9.2.25

Good afternoon, UIS: 

The fall semester is in full swing, and it’s amazing to see so many students back on campus and the energy they bring to our community. Thank you to the Division of Student Affairs for a wonderful Welcome Week and to everyone who has helped our students settle into a new academic year. 

If you missed our annual Kickoff Meeting on Aug. 21, the recording is available. The vice chancellors and I shared a lot of important information, including updates on the Academic Portfolio Review, our budget and other NorthStar initiatives. I encourage you to watch the recording to stay informed about these critical areas. To say the least, we are not operating in easy times, and the challenges keep coming. We still must make significant progress to reverse our budget trends and grow enrollment, all while navigating numerous uncertainties at the federal level affecting students and higher education at large. It is more imperative than ever that we stay focused on our strategic initiatives, watch the data closely, adapt where we should and keep working the plan, together.  

As we begin this new academic year, let’s take pride in our programs, our people and our progress and continue working together to build a stronger, more sustainable and more impactful UIS! 

New Information

Protection of Minors Reminder

When UIS hosts events with minors, safety comes first. Departments must submit event forms and volunteer lists to Human Resources at least 30 days in advance so background checks can be completed for anyone working closely with minors. This process helps ensure every child who visits our campus has a safe, positive experience. Organizers are encouraged to watch the short Protection of Minors on Campus training video. Learn more on Orbit.

New Faculty and Visiting Fellow

UIS welcomed nine new faculty members for fall 2025, who bring diverse expertise and research interests that strengthen the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

UIS also welcomed Professor Francisco Ramírez Treviño of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco in Mexico City, as a COMEXUS Fulbright Fellow. Hosted by the History Department, he will teach a graduate seminar and share his expertise on Latin America’s recent history, memory, human rights and post-conflict justice. 

Chancellor’s Thinkers Series

The Chancellor’s Thinkers Series invites featured experts from diverse fields to engage in dialogue with Chancellor Gooch, encouraging new perspectives and intentional thinking. The next event, A Call to Think: Enduring Legacy of Lincoln,will take place from 5–7:15 p.m. on Sept. 15 in Brookens Auditorium. Jacob Friefeld, director of the Center for Lincoln Studies, will discuss the relevance of Lincoln’s principles today and how they might guide us through current challenges.

Notice of Applications for Tenure and Faculty Reappointments

Each academic year, the Provost shares with the UIS community the names of faculty members scheduled for tenure and reappointment reviews. These reviews are an important part of maintaining excellence in teaching, research and service at UIS. For 2025–26, the review cycle includes nine candidates for tenure, 12 for second-year reappointment and seven for fourth-year reappointment. Faculty, staff and students with firsthand knowledge of a candidate’s performance are invited to contribute input for inclusion in the candidate’s personnel file. Additional details, including the list of candidates, are available on Orbit.

Founders Day Registration Open

UIS will kick off 2025 Founders Week with its first Founders Day on Oct. 7, hosted by Innovate Springfield. The event celebrates entrepreneurship and Illinois’ innovation ecosystem with networking, demos, a keynote and panel on venture capital and government collaboration and a preview of the new Innovate Springfield space in downtown Springfield. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more and register.

Windows 10 End of Support — Action Required

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. To ensure continued security and compliance, any devices still running Windows 10 after this date will no longer be permitted on the network. Learn more on Orbit. 

Kortext: new e-book platform

UIS is introducing Kortext, a new e-book platform that will make course materials easier to access. Instead of adding separate links in Canvas, students will now find all their digital materials in one place through the new “My Materials” link. Faculty can request desk copies directly in the bookstore Adoption tool by choosing “Open Desk Copy.” More information is available on Orbit. 

Classroom Technology Tools

Looking for ways to save time and improve the learning experience? An article on Orbit explores technology tools like Kaltura Capture for recording lectures, HyFlex teaching strategies for reaching in-person and remote students and Citrix Virtual Desktop for accessing campus software from anywhere. You can also explore tips for tracking online attendance and more.

Department Newsletters

The Office of Digital Accessibility August Newsletter highlights upcoming events that promote inclusive and accessible digital experiences across campus. It also provides guidance for meeting the new Title II regulations by the April 24, 2026 deadline, along with news, tips and resources for the UIS community.

In Mike Hermann’s Notes from the Prairie, our Director of Athletics recognizes our fall sports teams for finishing in the GLVC’s top eight last year and welcomes four new head coaches and nine assistant coaches.

The Academic Affairs August Newsletter features updates on the inaugural Academic Affairs Annual Impact Report, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Quality Initiative, final analysis of the Academic Portfolio Review dashboard reports, Good Idea Fund proposal submissions, Institutional Data Advisory Group, University Experience Survey (formerly the Campus Climate Survey) and so much more.

