2.23.26

Dear UIS Community:

The midpoint of the semester is approaching, which means it's almost time for the Spring Employee Information Session. I strongly encourage you to attend. The session will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. March 5 in Brookens Auditorium. During our time together, you will hear from me and other UIS leaders about updates on our NorthStar strategic priorities and other important news.

Following the presentation, we will open the floor for a Q&A, and I encourage you to share any questions or ideas you may have. I hope you can join us for this important conversation. You can learn more about the event on Orbit.

New Information

Permanent Outage: Brookens Library-Side Elevator

The elevator on the library side of Brookens is permanently out of service due to mechanical issues that cannot be repaired. The classroom-side elevator remains fully operational and available for use. 

Commencement Participation and Regalia for Faculty

UIS Commencement ceremonies will be held May 9 at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. Faculty members (including Platform Party members) should indicate whether or not they will be participating in commencement and, if appropriate, order regalia by Feb. 27. The intent to participate form is on Orbit.

Convenience Copier Update

The Division of Finance and Administration is preparing to deploy an updated fleet of shared machines (“convenience copiers”) that will scan, copy and print in color, with the agreement being expedited due to the rapid decline of the current equipment. Units should pause purchases of individual desktop printers and supplies; there are an estimated 400 personal printers on campus across many brands, costing roughly $60,000 annually in ink and toner—an approach that is neither efficient nor sustainable. As ink and toner run out or desktop printers fail, units will transition to the shared‑printer model. Guidance for requesting exemptions is in development.  

 If you’re experiencing issues with your current printer/copier, please complete the service form, and if you have suggestions or wish to request a new shared machine—especially if your department lacks a convenience copier—email mailservices@uis.edu. Your cooperation will help UIS move toward a more efficient and sustainable printing environment.

Open Educational Resources (OER) Funding Opportunity

The Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) Member OER Initiative application is now open. This grant program offers funding to CARLI member libraries, including UIS, to help expand the use of Open Educational Resources. Each member library may submit one proposal in one of three funding levels by March 31. Applications cannot be submitted without the Library's involvement, so please first discuss your grant options with UIS Library staff. If you have questions, please register for the Information Session from 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 24. More information is on Orbit.

Preparing for U of I Presidential Search

U of I System President Tim Killeen announced he will step down in June 2027. The Board of Trustees has begun preparations for a national search for the next president, including forming a search committee and engaging the university community for input. Employees will have opportunities later this year to provide perspectives on the leadership qualities and priorities they would like to see in the next president. The goal is to complete the search by the end of 2026.

Amazon Deliveries Announcement

Due to an overwhelming number of Amazon packages being delivered, and often left unattended, across campus, Mail Services recommends that orders from Amazon be sent to the shipping address listed on Orbit.

Spring Accelerated Courses

Please encourage students who would benefit to sign up for a Spring 2026 accelerated class. Courses run March 16-May 9. Students can learn more online.

Housing Renewal Contract for Students

Please remind students that Housing Renewal & Selection for 2026-27 has begun. Current residents and upper‑class students who complete their housing contract by the posted deadlines will receive priority room selection before new students. The Specialty Housing deadline (LLCs, RAs, GIH) is March 6, and the Non‑Specialty Housing deadline is March 16.

Upcoming Events

• Employee Development Series: Time Entry Systems and Leaves of Absence: 9-10 a.m. Feb. 24. Online. Time entry systems that will be explored include VSL, AVSL, FLRS and Timesheets (Banner Self-Service), followed by an in-depth explanation of leave processes and procedures.
• ECCE Speaker Series: “Asian American Youth Literature: Immigration, Imagination, & the Library”: 6 p.m. Feb. 25. Brookens Auditorium. Sarah Park Dahlen, an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will provide a historical overview of Asian American youth literature in the context of immigration patterns, social movements and other larger issues.
• Bloomberg Finance Lab Ribbon Cutting: 11 a.m.-noon. Feb. 26. UHB 4020 and 4021. Join us for the opening of the Sean & Taryn Grant/Landmark Auto Trading Lab. This new hands-on learning space gives students access to industry-standard trading and analytics platforms. The ribbon-cutting event will feature a live Bloomberg terminal demonstration and provide an opportunity to connect with donors, students and university leaders.
• “Belly” Exhibition: March 2-April 9. UIS Visual Arts Gallery. “Belly,” a solo exhibition by artist Rita Grendze, features an installation constructed from grocery bags to explore the tension between nourishment and scarcity. A public reception will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 5 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. Admission is free. 
• Web Editor Training: 10-11 a.m. March 3. Online. 
• Kaplan All Access Exclusive Webinar Series: Designing the "Exit Ramp": Ensuring Success: 12:30-1:15 p.m. March 3. Online. As part of our All Access partnership with Kaplan, a series of professional development sessions is available for faculty and staff this semester. This session focuses on how to build exit ramps that guide graduating seniors from the classroom to graduate school or their first career.

Check the employee events calendar on Orbit for more opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate together.

Information that Bears Repeating

Day of Giving

UIS’ second annual Day of Giving will take place March 25. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to give a gift to an area of the university that is meaningful to them.

Brookens Fourth Floor 

The fourth floor of Brookens is closed due to necessary roof repairs. This affects the entire fourth floor of the building, including the library stacks and study spaces. If you have questions, please contact the library at questions@uis.libanswers.com or visit Orbit.

UIS Career Connections Expo

Register your department for the 2026 Career Connections Expo, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 20. The expo offers an opportunity to connect with students, highlight career pathways and build relationships with future talent. The priority registration deadline is March 6.

OEL Classroom Visits

The Office of Engaged Learning is offering classroom visits to share information about its programs and how they benefit students. These visits help students learn more about experiential learning opportunities, including internships and Study Away, and how to get involved. Faculty who are interested in scheduling a classroom visit are asked to complete the request form at least two weeks in advance.

New Dynamic Campus Map

The Department of Strategic Communication, in partnership with departments across campus, has launched a new dynamic, web‑based campus map highlighting key amenities such as parking, accessible entrances, water bottle refill stations and more. The interactive 3D view also offers walking and driving directions through Google. This tool replaces the PDF maps.

Faculty Fellowship Program

The Center for Social & Behavioral Science and the Institute of Government and Public Affairs are accepting applications for the Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) fellowship program. This program supports mid-career faculty across the University of Illinois System who want to work on a year-long research project with Illinois government partners. The goal is to connect academic research with real public policy needs. Applications are due March 15.

HLC Reaffirmation Update

The university continues its work toward the 10-year accreditation reaffirmation with the Higher Learning Commission in preparation for the HLC site visit Nov 8-9, 2027. Committee membership and progress updates are available on the HLC Reaffirmation website. This milestone is critically important, as accreditation affirms the quality and integrity of our academic programs and our commitment to continuous improvement. It validates our strength as an institution and positions us for the next decade of growth. Because this process represents our entire university, it requires the engagement and cooperation of faculty, staff and leadership across campus. Every contribution matters to a successful reaffirmation.

Star Power

UIS Assistant Professor of Political Science Magic Wade, along with Nick Waterbury and A.J. Simmons of the Center for State Policy and Leadership, co-authored a new article examining the factors that shaped Illinois voters’ attitudes toward the Workers’ Rights constitutional amendment. Their analysis appears in the open-access academic journal PLoS One.

Getting to Know You

See you on March 5,

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.

Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield

P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I always appreciate the opportunity to showcase your news, events and accomplishments. Highlighting the outstanding work happening across our campus community allows us to celebrate your achievements, promote engagement and share the many ways UIS continues to make a positive impact.