8.17.26

Dear Faculty and Staff:

A new academic year is here, and I hope you are looking forward to the semester ahead. It’s an exciting time at UIS! We are days away from Move-In Day, Aug. 20. The energy our students bring to campus each fall is a welcome change from our quiet summer months, and I am excited for everyone to see how our campus is transforming, with the Library Commons taking shape and the Public Affairs Center close to being fully operational after more than a year of construction-related closures.

The most meaningful transformation at UIS, however, is not physical. It happens within our students. Higher education has the power to change lives, and in doing so, strengthen communities. At a regional public university like ours, that impact is personal and profound. We see it in first-year students discovering their potential and purpose, transfer students finding a fresh start in a supportive environment, adult learners achieving long-held goals, and graduate students advancing their careers and expanding their influence. Every student journey reflects the transformative power of opportunity, education and support.

We have a big year ahead. Our HLC Reaffirmation Site Visit is 15 months away (Nov. 7-8, 2027); expect to begin hearing details soon about our preparatory work for this critical milestone. Our NorthStar priorities continue to drive our strategic decisions. And we will begin data gathering this semester for our next strategic planning cycle, as our Strategic Compass sets to expire in 2028.

This work will be grounded in our CARE Framework and our commitment to shared governance. By approaching our work with intentional communication, meaningful action, respect and empathy, we strengthen our community and better support our students in achieving their goals.

I encourage you to join us at our annual Faculty-Staff Academic Year Kickoff meeting, starting at 1:30 p.m. Friday (Aug. 21) in the Student Union Ballroom. The event offers the opportunity to learn more about our strategic initiatives, welcome new colleagues and celebrate the start of a new academic year together. The New Student Convocation and Party on the Quad will immediately follow.

Thank you for everything you do for our students and our university—I look forward to working alongside you and celebrating the start of another great year together.

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield