3.23.26

Dear UIS Community:

UIS is working to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Chapter of UPI Local 4100. Please continue to monitor your UIS email for updates from the university and visit our bargaining website for more information.

New Information

UIS Performing Arts Center Update

The original seats and carpet are fully removed. Over the next few months, crews will construct new aisles and install brand‑new seating and carpeting. Since all seats are removed, you may request your seat arm plaque if you have one; otherwise, it will be displayed in the PAC lobby. To claim your original plaque, contact the UIS Ticket Office. Stay up to date on Orbit.

International Research Funding Opportunity

If your research focuses on solutions for poverty, environmental resilience or sustainable wellbeing, it may be eligible for funding through a collaboration between the University of Illinois System’s I-MMÁS initiative and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Proposals are due April 15.

Nominations for the Dr. Tai R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin Humanitarian Award

Nominations are open for the Dr. Tai R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin Humanitarian Award. Nominees should be individuals who demonstrate integrity, courage and a strong commitment to improving lives through advancing human rights, supporting vulnerable communities, protecting the environment or promoting the greater good. The honoree will receive a $50,000 award to present to a department or program of their choosing at one of the U of I System universities. The nomination deadline is April 13.

UIS expands transfer pathway with Parkland College

UIS is expanding transfer opportunities through a new partnership with Parkland College, creating a streamlined pathway as part of the University of Illinois System Transfer Drive Program. Read more on UIS Newsroom.

Naming Campus Facilities and Programs – Policy and Procedures

The Naming Campus Facilities and Programs – Policy and Procedures policy is open for comments from the campus community. Please review it and fill out the policy comment form with your suggestions.

Summer Courses – Priority Registration Now Open

Summer priority registration is now open for current students! Please encourage students who would benefit from summer classes to register. Courses run from June 1 to July 25. Thank you to all faculty and staff who worked behind the scenes to launch our summer course offerings successfully!

Department Newsletters

• The March Strategic Communication newsletter is now available.
• The April Office of Research & Sponsored Programs newsletter is now available.

Upcoming Events

• National Walking Day: Noon. April 6. Colonnade. All faculty, staff and students are invited to meet at the Colonnade for a one-mile walk around campus for National Walking Day. There will be a raffle prize at the end.
• Retirement & Recognition Ceremony: 9-10:30 a.m. April 7. Student Union Ballroom. Come and celebrate our retirees and colleagues for milestone achievements of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service.
• UIS Theatre Production - “Circle Mirror Transformation”: 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 12. April 10-12 and 16-18. UIS Theatre Acting Studio. Join Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, professor and director of theatre, Dathan Powell, associate professor of theatre, and UIS students in this play about a group of small-town residents who bond in their local acting class. Tickets are $10.
• UIC Cybersecurity & Privacy Community Conference: 1-5:45 p.m. April 13. UIC Dorin Forum. The University of Illinois Chicago is proud to host its inaugural Cybersecurity & Privacy Community Conference, an interdisciplinary gathering dedicated to exploring the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities in securing our digital world. This conference is free and open to all members of the University of Illinois System schools. Registration is open now.
• ECCE Speaker Series: “Balancing Innovation and Impact: Confronting the Environment and Health Consequences of Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Development”: 6 p.m. April 15. Brookens Auditorium. Mary D. Willis, an assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health, will describe the impacts of data centers built in the United States and propose policy solutions to help protect local communities.
• Good as Gold Ceremony: 5-6:30 p.m. April 20. Student Union Ballroom. Come together to honor the individuals and organizations that enrich the Springfield community through their dedication and service.

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

Information that Bears Repeating

Fall Welcome Program Proposals

Student organizations and campus units are invited to submit program proposals for the 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.

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.

Star Power

Jessica Madrigal, associate professor of integrated sciences, sustainability and public health, and her students are leading a community-driven effort to address radon exposure and reduce lung cancer risk across Sangamon County. Through partnerships with local organizations, libraries and health groups, the team is bringing education directly to residents while distributing free radon test kits with support from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Learn more about their work on UIS Newsroom.

Stanley Zebulon, director of student success through leadership, wrote an article, “Let’s Assume I Agree: Why the College Degree Still Matters in the Age of AI and Certifications,” for Education Technology Insights. Read the full article on the Education Technology Insights website.

Getting to Know You

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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.