College of Public Affairs & Education at UIS

10/30/2023

2023 IEW is November 13th to 17th

Colleges and universities all across the US celebrate International Education Week! IEW is a joint initiative of the US Department of State and the US Department of Education “to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.”

View the UIS IEW activities including the SPIA Politics of Inclusion Symposium on 11/17:
https://www.uis.edu/sites/default/files/2023-10/International%20education%20week%202023.pdf

10/27/2023

IN THE NEWS: Prof. Piscia on Capitol View

Jason Piscia, Associate Professor in the UIS School of Communication & Media and the Public Affairs Reporting Director, was on WSIU Public Broadcasting’s “Capitol View” on October 19th. Anchor Fred Martino, Kent Redfield, UIS Emeritus Political Science Professor, and Prof. Piscia discussed today’s major political news.

To view the episode:
https://www.pbs.org/video/capitol-view-october-19-2023-fgb9y1/

Capitol View - October 19, 2023

10/26/2023

IN THE NEWS: Dr. Beth Hatt interviewed on WTVO about falling ACT scores

Dr. Beth Hatt, Director of the UIS School of Education was interviewed for a news story titled, “ACT scores in Illinois fall to lowest point in 30 years” on WTVO.

“Beth Hatt, School of Education Director at the University of Illinois Springfield, says additional factors, such as a student’s grade point average, is a better indication of how well a student will do in college.

“‘The ACT is a quick snapshot of math and English, primarily, in a timed test with multiple choice versus success in college, [which] has a lot to do with so many more things across different content areas, and so many other skills just aren’t reflected in the ACT,’ she said.”

View the video at:
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/act-scores-in-illinois-fall-to-lowest-point-in-30-years/

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Student scores on the ACT test have fallen to the lowest point in 30 years, with an average score of 19.5 out of 36. The test is meant to demonstrate how prepared a student …

10/25/2023

Register now for the Politics of Inclusion Symposium hosted by I-MMAS and the University of Colima. Speakers include Dr. Adriana Crocker, Professor in the UIS School of Politics & International Affairs.

November 17, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (CDT)
University of Illinois Springfield Student Union Ballroom (2nd floor),
One University Plaza, Springfield, IL OR ZOOM

For more information and to register:
https://emails.uofi.uillinois.edu/newsletter/08/1492403808.html

November 17, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (CDT)University of Illinois Springfield Student Union Ballroom (2nd floor),One University Plaza, Springfield, IL OR ZOOM

10/24/2023

ECCE Speaker Event: “The Navy Censored My Book! Modern Day Book Bans and the Ongoing Fight for Intellectual Freedom” at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 in Brookens Auditorium, by Dr. Jason Pierceson and Dr. Emily Knox.

Jason Pierceson, professor in the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs, and Emily Knox, associate professor in the UIUC School of Information Sciences will host the lecture and discussion. Pierceson is a leading scholar on LGBTQ rights. Knox is an expert on intellectual freedom and is the author of “Book Banning in 21st Century America,” which explores the reasons why people attempt to censor books in schools and public libraries. Together, they will explore the impetus behind and implications of the Navy’s removal of “Sexual Minorities” and other titles from its reading list in 2022.

More info at:
https://www.uis.edu/event/navy-censored-my-book-modern-day-book-bans-and-ongoing-fight-intellectual-freedom-0

Dr. Pierceson is a leading scholar on LGBTQ rights. His book, Sexual Minorities and Politics, is the first textbook to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and legal status of sexual and gender minorities. For this reason, Sexual Minorities was placed on the Navy’s Profes...

10/23/2023

ECCE Speaker Event this Wednesday at 6:00 PM!

“Embracing Your Narrative and the Social Responsibility of Respecting Others”

Dr. Cassandra LeClaire is an award-winning professor, author, motivational speaker, and sexual assault survivor. She is an expert in communicating feelings and improving connections. Cassandra’s mission is to educate individuals on how to have effective and healthy communication to enhance their personal and professional lives. The purpose of this work is to help others improve self-awareness and gain an understanding of their communication patterns to enhance their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Co-sponsored by the UIS School of Communication and Media; UIS Gender & Sexuality Services; UIS Women's Center

10/23/2023

Don't miss this exciting SPIA event this Wednesday!
Ambassador Charles Ray discusses the Blueprints for a More Modern U.S. Diplomatic Service Report
Wednesday, 10/25/23 at 5pm in PAC F
Refreshments served afterwards at the PAC 3rd Floor Atrium

10/19/2023

Join the UIS Pre-Law Center for “The Road To Law School: Freshman & Sophomores”
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Registration Fee: $20 per student (Non-refundable)
Location: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, College of Law

The UIS Pre-Law Center will provide free transportation to and from this event if there is sufficient student interest. If you would like to sign up for transportation to the event, email us at [email protected], by Friday, 10/27. Note that you will also need to register for the event at the links below and pay the $20 registration fee as soon as transportation is confirmed.

