10.27.25
Happy Monday,
I want to thank you all for joining me for the Fall Employee Info Session on Oct. 16 to discuss enrollment and retention, construction projects and how we are moving towards our NorthStar initiative to make our university a better place. For those of you who could not attend, the session was recorded and can be accessed on Orbit.
New Information
Campus Services to Sunset
As part of our NorthStar priorities, the Campus Services unit (graphic design, mail, central stores/receiving, printing) will be sunsetted over the next few months after extensive review with help from the University of Ăĺ±±˝űµŘ System. Clients who use Campus Services frequently will be contacted in the coming weeks to plan projects through December, and an operational plan is being drafted to meet the needs of the university beyond the end of the year. If you have specific questions, please .
Annual Fire Drill
Annual fire drills will take place Nov. 6 and 7. Check Orbit for your office’s scheduled drill time and review evacuation procedures to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation.
Retraction of Election Notice for CSAC
CSAC is issuing a retraction of the distributed notice regarding the upcoming election for the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee (SUCSAC). They were incorrectly informed that a representative position was open for election. Learn more on Orbit.
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day at the Bookstore
In honor of Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, faculty and staff can enjoy special discounts and giveaways at the UIS Bookstore on Oct. 29. Visit Orbit to learn more.
“Meet a Star” Social Media Series
Do you have an interesting hobby outside of work, or know a coworker who does? Media Strategy is looking for faculty and staff to feature in our "Meet a Star" series, which spotlights the unique things UIS employees do off the clock. Learn more on Orbit.
New academic offerings in legal studies and public leadership
The Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies now includes new transfer pathways designed to support students interested in paralegal preparation, and a new Public Leadership minor is being launched for all undergraduate majors. Read more in the UIS Newsroom.
Department Newsletters
The Office of Digital Accessibility newsletter highlights the new Title II digital accessibility regulations. Departments must ensure all digital content and courses meet the updated standards by April 24. Check out the newsletter for guidance on how to get started.
Upcoming Events
- 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. This will be an in-person event exclusively for supervisors to discuss topics like, discipline, Ombuds, workers’ comp and the Exiting and Onboarding Notification System (EONS program). ¸é±đ˛µľ±˛őłŮ±đ°ůĚýtoday!
- Trunk or Treat for Canned Goods: 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Oct. 31. Parking Lot B. The Cox Children’s Center and the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center are hosting Trunk or Treat for Canned Goods. All donations directly benefit the UIS Cares Food Pantry. ¸é±đ˛µľ±˛őłŮ±đ°ůĚýyour department today!
- Artist in Residence Program: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 2. Therkildsen Field Station. The Artist in Residence (AIR) program will debut original works inspired by the Emiquon Preserve during “Fall Projects Unveiled.” The event is free and open to the public.
- Fall 2025 ECCE Speaker Series: Learning Indigenous Truthtelling of Boarding Schools: 6 p.m. Nov. 5. Brookens Auditorium. Join Dr. Farina King; citizen of the Navajo Nation, Horizon Chair of Native American Ecology and Culture and Associate Professor of Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma; in exploring how young researchers are helping uncover the layered histories of Native American boarding schools.
- Lunch and Learn Series: “Book Bans and Cultural Tensions”: 11 a.m. Nov. 7. Illini Country Club. Deborah Brothers, award-winning English faculty member at Lincoln Land Community College, will discuss the resurgence of book bans in the United States. Cost is $50.Â
Check the employee events calendar on Orbit for more opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate together.
Information that Bears Repeating
Annual Ethics Training due Oct. 31
A final reminder that your annual ethics training is due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. You can find more information in the Human Resources October Newsletter.
Report Website Issues
If you spot any issues on the site or app, please report them to help ensure a seamless digital experience for all users. Learn more in the Strategic Communication October Newsletter.
2024-25 Enrollment and Retention Management Impact Report
The 2024-25 Enrollment and Retention Management Impact Report highlights how we are advancing student success and strengthening enrollment and retention efforts. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and mission.
Multi-Factor SMS Retiring October 30
If you use SMS passcodes when signing in to university resources with Duo, you will need to follow the instructions on Orbit to select a different option before Oct. 30.
SECA Campaign Silent Auction
It's time to buy a basket as part of the 2025 SECA Campaign! SECA is an opportunity for UIS employees to donate to the charity of their choice via payroll deduction or a one-time gift. Online bidding will be open from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7. Winners will be announced, and payment will be due on Nov. 10.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal regulations and the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the 2025 UIS Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available. The report details crime and fire statistics from 2022–24 and outlines UIS’ safety policies and prevention efforts. We encourage you to review the report and learn how you can help keep our campus community safe.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Congratulations to Robert Mitchell, who has been named assistant vice chancellor of Facilities & Services. A retired U.S. Air Force civil engineer officer with 20 years of service, Mitchell joined UIS in 2023 as director of construction. Jill Wilberg, vice chancellor for finance and administration, praised his expertise, saying, “His deep background and proven experience make him the right person to take on the complex challenges ahead… With his leadership, we’re poised to become a more efficient, responsive and future-ready campus.” Read more on Orbit.
Getting to Know You
Celest Weuve, associate professor in the School of Health Sciences, has had a lifelong passion for sports. Growing up, she spent her time playing, watching, and thinking about them—especially football. A devoted fan of the New Orleans Saints (“Who Dat!”) and the Tennessee Volunteers, her passion for athletics eventually led her to her current research focus on workplace bullying. Read more about Celest on Orbit.
Happy Fall!
Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Ăĺ±±˝űµŘ 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.