Illinois colleges and universities are pushing for most students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before they return to campuses in the fall.
The state's largest private universities are mandating the vaccine for those who return to campus this fall, while the public systems are taking a more incentive-based approach.
University of Illinois Springfield junior Lexi Dhamrait of Springfield was in New Orleans with UIS administrator Mark Dochterman on an annual spring break service trip when they got word from the university system that in-person classes were canceled for the rest of the semester.
The University of Illinois Springfield could return to a more normal atmosphere in the fall if the pandemic trends continue in the right direction. The university system has announced it plans to offer more in-person classes starting in August, citing the rising number of people getting vaccinated as a main reason.
University of Illinois Springfield students spoke about their visions when the school hosted its first TEDx event on March 20. Antone Evans Jr. is a member of the UIS Student Government Association and serves as student senator for the UIS College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He brought other student organizations on board to help recruit speakers and market the event. "We wanted to focus on bridging the gap between the community and the university," said Evans.
Students applying to college in 2020-2021 will soon have access to over 30 additional colleges and universities across the United States through the Common App online application system. Used by more than three million applicants, teachers, and counselors around the world every year, the Common App platform streamlines the college application process, providing resources and guidance to make college more accessible for students around the country.
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Director of Engagement and Curator of The Sangamon Experience Anne Moseley. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 27, 2021.
Anyone who is 16 years and older can get their hands on a vaccine in Sangamon County starting on Tuesday.
Some local colleges and universities are getting the word out to their students who are now eligible.
The University of Illinois Springfield staff said they’re encouraging students to get the vaccine through virtual discussions with health experts and social media.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on March 30, 2021.
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on May 8, 2021.
This week, I am so very proud to announce that the University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate the incredible achievements of the Class of 2021 through both in-person and virtual commencement ceremonies.
The University of Illinois Springfield is holding a panel discussion on arts advocacy and racial equality.
The UIS Music Program is hosting "From Diversity to Inclusion: Arts Advocacy and Racial Equality in the 21st Century."
The panelists will discuss their efforts to engage the arts to tackle issues of silencing, prejudice, and racism, as well as encourage equity and inclusivity in the arts.
UIS Music Program Director and Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology Yona Stamatis will moderate the discussion.
The University of Illinois System announced Thursday that three state universities will not require students to submit standardized test scores for admission applications.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Springfield will allow high school students to apply for admission for the two upcoming academic years without taking the ACT or SAT.