10.4.21
Good morning, UIS—
Here we are in October, having just celebrated a successful 2021 Homecoming. Thank you to UIS Athletics, Student Life and Campus Recreation for the fun activities and memories made. As we move further into fall, here is some information you may need to know.
New Information
Flu Vaccine Clinics
UIS Health Services and the UIC Nursing program will host a series of flu shot clinics beginning Oct. 11. This year’s flu shot is called a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four strains of the flu. The flu shot clinics are available to UIS students and employees. The clinic will be held in the PAC Restaurant, near the UIS SHIELD Testing site. Due to the pandemic, we are unable to offer the vaccine to non-UIS employees this year.
• Oct. 11: 10:30-11:30 a.m. & 2:30-4 p.m.
• Oct. 12: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2-4 p.m.
• Oct. 14: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2-4 p.m.
Ethics Training
October is Ethics Training Month for the UI System. Please check your UIS email for a message from the University Ethics Officer, and complete the training prior to Nov. 1.
Portrait Open Studio
Update your official portrait this fall during Campus Relations’ Open Photo Studio sessions. Images can be used for university purposes, department websites and conference speaking engagements. The Campus Relations Studio is located in BSB 95, and portraits are made first come, first served.
- Oct. 13, 1-4:30 p.m.
- Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SECA
The 2021 UIS SECA Campaign is underway. An instructional video on the UIS SECA website explains how to find charity codes and fill out the online form. This year’s campaign will include a faculty and staff fundraising favorite, the Pet Contest. Pet owners can now submit their pet photos for the UIS Cutest Pet or UIS Prairie Star Spirit Pet (pets decked out in UIS colors or gear). Voting will take place online Oct. 25-29. All proceeds will benefit the Springfield Animal Protective League. Watch your UIS email and Campus Announcements for entry and voting links.
2021 Clery Report
Maintaining a safe campus is an important responsibility the entire UIS community takes seriously. In compliance with federal regulations and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Crime Statistics Act, the 2021 UIS Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available.
Return of the Koi
After a brief hiatus, the Koi fish are back in their newly renovated pond near HSB. Stop by for a relaxing break and enjoy the autumn weather.
Information that Bears Repeating
COVID-19 Leave
Paid time off for COVID-19-related reasons under the federal American Rescue Plan is now discontinued. The University of Illinois System will continue to provide a limited amount of paid sick leave to employees. You can visit the System HR Families First Coronavirus Response Act resource page for more details.
Shared Benefits
UIS’ shared benefits program provides eligible employees the opportunity to receive additional leave days when a disability claim is pending with SURS. Employees must have exhausted all their accumulated sick leave and have donated to the pool to receive leave from it. Find out more about UIS’ Shared Benefits.
Facilities & Operations
Last week, we got a sneak peek at the planned Library, Learning and Student Success Center. Many thanks to Keith Stewart for the phenomenal presentation and photos. If you missed the two online presentations, please find time to watch the recording. Operations also has a new, recurring newsletter to update us on projects around campus. Read the first issue here.
Celebrating our Star Power
Commencement is always a special time for students and the UIS community. The 2020 Commencement celebrated last month was no different, and perhaps a bit more meaningful considering the road we have all been on together. Director of Development Pam Hulten shared a few of her 2020 Commencement encounters that should resonate with all of us. Thanks for sharing, Pam.
- “A young undergrad preparing his gown/hood shared that he flew in from Pennsylvania to attend today’s event and it was his first time on campus. He did his coursework all online and was SO proud of UIS that he has personally recruited 3-4 friends in PA. He laughed and said if we see an influx of new students from PA, it’s because of him!”
- “A mother swiftly came in very late to the first ceremony and was throwing on her gown. I rushed over to help. She was stressed and to tears. I helped get her situated, and although her gown wouldn’t zip up because she borrowed it from her son’s HS graduation ceremony, I reminded her why she was here today. Not the gown, not the attire, not the shoes. None of that mattered. What mattered was being there and walking the stage to get her diploma. I ran upstairs before she walked down the hallway to the stage and pointed at her with a big smile.”
Stories like that confirm our purpose in higher education. Thank you for a great semester so far; if you get a chance, go see a UIS soccer or volleyball game. The chance to be spectators again at UIS Athletics events is something we have all missed.
Go Prairie Stars!
Karen
Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield