1st Generation Initiative
1st Gen Initiative
Dear UIS Faculty,
I’m writing to share an update about how students will access their ebooks and digital materials starting Fall ‘25. Our bookstore partner, Follett Higher Education, is introducing Kortext, a new ebook platform that will improve the student and faculty experience with digital course materials.
What is Kortext?
Kortext is a leader in ebook delivery, trusted by over 7,000 campuses and 3 million students globally. The Kortext platform offers you and your students:
Register your organization or department for the Involvement Expo! Registration is open now until August 20th.
Involvement Expo will be held on August 26th from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Quad.
Questions? Email studentlife@uis.edu.
Be part of the excitement as campus comes alive for the new semester!
Welcome Table - Be a friendly face at key campus locations during the first few days of classes. You’ll help students and visitors find their way, answer common questions, and create a welcoming atmosphere. We’ll provide all the info and supplies—you just bring your smile and helpful attitude!
FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, has named the University of Illinois Springfield as one of 60 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-26. The designation recognizes UIS for its strong commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
Department Program Review
Departmental Program Review
The departmental program review process empowers departments within the Division of Student Affairs to critically evaluate their work and their effect on the student experience through a lens of continuous improvement. The review process is an opportunity for departments to take a comprehensive and critical look at the unit, to clearly state and evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and to outline a plan for future action.
We’re excited to invite you to submit a breakout session proposal for the Student Leadership Summit, taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the Student Union Ballroom!
This year’s theme is "Written in the Stars: Charting Your Leadership Journey", focused on helping student leaders recognize their unique paths, discover their guiding values, and build meaningful connections that shape their constellation of influence.
As part of the upcoming Convocation on August 21, we are creating a welcome video featuring friendly faces from across campus. Please submit by August 10.
Videos should be no longer than 10 seconds. You are welcome to have a whole team of your staff/department together, or do them individually.
We’re thrilled to invite you to be part of New Student Welcome 2025—a vibrant event marking the close of new student orientation and the kickoff to the academic year, designed to help our newest Prairie Stars feel at home and connected!
We’re currently seeking campus partners to host Breakout Sessions, Evening or Late-Night Social Events, or Open Houses/Affinity Group Meet-Ups. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your department, organization, or initiative while making a lasting impact on our newest Prairie Stars.
Cynthia Thompson's Retirement Celebration
We hope you’ll join us as we honor Cynthia in grand fashion, sharing memories, offering our well wishes, and celebrating the incredible legacy she leaves behind.
- Date: June 24, 2025
- Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
- Location: Student Union – South Ballroom
Let’s come together to celebrate not just a career, but a remarkable person whose influence has shaped so many lives.