Freshmen and Sophomores: Event Registration (cleoinc.org)
Juniors, Seniors and Post Graduates: Event Registration (cleoinc.org)

10/18/2023

Proceeds are used to fund MUN students to attend the Model United Nations competition in New York, NY, in April.

10/18/2023

Join SPIA on Wednesday, 10/25/23 at 5pm to hear Ambassador Charles Ray discuss the Blueprints for a More Modern U.S. Diplomatic Service report in PAC F

10/17/2023

Pre-Law Virtual Meeting with NIU Law Representatives
Monday, November 6th, 2023, from 1:15pm - 1: 45pm.

This virtual pre-law event hosted by NIU Law's director of Admissions will give students valuable insight into the law school program and opportunities at the Northern Illinois University College of Law (NIU Law. Students can also attend the virtual meeting with other pre-law students at the UHB 2006.

Link for the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArdeioqj0pHNKmiR_4ox66QHkRO0P8-bkZ

10/16/2023

PAR Alum receives Friend of Agriculture Award

“The Illinois Extension Agricultural Association Friend of Agriculture Award is given to recognize those whose career benefits, supports and promotes agriculture in Illinois. When Mike Roegge was considering nominations, he immediately thought of Herald-Whig Staff Writer Deborah Gertz Husar who is a “tremendous voice of agriculture in West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.”

“A native of St. Louis, Husar has covered agriculture, regional issues and education at The Herald-Whig since 1989. She is a graduate of Knox College and received a master's degree in public affairs reporting from Sangamon State University, now the University of Illinois Springfield.”

Read the article at:

QUINCY – The Illinois Extension Agricultural Association Friend of Agriculture Award is given to recognize those whose career benefits, supports and promotes agriculture in Illinois.

10/13/2023

IN THE NEWS: Prof. Funderburg on the resumption of student loan payments

Dr. Rick Funderburg in the UIS School of Public Management and Policy was quoted in an SJR article by Zach Roth entitled, “Here's what you should know about the resumption of student loan payments”.

“Richard Funderburg, an associate professor of public management and policy at the University of Illinois Springfield, said that the student loan pause was always meant to be temporary, an acknowledgment of the burden being placed on people having to stay at home and away from their jobs because of the pandemic.”

To read the entire article:
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/education/2023/10/03/what-you-need-to-know-about-student-loan-payments-resuming/71004704007/

The compromise between the White House and Congress to lift the debt ceiling provided for the resumption of loan payments in October

10/12/2023

The UIS Pre-Law Center serves UIS students who are considering law school or a career in law or a law-related field. Learn more about the PLC services at:
https://www.uis.edu/pre-law

10/12/2023

CWLA and University of Illinois Springfield Announce Partnership to Establish Simulation Training to Support New Standards for Child Protective Services

The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) is partnering with University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning to establish simulation training to support the implementation of new standards for child protective services. The training will be used by child protection investigative workers to better protect children from abuse.

The UIS team will develop best practices for simulation training to support the workforce that are aligned with CWLA’s new Standards of Excellence for the Child Protective Services Function.
“Establishing child welfare-related standards of excellence has been a critical part of CWLA’s overall commitment to quality child welfare practice for more than a hundred years,” said Christine James Brown, President and CEO of CWLA.

“This partnership will bring together the evidenced-based practice of simulation training with the research and practitioner-informed approach to standard development by CWLA,” said Betsy Goulet, UIS Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning. “The simulation training model will be piloted in partnership with several states, working collaboratively as a team.”

Since 2016, UIS has been a leader in establishing best practices for simulation training. Goulet and other partners created the first statewide simulation training project in the country using a mock residence to simulate child protection investigations and interventions. In 2021, the Illinois Board of Higher Education approved the development of the Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning which expands the use of simulation training and improves critical thinking skills for all frontline home visiting professionals.

