U of I Board of Trustees approves UIS Student Union project and design

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees gave project and design approval for a proposed student union on the Springfield campus on Jan. 23, 2014. The approval allows officials to continue planning and fundraising for the new facility.

The proposed student union would be the first on the Springfield campus, and is needed to fill a void that officials say has grown since UIS became part of the University of Illinois in 1995. The campus was originally founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University, catering to upperclassmen and graduate-level students, but is now a traditional four-year school that lacks a centerpiece of campus life that student unions provide at most colleges across the nation.

Design plans developed by Dewberry Architects of Peoria and Workshop Architects of Milwaukee propose a two-story, 50,000-square foot student union that would anchor the campus’s south quad. The proposed $21.7 million facility would include restaurants, social and study space, and larger areas for student and campus events.

For more information on the student union, visit www.uis.edu/studentunion/.

Greek Life now offered at the University of Illinois Springfield

By Paige Heiser (UIS Campus Relations)

After three years of hard work, petitions, and meetings, students at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) are finally welcoming in a group of Greek Life sororities and fraternities.

A true atonement of leadership lived, the effort to petition for Greek Life began three years ago, founded and led by three UIS students: Jessica Odigie, Robert Dixon, and Kyle Palmer.

“It’s more than just a ‘social option’ on campus,” explains Palmer. “The intent is to create students who will become contributing members of society through academic excellence, social justice, selfless service, high social standards, and a sense of brotherhood.”

One unique aspect of Greek Life at UIS is students have the opportunity to create the culture. Other universities are tied-in to tradition, but UIS students are governed by the rules and regulations of the UIS Greek Affairs Board.

There is a no-hazing policy in place, which is governed by the University of Illinois Springfield and the Illinois State Hazing law. No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities.

Two fraternities are currently on campus: Chapter Upsilon Xi of Alpha Phi Alpha and Chapter Mu Eta of Phi Beta Sigma. The next step is to colonize the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau.

Two sororities will also be joining the ranks of Greek Life at UIS: Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta. These sororities will begin their membership intake process in the spring semester.

All Greek organizations exemplify scholarship, philanthropy, and service to the community.

Greek life has created a new, vibrant feel to the UIS community. More students stay on campus on the week-ends and the presence of alumni has increased through their support to the college chapters.

“These students never gave up. They stayed focused, and never grew weary,” Clarice Ford, Director of the Diversity Center at UIS, explains. “It’s an important lesson to realize dreams don’t happen overnight. You have to sacrifice, work hard and it can happen. This is a true example of ‘leadership lived’ by our students.”

Involvement Expo connects students with on and off campus opportunities

The University of Illinois Springfield hosted its annual Welcome Week Involvement Expo in an effort to get students active on August 28, 2013. The expo featured over 140 student organizations, clubs, community groups, and businesses.

“We have over 70 students organizations regularly registered here at UIS, so it’s great to show them all that they can do and get involved with to enhance their classroom experience on campus,” said Beth Nahlik, UIS associate director of Student Life.

Freshman psychology major Cierra Hall didn’t know what she’d find at the Involvement Expo, but left with interest in several organizations.

“I came out here just to see what opportunities are available on campus and to see who I could meet and to just try and see what the campus offers,” said Hall.

Junior accountancy major Nicole Yoder is involved with the Christian Student Fellowship on campus and helped to recruit new members at the expo. She’s found campus involvement rewarding.

“I think that’s what makes your college experience good, is when you can get involved with different communities and organizations and then you meet a lot more people,” said Yoder.

For more information on student organizations on campus, visit the Student Life website.

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!

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 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

Chancellor's Picnic kicks off the 2010-11 academic year

Chancellor Richard Ringeisen welcomed new and returning students, faculty and staff during his annual picnic on August 24, 2010. Nearly 700 people showed up for the event featuring free hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and other food.

“This is so much fun, because the semester is just beginning and students don’t feel a lot of pressure yet and neither do the faculty,” said Ringeisen.

The picnic is designed to give students a chance to meet the chancellor, faculty and other staff members that will be important during their time on campus.

“If we went to a bigger school we probably wouldn’t have that opportunity to have a one-on-one with the chancellor. Here he noticed me from before and this time I actually got to know him,” said De’Anna Winters, a senior communication major.

