Fall schedule announced for Friday Night Star Parties

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume this fall the first Friday after Labor Day and continue through the end of October. Those dates include: September 9, 16, 23, and 30 and October 7, 14, 21, and 28. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS observatory, located on the roof of Brookens Library. The events are hosted by John Martin, assistant professor of Astronomy/Physics.

The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the Moon, when visible; the Ring Nebula; globular cluster M13; the double-cluster in Perseus; and other double stars and star clusters.

A typical Star Party starts with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck, visitors are invited to view various celestial objects through telescopes and ask questions. People are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish as long as the doors are open between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to John Martin at 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. More information about Star Parties can be found online at www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties.html.

"Foot in the Door" Fair helps students find part-time jobs, internships and volunteer

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center will host the 2011 "Foot in the Door" Fair for students looking for part-time jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities – both on- and off-campus. The event is free to all UIS students.

WHEN: Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC), lower level Concourse & Conference Rooms C/D on the UIS Campus.

DETAILS: The "Foot in the Door" Fair is intended to bring students and local employers or organizations together to discuss career opportunities in a broad range of available positions.

A partial list of off-campus employers attending includes the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Best Buy, County Market, Disney College Program, Fast Enterprises, LLC., Fastenal Company, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Hoogland Center for the Arts, Horace Mann, Illinois Government (Dept. of Revenue, Prisoner Review Board, Division of Rehab Services, Executive Inspector General, Office of the Governor), Memorial Medical Center, National Museum of Surveying, Springfield Community Federation, Wal-Mart, and the YMCA.

On-campus employers/programs attending include UIS Admissions, Applied Study Term Program, Cox Children’s Center, Graduate Public Service Internship Program, Information Technology Services, Marketing/Campus Relations, UIS Recreational Sports, and the Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center. The complete listing of employers and other event details can be found online at www.uis.edu/careerservices.

The Career Development Center will also have a table at the event where students can come to ask any questions they may have. Students are encouraged to bring their resumes and networking cards to the event and should be prepared to briefly outline their education, experience, goals and what types of positions they are interested in. A business casual dress code will be observed.

Additionally, the UIS Career Development Center will hold a Resume Building Marathon, two weeks of 21 hours of help! Assistance will be offered to students August 23-25 from 12 – 3 p.m. and August 29–31 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Student Affairs Building (SAB) 50. Students can receive resume help and other suggestions to prepare for the event.

Students who cannot attend the event can go to the Career Development Center’s website and use UIS CareerConnect, a job and internship posting system, to find on and off-campus jobs and internships, upload their resumes, as well as schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center.

For more information about the "Foot in the Door" Fair, go online to www.uis.edu/careerservices/foot_fair/ or call the Career Development Center at 217/206-6508. Individuals requesting disability related accommodations should also contact the UIS Career Development Center.

Involvement Expo presents students with a wide range of opportunities

Hundreds of students crowded the University of Illinois Springfield quad during the annual Involvement Expo to learn more about student organizations, campus departments, community agencies, and local businesses.

“It’s a great opportunity to find your niche on campus,” said Trevor Lister, Student Life graduate assistant. “There are so many diverse opportunities here.”

Sophomore Lyssa Barth has learned the importance of being active on campus. She’s still involved with many of the organizations she signed up for at last year’s Involvement Expo. This year she came to see what was new.

“I know that the programs here are incredibly amazing and I can get a lot of information,” said Barth.

For freshman Jillian Risinger, the experience is a bit overwhelming, but she knows the importance of staying active. Already in her residence hall, she’s been keeping the door open, introducing herself and trying to meet new people.

“That helps people walk over and get to know you, so that’s just when me and my roommate have been doing. It’s been working pretty well,” said Risinger.

While it’s good to be involved, Barth cautions new students that it is important to know your limit and not overload yourself.

“As a freshmen, I signed up for everything and then I had this huge inbox of like 30,000 things, but by all means if you can handle it go ahead and sign up,” said Barth.

More than 100 organizations participated in this year’s Involvement Expo.

Freshmen welcomed to UIS residence halls as fall semester begins

Hundreds of new college freshmen and their parents flooded the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield on Wednesday, August 17, 2011. The students spent the day moving into Lincoln and Founders Residence Halls with the help of dozens of volunteers.

“There’s a sense of excitement about move-in day that I think is like nothing else,” said Susan J. Koch, UIS chancellor. “One of the things I enjoy more than anything is just spending a little time with students and their parents.”

Students were assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid headaches and congestion. Volunteers helped direct parents to parking spaces, helped with unloading, carried items, and led students to their new rooms.

“I wouldn’t say it’s military precision, but it’s close,” said John Ringle, UIS director of housing and residential life.

New freshmen student Marcella Flowers traveled to Springfield with her parents, John and Rosemary. She has been looking forward to this experience, but admits it’s not easy leaving home.

“I wasn’t nervous at first, but then I got nervous right when we pulled into Springfield,” said Marcella.

She passed up an opportunity to attend the University of Iowa, because she believed UIS was a better fit and her parents agree.

“We like the campus. We like that size of it and the layout and we think it’s a good fit for Marcella,” said John. “We like the fact it’s not as big as the Urbana-Champaign campus. We also like the fact that it’s a University of Illinois degree when she finishes.”

For others, like Iris McFall it’s hard to let her only son, Claude Henry, start the next chapter in his life, but she knows it will pay off in the future.

“I want nothing, but the best for him. I’m going to miss him, but I’m really excited, and so is he, that he’s going to be attending college,” said McFall.

For more on move-in dates and other details visit the UIS Housing website.

Leadership Retreat teaches students about involvement

Learning what it means to be a leader was at the heart of a University of Illinois Springfield event held for residence assistants, student organization presidents, mentors and volunteers before the start of the fall semester.

The 2-day Student Affairs Leadership Retreat was designed to encourage collaboration, educate students about campus resources and help participants develop their own leadership skills.

“They learn so many new skills. They make so many great connections with each other. They are able to meet with each other and start the year off with a very positive attitude,” said Mary Umbarger, student organization and leadership coordinator for UIS Student Life.

Senior Sociology major Blake Johnson enjoyed exploring his own personal values and learning how they shape his leadership abilities.

“I feel like it’s a reminder and a refresher to always have everything you do center around your values,” he said. “Make sure as you look into the future and everything you’re involved in is really centered around yourself as well as benefiting others around you.”

For other students, they plan to use the networking abilities they gained from the retreat to partner with other student organizations and leaders.

“Collaboration is very important because you get a wide range of students come out and support the program or event you’re having,” said Jinger Sanders, junior Biology major.

Graduate Political Science major Aimee Winebaugh realizes the value of having everyone come together and sharing ideas at once.

“It’s one thing to have an idea, but if you don’t know the people you need to connect with you can’t really go anywhere,” she said.

The retreat also focused on time management, which has often been a challenge for senior Business Administration major Ryan Thoroman, who admits to becoming too involved.

“Probably one of the biggest faults I’ve had in the past is spreading myself too thin,” he said. “I think (I need to) prioritize my involvement.”

This was the fourth year for the Leadership Retreat. A total of 105 participants took part in the event.

UIS Alumni SAGE Society hosts "Back to School Party"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society invites you to celebrate 41 years of classes at UIS during its “Back to School Party”. The event is open to all alumni, community members, students, faculty and staff.

WHEN: Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Island Bay Yacht Club on Lake Springfield

DETAILS: Meet new Vice President and Chancellor Susan J. Koch; reconnect with your history; and share camaraderie with fellow alumni, current and former faculty, staff, and students.

The cost is $18 per person for substantial hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available. Reservations are requested by August 25 and can be made online at www.uiaa.org/uis or by calling 217/206-7395.

The UIS Alumni SAGE (Service, Action, Growth and Enrichment) Society, affiliated with the University of Illinois Alumni Association provides service opportunities, advocacy action on behalf of UIS, and growth and enrichment activities targeted toward alumni age 50 and better as well as retired UIS faculty/staff, but anyone is welcome to attend their events.

For more information, contact Chuck Schrage at 217/206-7395 or email cschr1@uis.edu.

UIS offers extended service hours as students return

The following offices at the University of Illinois Springfield have announced extended service hours to accommodate students returning for the fall 2011 semester.

Admissions, Financial Aid, & Registration (Located in University Hall – UHB)

• Aug. 15-18 (Mon.-Thurs.) - 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Close at 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 19)
• Aug. 20-25 (Mon.-Thurs.) - 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Close at 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 26)
• Open Door Sat., Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Admissions staff will be available to assist with admissions and enrollment questions, as well provide a campus tour.
  

Bookstore (Located adjacent to Founders Residence Hall)

• Aug. 15-16 (Mon.-Tues.) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Aug. 17-18 (Wed.-Thurs.) – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Aug. 19 (Fri.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Aug. 20 (Sat.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Aug. 22-25 (Mon.-Thurs.) – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Aug. 26 (Fri.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  

Campus Health Services (Located in the Business Services Building, Room 20)

• Aug. 15-18 (Mon.-Thurs.) - 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Normal hours on Fri., Aug. 19)
• Aug. 20-25 (Mon.-Thurs.) - 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Normal hours on Fri., Aug. 26)
  

icard ID Center (Public Affairs Center, Room 108)

• Aug. 15-18 (Mon.-Thurs.) – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Close at 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 19)
• Aug. 22-25 (Mon.-Thurs.) – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Close at 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 26)
  

Parking Operations (Public Affairs Center, Room 119 – Near front entrance)

• Aug. 15-18 (Mon.-Thurs.) – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Close at 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 19)
• Aug. 20-25 (Mon.-Thurs.) – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Close at 5 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 26)
• The office is closed daily between from 1-2 p.m.
  

Employers invited to participate in annual "Foot in the Door" Fair

WHAT: Local employers are invited to participate in the University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center’s 2011 “Foot in the Door” Fair. The event is designed to help UIS students find part-time jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities – both on- and off-campus.

WHEN: Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(10 a.m. set-up)

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC), lower level Concourse & Conference Rooms C/D on the UIS Campus.

DETAILS: The “Foot in the Door” Fair, a free recruitment event, is intended to be an opportunity to exchange information with students and enhance employer recruitment efforts. All attending employers should have immediately available opportunities for students. In previous years, over 250 students have attended the event!

Booth assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served response basis. Additionally, interviewing rooms will be available for employer use during the fair. Employers are given the opportunity to host on-campus information sessions, informational tables, interviews and more. All services are free to UIS students and employers.

For more information, visit www.uis.edu/careerservices/foot_fair/. Employers may register at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/1681025 or by calling the Career Development Center at 217/206-6500. The deadline for employers to register is Thursday, August 25, 2011.

Auditions set for UIS Theatre's production of Paul Rudnick's I Hate Hamlet

The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold open auditions for the first production of its 2011-2012 season – Paul Rudnick’s I Hate Hamlet - on Sunday, August 28 and Monday, August 29 beginning at 7 p.m. both nights in the Studio Theatre, located on level one of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. Call-backs will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30.

Auditions are open to anyone, with or without experience. Auditions will consist of “cold readings” from the script; prepared monologues are welcome, but not mandatory. Resumes are appreciated, but are not required. Scripts will be available for check-out soon at Brookens Library. Those interested in working on a crew (running crew, costumes, props, stage management) will be asked to fill out a crew application form, and meet briefly beginning at 6 p.m. on August 28 or 29 in the Studio Theatre.

I Hate Hamlet follows “a young and successful television actor, who relocates to New York, where he rents a marvelous, gothic apartment. With his television career in limbo, the actor is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage, but there's one problem: He hates Hamlet. His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore's ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors, the towering, dissipated Barrymore whose Hamlet was the greatest of his time, and Andrew Rally, hot young television star, leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and yes, the apartment.” –Dramatists Play Service

UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct. Production dates are Oct. 28-30 and Nov. 3-5, 2011. The curtain time for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows is 7:30 p.m. with the Sunday performance starting at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens (65 or older with a picture I.D.), $8 for UIS Faculty/Staff and $6 for UIS students with a valid i-card. Please note that a $2 service charge, not included in the prices above, from Sangamon Auditorium will be added to each ticket price, at the time of purchase, for those who walk up to the UIS Ticket Office to buy their tickets. For those who buy over the phone with a credit card or buy online, an additional $3 is added (for a total of $5 as a service charge per ticket).

For more information about auditions, the play, or helping behind the scenes, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613 or ethib1@uis.edu. You may also visit the Theatre Program’s website at www.uis.edu/theatre.