UIS will bring nearly seven years’ worth of research and experience to the partnership with CWLA which began in 2018 when leaders met to discuss UIS’ simulation training for child protection investigators. CWLA and UIS have had ongoing conversations over the past few years about how we can partner to advance our shared visions for improved training for child welfare staff.

“These new standards will ensure a stronger, competent, and confident child welfare workforce that can respond in a holistic way to the complex and changing needs of children, families and communities,” said Julie Collins, CWLA Vice President of Practice Excellence.
Work to develop the best practices for simulation training will begin immediately.
_______________________________________________________

The University of Illinois Springfield Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning brings together academic programs and community professionals to develop simulation training around challenging social justice issues. These simulations include the use of problem-based learning, a framework for critical decision-making in child well-being, law enforcement, healthcare and teacher education.

The Child Welfare League of America (www.cwla.org) is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies that since 1920 has worked to serve children and families who are vulnerable. Its expertise, leadership and innovation on policies, programs and practices help improve the lives of millions of children across the country.

Join our national effort to protect and help all children flourish. Every child has the right to a safe, loving home; your donation helps safeguard that right.

10/11/2023

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, the University of Illinois System’s Institute of Government & Public Affairs (IGPA) and the University of Illinois Springfield hosted a Summit on Democracy & Polarization, a two-day event dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities of growing partisan separation in the United States. U of I President Timothy Killeen and UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch spoke at the Monday evening reception and introduced a Conversation with the Honorable Dan Lipinksi. Speakers on Tuesday included: Don Harmon, Illinois Senate President, Nan Whaley, Former Mayor of Dayton, now US Conference of Mayors, Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer (D-NJ) and Professor, Princeton University, Suzanne McBride, Editor at Chicago Sun Times, Professor & Dean of Graduate Studies, Columbia College Chicago, Sean Theriault, UT Austin, Laurel Harbridge-Yong, Northwestern University, and Nathan Kalmoe, UW Madison, and Dr. Magic Wade, UIS School of Politics & International Affairs. CPAE Dean Smith and SPIA Assistant Professor Matt Geras were on the planning committee.

10/10/2023

CPAE Faculty & Staff and SPIA G.A. Joel Lemmert (Yeah Joel!) Showed Up For UIS at last Friday night’s homecoming soccer games. A big shout out to Krystie and Brian, UIS Catering, for serving fantastic Octoberfest food and hot apple cider!

Stay tuned for an upcoming CPAE Show Up For UIS basketball event!

10/10/2023

Pre-Law Virtual Meeting Today at 1pm ET with Guest Speaker Rachel Margiewicz

Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Time: 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Host: Professor Wykoff, Legal Studies Adjunct Instructor
Guest Speaker: Rachel Margiewicz, Attorney and Director of Pre-Law Services at JD Advising Inc.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83390873487?pwd=hz86uXbbBPbbS6nelXBV3pzVuL7NeP.1

10/09/2023

UIS Human Services Program listed on “Best Online Master’s In Human Services Of 2023” by Forbes Advisor.

Read more about this ranking at:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/best-online-masters-in-human-services/

The M.A. in Human Services (HMS) will prepare students for management and leadership positions in the growing human and social services fields. Students will develop an appreciation of contemporary and historic human characteristics, issues, and problems as the foundation for designing, delivering, and evaluating interventions and services to improve the quality of life for all people. For more information, visit: www.uis.edu/humanservices

Although demanding, careers in human services are often rewarding as well. Workers have the opportunity to help people overcome their individual challenges, all the while contributing to a far-reaching safety net that supports at-risk groups. Plus, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this fi

10/06/2023

Watch an interview with Dr. Beverly Bunch, Professor in the UIS School of Public Management & Policy, on a report she co-authored with Dr. Patty Byrnes, UIS Associate Professor of Economics, for the Volcker Alliance entitled, “On the Edge: Balancing Budgets in a Postpandemic World”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STYsegBZL38

Bishop talks with University of Illinois Springfield professor Beverly Bunch about her report for the Volcker Alliance about state budgets' impact of COVID-1...

