Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln awards $5,000 grant to the UIS Cares Food Pantry

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has awarded a $5,000 grant to the UIS Cares Food Pantry to help eliminate food insecurity for students currently living on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant comes from the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Greater Capital Region of Illinois, a fund providing charitable assistance throughout central Illinois.

“We have relied very heavily on funding this year due to an increase in student need,” said Jill Hawkins, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center. “The amount that we had in the food pantry fund is drastically lower as we near the end of the academic year. This grant has come at a critical time as we continue to provide for students on campus.”

The UIS Cares Food Pantry, located in student affairs building, is dedicated to making sure that every UIS student has what they need to be successful. UIS Cares helps bridge the gap and provide students with the fuel needed for their academic success.

A micro pantry was recently opened in the west entrance of the Student Union to better serve students. Food is available to students living on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Donations are also accepted and can be added to the shelves at any time.

Students visited the UIS Cares Food Pantry 305 times during Fall Semester 2019.

UIS rebrands LGBTQIA+ training program to encourage and expand inclusion

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services has rebranded its LGBTQIA+ training program for supportive students, faculty and staff allies on campus in an effort to encourage them to take even more actionable steps towards inclusion.

Since 2001, UIS has offered Safe Zone training in several formats. However, this semester the training has been rebranded as Brave Space training in an effort to encourage difficult conversations that affirm LGBTQIA+ people with the additional expectation that participants will assess themselves, their departments and student groups for inclusive practices and policies.

“For the past 25 years, Safe Zone-type programs on college campuses have always been about supportive allies hanging a sign to show they were safe to come out to as a sexual or gender minority, while encouraging conversation with others that have questions about LGBTQIA+ people,” said Kerry Poynter, director of the UIS Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services. “The name change reflects the UIS Safe Zone Committee’s desire for members to take brave steps to engage in difficult conversations that affirm LGBTQIA+ people.”

Participants who previously completed Safe Zone training will be asked to go through a recertification process to achieve Brave Space status. Individuals who complete the training will be given a new Brave Space sign to hang in the office or campus living space letting others know they are supportive of LGBTQIA+ people and issues.

“We think the name change and our recertification process to achieve the new sign will communicate that a supportive ally does more than just a hang a sign and support students that are coming out, but will take actionable steps for inclusion as well as advocacy,” said Poynter.

During the Brave Space training process, participants sign up for sessions where they go through National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) bias and prejudice training and learn about the history of LGBTQIA+ people and issues. Participants can also take classes to learn more about safe dating, pansexuality and bisexuality, religion and transgender.

Participants will receive extensive examples of actionable items and tips on how to be more inclusive in their departments and/or student organizations and daily life. A confidential dialogue will be facilitated that allows members to share their own experiences and attempts to advocate and/or intervene as allies to gender and sexual minorities. Small group dialogues will give opportunity to create and share examples of how they intend to be inclusive. Each participant will receive and sign a pledge check list that are based on content from the advanced sessions.

The UIS Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services provides education, advocacy, support, mentoring and a safe space for sexual and gender minority students at UIS including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, genderqueer, queer, questioning, intersex and asexuals (LGBTQIA+). They also work with heterosexual and cisgender students to become more informed and supportive allies in an effort to create a more inclusive and affirming campus climate.

For more information on Brave Space training, contact Kerry Poynter at 217-206-8316 or kpoyn2@uis.edu or visit go.uis.edu/safezone.

UIS Cox Children’s Center receives Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois

The University of Illinois Springfield Cox Children’s Center has received the Gold Circle of Quality designation, the highest rating possible, from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers.

“Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said Cynthia L. Tate, executive director, Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development. “The higher the designation, the higher the program demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children's early learning needs,” she said.

“We are proud to receive the Gold Circle of Quality,” said Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children's Center. “Providing quality in early learning and development will help our children be better prepared for success in school and in life.”

ExceleRate Illinois helps families make more informed choices about their children's early learning. It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Research in science and brain development shows that children who are more meaningfully engaged in early learning experiences from infancy through the first five years of life are more likely to be successful in school and in life. With the right engagement, children can form a healthy foundation of neural pathways in the brain, which impact their ability to think, react, process and grow.

ExceleRate Illinois is a comprehensive system that includes Licensed Child Care Centers, Licensed Family Child Care, Preschool for All and Center-Based Prevention Initiative Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

ExceleRate Illinois is administered through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies under the joint direction of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development, the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The UIS Cox Children’s Center was established in 1970. The center is a resource for university students, faculty, staff, alumni and community clients. The programs are designed to provide early childhood care and education for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The center also serves as a site for practicum experiences for university students seeking hands-on learning in the field of early childhood education.

The center’s early childhood program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The UIS Cox Children’s Center has received the ExceleRate Gold Circle Quality Designation every year since the program began in 2014.

For more information contact Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children’s Center, at 217/206-6610 or shemb1@uis.edu.

UIS Cox Children’s Center earns national NAEYC accreditation for high-quality

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Cox Children’s Center has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. NAEYC accreditation is the mark of high-quality for programs.

Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition. NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous and transformative quality-improvement system that uses a set of 10 standards that are based on the latest research on the education and development of young children.

The Cox Children’s Center was established in 1970 and has held NAEYC accreditation since 2002. The center is a resource for university students, faculty, staff, alumni and community clients. The programs are designed to provide early childhood care and education for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The center also serves as a site for practicum experiences for university students seeking hands-on learning in the field of early childhood education.

“Maintaining our NAEYC accreditation status is imperative in our goal of providing model early care and education to children and families,” said Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children’s Center. “NAEYC accreditation helps staff develop a shared understanding and commitment to quality. It helps families recognize quality and be assured that children are receiving a high-quality, research-based education that will prepare them for future success.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the UIS Cox Children’s Center went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to verify and ensure that the program met each of the ten program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. NAEYC-accredited programs are always prepared for unannounced quality-assurance visits during their accreditation term, which lasts for five years.

“Pursuing NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous process that we voluntarily engage in to meet the highest program standards for quality early learning,” said Gilmore. “I’m very proud of my team and the hard work they’ve put into achieving this goal.”

In the 30 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC.

For more information, contact Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children’s Center, at 217/206-6610 or shemb1@uis.edu.

Clarice Ford selected as the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield

Clarice Ford has been named the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield, pending formal University of Illinois Board of Trustees approval. Ford has been serving as interim vice chancellor for student affairs since 2014.

Since joining UIS in 2008, she has served as executive director of the UIS Diversity Center, associate dean of students and associate vice chancellor of student services. Ford brings more than 20 years of professional experience in student affairs as well as notable record of public service to UIS.

The UIS Student Affairs Division is comprised of many units that are critical to student recruitment and success, including admissions, records & registration and financial assistance. Ford leads with a forward-thinking, student first philosophy to enhance the co-curricular experience and promote student success.

“Ford received strong support from the Vice Chancellor Student Affairs Search Committee whose members were appreciative of her considerable expertise working in student affairs and her sincere commitment to improving and enhancing student life and opportunities,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch.

Ford earned her doctorate in educational leadership and change from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She holds a master’s degree in religious education and theology from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a master’s degree in adult education/multi-cultural education from Antioch University. She also received her bachelor’s degree in human services from Antioch University.

Ford’s broad experiences are complemented by leadership positions in various professional associations and community service.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, UIS director of public relations, at 217-206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS Cox Children's Center receives Gold Circle of Quality designation

The University of Illinois Springfield Cox Children’s Center has received the Gold Circle of Quality designation, the highest rating possible, from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers.

"We are proud to receive the Gold Circle of Quality," said Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children's Center. "Providing quality in early learning and development will help our children be better prepared for success in school and in life."

"Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said Theresa Hawley, executive director, Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development. "The higher the designation, the higher the program demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children's early learning needs," she said.

ExceleRate Illinois helps families make more informed choices about their children's early learning. It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The Cox Children’s Center was established in 1970. The center is a resource for university students, faculty, staff, alumni and community clients. The programs are designed to provide early childhood care and education for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The center also serves as a site for practicum experiences for university students seeking hands-on learning in the field of early childhood education.

The center is an NAEYC accredited early childhood program and has a Star Level 3 Quality Rating System Certification.

For more information contact Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children’s Center at 217/ 206-6610 or shemb1@uis.edu.

UIS offers free bicycle rentals to students

University of Illinois Springfield students have a new way of cruising on and off campus.

Campus Recreation is now offering the use of free Trek bicycles to students and campus recreation members.

“Star Bikes” can be checked out for five days at a time at the front desk of TRAC to run errands, get to class or just for fun. Locks and helmets are provided at no charge.

The program is sponsored by the UIS Campus Bookstore and Campus Recreation.

UIS establishes new transfer agreements with nine Illinois community colleges

The University of Illinois Springfield has established new transfer agreements with nine community colleges in Illinois. The 2+2 Advising Guide Agreements establish a seamless transfer for community college credit hours into UIS, thus making it easier for students to earn their bachelor’s degree.

“These agreements provide students with a course checklist that they can use to achieve their degree in the most expedient manner,” said Raymond Barnett, UIS Admissions Transfer Coordinator.

The 18 new agreements cover academic subjects, such as computer science, environmental studies, political science, and social work.

The community college partners in these new agreements include Black Hawk College (Moline, Ill.), Danville Area Community College, Illinois Central College (Peoria, Ill.), Lake Land College (Mattoon, Ill.), Lewis and Clark Community College (Godfrey, Ill.), McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, Ill.), Prairie State College (Chicago Heights, Ill.), Rock Valley College (Rockford, Ill.), and William Rainey Harper College (Palatine, Ill.).

In addition to these agreements, UIS currently has 50 separate transfer agreement degree plans under review by 20 community colleges.

“We want to keep establishing connections with every interested party and further secure UIS’ status as the most transfer-friendly university in Illinois,” said Barnett.

For more information and questions about 2+2 agreements, contact Raymond Barnett at 217/206-6628 or email rbarn2@uis.edu.

UIS joins global "One Billion Rising" campaign to stop violence against women and girls

University of Illinois Springfield students and staff joined with activists around the world on February 14, 2013 to dance as part of "One Billion Rising" campaign. The global day of action was aimed at ending violence against women and girls.

“One Billion Rising” began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.

UIS graduate student Nafia Khan has family members from Pakistan and has heard stories about the abuse women sometimes face. The “One Billion Rising” campaign is very close to her heart.

“I felt like it was my civilian duty as an American, who has the rights and abilities to speak up for those who aren’t able to speak up for themselves,” said Khan. “I felt very personally obligated today to participate.”

Junior Legal Studies major Olivia Sykes helped to coordinate the dance and hopes that women walk away with a sense of empowerment.

“It feels liberating and a sense of pride to be a woman,” said Sykes. “Many women around the world are together and they’re rising together and it just shows unity.”

The UIS Women’s Center coordinated the events with the help of both women and men on campus.

“I didn’t want to leave our wonderful young men out,” said Lynn Otterson, UIS Women’s Center director.

UIS Resident Hall Director Zach Berillo helped create a pledge for men to sign based on the promise of anti-violence and respect towards women.

Organizers realize that a single dance will not end violence against women, but they hope it raises awareness about the issue of women’s violence.

“Women are our future,” said Heidi Bruce, a UIS graduate student. “We populate the earth, we teach, we love, we nurture. I really think protecting women’s rights is a really important thing.”

UIS looks back at a "Year in Video 2012"

The University of Illinois Springfield is taking a look back at the Year in Video 2012.

DVD copies of this presentation are available free of charge, upon request by contacting Blake Wood, UIS Campus Relations Multimedia Writer & Producer at 217/206-8404 or bwood8@uis.edu.

This video was produced by the UIS Office of Campus Relations.

Student government Fall 2012 election results

Election results from the Fall 2012 Student Government Association elections have been certified. Voting took place on Wednesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 20.

The following students are the winners of their respective races:

Senator: Education & Human Services - Blake Johnson

Senator: Transfer Students - Dane Vincent

Senator: Undergraduate Students - Justin Keenan

Senator: Freshman Students - Brian Geiger

Senator: Online Students - Barbara Matthews

Senator: Graduate Students - Ying Liu

Senator: At-Large (2 positions) - Samia Ahmad, Joseph McGee

As in every election, not all candidates were successful in obtaining their desired position. There are numerous other leadership opportunities on SGA committees that students may wish to pursue and they are highly encouraged to do so.

Congratulations to all candidates as they demonstrated leadership through their willingness to assume the responsibility associated with these important positions!

UIS students approve referendum to build student union

Students at the University of Illinois Springfield overwhelmingly voted in favor of building a student union on campus on April 18. A total of 432 students voted to approve a fee increase, which will finance much of the construction, while 109 students voted no.

The project will now go through a planning process involving campus administration, university administration, and an outside design firm. This plan will then need to be approved by both the Board of Trustees and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

If the project gains final approval, the student union will be located on the South Quad, next to University Hall. Construction on the project should be complete by 2015.

“Our student union will be a destination for all members of our community - on–campus students, non-traditional students, graduate students, faculty members, staff, alums,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. “It will be our campus living room – a bright and bustling hot spot for student activities long into the future; a place to work on homework, hold meetings, enjoy some new food and beverage options, play video games, and just hang out after class.”

Starting in 2015, a full-time undergraduate student at UIS will pay $200 a semester to finance construction. Students enrolled in an online degree seeking program will not pay any student union fees. It is estimated the total cost of construction will range from $13 to $20 million, with part of the costs also covered through fundraising.

“The student union will become the heart of the UIS campus,” said Tim Barnett, UIS vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “The student union will help facilitate a variety of cultural, social, educational, and recreational programs.”

The new Student Union will likely include enhanced dining choices, a game room, lounge and study spaces, student organization space, large programming space, outdoor gathering areas, and various other amenities. The offices of the Student Government Association, Student Organizations and Office of Student Life would also be in the new facility. The new building will utilize the very latest in green technology to ensure an environmentally friendly and sustainable facility.

Auxiliary enterprises, such as student unions, bookstores, or dining facilities, which are not directly related to instruction, research or service organizational units, but do support the overall objectives of the university, cannot be paid for with state appropriations.

For more information, visit www.uis.edu/studentunion/.

UIS launches Transfer Express - one-stop enrollment for new transfers

The University of Illinois Springfield is making it easy for transfer students to enroll next fall. Transfer Express is a series of nine one-stop, one-day events, beginning on April 27 and running through August 20. Students from area community colleges, other universities, and those who never finished college, can get everything taken care of for fall 2012 classes – in a single day.

Transfer Express will be held on April 27 & 28, May 21, June 22 & 23, July 26 & 27, and August 18 & 20. Weekday sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in University Hall, room 1031.

Prospective transfer students should bring their official sealed transcripts and application fee to the sessions. Students can talk to an advisor about transferring credits, fill out an application, be admitted, secure financial aid, and even register for classes before leaving. Veterans and other students seeking application fee waivers are encouraged to contact the Admissions office prior to arrival at 217/206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu.

No advance registration for Transfer Express is necessary. Students should have a 2.00 cumulative transfer GPA on a 4.0 scale, have 30 transfer hours by entry to UIS in the fall, and have filed the 2012-2013 FAFSA (UIS school code 009333). Students must be applying for an on-campus program. Online programs are not eligible.

For more information, visit www.uis.edu/TransferExpress. Questions may be direction to the UIS Office of Admissions at 217/206-4847.

UIS east campus housing renovation update

Construction is now underway on the second and third phases of a multi-million dollar housing renovation project at the University of Illinois Springfield. Workers are transforming older apartments in Clover Court, on the east side of campus, into newly remodeled townhouse units.

“It will be a townhouse style living environment with all the amenities our current townhouses have,” said John Ringle, director of UIS Housing & Residential Life. “The townhouses will have more of a residential feel with brand new carpet and painted accent walls.”

The east side apartments were built between 1980 and 1992, making them the oldest units on campus. The buildings have been heavily lived in over the years and are showing signs of wear and tear.

In Clover Court, crews have removed the stairs from the outside of the buildings. The staircases are now located inside each townhouse, which features a central kitchen, living room and private bedrooms. Each townhouse has an upstairs and downstairs bathroom, new appliances, and walk-in closets.

“We hope that people consider this as a viable option for where they want to live next year,” said Ringle.

The remodeling effort is taking place in four phases over a span of four semesters. Phase one, which included a remodel of 32 units in Larkspur Court was completed in 2011. Phase two involves the work at Clover Court, while phase three involves renovations at Bluebell Court. The final phase will consist of remodeling additional units in Larkspur Court and Sunflower Court over the summer.

Unlike the previous brown wood exterior, each of the townhouse buildings will now be outfitted with a different color of vinyl siding.

“This will make them more colorful and also easier for residents and visitors to distinguish between the different townhouses,” said Ringle.

A section of Clover Court will remain apartment style to house families and graduate students. A portion of Bluebell Court is being set aside as the new location for the International House, where students from different cultures can live under one roof. Another Bluebell Court building will also accommodate the first-ever graduate student housing community at UIS as well.

The overall project is being paid for through auxiliary finance system funds. All work is scheduled to be complete by the fall semester of 2012.

UIS wins "School of the Year" award at residence life conference

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Housing and Residential Life was recently honored with the “School of the Year” award from the Illinois State Resident Assistant Association (ISRAA). The award was presented during the group’s annual conference.

“We stood out,” said Chad Eversgerd, resident director for UIS West Campus Townhouses. “We went and presented several programs, demonstrated school spirit, possessed great citizenship, helped other schools, and supported others in our institution.”

The conference, held at Millikin University in Decatur, brought resident assistants (RAs) from around the state together and gave them the opportunity to connect and expand their knowledge base. Students spent the weekend learning about leadership, personal development and programs they could take back to their residence halls, townhouses and apartments.

In addition to the “School of the Year” award, UIS was also honored with the “Most Spirited School” award, voted on by the delegations that attended, due to the enthusiasm and school spirit. Students also received the philanthropy award for holding a clothing drive, which supported the Red Cross.

Larry Perse and Ryan Chipman, both student RAs in Lincoln Residence Hall, received a top 10 program award for their “True Blood” presentation. “True Blood” was designed by the two as a community builder program to teach leadership while understanding the diversification of character in a group.

“The students worked really hard and have brought back a reason not only for housing, but for the University to be excited,” said Eversgerd.

UIS RAs who attended the conference included Lyssa Barth, Ryan Chipman, Larry Perse, Sarah Snowden, Chelsea Still, Michael Markwell, Marcus McNeal, Jessica Flynn, Reema Kansara, Andrew Nicol, Mindy Ruckman, and Shonda White. Advisers Chad Eversgerd and Zach Berillo also attended.

About 20 other institutions from around Illinois participated in the ISRAA conference.

UIS Career Development Center receives gold certification from national LGBTQ group

The University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center has received a gold certification from the nonprofit organization OUT for Work for their dedication to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. This is the first time UIS has been honored with the award.

OUT for Work surveyed career centers around the country to find out what resources were available to LGBTQ students. The survey gauged the current career tools, available resources, and programmatic efforts accessible to LGBTQ students through campus career centers. Survey questions focused on the areas of outreach, resources, training, and support.

“The UIS Career Development Center offers LGBTQ-friendly career services tailored toward each student’s individual needs,” said Tammy Craig, center director. “Such services include assisting the student in navigating the myriad of factors related to career planning, including resume writing, interviewing strategies, evaluating friendly work environments, and the job search process”.

Each applicable question on the OUT for Work survey was worth 1 point. Based on the total score, career centers received a rating of A+ gold, gold, silver, or bronze level of certification. Those scores are calculated by percentages. Career centers that score 100 percent earn the A+ gold, 90 to 99 percent earn gold, 80 to 89 percent earn silver, and 79 percent or lower, earn bronze level of certification.

According to their website, “OUT for Work functions as a complimentary component in the total educational experience of LGBTQ college students; effectuating change in the development, evaluation, initiation, and implementation of career plans and opportunities.” The nationally recognized nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating, preparing, and empowering LGBTQ college students for the transition from academia to the workplace.

The gold certification will be awarded during the National Association of Colleges and Employers annual conference in Las Vegas this June.

For more information, contact Tammy Craig at 217/206-6508 or email craig.tammy@uis.edu.

First apartments finished in major UIS Housing renovation

The University of Illinois Springfield is launching a $6.95 million housing makeover, which will renovate many of the older apartments on the east side of campus. The project will be paid for using auxiliary finance system funds and spread out over four semesters.

“This is our oldest area on campus, ranging in age from 1980 to 1992 and they’ve been heavily lived in, heavily utilized, very student friendly environments that have shown the wear and tear,” said John Ringle, UIS director of Housing and Residential Life.

The first phase of construction, the renovation of 8 apartments (32 beds) in Larkspur Court just finished and already students are starting to move in.

“We have completely gutted all of the cabinetry in the kitchen and added new appliances, new counter tops, and a new vinyl composite floor that look very residential,” said Ringle.

During the renovation, several amenities were added to the apartments, such as dish washers, to more closely match the townhouses of west campus. New doors were added to utility closets; closet bi-fold doors, which students often did not use, were removed; carpet was replaced in living rooms and bedrooms; and an accent color wall was added, which is different in every apartment. Additionally, bathroom cabinetry was replaced, new tub surrounds and shower stalls installed, and new bathroom fans added.

“We think the students are going to like it,” said Ringle.

All of the bedroom and living room furniture was refurbished by Illinois Correctional Industries as part of UIS’ sustainability initiative. Next summer the siding on Larkspur units will be replaced along with updated decking.

Each of the Larkspur apartments features 4 private bedrooms and 2 baths. Current housing residences were given the preference for signing up for the remodeled units in April. For others applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Future renovation timetable:

• Fall 2011: Renovation set to begin on two buildings in Clover Court, which were not renovated in 2004. They will be turned into townhouse units without decks and stairs.

• Spring 2012: Bluebell Court apartment renovation set to begin.

• Summer 2012: Remaining Larkspur Court apartment schedule to be renovated.

• Fall 2012: Construction scheduled to finish with renovations of family housing and Sunflower Court.

Student government election results certified

Election results from the Spring 2011 Student Government Association Elections and Constitutional Referendum have been certified. Voting took place on Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14.

The following students are the winners of their respective races:

Student Representative to the Board of Trustees – John Tienken

President – Erin Wilson

Internal Vice President – Shonda White

Treasurer – Ryan Bouray

Secretary – Aaron Mulvey

Senator – Public Affairs & Administration – Aimee Winebaugh

Senator – Liberal Arts & Sciences – Erin Lesko

Senator - Business & Management – Tamila Harris

Senator – Education & Human Services – Blake Johnson

Senator – Online Students – Brent Pierce

Senator – Freshman Students – Ellie Bretzman

SGA Constitutional Referendum
o Yes, I approve the revised Constitution - 331
o No, I do not approve the revised Constitution - 39
o No Vote – 58

As in every election, not all candidates were successful in obtaining their desired position. There are numerous other leadership opportunities on SGA committees that students may wish to pursue and they are highly encouraged to do so. Note: In accordance with the SGA Constitution, this election only involved the SGA positions mentioned above. An election will be held again in the fall for all other senator positions.

Congratulations to all candidates as they demonstrated leadership through their willingness to assume the responsibility associated with these important positions!

UIS announces fall semester 2010 Dean's List

A total of 577 students have been named to the University of Illinois Springfield Dean's List for the 2010 fall semester; 82 are students in the college of Business and Management, 89 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 350 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 49 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 7 are non-degree or undecided.

To qualify for the designation, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

The list is organized alphabetically by hometown.

Download a PDF of the Fall 2010 Dean's List:
DeansListReleaseFall10.pdf

UIS celebrates Homecoming 2010

The UIS community celebrated 40 years of history and showed off their Prairie Star pride during Homecoming 2010.

Participants packed the campus for the annual Homecoming Parade and Pet Parade, BBQ & Lawn Party and UIS Students vs. Alumni/Faculty/Staff Basketball game on Saturday, October 9. The day began with the 2nd annual UIS Homecoming 5K Run/Walk and "Through the Decades" Brunch.

Earlier in the week a Homecoming Pep Rally was held, followed by Mashed Potato Sculpting on Tuesday. Students were also given a chance to make their own spirit wear, treated to a performance by the Neo-Futurists, a homecoming dance and much more.

Students spent time volunteering at Ball Charter Elementary in Springfield on Friday as part of the Prairie Star Service Event. It’s UIS’ traditional way to end the week by giving back to the community.

View photos from Homecoming 2010 on Flickr