On a related note, more information and a registration link will be available soon for the virtual system-wide Mental Health and Wellbeing Annual Event on Thursday, October 8, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Applications Open for the NEW Chancellor's Associate Program

The Chancellor’s Office is accepting applications through September 11 for the Chancellor’s Associate Program. Two positions are currently available: Chancellor’s Associate for Professional Development, and Chancellor’s Associate for Institutional Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Program details and application requirements are available on the Chancellor’s Associate Program website.

Making a Difference - Investing in Committee Service

Sincere appreciation to those faculty and staff willing to serve on Campus Senate committees, faculty personnel committees, search committees, and other committees or working groups this year. Your commitment reflects a deep dedication to our students, your colleagues, and the university.

Meaningful service on these committees requires a significant investment of time, thoughtful preparation, careful deliberation, and a willingness to engage with complex issues. We recognize the effort this work demands and are grateful for your readiness to contribute your expertise and perspectives.

News Worth Celebrating

Celebrating Our Collective Impact

We hope you'll take a few minutes to browse through the Academic Affairs 2025-26 Annual Impact Report, which highlights some of the impactful student experiences made possible by our collective efforts.

The report tells a story lived out through the people, programs, partnerships, and progress that shaped the year. It offers a snapshot of meaningful work taking place across Academic Affairs and celebrates the faculty, staff, students, and community partners whose daily efforts make that work possible.

Special thanks to the students who shared their stories, and to their faculty and staff mentors/leaders.

Lincoln Studies, Sangamon Experience, Visual Arts Gallery Open in PAC

We are excited to report that the Center for Lincoln Studies and the Sangamon Experience, which had been temporarily relocated during PAC plumbing renovations, have returned to their PAC first floor homes. They are thankful to their colleagues on UHB third floor for hosting them during the renovation, and they will miss those daily interactions.

The Sangamon Experience looks forward to welcoming the community back to their space on October 24 for the Story Harvest Oral History Workshop, presented in partnership with the Performing Arts Center. If you haven't yet visited Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley, there's still plenty of time, as the exhibit will remain on display through May 2027.

The Visual Arts Gallery is now open in a newly remodeled space on PAC first floor with an exhibition featuring work by UIS Visual Arts faculty Brytton Bjorngaard, Shane Harris, and Mike Miller, along with former gallery director Allison Lacher. Constellations: Visual Arts Faculty and Alumni Exhibition, runs Monday, August 31 through Thursday, October 1, 11 am - 6 pm, with a reception on Thursday, September 3, 5:30-7:30 pm.

Resource Refresh

Where to Find . . .

Wondering where to find links to automated forms, screenshots and tips, Academic Affairs procedures, and more? Check our internal website (UIS login required), and if you don't find what you need, please reach out and let us know by emailing Monica Kroft.

Trying to decipher an acronym? Explore the UIS Acronym Guide.

Reduce Survey Fatigue: Campus Survey Administration Request Form

Planning to survey UIS students, faculty, or staff? Please submit a request through the UIS Campus Survey Administration Request form. All survey requests must comply with the UIS University Wide Survey Policy which was updated in June. The policy is intended to improve coordination of surveys, reduce survey fatigue, and support effective use of institutional data.

Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosures Due September 14-28

Reminder: The Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure period will be open from September 14–28. All covered employees are required to submit a disclosure through myDisclosures during this timeframe, even if they have no conflicts or outside interests to report.

Find additional resources about the Report of Non-University Activities (RNUA) process.

Attend an optional Zoom training session to help guide participants through the disclosure process.

• Tuesday, September 15, 2026; 9-10 am. Register for the September 15 session
• Friday, September 18, 2026; 9-10 am. Register for the September 18 session

Reminder: Admissions Firewall Practices

Each university in the University of Illinois System has a practice or practices that inform what are permissible and impermissible inquiries regarding the admission of students. Simply stated, there is a "firewall" around those individuals - faculty, administrators and admissions staff - who review applications for admission and make admissions decisions at each university. 

It is important that all employees not involved directly in admissions be aware of what is permitted and what types of conversations/communications are restricted. Take a few minutes to review the scenarios outlined in the firewall practices information.

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

• Monday, September 7, Labor Day Holiday - no classes
• Thursday, October 8, 1-3 pm, U of I Mental Health and Wellbeing Annual Event
• Wednesday, October 14, 11:30 am - 1 pm, University Scholars Award Luncheon. Faculty and staff registration link (registration is required for this event).
• Thursday, October 15, 3-4:30 pm, Fall Employee Information Session
• Wednesday, October 21, 3:30-5 pm, Provost's Open Hours, location tbd

Office of the VCAA/Provost
Contact: Monica Kroft