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March 2026
From Provost Schwab
Greetings!
As we near the midpoint of the semester and anticipate spring recess, the longer days and milder temperatures offer a welcome reminder that progress—both personal and professional—is often incremental and cumulative. Even during this busy time, I hope you are finding moments to enjoy the change in season and to pause, if only briefly, amid competing priorities.
This stretch of the semester can be demanding. I want to acknowledge that reality and to thank you for the sustained effort you bring to your work. What you do matters—to our students, to one another, and to the broader mission of the university. I hope you had an opportunity to participate in the recent RISE professional development retreat, and to reflect on your role in ensuring the CARE Framework of Communication, Action, Respect, and Empathy continues to guide our work together.
Academic Affairs is deeply engaged in advancing the NorthStar initiative, working closely with colleagues across the university. You can support these efforts—particularly student retention—by encouraging first‑year and senior students to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), which launches March 18. NSSE results provide valuable insight into where we can strengthen the student experience and where our work is already having a positive impact.
I want to share an update on where we are in the academic portfolio review and prioritization process, a key NorthStar priority. From the outset, this work was intentionally designed as a forward‑looking exercise to help programs clarify priorities and make intentional choices about where to invest, adapt, or let go. In January, programs submitted action plans in response to their portfolio review results, and we look forward to receiving degree plans, which are due by May 1.
What has stood out most is the thoughtfulness and seriousness with which programs across colleges have engaged this work. Collectively, the plans reflect a strong commitment to positioning both programs and UIS for long‑term success. Programs are prioritizing clearer student pathways and stronger transfer pipelines, curriculum modernization and workforce alignment, expanded experiential learning and high‑impact practices, and greater interdisciplinary collaboration. At the same time, plans demonstrate an increasing commitment to portfolio discipline and responsible stewardship, including proposals to sunset or restructure offerings that are no longer sustainable or well aligned with student demand. This is exactly what we hoped the academic portfolio review would yield: a shared roadmap for evidence‑informed action that continues to evolve our academic portfolio in ways that strengthen student success, clarify value, and support the long‑term vitality of the institution.
Thank you for being such a valued partner in this work.
Finally, I just want to acknowledge the stressful geopolitical times we are in. If you feel in need, support is available through the Employee Assistance Program for faculty and staff and the Dean of Students and Counseling Center for students.
I hope the weeks ahead bring good momentum and some time to recharge along the way.
Brandon
Connect with the Provost
Provost's Open Hours
Faculty and staff are invited to reserve time on their calendar for the next Provost's Open Hours on Wednesday, April 29, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
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
HLC Reaffirmation Update
Both the Executive Committee and the Steering Committee met in February. One of the primary outcomes of these meetings is the identification of three key themes to drive the HLC Assurance Argument:
- that institutional decision-making is tied to what is mission critical and aligned with the mission, vision, and values of UIS,
- the benefits of being a part of the University of Illinois System including highlighting that the university’s priorities and goals are in alignment with University of Illinois System's 2016-2026 Strategic Framework, and
- UIS’s identity as a regional public university.
In addition, the four criterion subcommittees and the engagement subcommittee have begun meeting.
NACADA/QI Update
Task Groups of the NACADA/QI Steering Committee are on track developing recommendations that will go to Provost Schwab by the end of May. If you are interested in consulting with any of the four Task Groups or the Steering Committee, please email Michael Roth.
Opportunities to Make a Difference
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
Starting March 18th, first-year and senior students will be asked to complete the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The NSSE survey assesses students' undergraduate experiences and is nationally normed to compare UIS students' experiences with experiences of students at other universities. Results help drive changes in policies and practices. Please encourage your students to complete the survey.
News Worth Celebrating
Harsha Chamala Selected as Data Visualization Finalist
The Growth, Hiring Demand, and Educational Pathways data visualization tool created by OIRE Data Analyst Harsha Chamala was selected as a finalist for the University of Illinois System Love Data Week competition. Projects had to use publicly available data as the basis for their dashboards. Congratulations, Harsha!
Jacob Friefeld Appointed to ALPLM Board of Trustees
Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Dr. Jacob Friefeld as a member of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Trustees, pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate. Dr. Friefeld is the Director of the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies.
Resource Refresh
Academic Affairs Resources
A reminder that links to Academic Affairs forms, screenshots, tips, and more are available on our Academic Affairs internal SharePoint site, with its convenient short URL (UIS login required). We are in continuous improvement mode: If you don't find what you're looking for, please reach out to Monica Kroft.
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, March 5 - 3-4:30 pm - Spring 2026 Employee Information Session, Brookens Auditorium
- Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13 - Spring Break - UIS open; no classes
- Wednesday, April 29, 3:30-5 pm - Provost's Open Hours - location tbd
- 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