Message from the Chancellor: UIS Update 5.18.26

Author

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.

Publish Date

2026-05-18

5.18.26

Dear UIS Community:

Thank you to all who helped with commencement. Commencement is an incredible reminder of why we do the work we do each day. Watching our graduates cross the stage and celebrate this milestone with their families and supporters was a powerful reflection of the impact this university community has on the lives of our students. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work and responsibilities, but commencement gives us the opportunity to step back and see the bigger picture. Thank you for all you do to help our students succeed and for making moments like these possible.

New Information

Campus Announcements Ending May 29

Campus Announcements will end on Friday, May 29, at 8:59 a.m. To learn more about receiving support with communicating campus updates, visit Orbit.

UHB Environmental Controls Project

In tandem with the classroom lighting upgrade project in UHB, UIS electricians have begun upgrading the building’s environmental controls. Work will primarily focus on floors one through three of UHB. Expect to see removed ceiling tiles, ladders, materials and other project-related equipment throughout the building. The projects are expected to continue through most of the summer. Read more on Orbit.

Protection of Minors Reminder

Departments planning to offer programs for minors should review the Protection of Minors webpage. Departments must follow the planning checklist and submit an electronic event form for approval. The event form and volunteer list should be submitted to Human Resources at least 30 days before the event. Failure to comply may result in certain personnel being unable to participate or the event being canceled. See more information on Orbit.

Campus Senate Elections

Matthew Geras, associate professor in the School of Politics and International Affairs, was elected Campus Senate chair for 2026-27, and Kristi Barnwell, professor of history, was elected vice chair. Learn more on Orbit.

Accreditation Award for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences awarded the Medical Laboratory Science Program 10 years of continuing accreditation.

Department Newsletters

The May Human Resource Newsletter is available.
The May Facilities & Services Newsletter is available.

Upcoming Events

Refresh, Reset, Reorganize: A Summer Digital Wellness: 9:30-10 a.m. Every Tuesday through July 31. UHB 2028 or online. Join Information Technology Services for a 30‑minute workshop series designed to help you clean up your digital spaces, streamline your technology habits and make room for what matters most. Check Orbit for the full series calendar.
Bocce Ball Summer League: noon-1 p.m. Every Wednesday through June 10. Rec Park Bocce Ball Courts. Sign up by May 19 to be a part of the Bocce Ball Summer League.
May Employee Development Series Event with AEO: 9-10 a.m., May 26. Student Union Ballroom. Jeff Moulton from the Access & Equity Office (AEO) will explore the question, “What We Do and How We Support”. It will include an overview of the role of AEO, non-discrimination issues and reasonable accommodations.

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

Information that Bears Repeating

Reminder: PAC Closed Until June 8

The Public Affairs Center (PAC) is currently closed for the completion of a plumbing infrastructure project, which requires a full water shutdown. All units are operating remotely or from temporary locations until June 8. Phased move-ins are expected to begin after this date, with most services returning by late July. Visit Orbit for additional updates.

FY27 Benefit Choice Enrollment

The Benefit Choice enrollment period runs through June 1. If you do not wish to change health, dental, life or dependent coverage, your current elections will continue. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts require enrollment or re-enrollment each year. Read about the Benefit Choice FY 2027 changes on Orbit.

End of Fiscal Year Reminder

The fiscal year ends on June 30. As you review your budgets, please avoid using remaining funds for unnecessary or non-essential purchases. Any unspent funds can be applied toward reducing our deficit and strengthening the university’s financial position.

Bryan Rives Retires as Director of UIS Performing Arts Center

Bryan Rives announced his retirement as director of the UIS Performing Arts Center, effective June 30. After nine years in the role, he led renovations of both the Studio Theatre and Sangamon Auditorium and brought major artists, concerts and Broadway performances to campus. Sarah Brewer, the current director of development, will serve as interim director, effective July 1. Read more on Orbit.

Getting to Know You

Maria Bondesson, presidential professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health, has long been drawn to environmental issues, inspired in part by her mother’s interests. Her current research examines how environmental pollutants affect humans and animals at the molecular level. What fascinates her most is that prevention is often more effective than treatment.

Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and kayaking. Now that her children have left home, she looks forward to spending more time on those hobbies. Learn more about Bondesson on Orbit.

With gratitude,

Janet