10/05/2023

Listen to this interview on NPR Illinois about the Government Excellence Network Summit co-sponsored by CPAE to be held at UIS on October 25th:
https://www.nprillinois.org/government-politics/2023-10-04/government-excellence-network-summit-at-uis-provides-strategies-for-government-and-non-profit-leaders-community-voices

The 2023 Government Excellence Network Summit is a one-of-a-kind event designed to bring local government and non-profit leaders together. Join us for a shared learning experience that will empower you with innovative strategies and practical solutions to drive excellence in your community. The program covers the three pillars of transformation: People, Process, and Technology, and will provide you with a clear path to excellence in today's challenging, resource-constrained environment.

The Government Excellence Network Summit is a networking and learning event for government and non-profit leaders. John Baranzelli spoke to Community Voices about the event which will cover topics including AI in the workplace, strategic planning best practices, leadership and other subjects designe...

10/04/2023

IN THE NEWS from WGIL: Eric Hanson, MPA Alum, named Galesburg’s new city manager

“Hanson has extensive experience as a public administrator, with a track record of successfully managing capital projects, building consensus, and effectively resolving complex issues. He currently serves as the Assistant City Manager in the Town of Normal, a position he has held since January 2019. A native of west-central Illinois, Hanson graduated Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from Monmouth College with a concentration in Economics and holds an MPA in Public Administration from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Prior to serving in Normal, Hanson served as City Manager in Ballwin, Missouri; Indianola, Iowa; and Monmouth.”

Read more at:

Eric Hanson, an experienced city administrator with a "proven track record" has been selected as the new city manager for Galesburg.

10/03/2023

Join the UIS School of Communication & Media on Oct. 25th for this ECCE Speakers Event: “Embracing Your Narrative and the Social Responsibility of Respecting Others” by Dr. Cassadra LeClair. Dr. LeClair is an award-winning professor, author, motivational speaker, and sexual assault survivor.

More info at:
https://www.uis.edu/event/embracing-your-narrative-and-social-responsibility-respecting-others

Co-sponsored by UIS Gender & Sexuality Services and the UIS Women's Center.

10/02/2023

Interested in Law School? Don't miss this Law School Fair this Thursday - sign up with the UIS Pre-Law Center right now!

10/02/2023

Join Dr. Adriana Crocker, SPIA Professor, on Oct. 11th for a WACCI speaker presentation on "Latin American Politics" or Dr. Brandon Bolte, SPIA Assistant Professor, on Nov. 1st on "Threat of Word Famine".

09/29/2023

Fall 2023 Accelerated Courses Begin October 23
The University of Illinois Springfield is providing a unique opportunity to help you reach your educational goals faster with accelerated seven-week courses. Don’t miss this opportunity to add these classes to your transcript and potentially earn your degree sooner. Even better, all students are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Accelerated Courses are offered in accounting, business, communication, computer science, finance, management information systems, philosophy and more!

View a full list of spring courses on the Accelerated Course Schedule page:

COURSE NUMBERCRNCOURSE TITLEDELIVERY MODEDATE RANGEMEETING TIMESLOCATIONINSTRUCTORACC 505 B15372Fundamentals of Business Decision MakingOnline10/23/2023 - 12/9/2023NANACarl R. PetersonACC 509 A11766Management AccountingLecture-Discussion10/23/2023 - 12/9/2023 Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.UHB 3081...

09/28/2023

Communication & Human Services Grad Week Seminars Today!

Even if you can't attend one of these webinars live today, we encourage you to still register to receive a recording link afterward. UIS is also hosting an Open House on Oct. 9 for you to connect with faculty in person and get answers to your questions about graduate school.

09/27/2023

Yesterday, Dr. Beverly Bunch, Professor in the UIS School of Public Management and Policy, and Dr. Patty Byrnes, Associate Professor of Economics, presented the results of their research project with the Volcker Alliance on the risks of a fiscal cliff for state government when federal fiscal recovery funds no longer are available. Their research team also included two UIS students, Abigail Su and Nathan Schleiden. The paper is the latest in a series of Alliance reports on state and local budgeting in the COVID-19 Era.

Read more or watch a recording of the presentation at:
https://www.volckeralliance.org/events/edge-balancing-budgets-postpandemic-world

The Volcker Alliance invites you to join William Glasgall, Volcker Alliance senior director, public finance, in a conversation with Beverly Bunch, professor, School of Public Management and Policy, University of Illinois Springfield, and author of the new issue paper On the Edge: Balancing Budgets i...

09/26/2023

Leadership lived: Communication major Jack Buerkett of Springfield is president of Campus Movement, a Christian ministry group, and is a resident assistant for UIS Campus Recreation. He enjoys seeing students become involved at .