Ringiesen credits the popularity of the picnic with an increasing number of students who are choosing to live on campus.

“It’s been growing and growing over the last few years,” he said.

Senior psychology major Britni Prusa came to the picnic with other members of the UIS volleyball team.

“It’s a nice way to meet people, especially for the freshmen,” she said.

The celebration is part of Welcome Week 2010, which includes a variety of events designed to get students involved on campus.

Rent-A-Text program saving students money on books

The University of Illinois Springfield Bookstore, which is operated by Follett Corporation, is offering a Rent-A-Text program to students for the first time.

The program began during the summer semester, but has really taken off as students return for fall classes. Over 1,300 textbooks have been rented so far at the bookstore. UIS students have saved nearly $45,000 combined.

Students have the potential to save up to 50% off the price of a new textbook through the Rent-A-Text program.

“We think it’s very attractive for the students and I think it will be a positive attraction for this campus,” said Stephen Chrans, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

Senior Communication major Cassie Oswald usually buys her books, but this year she rented and saved nearly $250.

“Most people would rather rent a book if it’s not in their major field of study than buy the book and be stuck with it at the end of the year,” said Oswald.

Some students like senior Social Work major Arianna Adams usually buy books for cheaper prices online, but this year she’s saving more by renting.

“It’s a really cheap way to get your books. It’s an easy process to rent and then bring them back,” said Adams.

Follett currently is offering nearly 7,000 textbook titles for rent nationwide. Instructors at UIS are asked to commit to using the book for several semesters before it’s available for rent.

Students can shop for books at the campus store or online through the Follett website, which even offers home delivery for the cost of shipping.

UIS named full-fledged NCAA Division II member

The University of Illinois Springfield is now eligible to compete in 2010-11 as a full member of the NCAA, the Great Lakes Valley Conference and is eligible for post-season competition.

On July 9, 2010, UIS director of athletics Rodger Jehlicka received a call from NCAA administrators. During the call, he was informed UIS had been officially named a full NCAA member. It was a phone call three years in the making.

“It is one of the three or four most significant moments in our history,” said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen. “Division II is a whole new league.”

Following the announcement, Ringeisen celebrated with coaches, student athletes, faculty, staff and community members during an event at The Recreation and Athletic Center.

“We’re excited about the future, to say the least,” Jehllicka told the crowd.

The NCAA membership means all UIS student athletes will now sign national letters of intent, the university will be eligible for NCAA enhancement money and millions of dollars in postgraduate scholarships will be available to students.

“Now we’re like with the big boys and it just feels good to be an actual NCAA athlete,” said Ryan Williams, a sophomore student on the UIS baseball team.

The baseball program was one of many new sports added in the process of becoming a full NCAA member. UIS now offers 11 sports including men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, golf and tennis; men’s baseball; women’s softball; and women’s volleyball.

The NCAA membership will officially begin on August 1, 2010.

View photos from the announcement event and celebration

Student union referendum and student government election results

Election results from the Spring 2010 Student Government Association Elections have been certified. Voting took place on Wednesday, April 28 and Thursday April 29.

SGA Student Union Referendum
Yes, I approve the fee – 167
No, I do not approve the fee - 376
Abstain - 44

Student Representative to the Board of Trustees – Charles Olivier

President – Matt Van Vossen

Internal Vice President – Ryan Melchin

Secretary – Alexandra “Lexi” Kirschbaum

Treasurer – Randy Knuppel

Senator - Business & Management – Amy Zappo

Senator – Public Affairs and Administration – Aimee Winebaugh

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

Springfield Police donate bicycles to UIS Diversity Center checkout program

The Springfield Police Department donated six unclaimed bicycles to the University of Illinois Springfield’s Diversity Center Go-Green Bike Checkout Program during a ceremony on Thursday, April 22.

The concept of the program is to loan bikes, free of charge, to the University community. A user completes an agreement checkout form, agrees to the terms and conditions of use, and can borrow the bike for five days.

“Many of our students are international students, so they come to UIS and their not able to bring their own bikes,” said Jeannie Capranica, Diversity Center program manager.

Students, who often don’t have cars, use the bikes to travel off campus to shop at the grocery store and other locations. Diane Sahagun is a sophomore Communication major, who often uses a loaner bike to get around. She’s glad to see more bikes being added to the mix, because often there’s a long waiting list.

