3.23.2026

Dear UIS Community:

Last week, UIS hosted the March Board of Trustees meeting. We were thrilled to see the Board vote to approve our proposed Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Engineering Technology, which will support a strong pipeline of applied engineering practitioners and a larger effort to create an engineering school. This new degree, which still requires IBHE and HLC approval, will help meet workforce demands while creating new opportunities for our students and supporting economic growth across the region. You can learn more about this exciting development on the UIS Newsroom. 

New Information

Labor Negotiations

For updates and information about negotiations with the labor unions representing tenured and tenure-track faculty and clerical, service and technical employees, visit the University’s Bargaining website and Orbit.

Fall Welcome Program Proposals

Student organizations and campus units are invited to submit program proposals for 2026 Fall Welcome by April 11. Program proposals should build campus pride, foster community and engagement, and introduce key campus resources. Information on how to submit proposals is on Orbit.

Student Affairs Leadership Award Nominations

Nominations are open for the 2026 Student Affairs Leadership Awards. These awards recognize UIS students who exemplify Leadership Lived through their engagement, service and contributions to the campus experience. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding student leaders by March 28 via the Webtools form on Orbit.

Commencement Volunteers

Volunteers are needed for the 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 9 at the Bank of Springfield Center. Volunteers will assist with tasks such as setup, helping graduates with their caps and gowns and directing guests. If you are interested, please complete the registration form on Orbit. Those volunteering for both ceremonies will be served lunch.

United Way Day of Action

Registration is open for the United Way of Central Illinois' 2026 Spring Day of Action on April 24. The deadline to register is April 10. Tasks may include assembling supplies, organizing materials, beautifying community spaces or assisting with special projects. Learn more on Orbit.

Lot-I North EV Charging Stations

In collaboration with the City of Springfield, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed in the northwest corner of Parking Lot I-North. The stations will be managed and maintained by CWLP. Learn more on Orbit.

2026 Promising Prairie Star Program

The UIS Division of Advancement has announced the 2026 class of the Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program. This program honors outstanding graduates younger than 40 or who have graduated within the previous five years. The honorees were selected for their emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen career or life's work. Read more on UIS Newsroom.

Upcoming Events

• Day of Giving Celebration: 4-6 p.m. March 25. Student Union North Patio. Celebrate UIS’s Day of Giving with free food and entertainment, while learning about how you can support UIS students and the community.
• Kaplan All Access Exclusive Webinar Series: 10-10:45 a.m. March 26. Online. This session will share proven national strategies for boosting student engagement and outcomes.
• Friday Night Star Party: 8-10 p.m. March 27. UIS Campus Observatory. Hosted by John Martin, associate professor of astronomy and physics, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a variety of celestial objects, including the moon, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula and star clusters.
• Employee Development Series: Annual Evaluation Training: 9-11 a.m. March 31. Online. This session is for supervisors and will include topics such as form functions and evaluation discussions and pitfalls.
• Retirement & Recognition Ceremony: 9-10:30 a.m. April 7. Student Union Ballroom. This is our annual celebration of employees who have reached retirement and those celebrating service anniversaries. Register today!
• Chancellor's Thinkers Series: 5:30-7:15 p.m. April 7. Student Union Ballroom. Please join me and former Congresswoman and UIS alumnae Cheri Callahan Bustos for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on authentic leadership. Register today.

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

Information that Bears Repeating

Employee Information Session Recording

Thank you to all who attended the employee information session on March 5. For those of you who could not attend, you may watch the recording.

Academic Portfolio Review and Prioritization Update

Several common themes emerged from the Academic Portfolio Review proposed action plans, such as student pathways, curriculum alignment, interdisciplinary work and responsible program management. Next steps involve implementing changes, sharing decisions, and continuing long-term improvement efforts. More information can be found on Orbit.

CARE Framework: Share Your Stories

Our new CARE Framework was introduced at our Spring Professional Development Day. This framework is a foundational approach to how we serve one another and our constituents. It was developed by a cross-section of staff and faculty colleagues following many months of trainings, focus groups and robust discussion. 

CARE stands for Communication, Action, Respect and Empathy. 

1. We are clear, timely and transparent with our communication so others feel acknowledged, understood and valued.
2. We address concerns promptly, follow through on commitments and streamline processes to improve response and resolution.
3. We treat everyone with dignity, patience and understanding — especially in challenging situations.
4. We recognize others' needs and provide compassionate support that fosters belonging.

The CARE Framework will be woven into our university culture. Do you have a story about why you CARE? The CARE working group is collecting stories and testimonials to share with the UIS community. Submit your story here. 

Gift Days 2026

President Killeen has announced that our 2026 Gift Days will be Dec. 24, 29 and 30.

Title IX Training Due April 3

All faculty and staff, excluding extra help (EH) workers, are required to complete the Faculty and Staff Title IX Training module - Building Supportive Communities: Clery Act and Title IX by 5 p.m. April 3. Visit Orbit to learn how to access the training module.

Visionary Giving Circle Funding Proposals

The Visionary Giving Circle invites you to submit proposals for the 2025-2026 annual funding cycle by March 31. This year, a total of $25,000 will be awarded to support initiatives that positively impact the UIS community and align with our mission and values. Learn more or apply for funding.

New Mental Health Self-assessment Tools

The System’s Mental Health Awareness and Support website now offers new Mental Health Self-assessment Tools available to all members of our university community. These evidence-based behavioral health screening tools provide a quick and anonymous way to reflect on whether you may be experiencing symptoms associated with common mental health conditions. Learn more on Orbit.

Star Power

Congratulations to Matthew Scrivano, records and registration officer, who has been named Employee of the Month for March 2026. Matthew is known for his extensive knowledge and his willingness to help others, kindness, exuberant energy, attention to detail and bringing in baked goods. His supervisor said, “Matthew is always willing to step in and help others, whether that means troubleshooting a printer or computer issue, assisting at campus events, or volunteering for committee work.”

Congratulations to the following employees who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to UIS at the Chancellor’s Award Ceremony.

• CAPE Award: Michele Gribbins, associate provost for institutional research and effectiveness
• CARE Award: Ashley Earnest, assistant director of media strategy
• Nova Award: Eden Imming, financial aid coordinator
• Orion Award: Jordan Killen, assistant director of fitness and wellness
• Polaris Award: Ann Comerford, associate vice chancellor for auxiliary service
• Sirius Award: Kelsea Hott, human resources officer

Ken Owen, faculty advisor for the UIS Model Illinois Government (MIG) team and associate professor of history, led students to national recognition as the group earned the Outstanding Large Delegation award at the MIG simulation. Ken praised the students’ dedication, noting the experience strengthened their public speaking, teamwork and understanding of government.

Salem L. Boumediene, CBM associate professor, and Salma Boumediene, CBM adjunct professor, have co-authored a new book titled “AI for Sustainable Business: Leveraging Technology for a Better Future.” Learn more on UIS Newsroom.

Serkan Karadas, CBM assistant professor of finance, led a hands-on workshop for participants in the Springfield Minority Business Institute, a program supported by the University to help minority entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders grow their organizations. Read more on UIS Newsroom.

Happy Spring,

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.