Campus News

State of the campus

Watch a video address by UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares on the “UIC State of the Campus” on YouTube.

In a series of four video clips, Allen-Meares provides an update on the progress UIC is making in research, teaching and learning and broader campus objectives.

 

Helping hands

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System seeks donations to help support needy children and families in the neighborhoods surrounding UIC through the 2012 Miracle on Taylor Street Annual Gift Drive.

Anyone can sponsor children or families by providing gifts from a wish list. Donors can give educational books and toys, school supplies, hats and gloves. Donations will be collected the week of Dec. 17.

To participate, e-mail miracle2@uic.edu

 

Electronics recycling

Recycle your personal electronics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the west concourse of Student Center East.

The electronics recycling event is sponsored by the Honors College Sustainable Campus Course, the Academic Computing and Communications Center and the Office of Sustainability.

Participants can enter a raffle for locally donated gift cards and other items.

View a list of items accepted for recycling online.

 

Coat drive

UIC Police are asking students, faculty and staff to take a few minutes over the Thanksgiving holidays to look in their closets for winter clothing they can donate.

Police are collecting men’s, women’s and children’s coats, scarves, sweaters, hats and gloves during Operation Warm.

Through Friday, students and employees can donate items in several campus buildings: University Hall, Student Center East, Campus Recreation Facility, Student Resident Commons, Student Services Building, James Stukel Towers, Single Student Residence Hall, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, Student Center West and School of Public Health.

All items will be donated to the Pacific Garden Mission and American Red Cross Veteran Donation Drive.

For more information, call 312-735-7082.

 

Spreading holiday cheer

The Academic Professional Advisory Committee is collecting new stuffed animals, store-bought cookies and cookie decorating kits for a Dec. 12 activity for hospital pediatric patients.

To help, contact Agnes Kawalec, akawal2@uic.edu

 

Student scholarships

Students who excel in academics and athletics are encouraged to apply for the 2013-2014 Avery Brundage Scholarship.

Full-time students at the Chicago, Springfield and Urbana campuses, including incoming freshmen, graduate and transfer students, may apply.

Undergraduate and transfer students must rank in the top 25 percent of their college; incoming freshmen must rank in the upper 25 percent of their incoming class. Graduate and professional students must be in good academic standing.

Students must show “special athletic ability” in an amateur sport for personal development, rather than as preparation for professional athletics.

Previous winners represent a wide variety of sports, from archery and tennis to swimming, dance and wheelchair basketball. Last year, 16 winners were awarded $2,500 each.

The application deadline is Feb. 11.

 

UIC Sings!

The UIC Choirs and String Orchestra and UIC College Prep High School perform a free autumn concert Friday.

UIC Sings! starts at 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Church of Chicago, 1334 W. Flournoy.

Soloists include Jordan Roulo, soprano; Kelsey Park, mezzo soprano; Andrew Evangelista, tenor, and Brett Urlaub, bass.

The group is conducted by Michael J. Anderson, Andrew Lewis and Katie Foster.

For more information, call 312-996-2977.

 

Blackboard upgrades

The Academic Computing and Communications Center will move its Blackboard system to a hosted environment and upgrade the system to version 9.1 in December.

Faculty members should request spring 2013 course sites by Dec. 10.

Blackboard will be unavailable for about two weeks during the upgrade; exact dates have not been set.

To test the new system before the upgrade is live, email itl@uic.edu

For more information, call 312-996-9824.

 

Recognizing innovation

Nominations are due Dec. 14 for the Office of Technology Management’s annual UIC Inventor of the Year Award, along with a new award — Innovator of the Year.

Each award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who has worked with the Office of Technology Management in the technology transfer process.

Winners will each receive a one-time $3,500 prize and a commemorative award, presented Feb. 20.

Submissions can be entered in one category (either inventor or innovator).

 

Civil Service election

An election to select one representative to the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee to the Merit Board will be held Tuesday.

Five employees are running for the position: hospital storekeeper Albert J. Finley Jr.; UIC Police Sgt. Jason Huertas; pipefitter Glenn Martin; operating engineer Mark Murphy; and hospital customer service representative Regina Russell

All status civil service employees with a 50 percent or more appointment at UIC, including the Colleges of Medicine at Peoria and Rockford, are eligible to vote. Voters must present photo identification such as an I-card or driver’s license at the polling place.

Employees can vote at the Physical Plant Building or the UI Hospital from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Employees are entitled to vote during the work day with supervisor’s approval without loss of time or pay.

Absentee ballots are available in 201 Human Resources Building through Monday, to employees who show proof they are unable to vote Tuesday.

 

Giving season

UIC employees can help the charity of their choice through the Campus Charitable Fund Drive.

Employees can make a voluntary payroll deduction or one-time donation through Sunday.

To participate, fill out a pledge form online.

For information, call 312-413-2960.

 

Money for doctoral candidates

Doctoral students can apply for pilot grants through the Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation.

Applicants must be studying health promotion topics, such as exercise, diet, substance abuse, sleep, stress or health screenings. Studies must target older minority adults at risk of disability.

A total of $12,500 in funding will be given to up to two pilot projects.

Applications are due Monday.

For more information, email lmarti5@uic.edu

 

Concert benefits students

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Four Tops will headline the 12th annual S.E.E. Benefit Friday.

The event, hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, funds scholarships for UIC students who demonstrate strong leadership skills.

A reception, dinner and concert are included in the $225 ticket price ($120 is tax-deductible). For information or tickets, call 312-996-8813 or e-mail ovcsa@uic.edu

 

Reduced service

UIC will observe a reduced service schedule from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31.

On reduced service days, UIC will not be officially closed, and essential services, including security, will be provided. General administrative offices will close and doors to academic buildings will be locked.

University employees are asked to use accrued vacation time or floating holidays to cover these three days.

Staff members who would like to work during the reduced service days should notify their supervisor in writing by Dec. 1.

Campus units that do not observe the reduced service schedule include the UI Hospital, hospital clinics, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, Facilities Management and Capital Programs, Environmental Health and Safety Office, Telecommunication Services, Facility and Space Planning, University Police, Campus Auxiliary Services and Biologic Resources Laboratory.

For more information, call 312-413-4788 or email djharper@uic.edu