When I was applying to college, as the first person in my family to attend, there were a lot of terms I didn’t know. I would try to ask my mother, but since she never attended college, she didn’t know many of them either.  Enrolling seemed difficult because this new vocabulary was confusing and frustrating. Terms that seemed natural to everyone else felt completely new to me, and I was sometimes afraid to ask questions because I thought I should already understand them. 

Quality Initiative (QI) Update: Strengthening Advising to Promote Student Success | Charting Our Course to HLC Reaffirmation: Navigating by the Stars | Good Idea Fund

The Good Idea Fund is accepting applications through Oct. 1.

View the Academic Affairs Annual Impact Report, which highlights just a few of the many ways we advanced our mission and served our students during AY 2025-26.

Please welcome our six new full-time faculty members for fall 2026.

The University of Illinois Springfield celebrated faculty achievements during the 2026 Faculty Honors Celebration held May 5 in the Student Union Ballroom. Chancellor Janet L. Gooch and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Brandon E. Schwab presented the awards, with Craig McFarland serving as emcee. The annual event recognizes excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and community engagement.

April-May 2026

From Provost Schwab

Dear Colleagues,

With final exam week and commencement in sight, my message is simple: thank you. Commencement reminds us why our work matters—students crossing the stage, families and friends cheering, and futures opening because of the learning and support you provide.

Together, we make a difference.

As we finish the academic year, I hope we can celebrate small wins, extend grace, and support colleagues and students through the final projects, presentations, and exams.

Academic Affairs Colleagues,

I write to provide an update on the Academic Portfolio Review and Prioritization process. From the beginning, the Academic Portfolio Review (APR) was not intended to be a retrospective exercise. It was designed to help programs look forward, clarify priorities, and make intentional choices about where to invest time and resources, where to adapt, and where to let go. 

March 2026

From Provost Schwab

Greetings!

As we near the midpoint of the semester and anticipate spring recess, the longer days and milder temperatures offer a welcome reminder that progress—both personal and professional—is often incremental and cumulative. Even during this busy time, I hope you are finding moments to enjoy the change in season and to pause, if only briefly, amid competing priorities.

The Prepare for Illinois’ Future program powered by Kaplan’s All Access License will continue, ensuring ongoing support for students across Illinois!

Our partners with Kaplan are thrilled that UIS students have continued access to industry-leading courses. Encourage students to not miss out on this opportunity! They can enroll in one of the 40+ courses that will help secure their path to success in graduate school and beyond UIS.