COLRS 8.28 Catch Up covers online teaching tips and tricks, new features on Canvas and upcoming workshops.

Remember, you can subscribe to department newsletters to receive an email notification when they are posted.

Upcoming Events

• Friday Night Star Parties: 8-10 p.m. Every Friday in Sept. and Oct. (excluding Halloween). UIS Observatory. Explore the night sky with UIS astronomers and telescopes. The Sept. 5 Star Party is designated “Charlie’s Night” in memory of Charles Schweighauser (1936–2025), founder of the UIS Star Parties. A special display of photos and artifacts will showcase his contributions to astronomy, outreach and education.  
• Harmonize Overview Webinar: 1-2 p.m. Sept. 9. Zoom. Harmonize is an online learning tool that integrates with Canvas to make classes more engaging and easier to manage. It offers features like discussion boards, peer review of assignments, PDF annotation, individual assignments and polling—all designed to save instructors time while improving the student learning experience. Join this webinar to see how Harmonize can support your teaching. 
• Kaplan All Access Orientations: 1 p.m. Sept. 9. Learn more about the Prepare for Illinois’ Future Program powered by Kaplan All Access, which has saved Illinois students over $12 million in career readiness and test preparation costs. Register on Orbit.
• ECCE Speaker Series: Asian American Youth Literature: Immigration, Imagination & the Library: 6 p.m. Sept. 10. Brookens Auditorium. What role does literature play in shaping the identities and imaginations of young readers? Dr. Sarah Park Dahlen, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at UIUC, will explore how Asian American youth literature reflects the immigrant experience, fosters belonging, and challenges stereotypes. This thought-provoking talk, Immigration, Imagination & the Library, invites the audience to consider the power of stories in creating more inclusive communities. 
• 9/11 Day of Service: Noon. Sept. 11. Student Union Ballroom. Join fellow UIS students, faculty and staff to assemble care packages for active-duty military members and veterans, supported by a recent grant to the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but those who RSVP in advance will receive a free T-shirt. 
• Homecoming Week: Sept. 14-20. Celebrate Prairie Star pride all week with soccer, volleyball, the Block Party, bonfire, fireworks and the Prairie Stars 5K. These events bring together alumni, students, faculty, staff and the Springfield community. 
• Lunch and Learn Series - Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sept. 15. UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield. UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead an interactive session on artificial intelligence. Participants should bring their personal devices. Cost is $20.  
• Constitution Day: To commemorate the formation and signing of the United States Constitution, the Center for State Policy and Leadership is hosting three events for the UIS community.
  •  Politically Engaged Kids: Constitution Day Community Panel: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Lanphier High School.
  • The Constitution: From Principles to Practice: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 17. Student Union Ballroom.
  • The First Amendment Under Stress: 5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Student Union Ballroom.
• Library Commons Groundbreaking: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19. On the quad near the Student Union. Be part of a historic moment as UIS breaks ground on the new Library Commons, a student-centered hub designed to transform learning, collaboration and campus life. The program will feature remarks from university leadership, a ceremonial turning of the dirt and refreshments. 
• 10th Annual Prairie Stars 5K: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 20. TRAC. Run or walk through our scenic campus in the Prairie Stars 5k to cap off Homecoming Week. Registration is just $20 and includes a commemorative T-shirt. 

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

Information that Bears Repeating

myUIconnect Launch for Students 

As of Aug. 15, the myUIS system has been retired and replaced with myUIconnect, a platform that offers students an improved, user-friendly experience. To learn more, visit Orbit. 

Library Commons  

A new chapter for student life is underway as construction of the Library Commons continues on schedule. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as the heart of campus—bringing together collaborative learning spaces, technology resources and student support services all under one roof. As University Librarian Pattie Piotrowski notes in her Orbit column, the Library Commons is more than just a physical expansion; "it's a thoughtful investment in our students' success."

Celebrating Our Star Power

Nathan Curry, grounds worker, has been named UIS Employee of the Month for August 2025. Known for his kindness and dedication, he helps maintain campus beauty year-round and keeps the community safe in winter. Colleagues praise his hard work, positive attitude and eagerness to learn from others.

Yaz Gulnur Muradoglu, professor in the College of Business and Management, is organizing the 19th International Behavioural Finance Conference in Chicago on Oct. 30–31, 2025. The event will bring together scholars and practitioners across finance, economics, sociology, psychology and decision sciences for two days of collaboration. 

Getting to Know You

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I hope you all are having a great start to your fall semester!

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.