“I think it will help students a lot and it will make a difference,” said Sahagun.

The Diversity Center currently has seven bikes that it uses for the program, but maintenance has been an issue. The bikes being donated by the Springfield Police Department are safety tested and ready for use.

Springfield Police Chief Robert Williams is a UIS graduate himself. His department decided to donate to the Diversity Center because he knows the bikes will go to good use.

“It just gives us an opportunity to reach into the community and do a very worthwhile service,” said Williams.

Williams says many of the bicycles that were donated are either stolen or have sat unclaimed in the evidence room for a long period of time.

The Diversity Center is currently looking to expand its bike fleet. If you have a bicycle you’d like to donate to the program or to make a donation to the fund contact Jeannie Capranica at 217/206-6333.

Visit the Diversity Center website for more information on the checkout program

UIS students return home from Alternative Spring Break

A record number of University of Illinois Springfield students, who participated in Alternative Spring Break returned home on Saturday, March 20 knowing they made a difference.

The 45 students and 3 advisers spent a week in Galveston, Texas helping to clean up damage from Hurricane Ike, which struck in 2008.

“Just having the opportunity to be down there was amazing,” said Jaleesa Earthely, president of the UIS Alternative Spring Break student organization. “I just know we gave the community back hope and that’s what I was looking to go down there to do.”

The group stayed at a local elementary school in Galveston with other students from across the country, volunteering for 8 1/2 hours a day. The UIS students took on the project as part of the One Mission Initiative, a faith-based organization.

“Some of these houses that we went into hadn’t been touched for like a year or more. No one had been in there to redo siding or drywall and that’s basically what we were doing,” said senior volunteer Zach Berillo.

The UIS crew was split into three groups on the trip and worked on a total of three homes, along with other property. While working on land owned by the City of Galveston they got an unexpected visitor.

“The mayor pulled up and thanked us for our efforts and said the things that we were doing are long overdue,” said Kelly Thompson, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

The UIS Alternative Spring Break student organization was formed last year, when students took their first trip to Mandeville, Louisiana to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity following Hurricane Katrina.

Students to spend Alternative Spring Break helping with hurricane recovery

A record number of students from the University of Illinois Springfield will spend their spring break volunteering in Galveston, Texas helping with recovery efforts following Hurricane Ike.

The 45 students and 3 advisers will leave Springfield on Friday, March 12 and return to campus on Sunday, March 20. The group will stay at a local elementary school in Galveston with other students from across the country, volunteering for 8 1/2 hours a day.

The students will be primarily helping with rebuilding and refurbishing homes that were damaged by the storm. Volunteers will also be doing community outreach, visiting home-bound residents, helping to feed the homeless and assisting in other community-related activities.

“Lately there has been much focus on international disasters, but the devastation still felt in Galveston, TX due to Hurricane Ike in 2008 is a natural disaster our students felt compelled to help with after researching spring break volunteer opportunities. Whether it is in Texas or overseas, seeing our UIS students respond so enthusiastically to help others is a heart-warming experience,” said Kelly Thompson, director of UIS’ Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

The UIS students are taking on the project as part of the One Mission Initiative, a faith-based organization. The group’s mission is to “bring volunteers to Galveston to not only provide much needed help, labor, and support to the community here, but to also provide love, hope and encouragement”.

The UIS Alternative Spring Break student organization was formed last year, when students took their first trip to Mandeville, Louisiana to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity following Hurricane Katrina.

For more information on volunteer opportunities at UIS visit the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center’s website at www.uis.edu/volunteer or contact Kelly Thompson at 217/206-8448 or kthom03s@uis.edu.

UIS Homecoming 2009

Students, faculty and community members came to the University of Illinois Springfield campus on Saturday, October 3, 2009 to celebrate Homecoming 2009.

The day started with the inaugural Yellow Brick Road 5K Run/Walk that took participants on a scenic trip around campus.

One of the highlights was the UIS Homecoming Parade featuring student organizations, political groups and others. It was followed by the Homecoming BBQ & Lawn Party where students enjoyed free food, drinks, and fun.

The night ended with the UIS Students vs. Alumni/Faculty/Staff Basketball game at the TRAC.