For information about the degrees and programs offered by the School of Communication & Media: https://www.uis.edu/scm

09/25/2023

Diane Wallace, PAR Grad, editor of The Northwest Herald

Diane Wallace, alumnus of the Public Affairs Reporting Program, was highlighted in a recent Media Moves article entitled, “Shaw Media lures two Chicago Tribune staffers to join its Northern Illinois operation”.

Read more at:
https://talkingbiznews.com/media-moves/shaw-media-lures-two-chicago-tribune-staffers-to-join-its-northern-illinois-operation/

The following excerpt was sent out from Editor & Publisher: Two former Chicago Tribune editors will join Shaw Media in prime leadership roles for the company’s Northern Illinois news operation. Diana Wallace, a former senior content editor, and Mark Hume, a former deputy senior content editor, joi...

09/22/2023

Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Sprong on his appointment as the DPA Director this fall! Dr. Sprong replaces Dr. Travis Bland as the Director of the Doctor of Public Administration Program following Dr. Bland’s appointment as the interim dean of the UIS College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Matthew Sprong, is an assistant professor in the School of Public Management and Policy. He earned a doctorate in rehabilitation from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research interests include substance use disorders and Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

The DPA program (www.uis.edu/dpa) is devoted to bridging the worlds of scholarship and practice, sparking discussions and stimulating research that improves public and nonprofit management and public policy in Illinois, the nation, and the broader global community. The program works with students who wish to serve the public interest, drive social change, and make a difference in their communities and workplaces. The DPA offers a high-level academic experience designed for mid-range and advanced professionals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

09/21/2023

09/20/2023

09/19/2023

If you have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in adding more skills or are looking for a career change, University of Illinois Springfield’s graduate programs will help you get there.

Our graduate programs are hosting webinars September 25-29. These 20-30 minute virtual sessions will connect you with program faculty, admission counselors, and assistantship representatives.

More information at:
https://www.uis.edu/grad-week

Graduate School Week September 25-29, 2023 If you have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in adding more skills or are looking for a career change, University of Illinois Springfield’s graduate programs will help you get there. Our graduate programs are hosting webinars September 25-29. Thes...

09/18/2023

09/15/2023

Alumni in the News: Danielle Stanley, MPA Alum, a Government Affairs Manager for Partnership for College Completion, was interviewed on WBEZ NPR by Lisa Philip about HB2898 (https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2898&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=148040&SessionID=112), which she helped to draft. The law is intended to protect students by holding for-profit colleges accountable for deceptive practices.

Listen to the news story at:
https://www.wbez.org/stories/wbez-newscast-for-wednesday-august-23-2023-3-00-pm/3923a026-1ca3-4e5a-bc8e-8586798b44b7?utm_medium=url_copy&audio-first=true

09/14/2023

Kyle Anderson, MPA Grad, Executive Director of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

Kyle Anderson, a graduate of the UIS Master’s of Public Administration Program, was named as the executive director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. Read more at:
https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/leadership-council-southwestern-illinois-driving-18325270.php

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides students with the skills, expertise, and networks to lead and manage organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students gain a strong foundation in the workings of government and policy, learn the frameworks and tools needed to manage people and processes effectively, and develop the skills to lead teams and organizations. Learn more about the MPA at: https://www.uis.edu/publicadministration

"We’re an organization where businesses come together to have one collective voice for...

09/14/2023

09/13/2023

Join CPAE's Prof. Deborah Anthony, Legal Studies, and Dr. John Transue, SPIA, for this Constitution Day event on 9/18 hosted by the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

For more information: https://www.uis.edu/event/celebrating-constitution-day

09/12/2023

Dr. Adriana Crocker was highlighted in the I-MMAS Newsletter in an article focused on “The Success of Latinos at the University of Illinois”.

Read the newsletter at:
https://emails.uofi.uillinois.edu/newsletter/93/1524760693.html

Dr. Crocker is a Professor in the UIS School of Politics & International Affairs and the director of the Global Studies Program and teaches comparative politics and international relations courses with an emphasis on Latin American politics and international law and organizations.

For more information about SPIA & Dr. Crocker: www.uis.edu/spia

Rafael O. Tinoco holds a Civil Engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (2005). He conducted his graduate studies at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, where he earned his M.S. (2008) and Ph.D. (2011) in Environmental Fluid Mecha...