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Media Advisory: UIS to hold groundbreaking for new Library Commons building
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host a groundbreaking for its new Library Commons building. WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 WHERE: UIS quad, near the Student Union DETAILS: The Library Commons is a publicly funded project made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the State of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot building will be located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences Building on the UIS quad. The facility will bring together the
University of Illinois Springfield sees growth in freshman enrollment for fall 2025
The University of Illinois Springfield has enrolled 312 first-year students for fall 2025, a 19.1% increase from last fall’s 262 freshmen. New students cite UIS’ academic programs, personalized attention and career outcomes as key reasons for enrolling.“We are pleased to see more first-year students choosing UIS to begin their college journey,” said Janet L. Gooch, UIS chancellor. “Through new scholarships like the Prairie Promise Program, innovative academic programs and hands-on experiences such as
UIS students to assemble care kits for active-duty military on Sept. 11 Day of Service
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host a volunteer event as part of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day). Students, faculty and staff will assemble care kits for active-duty military personnel in support of Operation: Care and Comfort. This event is a collaboration between the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center and Military and Veteran Student Services at UIS. WHEN: 12-6 p.m. Sept. 11 WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright
UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch named to NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact
University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch has been selected for a four-year term on the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact.The committee was established by consolidating four groups: the Committee on Women’s Athletics, the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, the Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity and the Gender Equity Task Force. Bringing them together into a single entity is intended to improve efficiency and maximize impact.
UIS to host five ECCE Speaker Series events
The University of Illinois Springfield will host five Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series events during fall 2025. The series presents events that promote and adhere to the value of engaged citizenship, cultural awareness and respect for diversity. All ECCE Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. “Asian American Youth Literature: Immigration, Imagination and the Library” 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in Brookens AuditoriumSarah Park Dahlen, an associate professor at the University
UIS invites alumni and community to celebrate Homecoming Sept. 14-20
The University of Illinois Springfield invites alumni and the community to take part in its annual Homecoming celebration Sept. 14-20, 2025. This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars,” highlights the traditions and connections that unite Prairie Stars past and present.UIS Homecoming has been a campus tradition since 1996, offering a week of events designed to foster pride and spirit. The celebration is hosted by UIS Athletics, the UIS Alumni Association, Student Affairs, the Student Activities Committee and
New Learning Opportunity: Backstage 101 at UIS Performing Arts Center
The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center (UIS PAC) is excited to announce the launch of Backstage 101, a 2025–2026 learning collaborative designed for anyone interested in exploring the backstage and technical aspects of theater and live performance. Whether you’re a teacher managing technical responsibilities at your school, a high school student curious about stagecraft, or a community member eager to expand your skills, Backstage 101 offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn
Sangamon Experience and NPR Illinois present “Radio That Listens To You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois”
For 50 years, Springfield’s public radio station NPR Illinois has been a voice for news, music and community connection. A new exhibit created by the Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to discover its story. Special guest Michel Martin from NPR's “Morning Edition,” will join the celebration to help open the exhibit, which chronicles the first half-century. The opening for “Radio That Listens to You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept.
UIS to host Constitution Day events Sept. 16-17
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership will host a series of Constitution Day events Sept. 16-17. The programs are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Raising Politically Engaged Kids: Community Panel5:30–7:30 p.m. Sept. 16, Lanphier High School UIS and Springfield Public Schools District 186 will co-host a community panel discussion moderated by NPR Illinois. Panelists include Lindsey Cormack, author of “How to Raise a Citizen,” Illinois
Springfield Police Department Promotes Detective to Sergeant
In a private ceremony on August 26, 2025, Chief Joe Behl and Mayor Misty Buscher proudly promoted Detective Brian Harhausen to the rank of Sergeant in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the Springfield community. Sergeant Harhausen has been a member of the Springfield Police Department for 18 years, serving in a variety of critical roles including Field Training Officer, Street Crimes Unit, Neighborhood Police Officer, and Crisis Intervention Team. Most recently, he worked as a
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return after Labor Day
The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the Friday after Labor Day and run through the end of October. The dates are Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.The Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics. This fall, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view celestial objects,
Explore timely topics at UIS’ Fall Lunch & Learn Series
The University of Illinois Springfield will host four Lunch & Learn Series events this fall, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.Sept. 15 – “Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life”1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead a hands-on session exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