Welcome Week 2009 Activities

The University of Illinois Springfield greeted new and returning students with a variety of activities during Welcome Week 2009.

The Diversity Center held an open house in an effort to bring students of all races and backgrounds together. Students gathered to talk about what they have in common and what makes them unique.

The Involvement Expo on the UIS quad featured nearly 50 student organizations that help out in the community and promote education. Springfield-area businesses also joined in the expo to show students what they have to offer.

The 2009 "Foot in the Door" Fair was sponsored by the Career Development Center and brought 52 employers to campus. The goal of the fair was to bring students face-to-face with employers to discuss part-time jobs, internships and other opportunities.

The Office of Disability Services welcomed students during it's open house to show how they help students with special needs in the classroom. The office works with professors to make sure needs are met for students with chronic or temporary illness.

To also see slide show of welcome week activities click on the below link:

Welcome Week slide show

"Save a Life" Tour

Students at the University of Illinois Springfield got a hands on look at what it’s like to be drunk behind the wheel. The “Save a Life” simulator takes a driver from being sober to a .2 blood alcohol level.

This is the second year the “Save a Life” tour has made a stop at UIS. It was so popular in 2006 that Alcohol & Drug Prevention Coordinator Valerie Scarbrough decided to bring it back again.

“Most of all we’re encouraging kids 21 and younger not to drink, but if you are going to do it to do it safely,” said Scarbrough.

Flag raised for National Coming Out Week

By Courtney Westlake

In celebration of National Coming Out Week, a group of students, staff and faculty gathered in front of the Public Affairs Center to raise a rainbow-colored flag that will hang directly under the UIS flag for the entire week.

"Flags are critical symbols," said Jim Korte, assistant dean of students at UIS. "People fight and die over flags; people live for flags. We salute them, we put our hands over our hearts, and we respect what they symbolize. For those of us at the university, having it fly on the staff with our UIS flag is very important. It is a symbol of how far we have come institutionally and as a university in our acceptance, tolerance, respect and celebration of who we are as a community."

Universities are important communities, Korte said, UIS boasts a "great multitude" of diverse students.

"We've come a long way," he said. "We now have a Diversity Center existing on this campus that was barely a dream a year ago. We have a resource office that is in a very public area on our campus, and we have students stopping by on a daily basis."

Through celebrating diversity and respect of different races, sexual orientations, ethnicities and backgrounds, the university and community are beginning to "layer" their resources and ensure the services provided today will be available tomorrow, Korte said.

"We have come to the point of tolerance, the point of acceptance and the point of respect, and hopefully today it is the beginning of a celebration of our future," he said.

Potato sculpting held as part of homecoming activities

By Courtney Westlake



Castles, construction hammers and flowers filled the tables of the Public Affairs Center Food Emporium Patio on Wednesday afternoon.

Students and other campus community members stopped by the patio area on Wednesday to create mashed potato sculptures as part of the Homecoming Week activities.

"It's just a fun activity to add into the Homecoming schedule," said Beth Hoag, assistant director of Student Life. "Our theme for Homecoming this year is 'Pardon our Dust' so we're 'constructing' out of mashed potatoes."

The idea for the event came out of nowhere, Hoag laughed.

"I just thought it would be fun, and who doesn't love playing with their food?" she said.

Campus members were recruited from the Food Emporium to join in the activity during lunchtime.

"We've had pretty good showing," Hoag said. "We have feathers and wobbly eyes and food coloring, and you can just make whatever you want. We try to make it around the theme of 'Pardon our Dust' or UIS-related, but we're flexible. You can make whatever you want."

Participants constructed a wide variety of creations, from a pretty rose to a pumpkin to funny-looking characters to a Colonnade.

"It's something completely different that helps to make people aware of Homecoming," Hoag said. "It's a fun things to do in between classes."

For more information on Homecoming, go here.

SGA election results

The Fall 2008 Student Government Association Elections were certified on September 19.

Results:

• Senator – Capital Scholars Program: Kendra Chislom
• Senator – Transfer Students: Whitney Kampwerth
• Senator – Graduate Students: Sista Gautham
• Senators at Large: Kalpesh Patel and Vanessa Sekardi

Many other leadership opportunities exist on SGA committees and all interested student are encouraged to become involved.

For information about election results or about student government, contact Cynthia Thompson, director of Student Life, at 6-6665.