3.9.26

Dear UIS Community:

The spring semester is moving quickly, and I hope you’ll consider joining us for the next Chancellor Thinkers Series event. I will be joined by former Congresswoman Cheri Callahan Bustos for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on authentic leadership.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. April 7 in the Student Union. This dialogue will offer an opportunity to hear perspectives on leadership, public service and navigating complex challenges in today’s world.

I encourage you to attend and take part in the conversation. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, and you can learn more about the event and register on Orbit.

New Information

Employee Info Session Recording

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

Voluntary Separation Plan (UIS-VSP) - Deadline Extended

As part of the university’s NorthStar strategic visioning initiative, the University is extending its Voluntary Separation Plan (UIS-VSP) until March 20. This opportunity is designed to help UIS manage budgetary goals because of declining enrollments and increased personnel costs, while providing Eligible Employees with the choice of a separation incentive opportunity.

2026 Faculty-Staff 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 April 3. Visit Orbit to learn how to access the training module.

Spring Break Hours for Dining Services

Please note that the Starbucks in the Student Union will be closed from March 7 to 15. The Food Studio will be open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., March 9-13, and 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., March 15. Learn more on Orbit.

Call for Applicants to the Center for Lincoln Studies

The Center for Lincoln Studies (CLS) is now accepting applications for one Faculty Fellow for the 2026–2027 academic year. Faculty Fellows participate in Center programs and projects. In return, the Center promotes fellows’ work through its website and social media and provides travel funding to support research. Applications are due by Monday, March 23. Please see Orbit for eligibility requirements, program expectations, and benefits.

Visionary Giving Circle is Accepting 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. Apply here for more information.

Abstract Submissions Extended for STARS

Abstract submissions for the 2026 Student Technology, Arts and Research Symposium (STARS), our university’s annual showcase, are open now until March 15. All attendees, including students, faculty mentors, judges, and committee members, must also register using the registration form.

Alternative Spring Break

A group of 10 UIS students are spending spring break in Jonesville, Virginia, as part of the Prairie Stars Service Trip. They will work with the Appalachia Service Project to repair and replace homes for low-income families.

Department Newsletters

The March Human Resources newsletter is now available.

The February Strategic Communication newsletter is now available.

The March Office of Research & Sponsored Programs newsletter is now available.

Upcoming Events

• Emergency Response Training Exercise: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. March 9. Kiwanis Stadium. UIS Athletics will host a planned emergency response training exercise. An increased presence of law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, ambulances and possibly, a helicopter, will be operating near the stadium. This is a test to ensure we have the practices in place in case of an emergency.
• Chancellor’s Award Ceremony: 3 - 4:30 p.m. March 11. Student Union Ballroom. Please join us to celebrate this year's CARE, CAPE, and Star Award nominees and recipients! Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Register today!
• Know Your U Event: UIS Archives and Library Resources: 2 - 3 p.m. March 17. Brookens Library. Learn about UIS and local history through our archives and the valuable information housed right here on campus. 
• Music to Feed the Soul: noon - 1 p.m. March 18. Visual Arts Gallery. Join us as Dr. Sharon Graf and fellow musicians play the theme of Rita Grendze's "Belly" Exhibition: Nourishment and Scarcity.
• ECCE Speaker Series:“Discover Your Superpower: Identity, Agency, and Purpose in the Age of AI”: 6 p.m. March 18. Brookens Auditorium. UIS professor Pam Hoff and founder and CEO of CoreKind LLC, Gina Grant, will discuss how, in an increasingly technology-shaped world, emerging technology and artificial intelligence are not just tools but are social systems that shape opportunity, equity and power.
• College2Career networking hour: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. March 20. TRAC. Join Career Services for breakfast and networking with our Employer Partners before the Career Connections Expo.
• 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.

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

Information that Bears Repeating

Spring Accelerated Courses

Last-half Spring Accelerated Courses begin next Monday! Please encourage students who would benefit to learn more or sign up by Sunday, March 15.

Day of Giving

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

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. 

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.

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. More information is on Orbit.

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.

Star Power

Congratulations to Jeff Sudduth, IT technical associate for Information Technology Services, for being named employee of the month for February. Jeff’s supervisor, Kara McElwrath, says, “Jeff is an absolute rock star. He is incredibly talented. One of his many skills is how user-centered he is – whether the user is faculty, staff or student. I greatly admire his dedication to serving our campus.” Read more on Orbit.

Congratulations to the Center for State Policy & Leadership and Principal Investigator AJ Simmons for receiving three grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois, totaling $248,025. We also congratulate NPR Illinois and Principal Investigator Randy Eccles for receiving a $10,361 PRTV Basic Grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Getting to Know You

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Enjoy the spring weather,

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.