9.29.25

I want to thank Student Affairs and the Homecoming Committee for putting together a fantastic homecoming. I enjoyed watching the soccer and volleyball games, seeing so many students, faculty and staff participate in the Prairie Star 5K and attending the Library Commons Groundbreaking ceremony. If you missed it, you can watch it in the UIS Newsroom.

In other news, UIS has once again been ranked the top public regional university in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report, marking the seventh consecutive year. The 2026 Best Colleges rankings also place UIS 10th among public regional universities in the Midwest. Read more in the UIS Newsroom. These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication each of you brings to UIS every day.

New Information

Disclosure of Non-University Activities is due by Sept. 29

Every fall, certain academic employees are required to file a Disclosure of Non-University Activities (RNUA) and request approval if needed. Updates must also be submitted whenever outside activities change or when required by a granting agency. Disclosures should be completed in the START myDisclosures system by Sept. 29. More detailed information can be found on Orbit.

Conflict of Interest Form for Civil Service Employees is due by Oct. 31

Under Regulation 16.011 - Policy and Rules, Civil Service employees are now required to complete an annual conflict of interest form. UIS employees can visit Orbit to complete the required form by Oct. 31.

Open Photo Sessions on Oct. 14 and 15

The Department of Strategic Communication will host two Open Photo Studio sessions, noon-4:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 15 in the Business Services Building, Room 95. These professional headshots can be used for university and professional purposes. Read more on Orbit.

Annual Ethics Training

Watch for information about the mandatory 2025 Annual Ethics Training, launching on Oct. 1.

Library Commons Construction Schedule and Parking Lot D closure

Facilities and Services released a construction schedule for the Library Commons; activities may shift depending on weather or material availability. Construction for Parking Lot D began last week and will be closed until the Spring semester. You can explore the new Construction Projects page to stay current on all projects shaping our campus.

Presidential Proclamation on H-1B Visas

On Sept. 19, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation that restricts certain nonimmigrant workers with H-1B visas from entering the U.S. At this time, H-1B visa holders are strongly advised to avoid international travel, as reentry to the U.S. may be restricted. UIS is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to communicate directly with those who are affected. Updates will be provided as information becomes available. Read more on Orbit.

The Office of Digital Accessibility Workshops

The Office of Digital Accessibility is hosting a series of workshops this October. Join a session to learn how to create digital content that’s accessible to everyone.

• Digital Accessibility 101: 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 2. Zoom.
• Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations: 11 a.m.- noon. Oct. 8. Zoom.
• Creating Accessible Word Documents: 11 a.m.-noon. Oct. 22. Zoom.

Campus Art Loan Program

Bring your office to life with art! UIS faculty and staff can borrow pieces from the Art & Artifacts Collection through the intra-campus loan program. Explore the collection and request your favorite pieces on Orbit.

UIS Alumni honored for achievement, service and humanitarianism

On Sept. 20, UIS recognized four distinguished alumni for their professional achievements, service and humanitarian impact at the Alumni Gala. Honorees included Robert L. Carter, Joyce A. Nardulli, Tami S. Silverman and Mallory E. Westcott. Read more in the UIS Newsroom.

Upcoming Events

• CSAC Meeting: 10-11 a.m. Oct. 1. BRK 141A or Zoom. The Civil Service Advisory Council meeting is open to all civil service employees.
• Friday Night Star Parties: 8-10 p.m. Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. UIS Observatory. The Star Party on Oct. 3 will be the first annual Tsukimi/Harvest Moon Star Party in memory of Denyce Gammell and sponsored by Marjorie Wallé, Ed.D.
• COVID Stories staged reading: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9. UIS Visual and Performing Arts Building, Room 170. Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, professor of theatre in the Art, Music and Theatre Department, will direct a staged reading as part of COVID Stories exhibit.
• Bite-Sized Wellbeing During Uncertain Times: Evidence, Practice and Resources to Share: 1-3 p.m. Oct. 14. Zoom. Dr. Sexton will explore the mechanisms behind burnout and share evidence-based strategies to improve well-being. Register for the event and learn about the system’s new Mental Health Awareness and Support website on Orbit.
• Lunch and learn Series: “Understanding Political Polarization”: 11 a.m. Oct. 16, Illini Country Club. A.J. Simmons, research director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, will examine the roots of polarization in the United States, and what actions might help bridge the gap. Cost is $50 and you must register by Oct. 9.
• Fall Employee Information Session: 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Brookens Auditorium. Join UIS leadership as they provide updates on NorthStar initiatives and other key developments across campus, followed by a Q&A segment.
• SECA Bingo: 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22. Student Union Ballroom. Join us for SECA Bingo, where all proceeds will go to Compass for Kids.
• ECCE Speaker Series: A Radical Turn: Artist, Curator, and Anti-War Veteran Aaron Hughes On Creative Resistance: 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Brookens Auditorium. Aaron Hughes, an artist, curator and anti-war veteran, will share images and stories from his projects, which draw on his own military experience and long-standing activism.
• Flu Shots: 9 a.m.-noon. Oct. 24. PAC Lobby. Protect yourself and others this flu season! UIS Health Services and the Sangamon County Department of Public Health will offer flu shots to the UIS community. Please bring your health insurance card. Shots are free for those in-network.
• Know Your U Event: Emiquon: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Therkildsen Field Station. All employees who have been employed for six or more months are invited to tour the Therkildsen Field Station as part of a Know Your U Event. Register now.
• Samuel K. Gove Legislative Internship Hall of Fame Reception & Induction Ceremony: 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 27. Old State Capitol Building. The Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Office of Graduate Intern Programs are pleased to host the 2025 Samuel K. Gove Legislative Internship Hall of Fame Reception & Induction Ceremony!
• Supervisor Development Day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 30. Student Union Ballroom. Supervisors are invited to attend this professional development event covering topics such as navigating tough conversations, Ombuds, workers’ compensation and a demonstration of the new EONS program.

