These questions are handled by the University Payroll and Benefits Department (UPB), which is separate from HR. They're the right team for anything involving deductions, insurance benefits, or taxes. You can reach them by phone at 217-206-7144 or by email at benefits@uillinois.edu. Please note they work a remote schedule and aren't available for walk-ins. You can also learn more on the University Payroll and Benefits (UPB) page.

If you're running into trouble updating your references , our employment team can help sort it out. Email HREmployment@uis.edu, describe what's happening, and they'll walk you through it.

Graduate employee records are controlled by the student's home organization, so access is managed on their end rather than yours. If you need information from that record or help coordinating, Student Employment can point you in the right direction at studentemployment@uis.edu.

To end a student's employment, contact Student Employment and they'll walk you through the process. You can reach them at studentemployment@uis.edu.

Requests for an alternative or flexible work schedule start with your Division Liaison (DL), who can explain the process and what to submit. You can find yours on the HR Division Liaisons page, or email uishr@uis.edu with your department if you're not sure who that is.

Happy to help! For questions about your application status, send an email to HREmployment@uis.edu and include your name and the exact title of the job you applied for. That way the team can look it up quickly and get back to you with an update.

No problem, password resets for the job application system are handled by our employment team. Just email HREmployment@uis.edu and let them know you need help getting back into your account, and they'll assist you.

We begin in August. Each student takes four courses during the fall semester: Advanced Public Affairs Reporting (PAR 501), Developing Public Policy in Illinois (PAR 510) and two graduate-level electives. Many students choose electives from Communication, Political Science or Legal Studies.

In January, students begin their Statehouse news internships (PAR 504). They also take one required course (Legislative Issues – PAR 503) and one more elective during the spring semester. The internship continues into the summer semester (PAR 505).

Students can depart PAR as early as June 1 if they’ve secured a job. The program officially ends June 30.

All student positions are posted on Handshake, which you can reach through UIS CareerConnect. Every open student job is listed online, so that's the one place to look, there's no separate list. Take a look and apply to any that fit!

Paige Lavin in our office handles tuition waivers for employees, their children, and retirees, so she's your best resource. You can complete the form online at the Tuition Waiver Form, or reach out to Paige with any questions at pstuc2@uis.edu or 217-206-7078. If you call and she's away from her desk, leaving a voicemail is a great way to get a call back.

If you're running into trouble uploading or attaching your resume, our employment team can help sort it out. Email HREmployment@uis.edu, describe what's happening, and they'll walk you through it.

Unemployment claims are handled by Kelsea Hott in our office. Please send yours to her at kbatt2@uis.edu and she'll take it from there.

This request can't be handled over the phone; we'll need it in writing. Please email your request to uishr@uis.edu and our office will follow up with the next steps.

Faculty leave questions go to your Division Liaison (DL), who can explain your options and next steps. You can look up the DL for your college or department on the HR Division Liaisons page. If you're not sure who yours is, email uishr@uis.edu with your department and we'll help.

Acknowledgement of your application will be sent to you from the MBA program office. This will either be an acceptance letter or a checklist of items still needed to complete your full application.  

Note: This is likely to take 3-4 weeks after your application, fee and transcripts are received by the Office of Admissions.

When the MBA faculty review your application portfolio (including your undergraduate transcripts), your prerequisite deficiencies, if any, will be identified.

Concerns involving your supervisor are handled by Mark Owens in our office, and he's the right person to help you work through it. You can reach him at mowen1@uis.edu or by phone at 217-206-7096. If he doesn't answer right away, leaving a voicemail or email is a good way to get a call back.

Academic regalia is required, including a black cap and gown.  It is suggested that you wear lightweight clothing and dark shoes under your cap and gown. Items such as purses should not be brought.

Access a livestream of each ceremony at uis.edu/uislive.  The livestream will be accessible on personal devices.

The student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. All graduating students are invited to audition for this honor and responsibility.  Speeches for the audition should be no longer than five minutes and should be presented in their entirety. Speeches will be evaluated by a faculty committee for clarity of expression, delivery, timing, appropriateness, and relevance of the topic as representative of the graduating class. 

Your NetID will remain active for three (3) semesters after graduation. After that time, you will no longer be able to use your NetID to access email, Canvas, or other campus services such as Box, Office 365, etc. Please see the User Account Lifecycle for NetIDs policy for more information.

Directions to the Bank of Springfield Center (where the commencement ceremonies will be held) can be found on the Visitors page. The University of Illinois Springfield campus is located at One University Plaza Springfield, IL 62703.

No.

PAR is the most time- and cost-efficient way to level up your journalism experience while also earning a master’s degree that will enhance your job prospects throughout your career. We offer these financial benefits for all PAR students:

• Tuition waivers during the spring and summer semesters
• Scholarships (priority consideration for students who submit an application by the April 1 ahead of the fall semester they wish to enter the program)
• A paid internship funded by the university, internship hosts and a generous grant from the Joyce Foundation.

Graduates will check in at the Bank of Springfield Center prior to their ceremony.  Staff will then escort graduates to their seats.  Once the ceremony begins, the processional will begin (consisting of the platform party and faculty).  After several ceremonial pieces, students will walk across the stage, have their name announced, receive a UIS diploma cover, and have their photo taken by a professional photographer with the Chancellor.