8.20.26

Good morning, faculty and staff —

Happy Move-in Day! It’s so great to see our campus community energized as we welcome new and returning students.

I wanted to remind you about our Faculty-Staff Kickoff meeting tomorrow, Aug. 21, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom, where we will share updates on our strategic initiatives and introduce new faculty and administrators. As in past years, we will collect donations for the student food pantry. Anyone who brings a donation will be entered into a drawing for some UIS swag. Requested items include breakfast foods, canned fruits, vegetables, meats and soups, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, school supplies and personal care items. See the full list of requested items and other ways to support UIS Cares.

Following Kickoff, we will transition to welcoming our newest Prairie Stars at New Student Convocation in TRAC. Faculty and staff will process together to TRAC from the Student Union between approximately 2:45 and 3 p.m. The event will take place in the gymnasium. Faculty and staff who are able should sit in the first rows on the north bleachers facing the stage. Accessible seating will be reserved in the first row. There will be four speakers followed by a joint reciting of the Prairie Star Pledge.

UIS Cheerleading will lead two cheers before we dismiss. Faculty and staff will be dismissed first, exiting the courts and heading out the building toward the Quad to form a tunnel through which students will process. We will then celebrate the start of another academic year with the annual Party on the Quad.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, if not sooner. Have a great day!

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield