Wednesday, December 10, 2014

UIS to launch a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) exploring the Innocence Movement

The University of Illinois Springfield will launch a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the Innocence Movement on February 2, 2015. The free online class is open to anyone who wants to participate. Online registration for the class is currently underway.

The six-week course will be led by Gwen Jordan, J.D, Ph.D., UIS assistant professor of legal studies and staff attorney for the Illinois Innocence Project. The course is designed to introduce and educate interested members of the public about the serious issues of wrongful conviction, the work of the innocence movement, and strategies to prevent wrongful convictions in the future.

The MOOC will explore the scope of the problem, the causes of wrongful convictions, the nature and difficulties of post-conviction innocence work and policy initiatives to address these issues.

The Innocence Movement began in 1992 when Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld established the Innocence Project at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University with an aim to assist prisoners who could be proven innocent through DNA testing. Over the last two decades, lawyers and activists have established more than 70 innocence projects across the United States and more than a dozen additional projects around the world.

MOOCs are free online courses. Typically, students will read materials, view video lectures and interviews, participate in discussion, and complete assignments. Students worldwide can take part according to their own schedule and skip sections that are not of interest. After the MOOC has ended, the material remains available as a learning resource for teachers, students, and the general public. Currently no academic or continuing education credit is awarded for MOOCs offered at UIS, though students who complete the course may earn a digital badge. Digital badges are a credentialing tool to validate both formal and informal learning.

Those interested in registering for this free online class can do so by visiting https://uis.coursesites.com/. Anyone can register for the class. You do not have to be a UIS student.

For more information on the Massive Open Online Course, contact Gwen Jordan at gjorda2@uis.edu.

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

UIS named to President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for seventh year

The University of Illinois Springfield has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for a seventh consecutive year. The award is one of the highest federal recognitions a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

During the 2012-13 academic year, UIS students spent 66,070 hours engaged in community service. A total of 905 students engaged in some type of community service, with 440 students volunteering at least 20 hours.

“To provide some perspective on this number, 66,000 hours of service represents between $600,000 and $1,000,000 of value to our community, and most of that is being directed toward nonprofit and community-based agencies right here in Springfield,” said Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center.

Highlights of 2013 UIS volunteer efforts include students collecting over 200 pounds of toiletries and supplies for veterans and $200 in cash donations in support of American Legion Post 32 in Springfield. Students also collected 11,140 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank as part of the Trick or Treat for Canned Goods event.

In April 2013, over 200 UIS students participated in the Habitat for Humanity Brush with Kindness Program and made significant exterior renovations to five Springfield homes.

UIS students also traveled to Atlantic City, New Jersey in May 2013 to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Over the course of one week the UIS volunteers helped rebuild four homes damaged by the hurricane.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which has administered the Honor Roll since 2006, annually highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community problems and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by recognizing institutions that achieve meaningful, measureable outcomes in the communities they serve.

Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Campus Compact.

For more information on the award, contact Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at 217/206-8448 or mdoch2@uis.edu.

Monday, December 01, 2014

College-bound students give UIS website an "A" grade for being user-friendly

College-bound students rate the University of Illinois Springfield’s website among the best in the nation for the ability to find information easily. That’s according a new report from the National Research Center for College & University Admissions (NRCCUA).

As part of the evaluation, high school students examined the UIS website for key features such as ease of navigation, the ability to apply online, and tuition and financial aid information.

The UIS website ranked eighth best in the nation among the 2,929 college and university websites that were reviewed in the NRCCUA’s 16th annual Enrollment Power Index. Overall, the UIS website was ranked in the top 99th percentile nationally.

“We were surprised and excited about the ranking. The redesign of our website was a part of a wider effort to enhance our online presence to our audience, especially prospective students,” said Munindra Khaund, UIS director of web services.

As part of the report, technical experts also rated the website’s navigation and design. The UIS website received high marks for the ease of navigation between sections and overall for its responsive design.

“When it comes to our web traffic, we are dealing with a wide range of viewports on mobile, tablets, and desktops. Responsive web design allows us to serve up our websites by responding correctly to these varying display sizes,” said Khaund.

The NRCCUA report found that the UIS Admissions website made it easy for students to request information, submit their application, sign up for a campus visit, and track their application status online. The website also received points for easy access to social media and the ability to directly email and chat live with a counselor.

“Today’s college-bound students expect fast and easy access to college information,” said Fernando Planas, UIS director of admissions. “Colleges and universities that can’t keep up with new information technologies and advances in social media will fall short of meeting the expectations of prospective students. If that happens they risk losing in the competitive world of college enrollment.”

According to the report, “three out of 4 students say that a college website is the most influential resource in their college planning process. Sixty percent of seniors draw a direct correlation between the quality of a college’s website and their quality of education.”

“We know that the UIS website is often the first place a student turns when looking for information about the university,” said Khaund. “We are dedicated to making the website more user-friendly for all our visitors and staying on the cutting edge of technology.”

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

UIS welcomes new University of Illinois President Timothy L. Killeen

 
Timothy L. Killeen, vice chancellor for research and president of the Research Foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY), was named the 20th president of the University of Illinois Wednesday, pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees. Killeen was welcome to the Springfield campus during an introductory event.

Killeen, 62, who would succeed retiring President Robert Easter, brings the experience of more than three decades as a teacher, researcher and administrator in public higher education and in top leadership positions with national scientific research agencies.

His work at SUNY mirrors core missions of the University of Illinois – supporting pioneering research and scholarship across disciplines, and taking it to the marketplace to drive economic growth.

As president of SUNY’s Research Foundation, Killeen is chief executive officer of the largest, most comprehensive university-connected research foundation in the nation, administering about $900 million annually across SUNY’s statewide network of 29 state-supported research campuses. Combined with his role as vice chancellor for research, he is at the center of SUNY’s strategy for research growth and works with campus leaders to increase basic, clinical and translational research.

He also chairs SUNY’s Patent and Inventions Policy Board, which seeks to promote economic development by turning research discovery into new businesses, products and services.

Killeen spent more than 20 years on the faculty and in administration at the University of Michigan, and served as assistant director for geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF) before joining SUNY in 2012. The independent federal agency provides nearly a quarter of federal research funding for U.S. colleges and universities, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranks third among U.S. universities in NSF funding.

A leading researcher in geophysics and space sciences, Killeen earned his Ph.D. in atomic and molecular physics from University College London at the age of 23. In 2007, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, which honors the world’s most accomplished engineers.

Killeen was selected as the next U. of I. president from a field of about 200 candidates and emerged as the top choice in the eight-month search because of a unique background that will help build on the University’s long legacy of contributions to progress and economic growth, said Board of Trustees Chairman Christopher G. Kennedy.

“Academic research institutions are the greatest renewable economic resource this country has ever had, and we are thrilled to have one of the greatest living researchers in America to lead the University of Illinois,” Kennedy said.

Killeen said the University of Illinois is a premier university with a nearly 150-year legacy of excellence in education, research and service to the state and nation.

“I am thrilled and deeply honored to have been selected by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees to serve as the next president of this incredible university,” Killeen said. “The University of Illinois, with its three distinctive world-class campuses, stands poised to build on its tremendous and ongoing history of accomplishment to envision and define the future of public comprehensive higher education.

“Firing on all cylinders, and with distinguished leadership and fabulous faculty in place, the University of Illinois will continue to broaden opportunity; educate, enrich, and empower our students; discover, create, and disseminate the new knowledge needed for our common future; and drive economic development through innovation – all with a commitment to scholarship and excellence and in service to the public good,” he said. “I will devote myself to this noble enterprise with every ounce of my energy. I thank the Board of Trustees for their confidence in me.”

As president, Killeen will lead a university that is the state’s largest educator with more than 78,000 students on its three campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield, along with satellite medical campuses in Peoria and Rockford. The Urbana-Champaign campus is part of the Big Ten Conference, the Chicago campus is home to the nation’s largest medical school and a hospital and clinics that provide more than 450,000 patient visits annually, and the Springfield campus is regarded as a national leader in online education.

The University of Illinois is a top-ten research university with nearly $1 billion in separately funded research, including $549 million in federal funding that ranks 14th among universities nationwide. The university has a $5.6 billion annual budget and more than 29,000 employees across its campuses.

Before joining SUNY, Killeen spent four years as assistant director for geosciences at NSF, managing a funding portfolio that grew from $750 million to $800 million during his time at the agency. He is founding co-chair of the Belmont Forum, which gathers representatives of leading government funding agencies worldwide to collaborate on global climate change research, and the Science and Technology Alliance for Global Sustainability.

He also has served as a Lyall Research Professor at the University of Colorado, and from 2000-2008 was director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, one of the world’s premier atmospheric research centers.

During his more than two decades at the University of Michigan, he was a researcher and professor of atmospheric, oceanic and space sciences, and also served as associate vice president for research.

Killeen has authored more than 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals, along with 300 other publications and papers. He also has served on various White House committees and task forces, and has testified on multiple occasions to Congress and the Executive branch.

He is a native of Wales and is a U.S. citizen. He earned his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. at University College London. His wife, Roberta M. Johnson, has a Ph.D. in Geophysics and Space Physics from the University of California at Los Angeles and is executive director of the National Earth Science Teachers Association and clinical professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the State University of New York at Albany. They have three children.

Killeen would become the 20th president in the 147-year history of the University of Illinois, which was founded in 1867 as one of the nation’s original land-grant universities.

He would succeed Easter, who has served as president since July 2012. Before becoming president, Easter spent his entire, more than 40-year career as a faculty member and senior administrator in Urbana-Champaign. He joined the faculty in 1976 after earning his doctoral degree in animal science from the Urbana-Champaign campus, and later served as dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, as interim provost, as interim vice chancellor for research and as interim chancellor from 2009 to 2011.

Easter plans to continue his work as a researcher on the Urbana-Champaign campus after he officially retires as president on June 30.

A complete biography and curriculum vitae for Killeen can be found at www.uillinois.edu/20thPresident.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Dean Ronald McNeil named the PNC Distinguished Professor in Banking and Finance at UIS

Ronald McNeil, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business and Management at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been appointed the PNC Distinguished Professor in Banking and Finance at UIS. The announcement was made during a ceremony of investiture at UIS on November 17, 2014.

McNeil became dean of the College of Business and Management and professor of Business Administration at UIS in 2002. He helped the college gain AACSB accreditation in 2007 and reaffirmation in 2012. He also started an international exchange programs for faculty and students in China, Vietnam and France. Under McNeil’s leadership, faculty publications in the College of Business and Management have increased fourfold. In 2013, McNeil worked to enhance UI Healthcare Administration by serving on the Five Member Steering Committee to improve/evaluate University Administration, and was principal investigator on three grants.

Before coming to UIS, McNeil was dean of the Charlton College of Business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth for ten years. During this time, the College was endowed by a private donor and over $15,000,000 was raised in gifts and grants. Before this, he was associate dean of business at the Georgia College & State University and directed a number of special outreach programs. Prior to academia, he was president of a mining company, senior consultant to Fortune 500 companies and a manager for a not-for-profit organization.

He has authored/co-authored over 50 publications, delivered presentations in China, Taiwan, Italy, France, Brussels, Oxford and the United States. McNeil received his Ph.D. and master’s degrees from the University of Memphis and completed his undergraduate degree at Ambassador College, in Bricketwood, England.

PNC and the PNC Foundation have long histories of strengthening and enriching the lives of communities in which they live and work. They provide resources to seed ideas, foster development initiatives and encourage leadership. The Foundation makes it a priority to partner with local nonprofit organizations to enhance educational opportunities and promote economic growth. PNC's continuing support of a Distinguished Professor in Banking and Finance at UIS exemplifies this commitment.

For more information, contact Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for development, at 217/206-6058 or jlorber@uis.edu.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

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.

Monday, November 03, 2014

UIS students collect over 11,000 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank on Halloween night

Almost 200 University of Illinois Springfield students helped to collect a record 11,620 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank on Halloween night. The total breaks a previous Trick or Treat for Canned Goods record of 11,147 pounds of food collected in 2013.

Teams of students went door-to-door in several Springfield neighborhoods collecting the canned goods. Earlier this month, the teams canvassed the neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project.

Collected items were returned and weighed on campus. Prizes were awarded to the teams that collected the most food.

“Team UnNamed” won the overall prize by collecting 1,928 pounds of food. The Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity chapter at UIS won the most pounds per team member award by gathering 836 pounds of food with only seven team members.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes over 8.5 million pounds of food annually to more than 150 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region.

For more information, or if you have food that was not collected, please contact the UIS Volunteer Center at 217/206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

UIS students connect with donors at Scholarship Luncheon


The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 29, 2014. Over 275 people attended the celebration in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby. For many of the donors it was their first time meeting the students they support.

“I think it’s such a great idea and so unique to UIS to bring the donors and the recipients together,” said Kathryn Eisenhart, a scholarship donor and UIS emeritus associate professor of Legal Studies.

Senior Political Science major Gloria Dandridge would not have been able to attend UIS without the support of a scholarship.

“It has made a huge difference. This is the first semester that I didn’t have to take out student loans,” said Dandridge. “I was able to buy books and pay for classes and everything.”

Donors Micah and Peggy Bartlett know how a quality education can benefit a person for a lifetime. Micah earned his degree in accounting from UIS. Now he’s decided to give back to his alma mater.

“I was a recipient of scholarships when I was a student,” said Micah. “For us, this is a wonderful way to pay it forward and support education.”

Scholarships have made it possible for Shyleen Studley to earn her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. She’ll be eligible to graduate next year thanks to the support.

“I didn’t even think college was a possibility,” said Studley. “Now I’m graduating next year and it’s overwhelming to see how far I’ve come.”

Both Dandridge and Studley are thankful for the help they’ve received and hope to one day pay it forward.

“It just inspires me to be able to give back when I get in the position to do so,” said Dandridge. “I’m grateful.”

Monday, October 27, 2014

Cultures on display at the annual UIS International Festival


The University of Illinois Springfield hosted the 37th annual International Festival on October 24, 2014 at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on campus. The theme of the festival was "One World, One Beat!”

The festival gives international students a chance to share their cultures with fellow students and members of the Springfield community. The festival featured food and entertainment from several African nations, China, India, Ireland, Peru, Turkey, Scotland and more.

“It’s really the one time a year when we get to know about different cultures,” said Natalie Fung, a sophomore business administration major. “This school is really diverse, but we never really get to know about each other.”

Siddharth Modali came to UIS from India to study Management Information Systems. He’s glad to be able to share his culture and learn about others.

“I came to the United States to pursue my master’s and have interaction with all of the international students,” said Modali. “I’m very happy I’m doing what I wanted to.”

For other students, such as biology major Stephaine Ijaola, they come to the festival to share their culture and also enjoy the free food.

“I think it’s just awesome to get to see everyone’s different cultural backgrounds,” she said.

The International Festival is the longest running student event on the UIS campus.

Friday, October 24, 2014

UIS survey finds high level of support for "millionaire’s tax" among likely Illinois voters

A survey by the University of Illinois Springfield Survey Research Office, part of the Center for State Policy & Leadership, finds almost two-thirds of Illinois voters plan to vote in favor of an advisory referendum on the November ballot, which asks if they support increasing taxes on individual income of more than $1 million.

The online survey asked participants about their level of support on a variety of different tax issues and found that 63.1% of Illinois likely voters report that they will support this referendum, commonly referred to as the “millionaire’s tax.”

The highest level of support is among female voters, younger voters, and voters identifying as Democrats. For example, 71.4% of voters age 18-24 report that they support this referendum compared to only 57.6% of voters 65 and older. More than three-fourths of Democratic voters support the referendum compared to less than half of Republican voters. Interestingly, there are not significant differences among income groups. While individuals earning more than $120,000 annually report the lowest amount of support, all other income groups support the measure at relatively equal levels.

The online panel participants were recruited by Qualtrics and include 723 likely Illinois voters. The survey results were weighted using 2010 exit poll data and included two quotas (age and region of the state). The overall margin of error is +/- 3.7 percentage points. Complete question wording and methodology is available at www.uis.edu/SurveyResearchOffice/.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.

Monday, October 20, 2014

UIS Poll: Rauner and Quinn in dead heat among likely voters; Rauner leads among enthusiastic voters

An online survey conducted by the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership’s Survey Research Office shows that Gov. Pat Quinn and challenger Bruce Rauner are in a virtual tie less than a month before election day.

The online panel participants were recruited by Qualtrics and include 723 likely Illinois voters. Challenger Bruce Rauner leads slightly 43.1% to 41.3% with 14.0% still reporting that they are undecided. These results are within the margin of error and indicate that there is no clear favorite in the gubernatorial race. In the other statewide race, Senator Dick Durbin leads challenger Jim Oberweis 50.4% to 34.9% (14.1% undecided). Generally, Democratic candidates lead Republican candidates in the U.S. House of Representative races, 43.1% to 32.4% (24.5% undecided).

Likely voters were also asked about their level of enthusiasm and whether they are more enthusiastic than usual about voting in the upcoming elections or less enthusiastic than usual. Of those who reported that they are more enthusiastic, Bruce Rauner has a nine percentage point lead (49.2% to 40.3%, 10% undecided).

“This poll has results very similar to telephone polls released in the past several weeks, indicating that the gubernatorial election is still too close to call,” said Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office. “Using this technology allows us to be in the field at a time when traditional survey methods are expensive, and Illinois residents are experiencing telephone polling fatigue.”

This is the first time the UIS Survey Research Office has conducted an online panel and is part of their ongoing effort to test innovative survey methods.

The survey results were weighted using 2010 exit poll data and included two quotas (age and region of the state). The overall margin of error is +/- 3.7 percentage points. Complete question wording and methodology is available at www.uis.edu/SurveyResearchOffice/.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.

Wednesday, October 01, 2014

UIS announces $2.4 million raised for Student Union

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch announced private gifts totaling $2.4 million earmarked for the new Student Union Tuesday during a campaign kickoff party on campus.

Significant gifts have been received from Dr. Shirley Baer, Jack Dolan, Bill and Mary Schnirring, recent UIS honorary degree recipient Evelyn Brandt Thomas, and Robert and Marilyn Uteg through a bequest.

The 50,000-square-foot Student Union building at UIS is expected to open in late fall of 2016. It will house dining services, a high-end coffee shop, many lounge spaces, and a Student Leadership Center with offices for student leaders and workspaces for projects. A ballroom with adjoining catering facilities will accommodate 350-450 people at banquets and will also serve as conference space. A large plaza for outdoor events will surround the north and west ends of the building. Community members will be able to schedule activities in the ballroom/conference spaces or on the plaza through UIS Conference Services.

The total cost of the project will be $21.75 million. In 2012, UIS students approved a referendum to increase student fees to cover about half of that cost. Learn more about the Student Union project at www.uis.edu/studentunion/.

For more information, contact Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for development, at 217/206-6058 or jlorber@uis.edu.

Monday, September 29, 2014

UIS survey reveals growing positive expectations about the Sangamon County economy

A survey conducted by the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership, in partnership with The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, shows employers have growing positive expectations for their own business, their sector, and the overall Sangamon County economy. Expectations for the Sangamon County economy increased six points since Spring 2014.

The Fall 2014 Sangamon County Economic Outlook Survey studied local businesses and non-profits in order to gauge expectations across several economic indicators. The survey is based on the responses of 207 individuals representing various economic sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail, financial, and healthcare.

“In previous surveys, respondents’ expectations about their own business and sector have been more positive than for the Sangamon County economy overall,” said Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office. “This continues to be true in the Fall 2014 survey, however, the difference in expectations is less.”

The Fall 2014 Sangamon County Economic Outlook Survey includes a section examining the assets and liabilities for doing business in Sangamon County. Respondents believe that “health care facilities and quality” is the greatest asset for doing business in Sangamon County while “total state taxes on business” is the greatest liability. The other top asset in Sangamon County is “proximity to colleges/universities/technical schools.”

Respondents were positive regarding all economic factors with the exception of contributions to non-profits in Sangamon County. While the Fall 2014 survey reports a slight improvement in expectations about contributions to nonprofits from the Spring 2014 survey, the overall expectation is still negative. In fact, this is the single item in the survey that has not rebounded since the recession in 2008.

The survey is sponsored by the University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor’s Office, the Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

UIS partners with the UIC College of Nursing and Memorial Health System to launch BSN program

The University of Illinois Springfield is partnering with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Nursing and Memorial Health System to offer students an opportunity to earn a UIC Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on the Springfield campus.

“As Springfield’s medical district grows, there is a demand for additional highly qualified nurses in the area,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch. “This partnership will bring one of the top ranked schools for nursing in the country to Springfield, while helping to further boost undergraduate enrollment growth at UIS.”

The program can be completed in four years of full-time study and involves two phases: two years of pre-nursing and general education courses at UIS and two years of professional nursing courses, which will be delivered by UIC College of Nursing faculty at UIS. Admission to the professional phase of the BSN program requires recommendation of the UIC College of Nursing’s Admissions Committee after successful completion of the first-phase of coursework.

The addition of the Springfield Regional Campus of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing will help further expand its presence statewide. UIC currently has four regional campuses in Peoria, the Quad Cities, Rockford and Urbana. A full-time director will be employed to administer the program in Springfield.

“This Springfield partnership, between a nursing college ranked second nationally in National Institutes of Health funding, a health system with two Magnet-designated hospitals, and a university whose Capital Scholars Honors program is recognized for generating incredible leaders, will produce academically strong, critically thinking nurses, practitioners and midwives that will meet the health care needs of the people of central and southern Illinois,” said UIC College of Nursing Dean Terri Weaver.

The UIC College of Nursing is consistently ranked in the top 10 for nursing schools nationally and was recently awarded a #2 ranking in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The BSN program will be supported by a number of scholarships made available to UIS students by Memorial Health System.

“We are pleased to partner in this extraordinary initiative to increase educational opportunities for students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees within our own community,” said Ed Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health System.

“This is a solid fit with our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.” Classes are scheduled to begin in August 2015 when the first group of UIS students enrolls as freshmen. Interested students are encouraged to apply to UIS now by visiting www.uis.edu/nursing/how-to-apply/.

The first cohort of nursing students starting upper division nursing courses will begin in fall of 2016. It is expected that 32 students will be admitted in fall 2016 and 48 students in fall 2017. Beginning of fall 2018, 64 students will be admitted with the first cohort completing their BSN degree program in May 2018. Additional information about the program can be found at www.uis.edu/nursing/.

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Illinois Innocence Project at UIS awarded $249,999 federal grant to help wrongfully convicted

The Illinois Innocence Project, based at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded a $249,999 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate credible claims of innocence and remedy wrongful convictions.

The grant will allow legal and student staff to continue working on potential cases where individuals are innocent and have been convicted of serious crimes.

"We would like to thank the Department of Justice for their continued support of the Illinois Innocence Project," said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch.  "The Project not only benefits the wrongfully convicted, but also UIS students who gain valuable experience by working on real life cases."

Since it's founding in 2001, the Illinois Innocence Project has assisted in the release of six people who were wrongfully convicted.  They provide their services at no cost, in conjunction with the inmate's private attorney.

"Cases where DNA is not available to exonerate an individual make up for 90% of those wrongfully convicted," said Larry Golden, founding director of the Illinois Innocence Project.  "This grant will help us bring closure to existing cases and to expand our efforts and look at other cases."

Wrongful Conviction Grant funding has allowed the Illinois Innocence Project to evaluate and investigate a broad range of non-DNA cases from arson and shaken baby syndrome to murder, where there is a credible claim of actual innocence.

"Today's funding is an important investment in the Illinois justice system," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in announcing the grant.  "These initiatives will help promote the fair and cost-effective administration of justice, help justice agencies quickly analyze evidence and solve crimes, and will help provide vital assistance and legal representation to those who have been the victims of crimes."

This is the second Wrongful Conviction Grant awarded to the Illinois Innocence Project by the Department of Justice.  The Project previously received a grant for $249,000 in 2011.

For more information, contact Larry Golden, founding director of the Illinois Innocence Project, at lgold1@uis.edu.

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

UIS reports highest enrollment in history

Tops 5,000 students for the 5th year 

Fall 2014 enrollment at the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois is up by nearly 300 students compared to the previous fall semester. According to the official fall census, the total number of students enrolled at UIS after the first 10 days of classes is 5,431.

That makes it the largest student body in UIS history and the fifth year enrollment has topped 5,000 students. Last fall’s enrollment was 5,137. The previous highest enrollment record was 5,174 students set in fall 2010.

“One of our highest priorities has been growing our enrollment, and we are pleased with this fall’s census. When students and families make the decision to pursue their educational goals at UIS, they know they will receive a high quality educational experience at the same time they are earning their University of Illinois diploma,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch.

There are also more students living on the UIS campus this semester. A total of 1,074 students live in campus housing, which means campus housing is 97.4% occupied.

“We continue to enhance student life on campus and our numbers obviously reflect that. It also shows the greater need for student housing on and near our campus. We continue to work with developers on plans to bring additional living space along the 11th street area,” added Koch.

Overall, the diversity of the student body is also growing. The number of international students enrolled at UIS increased by over 115% this semester. There are 827 international students enrolled at UIS this semester. Many of the students came to UIS from India and China. Computer Science and Management Information Systems are the most common majors chosen by international students.

The number of African American students enrolled grew by over 3.5%. There are a total of 634 African American students this semester compared to 612 in fall 2013. Students who self-identify as Hispanic comprise 4.8% (262) of this year’s student body.

Growth in online learning also continues, with a total of 1,689 students enrolled in online degree or certificate programs, a 4.9% increase over fall 2013. This semester, UIS online students reside in 48 of the 50 states, 70 counties in Illinois, and 9 foreign countries.

UIS is one of three campuses of the University of Illinois and provides students with a high-quality liberal arts education, exceptional public affairs opportunities, and outstanding professional preparation programs.

UIS has four core strengths: (1) a teaching-focused academic experience; (2) an abundance of opportunities to collaborate; (3) a right-sized supportive community; and (4) a tradition of educating public servants and leaders.

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

Friday, August 29, 2014

UIS students give back during Welcome Week Service-A-Thon


The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center hosted its annual Welcome Week Service-A-Thon on August 29, 2014.

The event gave students a chance to learn about service and give back to the Springfield and campus community.

This year, UIS volunteers helped Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County with a home building project and volunteered at the St. John’s Breadline and M.E.R.C.Y Communities in Springfield.

Students also partnered with the American Red Cross to prepare fire and burn emergency kits, which they distributed to townhouses and apartments on campus.

“The idea is that it sparks an interest that students will follow-up on and many be involved on a weekly basis or individually with a specific organization they’re interested in,” said Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

A total of 75 students participated in this year’s project.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

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.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Chancellor's Picnic makes students feel welcome

 

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch helped kick off the 2014-15 academic year by hosting her annual Welcome Week picnic on August 26th.

“It’s a time honored tradition that we do during our first week of the semester and it’s just a great opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to get together and kick off the year together,” said Koch.

Cydney Norvill just transferred to UIS this semester. She’s been looking forward to the Chancellor’s Picnic since an upperclassmen friend told her about the event.

“She was like if you do one thing this week, you have to go to this picnic,” said Norvill.

The picnic gives Koch an opportunity to talk to students and learn about their UIS experience.

“My favorite part is just really walking around and talking to everyone,” said Koch. “I just talked to some international students from India who have just been here 5 days.”

International student Syed Aqueel Ahmed admits he was nervous coming to the United States from his native India. However, it’s events, such as the picnic, that make him feel welcome at UIS.

“It’s these sort of start-up things that make (me) feel comfortable,” said Ahmed.

It’s estimated that 750 people attended this year’s picnic.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Twenty three new faculty members join UIS for fall 2014

Twenty three new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2014. Eleven will teach in programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, four in the College of Business and Management, seven in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and one in Brookens Library.

Richard Alltizer, assistant professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. His research interests include tax research and public policy implications. His personal interests include gardening, reading, and yoga instruction.

Kanwal Alvarez, assistant professor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, received a Ph.D. in cell, molecular, & developmental biology from the University of California Riverside. She is currently studying the effect of stress on the mosquito immune system. Personally, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and bargain shopping.

Aimee Barbeau, a post-doc in liberal & integrative studies/ liberty studies in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Tulsa. Her professional interests include nationalism, the history of political thought, and democratic theory. Personally, she enjoys running and music.

Gillian Nelson Bauer, an English instructor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a Ph.D. in English at Loyola University Chicago. Her professional interests include composition, gothic fiction, American realism and naturalism, and class studies. Her personal interests include the French horn and bicycling.

Glenn Cassidy, visiting assistant professor of economics in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in public policy analysis from Carnegie Mellon University. His research interests include policy evaluation, state and local government finance, and economic development. Outside of UIS, he enjoys poetry and short stories and is currently writing a novel about a college professor who teaches cost-benefit analysis.

John Champaign, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Waterloo. His professional interests include computer science, artificial intelligence, intelligent tutoring systems, and recommender systems. Personally, he enjoys board games and personal finance.

Adam Clay, assistant professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, received a Ph.D. in English/creative writing from Western Michigan University. His professional interests include creative writing, digital publishing, and contemporary literature. Outside of work, he enjoys running, reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

T. Price Dooley, assistant professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a Ph.D. in public policy–community development from the University of Arkansas. His professional interests include social justice, human capital development, program implementation, and education. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, chess, family, dining, and general camaraderie.

Richard Funderburg, assistant professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in planning, policy, and design from the University of California. He enjoys researching the impact of state and local economic development policy on business location and expansion and budget consequences of public efforts. Outside of UIS, he enjoys long-distance running, gardening, and playing with his daughters.

Jae Ha, assistant professor of communication in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a Ph.D. in mass communication from Indiana University. His professional interests include the relationships between media and society, including digital journalism, social media, international reporting, and political communication. Personally, he enjoys family activities, including bicycling, traveling, watching movies, and jogging on nature trails.

Helena Hall, a visiting instructor of English in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, is finishing her Ph.D. in second language acquisition and teacher education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her professional interests include writing across the curriculum and second language literacy; second language writing development, assessment, and instruction. Personally, she enjoys travel, photography and baking.

Anne-Marie Hanson, assistant professor of environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, received a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Arizona. Her research and professional interests include political ecology, garbage, recycling, and marine litter. Other interests include environmental justice, gender and global environmental change, coastal conservation and urbanization, and Latin America. Personally, she enjoys piano and double bass, hiking, biking, swimming, and baking.

Sibel Oktay Karagul, assistant professor of political science in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a Ph.D. in political science from Syracuse University. Her research and professional interests include foreign policy analysis, political leadership, coalition governments, party politics, European politics, and Turkish politics. Her personal interests include exercising, cooking, soccer, music, movies, and spending time with family.

Brad Logsdon, clinical assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Iowa State University. His research and professional interests include small molecule and protein crystallography, VOC pollution in water, teaching and curriculum development. Outside of work, he enjoys nature walks, gardening, and travel.

Angela Maranville is a clinical assistant professor of library instructional services and director of library technical services and information systems at Brookens Library. She earned a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her professional interests include library systems, electronic resources management, environmental justice, and GIS. Personally, she enjoys organic gardening, fishing, and canoeing.

Frank Nation, visiting assistant professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in business administration/accountancy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His professional interests include behavioral accounting, including research in auditing and fraud. His personal interests include outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing.

Erica Nichols-Cook is a visiting assistant professor of legal studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration. She received a J.D. from Drake University Law School. Her professional interests include criminal law, wrongful convictions, forensic science, legal research and writing. Personally, she enjoys family, yoga, and reading mystery novels.

Hamed Qahri Saremi, a management information systems lecturer in the College of Business and Management, is completing a Ph.D. in information systems at McMaster University. His research interests include data science, social media and social networking, business value of information technology, and agent-based modeling. Outside of UIS, he enjoys socializing, watching/playing soccer, reading, and listening to music.

Richard Stokes, an instructor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Cincinnati. He researches genetic variation in plants with unusual breeding systems and life cycles. His personals interests include playing board games and spending time with family.

Shipeng Sun, assistant professor of environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Minnesota. His professional interests include geographic information science, spatial network analysis, and human-environment systems. Personally, he enjoys reading, playing ping pong and card games.

Jacqueline Tanner, visiting clinical instructor in the Office of Student Learning Services/The Learning Hub in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, received a master’s degree in German language & literature from the University of Pittsburg. She’s working to develop a reading and writing curriculum for ESL students at the university level. Her research interests include achieving fluency through literature. Personally, she enjoys traveling and visiting historical sites and is an avid fan of every Pittsburgh sports team.

Riaz Tejani, assistant professor of legal studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, received a Ph.D. in anthropology from Princeton University. His professional interests include global governance, neoliberalism, race and ethnicity, tort liability, and legal education. His personal interests include vintage guitars, retro bicycles, and woodworking.

Toni Waggoner, a visiting instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, is finishing a Ph.D. in educational administration and foundations at Illinois State University. Her professional interests include K-12 school finance theory and relational database design. Outside of work, she enjoys flower gardening and music.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

UIS welcomes over 200 new students on Freshman Move-In Day



The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) welcomed about 250 new students to campus during a rainy Freshman Move-In Day on August 20, 2014.

“The whole process has been kind of complicated by the weather, but obviously we’ve got great volunteers and staff and they’re responding accordingly,” said John Ringle, UIS director of residence life.

The Marchiori family beat the rain and was impressed by the number of student and community volunteers helping with the move-in process.

“We like the help. You pull up and like 6 or 7 people come out and they’ve got these bins and they’re all grabbing stuff,” said parent Adelmo Marchiori.

Adelmo and Rebecca Marchiori met when they attended Sangamon State University (now UIS) in the late 1980s. They encouraged their son, Dominic, to attend UIS because of the great academic programs.

“They said it was a really good school when they went and they said a lot has changed (about the campus),” said Dominic.

Other students, such as Hailey Michael, chose UIS because of the small class sizes and the supportive academic environment.

“This was the one place that I felt like home and I could actually see myself in and I really like the teachers and everyone here,” said Michael.

While many of the new students are a little scared to move away from home and attend college, they’re excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead.

“It seems like a very fun and entertaining environment,” said UIS freshman Taylor Mitchell. “Plus, it’s part of the Illinois system, it’s one of the top schools.”

Students were assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid headaches and congestion at Lincoln and Founders Residence Halls during move-in day.

Both Lincoln and Founders Residence Halls will be near capacity this year, at nearly 400 students, once sophomores arrive on campus.

Fall 2014 semester classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2014.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Papers of Abraham Lincoln receives $100,000 gift honoring UIS' Cullom Davis

A gift of $100,000 to the Papers of Abraham Lincoln honors Cullom Davis, professor emeritus of history at the University of Illinois Springfield. From 1988 to 2000, Davis served as editor and director of the Lincoln Legal Papers, which later expanded into the Papers of Abraham Lincoln.

The anonymous gift will provide support for this long-term documentary editing project. Staff at the Papers of Abraham Lincoln are dedicated to identifying, imaging, transcribing, annotating, and publishing all documents written by or to Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime (1809-1865). The collection will be published on the internet and available free of charge. The Papers of Abraham Lincoln is part of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

"I am delighted with this gift that honors my predecessor, advisor, and friend Cullom Davis," said current editor and director Daniel W. Stowell. "To paraphrase the subject of our project, it is altogether fitting and proper that this gift recognizes Cullom’s achievements. Our work on the Lincoln papers is indeed a great task that Cullom nobly advanced, and we are pleased to carry on the work that he began."

A founding faculty member of Sangamon State University (now UIS), Davis created and directed the university's Oral History Office and helped design its master’s degree program in public history.

For his contributions to the humanities, especially Illinois history, Davis received the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award in 2002. In May 2014, he received the University of Illinois Foundation’s William E. Winter Award for Outstanding Advocate Leadership.

For more information, contact Sarah Jennings, UIS director of development, corporate and foundation relations & major gifts at 217/206-6058 or email sjenn02s@uis.edu.

Tuesday, August 05, 2014

UIS survey helps identify Sangamon County residents’ perceptions about their neighborhoods

A University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy & Leadership survey, conducted for the Springfield Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, explores resident preferences for their “ideal” neighborhood and identifies areas where improvements are needed.

The Neighborhood Survey, which updated a 1975 study by the Planning Commission, asked residents about the visual aesthetics of houses, buildings, signs, and other infrastructure elements in their neighborhoods. The survey also assessed the condition of streets, alleys, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings.

The survey found all residents (including Springfield residents) had fairly favorable attitudes toward streets and roads in terms of cleanliness and convenience, however only one-third felt that the streets are in good condition.

“By plotting on a map where individuals report that their streets and roads are in poor condition we are able to examine where there are needed infrastructure improvement projects in Sangamon County,” said Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office.

Through the survey, residents of various regions of the county provided a list of the most desired amenity, the types of features of their ideal neighborhood, and any current detractions that take away from the appearance of their neighborhood.

Respondents were provided 84 possible terms to describe their neighborhoods, the most commonly identified terms used were developed (70.6%), relaxed (64.0%), and calm (62.1%). However, there are differences between regions. Individuals living outside of the Springfield metro area described their neighborhoods as quiet (North Sangamon County), homey (East Sangamon County), calm (South Sangamon County), and appealing (West Sangamon County); while individuals living inside the city limits describe their neighborhoods as older (Northeast Springfield), maintained (Southeast Springfield), developed (Southwest Springfield), and connected (Northwest Springfield). Other results vary between regions.

Residents outside of the Springfield metro area were more positive toward the buildings in their region than residents within the city. Residents of Northeast Springfield were most likely to report that sidewalks were not suitable for walking, and alleys were viewed as more important and ranked more favorably among residents of Southeast Springfield. Residents living in south Sangamon County want more access to hiking and biking trails while individuals living in Southeast Springfield would like to have landscaped parkways in their neighborhoods.

“The survey represents an important update to our understanding of neighborhoods and their role in increasing quality of life throughout the region,” said Norm Sims, executive director of the Springfield Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission. “It provides a fresh look at the work the SSCRPC did almost 40-years ago on this topic, and also helps us project what forces residents would like to see at work in their neighborhoods in the years to come, as well as the kinds of places where they would like to live.”

The Neighborhood Survey was mailed to 728 Sangamon County residents based on zip codes during the spring and summer of 2014. For comparison purposes, individuals were placed into regions based on the location of their mailing address and each region includes at least 70 respondents.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu. A copy of the full report is available on the UIS Survey Research website and on the Regional Planning Commission’s website.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

UIS announces Spring Semester 2014 Dean's List

A total of 534 students have been named to the University of Illinois Springfield Dean's List for Spring Semester 2014; 86 are students in the college of Business and Management, 36 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 343 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 63 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 6 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.

PDF Download: Spring 2014 Dean's List

Thursday, June 19, 2014

UIS welcomes hundreds of new students during Freshman Orientation


The University of Illinois Springfield is welcoming hundreds of new students to campus during Freshman Orientation in June and July. A total of six different orientation sessions are planned.

“Our first year orientation program is a two-day program,” said Lisa McGuire, UIS director of new student orientation and parent relations. “We have a set track for parents as well as our students.”

For students, the two days are about getting to know their classmates, learning about their academic programs, and understanding what it’s like to live away from home.

“This campus is just really small, but it’s not too small and it’s just the right size,” said Jordan Neyens, a new freshman student.

While many chose UIS for the small class sizes, others students chose UIS for the affordability and quality academic programs.

“Being a political science and legal studies there’s no better place in the capital (city) for internships and connections,” said freshman Sabrina Radke.

Freshman Benita Ekwonwa comes to UIS from the Chicago area. She’s excited to meet new people and live on her own for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds and different ethnicities,” said Ekwonwa. “I’m always learning a lot and furthering my education.”

McGuire hopes the new students leave UIS with all of their questions answered and ready for their first day on campus.

“I want them to feel like they have a good understanding of what to expect the first couple of days, definitely made some connections with some of our current students as well as their classmates, so they don’t feel like they’re the only one on campus,” she said.

Thursday, June 05, 2014

UIS releases list of 2014 graduates

The University of Illinois Springfield celebrated the graduation of 1,313 bachelor's, master's and doctoral students on Saturday, May 17 during the 43rd annual Commencement Ceremony.

See a printable list of graduates' names and degrees listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration at the time of graduation.

PDF: Download the full graduate list

For photos, video and more from Commencement 2014 visit www.uis.edu/commencement.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

UIS survey reveals strikingly positive expectations about the Sangamon County economy

A survey conducted by the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership, in partnership with The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, shows Sangamon County employers are positive about the overall local economy, their business sector, and the economy of their own business or organization. This is the first survey since Spring 2012 in which respondents have reported positive expectations in those categories.

The Spring 2014 Sangamon County Economic Outlook Survey studied local businesses, and non-profits in order to gauge expectations across several economic indicators. The survey is based on the responses of 201 individuals representing various economic sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail, financial, and healthcare.

The survey found a significant portion of businesses are not expecting a decrease or increase in Sangamon County employment for the next year. A total of 51.5 percent of respondents expect employment to “stay the same,” while 28.3 percent expect an increase and 20.2 percent of respondents report that there will be a decline.

Results from the survey show 45 percent of Sangamon County employers think the biggest challenge they face in the next 12 months are government regulations and taxation, which remain heaviest on the minds of local area businesses and non-profit organizations. As expected, 41.8 percent of respondents consider the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and health care for employees as the second largest challenge.

When asked how minimum wage increases would affect small business owners, 77 percent of respondents felt it would hurt small business owners while 20 percent felt it would have little effect and three percent felt it would help small business owners. The vast majority of respondents, 81.1 percent, indicate that they believe the ideal minimum wage is higher than $8.25, the current minimum in Illinois.

Beside expectations about inflation rates and capital investment, major economic indicators saw positive expectation increases since Fall 2013. The outlook for gross sales/revenue increased by seven points when compared to the last survey, and represents the single largest improvement among the seven economic indicators.

When analyzing the expectations by industry sectors, manufacturing and wholesale trade saw substantial gains compared last fall, both jumping up 14 points. Overall, 9 out of 12 industry sectors had higher expectations than six months ago. The next highest gains were made by retail trade and transportation/warehousing, with both posting 10 point gains in positive expectations for industries in Sangamon County. Healthcare maintains the highest overall expectations with 32 points despite experiencing a slight decline since the last iteration of the survey.

Businesses and organizations had similar outlooks of themselves in the survey, posting steady, strong numbers. There were increases in overall expectations, while profitability and capital investment maintained identical expectations from last fall. The total number of employees and gross revenue/sales were only slightly lower in expectations when compared to the last survey.

The survey is sponsored by the University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor’s Office, the Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.