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

Information that Bears Repeating

NorthStar Updates

UIS has completed scorecard reports for 154 programs as part of the Academic Portfolio Review. The prioritization results have been shared with Unit Executive Officers, and programs will provide response plans this semester. You can access these reports under the Academic Portfolio Review page. This milestone marks an important step in advancing our NorthStar Initiatives.

State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) Campaign

SECA is a once-a-year voluntary campaign that allows state and university employees to donate to the charitable causes of their choice from Sept. 17 to Nov. 12. Please consider donating today. Learn more on Orbit.

Fall Accelerated Classes begin Oct. 20

There’s still time for your students to register for fall accelerated courses! This is an excellent opportunity for students to catch up, get ahead or simply take a new course they find interesting. A full list of classes is available here.

Founders Day Registration Open

UIS will kick off 2025 Founders Week with its first Founders Day on Oct. 7, hosted by Innovate Springfield. The event celebrates entrepreneurship and Illinois’ innovation ecosystem with networking, demos, a keynote and panel on venture capital and government collaboration and a preview of the new Innovate Springfield space in downtown Springfield. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more and register.

Introducing the Student Philanthropy Program

The Student Philanthropy Program is a student-led initiative to build a stronger UIS for future generations. Leadership team members will help launch the program, creating a legacy of giving while gaining valuable professional and interpersonal skills.

Here’s how you can help:

• Nominate students you think would be interested in this program.
• Spread the word to students in your classrooms or departments—your support is essential to building this program.
• Connect with student leaders who will be reaching out to deans, directors and program chairs to introduce the program, making it easier for you to engage and support their initiatives.

For more information, contact Charles J. Schrage in the Division of Advancement.

New Economic Impact Report

A new report shows UIS contributed nearly $1 billion to the Illinois economy in fiscal year 2023. It also finds that a student with a bachelor’s degree from UIS earns about $33,900 more each year than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Illinois.

HSB 3rd Floor Renovations

Renovations are underway on the third floor of HSB to create a Centralized Lab Equipment Facility. Rooms 329 and 330 will be redesigned as a shared space for housing lab instruments and are expected to be completed by February 2026. Read more on Orbit.

2024-25 UIS Faculty and Staff Campaign Results

The 2024–25 UIS Faculty and Staff Campaign achieved a record-setting 55.04% participation rate, with 426 employee donors contributing $244,939 to support 111 programs, scholarships and initiatives across campus. Thanks to your generosity, you are making UIS a special place to learn, work and grow. Learn more on Orbit.

Celebrating Our Star Power

Congratulations to Cory Strawn, steam and power plant worker in Building Maintenance, on being named September Employee of the Month! His nominator praised his energetic demeanor and positive outlook, calling him a “great asset to the university.” Read more about Cory on Orbit.

Brandon Derman, associate professor of environmental sciences, has been named University Scholar for 2025. This prestigious award, the highest faculty honor from the University of Illinois System, recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship. Only one faculty member receives the award annually at UIS. Learn more on UIS Newsroom.

Getting to Know You

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Happy Fall!

Janet

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

P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I always appreciate the opportunity to showcase your news, events and accomplishments. Highlighting the outstanding work happening across our campus community allows us to celebrate your achievements, promote engagement and share the many ways UIS continues to make a positive impact.