The F&S E-Update is a weekly email announcement sent to all F&S team members. It typically hits inboxes at 2:30 p.m. and includes information regarding the past and coming weeks, including winners of that week’s Pats on the Back. This page shows the Email+ (WebTools) hyperlink to view the message in its native format. Find each E-Update from this calendar year below.
For E-Updates older than this calendar year, view the E-Update Archive page.
September 18, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications September 18, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) 2026 Campus Charitable Fund Drive Launch The Campus Charitable Fund Drive (CCFD) begins on Monday, September 21, and runs through November 13. Annually through the CCFD, the university hopes to raise money for charities that make an impact locally, throughout Illinois, nationally, and across the globe. If you decide to donate, you get to say where that money will go, so you are always supporting a cause you believe in. In the kickoff video, Chancellor Isbell explains that he believes we must be “good ancestors,” and why he considers CCFD to be an important way to help create the future you want to see. You can view his short remarks at https://ccfd.illinois.edu/.On Monday, you’re invited to the 2026 CCFD Agency Fair to check out some of the many charities (of more than 700 in total) that would welcome your support. Stop by the Illini Union (rooms 103 & 104) on September 21, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to enjoy light snacks while you talk to them and hear about the work they are doing. Fill out raffle tickets at each table to enter to be one of three winners of an Illinois Elite Tailgate Chair. This is an F&S-approved event. Civil Service employees may take up to one hour to attend the event in conjunction with their lunch break, operations permitting and with prior supervisory approval. Use work order {XX-9999} Phase 04 for time that exceeds the regular lunch period. On the website listed above, you can also click Give to review your payroll deductions or make new ones, make a one-time gift to charity by check, or record a direct gift you make to a CCFD charity during the CCFD period. Want to see if your favorite charity is participating? Go to https://ccfd.illinois.edu/charities/?wpbdp_view=all_listings and search for it by name. Whether you are a long-term donor or new to charitable giving, thank you for considering a donation. Together, We Change Tomorrow. Light the Night: Free Bike Light Giveaway If your bike needs a front light and/or a rear reflector (both are required when riding at night under Illinois law), bring it to one of five campus stations between 4 and 7 p.m., on Tuesday, September 22 (Rain date: September 23): Alma Mater PlazaGreen Street and Lincoln AvenueGregory Drive and Fourth StreetHallene GatewayPennsylvania Avenue and Dorner DriveVolunteers will be on hand to help install the lights needed to improve your visibility and safety. You can also register your bike if you still need to do this. Learn more at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6543?eventId=33558244.You Can Help! Additional volunteers are still needed for this event. Never installed a bike light? No worries. A quick tutorial will be given to volunteers before they start a shift. See the time slots and choose your location when you sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/LightTheNightVolunteer. In appreciation, all volunteers will receive a Bike Month T-shirt.For more information about Bike at Illinois programs or events, contact Sustainable Transportation Assistant Sarthak Prasad, 217-300-9575. F&S’ Next Blood Drive Thank you to all who have signed up! The Blood Drive is just four donors away from reaching the drive goal and 11 away from filling all available slots. Your donation is most appreciated because there is a nationwide shortage. Locally, there is still a critical need for O+, but all types are needed. You can help by signing up for the F&S Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both whole blood and double red cell appointments can be made. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. If you snap a photo of yourself donating or take a screenshot of your post-donation thank-you message, you can use that as proof of donation to support the Illini in the Big Ten Blood Drive. You can also receive a free Illinois Gives Blood T-Shirt (while supplies last) for your donation. (But if you graduated from another Big Ten school and use your donation to add to their tally, no one else needs to ever know! The important thing is to help the blood supply!) Learn how to make your donation count at https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/wegiveblood/. At the time of this writing, Wisconsin is still in the lead, but the U. of I. has dropped to 6th place. There’s still time to catch up!Blood donation is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate.Team members may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. Noontime Knowledge on Ida B. Wells Last month’s Diversity and Inclusion Noontime Knowledge was on women gaining the right to vote. One person important to that effort was Chicago’s own Ida B. Wells (1862–1931). But the women’s rights movement was not her first foray into activism. She was an investigative journalist at a time when that was a rare occupation for a woman or a person of color, using the power of her pen to bring the violence and terrorism of lynching into the national consciousness. She also fought segregation in schools, was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and became an early civil rights activist. Learn more about this extraordinary woman on Wednesday, September 23, at noon, through the PBS video Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special, which examines her many quests for justice. Join on Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/231785449227348?p=xFmePYuoE0jJNZ8UhC or use these credentials:Meeting ID: 231 785 449 227 348 Passcode: Qc34n7hk To join by phone, call 1-929-229-5751, and enter Phone conference ID: 825 983 685# If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Flu Clinics Open McKinley Health Center will open its annual flu clinic outreach sites on campus on Monday, September 21. Next week, they will be at the following locations:Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana): September 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ikenberry Commons, Student Dining and Residential Programs Building Main Lobby (301 Gregory Dr., Champaign): September 23 and 24, from 3 to 7 p.m.; September 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The flu clinic outreach sites will continue to move across campus until November 11. Most state employees and retirees can also go to McKinley’s on-site clinic (1109 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana; West One Waiting Area, first floor), Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through Friday, December 19. Download the Map for Flu Outreach Locations, see who is eligible to use the McKinley clinics, find out which shots are available, and learn what ID you need to participate at https://mckinley.illinois.edu/flu-shot-information. Christie Clinic Drive-Thru Flu Clinics will also open soon, with the first one on Saturday, September 26, from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Christie Clinic at The Riverfront (108 Robinson St., Danville). The following Saturday, October 3, the clinics will run from 7 a.m. to noon at both the Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor (1801 Windsor Rd., Champaign) and the Christie Clinic in Mahomet on Commercial (1001 Commercial Dr., Mahomet). See dates and times for additional clinics at the Champaign on Windsor location and details about how the drive-thru clinic works at https://www.christieclinic.com/News/6253/2026-DriveThru-Flu-Clinics/news-detail/. Carle Clinic is doing most of their flu clinics by appointment (although Danville will have a drive-thru clinic, dates and times are still TBD). At the time of this writing, Carle had not updated their flu clinic page (https://carle.org/services/occasional-clinics-flu-central), but the clinics have already started. To make an appointment, call 217-902-6240 or use the MyCarle app. Flu shots are available in Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, and other locations. Other locations, such as pharmacies, also offer flu shots. Call the one you want to visit to check for availability and appointment times. You can also use the websites for CVS (https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/flu), Walgreens (www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/seasonal-flu.jsp), or Costco (https://rx.costco.com/immunizations) to make an appointment (some also accept walk-in patients). Keep track of what respiratory viruses are spreading in Illinois on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s dashboard: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/surveillance/respiratory-disease-report.html. Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures.The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Due to space limitations, registration is required. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online:September 24October 1, 8, 22, 29Already completed this training? You’re all set—there’s no need to complete it again. For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, September 28. Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Emotional Intelligence, Monday, September 21, 1 to 3 p.m., online Communicating as a Manager, Wednesday, September 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m., online Understanding Implicit Bias, Thursday, September 24, 1 to 2 p.m., online Learn More F&S seeks your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Emburse and Employee Business Travel If you deal with any of these topics, you are using Emburse:University travel policies and reimbursement processesTravel proceduresReimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses for domestic and international travelNon-employee travel The University of Illinois System has posted a recording of the training class presented by University Payables last year: “Employee Business Travel Reimbursement.” It is located on The Training Hub at https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/162890. The approximately 30-minute video is a useful resource that covers many of these topics. Learn more about Emburse at https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/applications/emburse_enterprise. Early Voting Officially Begins Thursday, September 24, is 40 days before the Midterm Election and the first day of early voting in Illinois. If you have already asked for a mail-in ballot, it will be mailed on that day. If you request a mail ballot on or after that date, it will be mailed to you within two days. The last day to request a mail ballot is Thursday, October 29. Remember, mail ballots must be either dropped in a ballot collection box (no postmark needed) or postmarked by Election Day (Tuesday, November 3). U.S. mail is not guaranteed to be postmarked the same day it is received unless you go into the post office and request a hand stamp. Early in-person voting opens on September 24, as well. Between that date and Friday, October 16, Champaign County residents can vote at the Bennett Center (102 E. Main St., Urbana). The Bennett Center is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An additional 11 sites will open for early voting on October 19, and weekend times will become available.To see When & Where to Early Vote, go to https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/early-voting-information. To see Vote by Mail Information, go to https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/vote-mail-information.To learn how to Register to Vote, go to https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/register-vote.If you reside outside Champaign County, please check the website of your county clerk. If you reside outside the State of Illinois, please check the early voting rules for your state, as these may differ. Indiana, for example, allows early voting 28 days before Election Day. International Miscanthus Summit Global leaders from research, policy, and industry are invited to attend the first international summit on Miscanthus, a genus of tall grass known for biomass (renewable organic material) production. This first-of-its-kind summit will be held at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center and the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion from October 26 to 29, with the scientific conference hosted on October 26 and 27 and the industry trade show on October 28 and 29. Participants must register by October 1: https://miscanthus-summit.illinois.edu/registration/.Speakers include Iain Donnison and Kerrie Farrar, Aberystwyth University; John Clifton-Brown, Justus Liebig University; Erik Sacks, Vijay Singh, Emily Heaton, Andrew Leakey, Madhu Khanna, and Carl Bernacchi, all from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Toshihiko Yamada, Hokkaido University; and several others. Find the full list and the agenda on the summit website: https://miscanthus-summit.illinois.edu/. Compost Collection Project A new opportunity to compost is available on campus! Anyone in the community is welcome to bring their food scraps, coffee grounds, and other organic waste to Anniversary Plaza (just south of the Illini Union on the Quad) on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Student EcoReps will be available to answer questions and help with the collection. Learn more about this joint effort between F&S; the Institute for Sustainability, Energy & Environment (iSEE); Student Engagement; the Illini Union; and the Student Sustainability Committee at https://isee.illinois.edu/campus-sustainability/get-involved/compost-collection-program/. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Prairie Farm Barnyard Bash—Help welcome fall with live music, dancing, the petting zoo, hayrides, barn games, crafts, food trucks (Mama D’s Smokehouse and Main Scoop), and s’mores. Registration is required but can be done on site at Prairie Farm (2202 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign; $5 entrance fee for everyone but children under 2). Music is by Philo Country Opry Band, and there will also be a photo op area. Find out more at https://champaignparks.org/event/prairie-farm-barn-bash/#features. Spurlock Museum Events—Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory St., Urbana) has several activities this weekend. Tonight, Friday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m., Janel & Anthony perform. The cellist and electric guitarist play “music that draws from classical, experimental, jazz, rock and electronic traditions but that ultimately is simply theirs.” On Saturday, September 19, there is a public tour of the museum from 2 to 2:45 p.m. with a student gallery guide. On Sunday, September 20, Andrew Hartman, distinguished professor of history at Illinois State University, gives a talk on the “Culture Wars, Then and Now,” at 1 p.m. Finally, Spurlock Sunday gives you the chance to create and play with shadow puppets from 1 to 3 p.m. And if you’re a Hamilton fan you can sign up to sing along to the Broadway pro-shot version at a matinee or evening performance on Sunday, November 1. See more details on all these free events at https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/#upcoming-event-filter. Meadowbrook: History Walking Tour—Roger Digges (a local author and former Urbana Park District Commissioner) literally wrote the book about how a farm turned into Meadowbrook Park (2808 Race St., Urbana). Meet at the Race Street lot at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, to hear him tell the story. The walk is free and covers approximately two miles of the paved paths. For more information, go to https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free-meadowbrook–a-history-walking-tour. Busey Woods Walk and Talk—On Saturday, September 19, you can also learn about Busey Woods (1505 N. Broadway, Urbana) from 4 to 7 p.m., in a collaboration between the Anita Purves Nature Center and the Champaign County History Museum. A history presentation and animals kick off the event. There’s a dinner break (with a food truck or bring your own) about 5 p.m. Then take a guided walk on the accessible, 1/3-mile boardwalk trail around 5:30 p.m. Later (approximately 6:15 p.m.), you can enjoy another walk and talk on the soft paths to conclude the evening. The event is free and registration is not required. Visit https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/join-us-on-a-walk-and-talk-history-of-busey-woods-september-19 for more information. Taylor Street Block Party—It’s the final block party of summer with musical guests Squirrel Movement, Eureka Brown, The Ecstatic Truth, Iris Marlowe, Hollyy, and Otnes. Join the fun on Saturday, September 19 (on Taylor St. between Neil St. and Walnut St., in downtown Champaign). Music begins at 5 p.m. See their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/taylorstreetblockparty. Save the Date September 21 to November 13—Campus Charitable Fund Drive September 22—Light the Night September 27 to October 3—Homecoming Week September 29—F&S Blood Drive October 6—Campus Simulated Spill Containment Exercise |
September 11, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications September 11, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) New INSIDER Available You can read all about Summer Construction on campus in the latest issue of the INSIDER. Then take a look at how Facilities Information Resources maps campus—from street level to floor plans. You can also learn how mill workers create campus essentials, whether it’s custom-built furniture for offices, labs, or classrooms, or furniture sets for housing. Additional topics in this INSIDER includeBeing Besties with Beckman (renovations at Beckman Institute)”Mimos” Art at Everitt LaboratoryLife Above Ground (plantings on campus)The Feel of the Community (Touch-a-Truck event)View these and other stories at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/INSIDER. Click the Issues tab to download the latest edition or check out back issues. You can also see current spotlight stories not in the print version, like the one on operating engineers. Bike to Work Day Attention F&S Cyclists! Ride your bike to campus next Wednesday, September 16, between 7 and 10 a.m., and get a free T-shirt! Eight campus welcome stations will have drinks and snacks to help you celebrate CU Bike Month. Use the link https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BiketoWorkDay to preregister; then bring your bicycle to get the shirt with a new 2026 design.To help plan your trip, you can view all 18 Champaign County welcome station locations on the official Bike to Work map at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BikeToWorkLocations. Note: If the weather is uncooperative, the event will be rescheduled for September 17 at the same time. Campus Welcome Stations Alma Mater Plaza Campus Bike Center Campus Recreation Center East College of Veterinary Medicine – Lot F27 Disability Resources and Educational Services I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center – Intersection of First Street and St. Mary’s Road Orchard Downs Siebel Center for Computer Science – Intersection of Main Street and Mathews Avenue F&S’ Next Blood Drive Consider giving blood to help address a nationwide shortage. Locally, there is a critical need for O+, A+, and B-, but all types are needed. You can help by signing up for the F&S Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both whole blood and double red cell appointments can be made. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. If you snap a photo of yourself donating or take a screenshot of your post-donation thank-you message, you can use that as proof of donation to support the Illini in the Big Ten Blood Drive. You can also receive a free Illinois Gives Blood T-Shirt (while supplies last) for your donation. (But if you graduated from another Big Ten school and use your donation to add to their tally, no one else needs to ever know! The important thing is to help the blood supply!) Learn how to make your donation count at https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/wegiveblood/. At the time of this writing, Wisconsin is in the lead and the U. of I. is in 5th place. Blood donation is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. Noontime Knowledge on Ida B. Wells Last month’s Diversity and Inclusion Noontime Knowledge was on women gaining the right to vote. One person important to that effort was Chicago’s own Ida B. Wells (1862–1931). But the women’s rights movement was not her first foray into activism. She was an investigative journalist at a time when that was a rare occupation for a woman or a person of color, using the power of her pen to bring the violence and terrorism of lynching into the national consciousness. She also fought segregation in schools, was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and became an early civil rights activist. Learn more about this extraordinary woman on Wednesday, September 23, at noon, through the PBS video Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special, which examines her many quests for justice. Join on Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/231785449227348?p=xFmePYuoE0jJNZ8UhC or use these credentials:Meeting ID: 231 785 449 227 348 Passcode: Qc34n7hk To join by phone, call 1-929-229-5751, and enter Phone conference ID: 825 983 685# If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Academic Calendar If you’ve been looking for an academic calendar for the 2026–2027 school year, look no further than ERIN! Go to the Resources, Forms & Policies page and find F&S’ version under C for Calendar: https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/resources-forms-policies/. Users must be logged in to ERIN (see upper right of your browser window to see if logged in).The calendar includes a lot of useful information, such as when fall and spring breaks are, the gift days and holidays, payroll Mondays, when instruction begins for each semester, and more. It is color coded to keep this all straight and is helpful as a reference and suitable to print. Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures.The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Due to space limitations, registration is required. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online:September 24October 1, 8, 22, 29Already completed this training? You’re all set – there’s no need to complete it again. For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, September 14. Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Origins of Inequality, Wednesday, September 16, 10 to 11 a.m., online Acts of Exclusionary Behaviors, Wednesday, September 16, 1 to 2 p.m., online Recognizing and Disrupting Workplace Discrimination, Friday, September 18, 10 to noon, online Emotional Intelligence, Monday, September 21, 1 to 3 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) Drop-In Sessions Bring your questions! Wednesday, September 16, 10 to 11 a.m., online Click the “Join Online” link located below the date and time on the F&S Training Calendar for these sessions. Campus Numbers for 2026–2027 The university announced its fall statistics this week: Total student enrollment is 61,060. This is the first time the university has crossed the 61K mark. It’s the third year in a row enrollment has set a new record. Of these, 9,332 are freshmen; that’s 125 more than last year. More than two-thirds of freshmen are from Illinois, representing 90 percent of the counties. Of the 20,241 graduate students counted, nearly half (more than 9,400) are studying online. The News Bureau has many more statistics about the student cohort, including how many are first-generation college students (either undergrad or graduate), how the new students self-identify, how many transfer students enrolled, how many countries are represented, the university’s retention rate, and more. See all the details at https://news.illinois.edu/illinois-welcomes-its-largest-freshman-class-ever-in-another-record-enrollment-year. The Campus Charitable Fund Drive, “Together, We Change Tomorrow,” kicks off on Monday, September 21. Come out to the Agency Fair at the Illini Union (rooms 103 and 104) on the launch date between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to speak with charities, enjoy light snacks, and enter to win an Illinois-branded elite tailgate chair (three employees will win). Learn more at https://CCFD.illinois.edu. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Jazz Walk—Enjoy a musical stroll through Meadowbrook Park (2808 S. Race St., Urbana; overflow parking available at Stone Creek Church at the corner of Race St. and Windsor Rd.). The fun takes place tonight, September 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. (rain date: September 12). Different local and regional jazz ensembles will be playing throughout the Wandell Sculpture Garden for your enjoyment. Be sure to check out the newest sculpture, Evolve and Grow, on your walk. Learn more about this free event at https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/the-free-meadowbrook-park-jazz-walk-is-sep.-11. I Hear America Singing—Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 Goodwin Ave., Urbana) is presenting a multimedia musical evening in honor of America’s 250th. Performers include Nathan and Julie Gunn, Adrienne Danrich, Ben Jones, Catheryn Kuhar, and Lisa Dixon. Hear songs from many genres and words inspired by Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, Allison Hedge Coke, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others. This new work will be performed tonight at 7:30 p.m. Go to https://krannertcenter.com/events/i-hear-america-singing for more information. Arcola Broomcorn Festival—The 55th annual festival is open this weekend (Friday to Sunday, September 11 to 13) with music performances, a Little Sweepers Xtreme Fun Zone, 5K/10K races, a huge parade (Saturday at 3 p.m.), vendors, and more. See the full schedule at https://www.arcolaillinois.org/broom-corn. Low-Cost Therapy—The Psychological Services Center (505 E. Green St., 3rd floor, Champaign), which is under the auspices of the Psychology Department at the U. of I., is offering low-cost therapy for children (3–18) and adults in the community this fall. They can help with depression, grief, anxiety, family conflict, post-traumatic symptoms, behavior management, and more. For additional information or to schedule a free screening, call 217-333-0041. Learn more about the center at https://psc.illinois.edu/. Polar Express Tickets on Sale—The Monticello Railway Museum is hosting its famed Polar Express train (departing from its Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello) over four weekends in November and December, but tickets sell out fast! They go on sale at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning, Saturday, September 12. Don’t wait if you have little ones who would enjoy this opportunity to ride a train, sing songs, hear a story, and meet Santa. For more details about the holiday event, visit https://www.mrym.org/polar-express. Residential Electronics Collection—Sign up for a slot at the next Residential Electronics Collection Event for Champaign County, which will be held at Parkland College on Saturday, October 10. You must have a reservation (now open) to drop off your unwanted electronics. See the long list of things they will accept (and what they won’t) or register at https://ecycle.simplybook.me/v2/. Save the Date September 16—Bike to Work Day September 21 to November 13—Campus Charitable Fund Drive September 22—Light the Night September 27 to October 3—Homecoming Week September 29—F&S Blood Drive October 6—Campus Simulated Spill Containment Exercise |
September 4, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications September 4, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) New Dispatch Available The latest issue of the Dispatch discusses the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and policies for working in conditions when temperatures reach or exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). In response to OSHA’s National Emphasis Program, F&S has a new Heat Illness Prevention Program document, which is also explored in this edition. Additional topics in this Dispatch include: Safety award winners from Utilities & Energy Services A recap of the Noontime Knowledge on autism and neurodiverse individuals The new security checkpoint at Willard AirportUpcoming bike events View these and other stories at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch/ or look for copies around F&S locations. Need to catch up on previous issues? The Dispatch is archived at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/ on ERIN as well. You can view editions dating back to 1986!We’d love to feature your work! Tell us about your latest project or achievement. Photos are also gladly accepted. Customer Relations & Communications will include as many stories and images as possible (suggestions needed by September 18 for the next edition). Email your ideas to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu. F&S’ Next Blood Drive Consider giving blood to help address a nationwide shortage. Locally, there is a critical need for O+, A+, and B-, but all types are needed. You can help by signing up for the F&S Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both whole blood and double red cell appointments can be made. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. If you snap a photo of yourself donating or take a screenshot of your post-donation thank-you message, you can use that as proof of donation to support the Illini in the Big Ten Blood Drive. (But if you graduated from another Big Ten school and use your donation to add to their tally, no one else needs to ever know! The important thing is to help the blood supply!) Learn how to make your donation count at https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/wegiveblood/. At the time of this writing, Wisconsin is in the lead. Blood donation is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. RESCHEDULED! F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic The F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic (Tailgate Edition) has been rescheduled. Please make a note of the new dates and location. Tuesday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2 to 3:30 a.m. Please plan on attending during the time slot that corresponds with your work schedule. The tailgates will now take place in Lot 31, the tailgate field across South Oak Street to the east of the Physical Plant Service Building. To RSVP, go to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/FSPicnic2026. The appreciation picnic is an F&S-approved event. Day and evening shift team members who attend their respective events will be allotted up to 1½ hours to participate. Use work order {XX-9999}, phase 065, for the time that exceeds your regular lunch hour. For questions, please contact Doni Walker, associate director of inclusion and organizational development, dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. Noontime Knowledge on Ida B. Wells Last month’s Diversity and Inclusion Noontime Knowledge was on women gaining the right to vote. One person important to that effort was Chicago’s own Ida B. Wells (1862–1931). But the women’s rights movement was not her first foray into activism. She was an investigative journalist at a time when that was a rare occupation for a woman or a person of color, using the power of her pen to bring the violence and terrorism of lynching into the national consciousness. She also fought segregation in schools, was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and became an early civil rights activist. Learn more about this extraordinary woman on Wednesday, September 23, at noon, through the PBS video Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special, which examines her many quests for justice. Join on Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/231785449227348?p=xFmePYuoE0jJNZ8UhC or use these credentials:Meeting ID: 231 785 449 227 348 Passcode: Qc34n7hk To join by phone, call 1-929-229-5751, and enter Phone conference ID: 825 983 685# If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue There is still time to sign up! Boost your confidence by participating in this unique, two-day training event that will help you unlock the power of effective dialogue and set you on the path to becoming an even more influential communicator. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place on Tuesday, September 15, and Thursday, September 17, in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registration. A $350 fee for this comprehensive, on-site training program and associated learning materials will be charged to the participant’s shop/unit. This is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. This professional development opportunity aligns with F&S’ values of promoting an accountable, respectful, and inclusive work environment that strengthens a foundation for employee success and retention. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Tuesday, September 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1836270498. For more information or questions, please contact Joseph Meeker, training and development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S, CU One-to-One Mentoring, and You Each school year, team members from F&S volunteer to mentor a child in the Champaign-Urbana schools through the CU One-to-One Mentoring program. This F&S-approved activity (time can be charged) is fun and rewarding for both mentors and mentees. Most importantly, it makes a positive impact on the life of a child.Learn more about this excellent partnership and how you can participate by attending one of two lunchtime Mentoring Presentations on Wednesday, September 9. Join representatives from F&S and Cu One-to-One Mentoring in PPSB conference room 128 for pizza and discussion from noon to 12:30 p.m. or from 12:30 to 1 p.m.For a glimpse into the mentoring experience, see this week’s WAND story that features F&S team members Chris Cook and Julie O’Mahoney: https://www.wandtv.com/2026/09/02/it-really-makes-their-day-cu-one-to-one-mentors-build-lasting-relationships/.You can help with the headcount by stating which session you’ll attend on the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BeAMentor. You can drop any specific questions you have about the program there as well. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, September 14. Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) Drop-In Sessions Bring your questions! Friday, September 11, 10 to 11 a.m., online Wednesday, September 16, 10 to 11 a.m., online GLMS Manager Role Overview Wednesday, September 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m., online Click the “Join Online” link located below the date and time on the F&S Training Calendar for these sessions, or visit the training calendar to register for the GLMS Manager Role Overview. Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures. The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online: September 10, 24 October 1, 8, 22, 29 For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Media Relations Training Opportunity Do you ever receive media inquiries from reporters, industry publications, or civic groups about a project or service? Customer Relations & Communications (CRC) can help! Take the F&S’ Media Relations Training course on Friday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, in PPSB conference room 128. The presentation and Q&A will help explain how CRC can collaborate with you to address these types of requests and develop comprehensive response strategies when necessary. The training is open to all team members interested in learning more about these topics or whose job responsibilities may involve media relations participation. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MediaRelationsTraining. To help facilitate more engagement at the event, the session will be limited to the first 30 registrants. Media Relations Inquiries F&S policy states that all media inquiries must be referred to CRC immediately, including emails or voicemails received during non-business hours. No one is authorized to speak on behalf of F&S, the campus, or the university regarding business operations, unit initiatives, or urgent response efforts unless approved by the associate vice chancellor of F&S or a member of CRC. The policy and more about F&S’ media relations processes, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, vendor/contractor inquiries and can be found at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/media-relations/. Lost & Found Locations at F&S and on Campus Whether you have lost or found something, there are several ways to attempt to reunite lost objects and their owners. F&S Locations PPSB Located in PPSB Room 117 at the Facilities Information Resources (FIR) Help Desk. Phone: 217-333-0923 PPSB Lock Shop – University Keys University keys that are found are often turned in to the F&S Lock Shop, located in PPSB Room 110. Phone: 217-333-1907 Garage & Car Pool Located at the front entrance counter in the Garage and Car Pool building. This primarily covers items left in vehicles. Phone: 217-333-3910 Building Services Located on the second floor of the Garage and Car Pool building. This primarily covers items found in campus buildings served by F&S. Phone: 217-333-1490 Other Campus Locations Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) General: diaeventmanagement@illinois.edu State Farm Center: 217-265-0372 or amjohnsn@illinois.edu Division of Public Safety (DPS) Campus Police: 217-333-1216 or police@illinois.edu Campus Libraries Each library location maintains its own Lost and Found. Online Lost Property Reporting There is also an online reporting form for lost property, theft, and vandalism through the University of Illinois DPS: https://www.police.illinois.edu/campus-safety-tips/lost-and-found-property/.This information can also be found on ERIN at the bottom of the Administration page: https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/administration/. Check in on your health and well-being during Illini Wellness Week. Check out the Mental Health Fair on Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Illini Union Rooms B & C. Use the QR code to see the full calendar or go to https://go.illinois.edu/WellnessWeek. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community The National Sweetcorn Festival—Enjoy an ear of sweetcorn cooked with an antique steam engine at this 82nd festival. The fun takes place at McFerren Park (S. Dixie Highway, Hoopeston) today through Monday (September 4 to 7). Gates open this evening from 5 to 11 p.m. Check the schedule for exact times of events over the next three days, which include carnival rides, a tractor pull, a car show, a demolition derby, vendors, and of course, sweet corn (afternoons, Saturday to Monday)! Proceeds support the Hoopeston Jaycees charitable projects. Visit https://www.hoopestonjaycees.org/festival/default.html for more information or to download the full schedule. Cardboard Boat Regatta—The third annual Cardboard Boat Regatta will take place at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve on Saturday, September 5. All ages are welcome. Come to the Harry L. Swartz Campground (2655 Campground Dr., 3485 County Rd. 2700 E., Penfield) at 1 p.m. to make your boat onsite (basic materials available while supplies last) or bring your premade boat by 2:30 p.m. to have it inspected. Races begin at 3:30 p.m. For more details, visit https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/3rd-annual-carboard-boat-regatta. Stomp & Social Dance—The Peoria Tribe invites people to a cultural evening of dance at Cahokia Mounds Visitors Center (30 Ramey St., Collinsville). All are welcome to attend this opportunity to learn and enjoy Native culture. Everyone is welcome to dance. This event is sponsored by the Peoria Tribe, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, and Cahokia Mounds Historic Site. The dance begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 5. Bring your own lawn chairs for seating. Learn more about this free event at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6121?eventId=33560265. Learn a New Language—Whether you want to practice your very rusty high school Spanish or French, you’re learning English, or you want to learn an entirely new language, Mango can help. Choose from more than 70 languages. Access to the digital language-learning platform is sponsored by the University Library. Sign up for an account (or try it as a guest) at https://proxy2.library.illinois.edu/login?url=https://connect.mangolanguages.com/illinois/start. Parking Finder App—If you need to find parking on campus beyond your usual assigned lot, try the new app from the Parking Department and Modii. You don’t need to download it or give any personal information to use it. The interactive map offers predictive parking availability, directions to the various lots, and more. Learn more about it or click Parking Finder to try it at https://parking.illinois.edu/campus-parking-map. Sustainable Student Farm Open House—On Friday, September 11, you’re invited to visit the Sustainable Student Farm (3505 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana). Events run from 3 to 7 p.m., with tours of the farm at 3:15 or 4 p.m., and food and speakers beginning about 4:45 p.m. See the full schedule and other details at https://go.illinois.edu/2026SSFOpenHouse. Save the Date September 7—Labor Day (holiday) September 8—Team Member Appreciation Picnics (11:30 a.m., 7 p.m.; Sept. 9, 2 a.m.) September 9—Mentoring Informational Lunches September 15 & 17—Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Training September 29—F&S Blood Drive |
August 28, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications August 28, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Motor Vehicle Record Checks More than 200 F&S team members still need to complete the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. If you are a “regular driver” of campus vehicles, you must update your MVR. While this, of course, includes those who drive university vehicles as part of their regular job duties for university or system business, an MVR update is also required for F&S “project managers, engineers, inspectors, and commissioning staff whose duties include regular on-site visits to build, demo, and renovation sites.” Other categories of people required to fill out an MVR check include automotive garage technicians, disability transportation specialists, and mail messengers. There are others on the list as well. See the full definition of “regular driver” at https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp/section-15-travel/15_5. The MVR check is being conducted by HireRight. A reminder email was recently sent to those who still need to complete this task. If you are a regular driver, note the email came from HireRight Customer Support <noreply@hireright.com> and had this subject line: University of Illinois Motor Vehicle Record Screening Request for [NAME]. Please check your spam/junk folders, in case the email was filtered there. If you should have received this email and you did not, please email IHR-BackgroundChecks@illinois.edu. You should also email this address if you believe you responded to a previous MVR request from HireRight. How Should You Answer the Social Security Number Question in the MVR? The State of Illinois requires only the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) to be cross-referenced for the MVR check. For security, you may enter 111-11-XXXX for your SSN, where XXXX are the correct final four digits of your personal SSN. Only these last four digits will be shared with the vendor. RESCHEDULED! F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic The F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic (Tailgate Edition) has been rescheduled. Please make a note of the new dates and location. Tuesday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Tuesday, September 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Wednesday, September 9, 2 to 3:30 a.m.Please plan on attending during the time slot that corresponds with your work schedule. The tailgates will now take place Lot 31, the tailgate field across South Oak Street to the east of the Physical Plant Service Building. To RSVP, go to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/FSPicnic2026. The appreciation picnic is an F&S-approved event. Day and evening shift team members who attend their respective events will be allotted up to 1½ hours to participate. Use work order {XX-9999}, phase 065, for the time that exceeds your regular lunch hour.For questions, please contact Doni Walker, associate director of inclusion and organizational development, dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. Car Pool Rate Increase Because of recent significant cost increases across the auto industry and higher fleet maintenance expenses, F&S Transportation will adjust Car Pool rental rates by about 22 percent, beginning Tuesday, September 1. This measure is necessary to help F&S maintain quality service for the over 200 vehicles available in the F&S rental fleet. These cars, trucks, and vans see over 5,000 trips annually for university business. To see the new specific rate for each vehicle type, visit https://fs.illinois.edu/car-pool-and-transportation/.Wholesale fuel price variations will continue to be offset through a surcharge, which is presently seven cents per mile. This surcharge is reviewed monthly and revised up or down as necessary based on the cost of unleaded gasoline. Questions about Car Pool rates may be addressed to Neil Franzen, transportation manager, franzen2@illinois.edu, 217-333-2890. Thank you for your continued support of the Car Pool. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Boost your confidence by participating in this unique, two-day training event that will help you unlock the power of effective dialogue and set you on the path to becoming an even more influential communicator. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place on Tuesday, September 15, and Thursday, September 17, in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registration. A $350 fee is assessed for this on-site, comprehensive training program and the associated learning materials. This is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. This professional development opportunity aligns with F&S’ values of promoting an accountable, respectful, and inclusive work environment that strengthens a foundation for employee success and retention. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Tuesday, September 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1836270498. For more information or questions, please contact Joseph Meeker, training and development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Media Relations Training Opportunity Do you ever receive media inquiries from reporters, industry publications, or civic groups about a project or service? Customer Relations & Communications (CRC) can help! Take the F&S’ Media Relations Training course on Friday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, in PPSB conference room 128. The presentation and Q&A will help explain how CRC can collaborate with you to address these types of requests and develop comprehensive response strategies when necessary. The training is open to all team members interested in learning more about these topics or whose job responsibilities may involve media relations participation. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MediaRelationsTraining. To help facilitate more engagement at the event, the session will be limited to the first 30 registrants. Media Relations Inquiries F&S policy states that all media inquiries must be referred to CRC immediately, including emails or voicemails received during non-business hours. No one is authorized to speak on behalf of F&S, the campus, or the university regarding business operations, unit initiatives, or urgent response efforts unless approved by the associate vice chancellor of F&S or a member of CRC. The complete policy, and more on ERIN, can be found at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MediaRelationsPolicy. You can also learn more about F&S’ Media Relations, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, vendor/contractor requests, and more at that same link. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, August 31 (Please note that this week’s session will move to Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, and will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S’ Next Blood Drive There’s a nationwide blood shortage. You can help by signing up for the F&S Blood Drive on September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Blood donation is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures.The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online:September 3, 10, 24October 1, 8, 22, 29For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S, CU One-to-One Mentoring, and You Each school year, team members from F&S volunteer to mentor a child in the Champaign-Urbana schools through the CU One-to-One Mentoring program. This F&S-approved activity is fun and rewarding for both mentors and mentees. Most importantly, it makes a positive impact on the life of a child.Learn more about this excellent partnership and how you can help by attending one of two lunchtime Mentoring Presentations on Wednesday, September 9. Join representatives from F&S and Cu One-to-One Mentoring in PPSB conference room 128 for pizza and discussion from noon to 12:30 p.m. or from 12:30 to 1 p.m.You can help with the headcount by stating which session you’ll attend on the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BeAMentor. You can drop your specific questions about the program there as well. 2026 MAPPA Conference in Indianapolis There is still time to register for the MAPPA conference that runs September 27 through 30 (with the welcome reception the afternoon of the 28th), but the hotel block at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel closes next Friday, September 4. Go to https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1764870358044&key=GRP&app=resvlink to reserve a room at the conference rate. If you still need to register for the conference, you can do that at https://whova.com/portal/registration/-bb68OrlnLmaYK@mhQ21/. Registration is open until September 22. Additional information about MAPPA’s On Track for Excellence conference is available at https://whova.com/web/-Zsow0EpVLu71p-l6McWyvSUhZKTuGowmP4%40m7vC58Y%3D/. Researcher and avid birder Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld will post this presentation in the Veterinary Basic Sciences Building on Tuesday, September 1, from noon to 1. Pizza will be provided. Use the QR code to register or go to https://surveys.illinois.edu/sec/360603487. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Mahomet Music Festival—Enjoy live music, vendors, crafts, carnival rides, and more at the festival tonight, August 28, from 5 to 11 p.m., and tomorrow, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Musical acts include Zack Thompkins, Ninety’s Daughter, Hairbangers Ball, Riley Clemmons, Onoleigh, Shane Profit, and Craig Morgan, as well as five other bands/performers. See the full schedule, parking and shuttle details, and more at https://www.mahometmusicfest.com/. Mary Poppins, Jr.—The Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company (CUTC) proudly presents its Penguin Project show this weekend. The Penguin Project pairs young artists (11 to 24 years old) with a developmental disability with a peer mentor (12 to 24 years old) without disabilities. Both artists and mentors appear onstage together in Mary Poppins, Jr., tonight through Sunday (Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.) in the Miner Theatre at Parkland College (2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign). For more information about CUTC, visit https://www.cutheatreco.org; for tickets for the Penguin Project show, go to https://cutc.ludus.com/index.php. Illini Volleyball vs. Cincinnati—It’s a Back 2 School Block Party & Tailgate tonight at Huff Hall (1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign) as the Illini women play their first home game of the season (game begins at 7 p.m.). Before the game, enjoy inflatables, face painting, balloons, and food trucks on the south lawn. Individual tickets and FamILLy 4 Packs are available for the game. For more about the tailgate, visit https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/8/21/illinois-volleyball-releases-2026-promotional-schedule; for tickets, go to https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7?eventId=33559311. The second match of the weekend takes place against Syracuse on Sunday, August 30, at noon, also at Huff Hall. Costume and Prop Sale—The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts periodically needs to clear clutter to make way for props and costumes for new shows. Perhaps you need a Halloween costume or some prop furniture. If so, this is the sale for you! This year’s opportunity is Saturday, August 29. Costume sales will be in the Studio Theatre with a $5 early bird admission from 8 a.m. until noon; then the doors will close for half an hour to restock. From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., admission to the costume sale is free, and $10 “all-you-can-fill” grab bags will be available. The prop sale will be on level 2 and is free to attend all day. Learn more at https://krannertcenter.com/events/krannert-center-costume-and-prop-sale-0. CUDO Plays Kickoff Fest—If you or a family member wants to learn how to make a board game, Season 13 of CUDO Plays is just about to start! Champaign-Urbana Design Organization (CUDO) is hosting its Game Fest & Community Kickoff on Saturday, August 29, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St., Champaign, in Robeson Rooms A & B [next to the cafe]). Past game makers will have their games set up for you to try out. Between rounds of play, there will be a slideshow and Q&A time explaining how CUDO can help you make a board game of your very own. The event is free and family friendly. Visit https://www.cudoplays.com/events/cudo-plays-community-kickoff-12-t6kpp for more details. Family Campout—Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello) is hosting their 10th annual Family Campout on Saturday, September 19. Bring your own camping gear and enjoy this rare opportunity to camp overnight at Allerton. They’ll have stories and s’mores around the campfire and other optional activities run by experts, such as a live wildlife show, a look at bird mist-netting, stargazing, and a chance to learn how to throw an atlatl spear (an ancient hunting tool). Registration is required and must be done by September 17. More details are available at https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/family-campout/. Save the Date September 7—Labor Day (holiday) September 8—Team Member Appreciation Picnics (11:30 a.m., 7 p.m.; Sept. 9, 2 a.m.) September 15 & 17—Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Training September 29—F&S Blood Drive |
August 21, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications August 21, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures.The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online:August 27 September 3, 10, 24October 1, 8, 22, 29For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic The home opener for the Fighting Illini kicks off at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, in Gies Memorial Stadium. Get in the game-day spirit when you tailgate with F&S at the annual Team Member Appreciation Picnic before or after the game! Three tailgate picnics will be held (note corrected times): Thursday, September 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2 to 3:30 a.m. Please plan on attending during the time slot that corresponds with your work schedule. The tailgates will take place in the Stores & Receiving parking lot (1609 S. Oak St., Champaign). More information about how to sign up and about the food options will be provided in future announcements. The appreciation picnic is an F&S-approved event. Day and evening shift team members who attend their respective events will be allotted up to 1½ hours to participate. Use work order {XX-9999}, phase 065, for the time that exceeds your regular lunch hour.For questions, please contact Doni Walker, associate director of inclusion and organizational development, dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. Media Relations Training Opportunity Do you ever receive media inquiries from reporters, industry publications, or civic groups about a project or service? Customer Relations & Communications (CRC) can help! Take the F&S’ Media Relations Training course on Friday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, in PPSB conference room 128. The presentation and Q&A will help explain how CRC can collaborate with you to address these types of requests and develop comprehensive response strategies when necessary. The training is open to all team members interested in learning more about these topics or whose job responsibilities may involve media relations participation. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MediaRelationsTraining. To help facilitate more engagement at the event, the session will be limited to the first 30 registrants. Media Relations Inquiries F&S policy states that all media inquiries must be referred to CRC immediately, including emails or voicemails received during non-business hours. No one is authorized to speak on behalf of F&S, the campus, or the university regarding business operations, unit initiatives, or urgent response efforts unless approved by the associate vice chancellor of F&S or a member of CRC. The complete policy can be found at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MediaRelationsPolicy. You can also learn more about F&S’ Media Relations, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, vendor/contractor requests, and more at that same link. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Boost your confidence by participating in this unique, two-day training event that will help you unlock the power of effective dialogue and set you on the path to becoming an even more influential communicator. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place on Tuesday, September 15, and Thursday, September 17, in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registration. A $350 fee is assessed for this on-site, comprehensive training program and the associated learning materials. This is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. This professional development opportunity aligns with F&S’ values of promoting an accountable, respectful, and inclusive work environment that strengthens a foundation for employee success and retention. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Tuesday, September 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1836270498. For more information or questions, please contact Joseph Meeker, training and development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Celebrate Women’s Equality Day with Noontime Knowledge August 26, 1920, was the day the 19th Amendment was officially made part of the U.S. Constitution; women finally had the right to vote. Join us at noon on Wednesday, August 26, 106 years later, for a look at how women (and the men who supported them) set about winning this fundamental right. The video Fighting for the Vote (~30 minutes) will be shown and discussion will follow. To join, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/85979749240?pwd=d0VaUyeTBjmoKSqr5AJmpoTrMGOxsW.1.You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 859 7974 9240 Password: 709982To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, August 31. Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. State of APPA 2026:Thursday, August 27, noon to 1 p.m., online AI for Facilities 101: Monday, August 24; Tuesday, August 25; Wednesday, August 26; and Wednesday, September 2 (from 1 to 3 p.m. each day, eight hours total), online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S’ Next Blood Drive There’s a nationwide blood shortage. You can help by signing up for the F&S Blood Drive on September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Blood donation is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate.Team members may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. F&S, CU One-to-One Mentoring, and You Each school year, team members from F&S volunteer to mentor a child in the Champaign-Urbana schools. This F&S-approved activity is fun and rewarding for both mentors and mentees. Most importantly, it makes a positive impact on the life of a child. What do mentors do? Mentors visit with their mentee for one hour per week during the school day, on the school grounds. Mentors and mentees spend time together doing fun, creative activities, such as playing games, going for a walk, playing basketball, exploring on the computer, doing experiments, creating arts-and-crafts projects, and talking and listening. A mentor’s goal is to build a relationship of trust with their mentee.Want to learn more about participating? Have specific questions? Fill out the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BeAMentor. General information can be found at https://www.cu1to1.org/. Quad Day The annual back-to-school tradition for U. of I. students is this Sunday, August 23, from noon to 4 p.m. The Marching Illini will fill you with school spirit with a performance in front of Foellinger Auditorium at noon. Hundreds of organizations (from registered student organizations to community ones) will also be set up along both the Main Quad and South Quad’s many pathways to offer information about advocacy & activism, sustainability, community service, identity & culture, the performing arts, and many more areas of interest. See https://studentengagement.illinois.edu/quadday/assignments for a list of participating groups and their booth locations. Two road closures will be in place during the day:From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the parking lot and circle drive between the Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics Building and Smith Memorial Hall will be closed to traffic. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Gregory Drive will be closed between Sixth Street and the Morrow Plots crosswalk.During this period, please use caution when traveling in these areas and throughout Campustown because of increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Atwood Apple Dumpling Festival—If apples in pastry is your jam, you won’t want to miss the 32nd annual Apple Dumpling Festival. Tonight, August 21, they are open until 9:30 p.m., with live music, craft and food vendors, as well as children’s games (open until 8 p.m.). Saturday, August 22, they open at 7 a.m. for an Apple Dumpling Breakfast. Throughout the day, enjoy a dog show, more games, a parade, a car show, music, and more. Visit the Facebook page to see the full schedule: https://www.facebook.com/AtwoodIL. The Big Sale—The Dump & Run Big Sale is this weekend at the U. of I. Stock Pavilion (1402 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Urbana). The hours are Saturday, August 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($5 admission, free for U. of I. and Parkland students) and Sunday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (free for everyone; $3 bag sale and half-price furniture); then from 2:30 to 3 p.m., everything must go! All remaining items are free. Help shop the circular economy and keep usable items out of the landfill. Learn more at https://www.universityymca.org/what-we-offer/programs/dump-run. The Illiac—The kickoff of Sinfonia da Camera’s season is free at Hessel Park (1400 Grandview Dr., Champaign) on Saturday, August 22. Sinfonia goes on at 7:30 p.m. Before that, you can enjoy Centennial Chamber Orchestra (4:30 p.m.), Mariachi Libertad (5:15 p.m.), and Meadowhawk (6 p.m.). There will also be a variety of food trucks and libations. Still need more music? The Illiac also has performances in downtown Champaign, including Red Heart Revolution, Big Daddy Pride & The East Side Five, Granny Square, and others. See all the details at https://theilliac.com. Fall on a Budget in Champaign-Urbana—With school starting, it’s time to turn attention to fun fall activities. Chambanamoms has you covered with a list of 21 places to check out this fall. Find it at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/08/16/fall-on-a-budget-champaign-urbana-families/. Family Skywatch—The Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society is hosting a free event at their observatory (County Rd. 700 E., Champaign) on Saturday, August 22, from 7 to 10 p.m. Note the event will be canceled if there is rain or clouds. Also note there are no bathrooms at the site. For information about available telescopes and directions to the observatory, go to https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/champaign-urbana-astronomical-society-family-skywatch/. FamILLy Night—Join Illinois Women’s Soccer at Demirjian Park (606 St. Mary’s Rd., Champaign) on Sunday, August 23, at 5 p.m. There will be inflatables, a kids’ zone, and a family meal deal. Kids in eighth grade or younger can try out their soccer skills against the team after their game against UIC. Learn more about FamILLy Night or sign your kid up for the 100 vs. Illini post-match here: https://fightingillini.com/sports/2022/4/11/fighting-illini-promotions. Save the Date Through August 23—Move-In Week August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 3 & 4—F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic (Tailgate Edition) September 7—Labor Day (holiday) September 15 & 17—Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Training September 29—F&S Blood Drive |
August 14, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications August 14, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Media Relations Training Opportunity Do you ever receive media inquiries from reporters, industry publications, or civic groups about a project or service? Customer Relations & Communications (CRC) can help! Take the F&S’ Media Relations Training course on Friday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, in PPSB conference room 128. The presentation and Q&A will help explain how CRC can collaborate with you to address these types of requests and develop comprehensive response strategies when necessary. The training is open to all team members interested in learning more about these topics or whose job responsibilities may involve media relations participation. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MediaRelationsTraining. To help facilitate more engagement at the event, the session will be limited to the first 30 registrants. Want to learn more about F&S’ Media Relations, including policies, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, vendor/contractor requests and more? Visit https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/media-relations/. F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic The home opener for the Fighting Illini kicks off at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, in Gies Memorial Stadium. Get in the game-day spirit when you tailgate with F&S at the annual Team Member Appreciation Picnic before or after the game! Three tailgate picnics will be held:Thursday, September 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Thursday, September 3, 7 to 8 p.m.Friday, September 4, 2 to 3 a.m.Please plan on attending during the time slot that corresponds with your work schedule. The tailgates will take place in the Stores & Receiving parking lot (1609 S. Oak St., Champaign). More information about how to sign up and about the food options will be provided in future announcements. The appreciation picnic is an F&S-approved event. Day and evening shift team members who attend their respective events will be allotted up to 1½ hours to participate. Use work order {XX-9999}, phase 065, for the time that exceeds your regular lunch hour.For questions, please contact Doni Walker, associate director of inclusion and organizational development, dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue People rarely feel prepared when they need to have a high-stakes or difficult conversation. It can be awkward, messy, and sometimes even feel unsafe. Learning how to handle these situations before they happen can help you in the moment. F&S is pleased to continue offering Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue training to team members (whether in a leadership role or not) to help you communicate more effectively. Participants will learn how to be better prepared to share their concerns and speak up about workplace issues.develop skills to communicate effectively during high-stakes situations.listen actively and speak persuasively.build stronger relationships and foster a collaborative environment.The instructor-led training sessions offer real-time practice and coaching scenarios, giving you invaluable tools you can use in any situation—even the uncomfortable ones. Boost your confidence by participating in this unique, two-day training event that will help you unlock the power of effective dialogue and set you on the path to becoming an even more influential communicator. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place on Tuesday, September 15, and Thursday, September 17, in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registration. A $350 fee is assessed for this on-site, comprehensive training program and the associated learning materials. This is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. This professional development opportunity aligns with F&S’ values of promoting an accountable, respectful, and inclusive work environment that strengthens a foundation for employee success and retention. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Tuesday, September 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1836270498. For more information or questions, please contact Joseph Meeker, training and development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Celebrate Women’s Equality Day with Noontime Knowledge August 26, 1920, was the day the 19th Amendment was officially made part of the U.S. Constitution; women finally had the right to vote. Join us at noon on Wednesday, August 26, 106 years later, for a look at how women (and the men who supported them) set about winning this fundamental right. The video Fighting for the Vote (~30 minutes) will be shown and discussion will follow. To join, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/85979749240?pwd=d0VaUyeTBjmoKSqr5AJmpoTrMGOxsW.1.You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 859 7974 9240 Password: 709982To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, August 17. Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Building Reliable Emergency Communications Across Campus:Thursday, August 20, from noon to 1 p.m., online State of APPA 2026:Thursday, August 27, noon to 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures.The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online:August 27 September 3, 10, 24October 1, 8, 22, 29For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S, CU One-to-One Mentoring, and You Each school year, team members from F&S volunteer to mentor a child in the Champaign-Urbana schools for an hour a week. This F&S-approved activity is fun and rewarding for both mentors and mentees. Most importantly, it makes a positive impact in the life of a child. What do mentors do? Mentors visit with their mentee for one hour per week during the school day, on the school grounds. Mentors and mentees spend time together doing fun, creative activities such as playing games, going for a walk, playing basketball, exploring on the computer, doing experiments, creating arts-and-crafts projects, and talking and listening. A mentor’s goal is to build a relationship of trust with their mentee. .Want to learn more about participating? Have specific questions? Fill out the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BeAMentor. General information can be found at https://www.cu1to1.org/. Show Your Illini Spirit by Donating to a Blood Drive As the school year—and the football season—get underway, so too does the Abbott and the Big Ten blood drive competition. In fact, because of blood shortages across the nation, your blood donation can count now, even before school starts. Any blood donation made between August 12 and December 4 will contribute to the University of Illinois’ total if you just register it. Donors (or attempted donors if deferred) can also get a free Illinois Gives Blood T-Shirt, while supplies last. Go to https://bigten.org/abbott/illinois/ to see how. In the two years that Abbott and the Big Ten have hosted the friendly competition, the University of Nebraska won the first year, and the University of Wisconsin won last year. Each winning school received a donation to help with student or community health. More importantly, over 83,000 blood donations were made as part of the drive last year, saving up to 250,000 lives in Big Ten communities, as all donations stay local. Want to help but don’t know where to donate? F&S’ next blood drive is September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Blood donation is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate.Team members may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Board Game Night at the Farm—Bring your friends or meet new people at Prairie Fruit Farm (The Orchard Classroom, 4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign) tonight from 5:30 to 9:30 (and additional Fridays if tonight doesn’t work for you). The event is free, with beverages and snacks available to purchase. Bring your own game or play one of the ones provided. For more details, go to https://www.prairiefruits.com/event-details/board-game-night-at-the-farm. Bounce Back to School—Come out to Hessel Park (1400 Grandview Dr., Champaign) tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. Kids can bounce, slide, and jump on a variety of inflatables at this free event sponsored by the Champaign Park District. Learn more at https://champaignparks.org/event/bounce-back-to-school/. Finding Nemo, Jr.—The Monticello Theatre Association (1406 N. Market St., Monticello) is presenting the musical based on the Pixar film tonight and tomorrow (August 14 and 15) at 7 p.m., and Sunday, August 16, at 2 p.m. For more information or tickets, visit https://monticellotheatre.org/productions/current-productions/2026-2/finding-nemo-jr/. Fall Plant Sale—Sola Gratia Farm (2200 Philo Rd., Urbana) has cool-weather crops and flowers for your fall planting needs. They have lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, collards, chard, brassica, herbs, and flower starts. The plant sale is tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go to https://www.solagratiacsa.com/events/fall-plant-sale2026-c6w8f for more information. Summer Bash—Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services presents its annual Summer Bash with guest artists Rick Springfield and Night Ranger. The event is held in downtown Gibson City, and it opens at 5 p.m., with the concert kicking off at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, August 15. Learn more or purchase tickets at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/39234869/rick-springfield-night-ranger-gibson-city-gibson-area-hospital-health-services. Illini Volleyball Fan Day—The Fighting Illini will host Bradley for a free exhibition game on Sunday, August 16, at 3 p.m., at Huff Hall (1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign). Fan Day activities will begin post-match, and you can meet student-athletes and coaches. Metered parking is available, or you can park at the State Farm Center. Visit https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/7/28/illinois-volleyball-to-host-exhibition-vs-bradley-fan-day-on-aug-16-at-huff-hall for more details. Warblers, Sparrows, and Thrushes, Oh My!—Bird enthusiasts will want to check out this talk by Tara Beveroth, an avian ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Beveroth will discuss the Phillips Tract Banding Station and its role in helping researchers better understand stopover habitat selection, migratory routes, population trends, and responses to environmental change. The event is in person (Extension Auditorium, 801 N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign) or by Zoom on Monday, August 17, at 7 p.m. Beveroth’s talk is free, but registration is required. Go to https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/ecimn-august-ce-seminar-warblers-sparrows-and-thrushes-oh-my-with-tara-beveroth-inhs to learn more or to register. Save the Date August 16 to 23—Move-In Week August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 3 & 4—F&S Team Member Appreciation Picnic (Tailgate Edition) September 7—Labor Day (holiday) September 15 & 17—Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Training September 29—F&S Blood Drive |
August 7, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications August 7, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue People rarely feel prepared when they need to have a high-stakes or difficult conversation. It can be awkward, messy, and sometimes even feel unsafe. Learning how to handle these situations before they happen can help you in the moment. F&S is pleased to continue offering Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue training to team members (whether in a leadership role or not) to help you communicate more effectively. Participants will learn how to be better prepared to share their concerns and speak up about workplace issues.develop skills to communicate effectively during high-stakes situations.listen actively and speak persuasively.build stronger relationships and foster a collaborative environment.The instructor-led training sessions offer real-time practice and coaching scenarios, giving you invaluable tools you can use in any situation—even the uncomfortable ones. Boost your confidence by participating in this unique, two-day training event that will help you unlock the power of effective dialogue and set you on the path to becoming an even more influential communicator. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place on Tuesday, September 15, and Thursday, September 17, in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registration. A $350 fee is assessed for this on-site, comprehensive training program and the associated learning materials. This is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. This professional development opportunity aligns with F&S’ values of promoting an accountable, respectful, and inclusive work environment that strengthens a foundation for employee success and retention. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Tuesday, September 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1836270498. For more information or questions, please contact Joseph Meeker, F&S Training and Development Specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Celebrate Women’s Equality Day with Noontime Knowledge August 26, 1920, was the day the 19th Amendment was officially made part of the US Constitution; women finally had the right to vote. Join us at noon on Wednesday, August 26, 106 years later, for a look at how women (and the men who supported them) set about winning this fundamental right. The video Fighting for the Vote (~30 minutes) will be shown and discussion will follow. To join, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/85979749240?pwd=d0VaUyeTBjmoKSqr5AJmpoTrMGOxsW.1.You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 859 7974 9240 Password: 709982To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Fall Dates Now Available for Fire Extinguisher Training Everyone should know how to confidently use a fire extinguisher. If you don’t, or you feel like your skills are rusty, sign up for the training opportunity put together by F&S and the Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments. It covers the basics of fire extinguisher use and each participant will get to practice putting out a digitally simulated fire. The training is a university-approved event. A dozen opportunities are scheduled between Tuesday, September 1, and Friday, December 4, with both morning and afternoon times available. Each class is 50 minutes long and can accommodate up to 35 participants. To see details of dates, times, and locations, or to register for a training, visit https://fs.illinois.edu/fire-extinguisher-training/. Click the day and time you want to join; this will take you to the registration page for that specific event. If you have questions or need help registering, please contact fandscodefire@illinois.edu. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, August 17. Supervisors are asked to help facilitate departmental and shop attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Building Reliable Emergency Communications Across Campus:Thursday, August 20, from noon to 1 p.m., online State of APPA 2026:Thursday, August 27, noon to 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Registration Open for the Next Respect in the Workplace Training Respect in the Workplace: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation explores the many aspects of culture. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, learners will connect their own experiences to cultural awareness and appreciation. Learners will also be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence as ongoing, reflective practices that support learning, respect, and understanding of different cultures.The Respect in the Workplace series is offered every other year and covers a different topic each time. Completion of this course is required as a condition of employment. Join the growing number of team members who have already completed this training. Sign up at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Upcoming dates are on Thursdays, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in person in Stores & Receiving, conference room 1A, or from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online:August 27 September 3, 10, 24October 1, 8, 22, 29For questions, contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Vote by Mail Champaign County is now in the period in which you can request to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm election to be held on Tuesday, November 3. To do so, visit https://champaigncountyclerk.com/. Then in the top right box labeled “I WANT TO,” choose “Request a Vote by Mail Ballot.” It will take you to a different site with the county clerk seal at the top. Click the blue BEGIN button to pull up the form. Then enter the requested information, along with either the last four digits of your Social Security number or the full number listed on your Illinois driver’s license or state ID. (Do not enter both numbers.) Next, click the blue SEARCH button. From there you can decide if you want to be on the permanent vote by mail list or want to choose to vote by mail for only the upcoming election. Vote by Mail ballots will first be sent out to requesting voters on September 24. Requests made after that date will be mailed within two business days. The last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot is Thursday, October 29. Vote by Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 3) or deposited in an official drop box by 7 p.m. on Election Day. For additional information about the many ways to vote in Champaign County, visit https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote. If you vote outside of Champaign County, please refer to the county clerk website for your area for instructions and timelines for voting by mail. iRead • iCount Every fall, the local iRead • iCount program looks for volunteers for the iCount portion of the program, which this year runs from October 1 through December 11. During that period, volunteers will spend an hour a week in a Champaign or Urbana public elementary school (you can choose which school you volunteer at). Many volunteers are needed to teach foundational math skills. Think you’re not good at math? No worries! Volunteers work with kindergartners and first graders on numbers, simple addition and subtraction, and the like. Materials are provided.Applications for the fall iCount program must be submitted by Saturday, August 29. Those submitting an application can choose to participate in iCount, the spring iRead program, or both. The kids benefit from extra attention in a small group setting. All necessary materials are supplied. The only missing ingredient is you! If you’d like to help the youngest learners, please visit https://www.champaigncounty.org/iread-icount/ to learn more or fill out an application for either Champaign Unit 4 or Urbana District 116. Volunteers who are fluent in Spanish or French are encouraged to volunteer at schools with dual-language programs. Mentoring for local elementary and secondary students (with supervisor approval and not to exceed one hour per week) is an approved activity that does not require the use of benefit time. See the campus policy at https://cam.illinois.edu/policies/hr-12/. Paint and Other Recycling Matters If you have old paint at your house that you’d like to get rid of, there is a new way to recycle it in Champaign-Urbana. The PaintCare program allows you to drop off up to five gallons of old paint at a time (some sites accept more, but check in advance) at Sherwin-Williams (locations on N. Mattis Ave. and W. Marketview Dr., Champaign; W. Curtis Rd., Savoy; and N. Vine St., Urbana)Niemann Ace Hardware (locations on W. Kirby Ave. and S. Neil St., Champaign)RP Lumber (on N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign) They all accept latex, acrylic, and oil-based paints, as well as deck coatings, primers, sealers, stains, certain waterproofing, and so on. They will not take aerosol coatings, solvents, roof patch, and similar products. See a full list of what you can bring and what you cannot at https://www.paintcare.org/products/. Paint does not need to be dried out, but it must be in its original container with a label. Upcoming Free Recycling Events The tentative date for the Champaign County Hazardous Waste Collection at the State Farm Center is September 26, with registration expected to open on Monday, August 17. You’ll be able to drop off things like used motor oil, antifreeze, herbicides and pesticides, solvents, expired hand sanitizer, household batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and more. See the list of what they can take at https://hhwevent.simplybook.me/v2/.There is also an upcoming Residential Electronics Collection scheduled for October 10 at Parkland College, with registration expected to open on Tuesday, September 1. This one will accept any and all TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, printers, monitors, microwaves, phones, digital cameras, rechargeable batteries, toner cartridges, and more. See their list of what can and cannot be dropped off at https://ecycle.simplybook.me/v2/. Please note that the hazardous waste event is open to all Illinois residents, but the electronics collection is for Champaign County residents only.What Else Can You Recycle? If you have items that don’t fit into any of the above categories, check the City of Champaign’s web page “Where Do I Recycle It?” at https://champaignil.gov/public-works/recycling/where-do-i-recycle-it/. They have listings for appliances, craft supplies, bubble wrap, clothing, e-cigarettes and vapes, eyeglasses, mercury thermometers, vacuum cleaners, and many other hard-to-recycle items. They City of Urbana has a similar “Recyclopedia” list at https://www.urbanail.gov/public-works/page/where-do-i-recycle-additional-items. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community The Many Days and County Fairs of Central Illinois—The fair season continues! The Illinois State Fair opens on Thursday, August 13, and runs through Sunday, August 23. Each day has a special theme (e.g., Kids Day on Saturday, August 15; Veterans & Gold Star Families Day on Sunday, August 16; and Park District Conservation Day, on Saturday, August 22, when more than 45 Park Districts around Illinois will host activities). Learn more at https://statefair.illinois.gov/. Looking for something smaller or closer to home? Champaign-Urbana Days is a three-day event that begins tonight, August 7 (from 6 to 8:30 p.m.). It has games, activities, inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, and the like. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1612154483452791 for all the details. Tonight, St. Joseph Community Festival is hosting a Wild Foam Adventure from 5 to 7 p.m. Up to 30 kids at a time can play in a roped-off foamy area. On Saturday, August 8, the festival begins with a pancake breakfast and ends with fireworks. In between, you can enjoy a dog show, a parade, a dunk tank, carnival rides, vendors, and more. Scroll through their Facebook page for lots more information: https://www.facebook.com/stjosephillinoiscommunityfestival/. 250 Years of Documenting Democracy—The Main Library (1408 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana) has a three-part exhibit showcasing the documents that shaped our nation “from the Declaration of Independence to today’s digital records.” It’s open daily through August 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with displays in room 220, the Library Gallery, and the cases near the entrance to the Main Stacks. See the calendar entry for the final day for more information: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/4092?eventId=33556494. FamILLy Movie Night—Enjoy Air Bud at Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 8; attendees of this free event will also witness “the public debut of college football’s largest videoboard.” From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Fighting Illini student-athletes will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. The movie begins at 7 p.m. No outside food or drink is allowed, but concession stands and food trucks will be available. Visit https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/7/10/football-free-busey-bank-familly-movie-night-set-for-saturday-aug-8 for more information. Prairie Dragon Paddlers Family and Friends Day—Prairie Dragon Paddles (an Illinois not-for-profit organization) is a dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors. Come out to the Salt Fork Center of Homer Lake (2573 S. Homer Lake Rd.) on Sunday, August 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., to see the team paddle. If you’re 10 or older with a signed waiver, you can even get in the pink boat and paddle with the team. There will also be refreshments. Go to https://www.prairiedragonpaddlers.org/news/join-us-aug-9-for-friends-amp-family-day-2026 to learn more. Station Theatre Summer Bash—This free event (Sunday, August 9, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., at Boneyard Creek behind the theater [223 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana]) will feature live performances from Ordinary Days, Come from Away, and Cara Maurizi from local band Modern Drugs. They’ll also preview the upcoming season. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/27497589599937562/. Save the Date August 16 to 23—Move-In Week August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 7—Labor Day (holiday) September 15 & 17—Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Training |
July 31, 2026
| Click here to see this online July 31, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Outdoor and Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Program At F&S, work must sometimes be conducted in spaces—indoors or out—where air temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26°Celsius). Safety & Compliance has developed two resources to explain the requirements called for by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, which impacts team members working under these conditions. The Quick Start Guide is a web-based reference that outlines the role and responsibility of different people or groups on campus. Choose a designation from the toggle menu to learn more about each role in the program:Deans, Department Heads, and Directors (Campus Units)Designated Responsible Person(s)Supervisors, Managers, and Principal Investigators (PIs)Faculty, Staff, and Student Workers The full Heat Illness Prevention Program expands on the information in the Quick Start Guide and lays out requirements for acclimatization, hydration, employee training, recordkeeping, emergency procedures, symptoms and practical advice for heat-related illnesses, and more. It also has an extensive appendix that offers definitions of the terms discussed.ResourcesGet the basics with the Quick Start Guide: https://fs.illinois.edu/heat-illness-prevention-program/.Download and read the Heat Illness Prevention Program Document: https://go.fs.illinois.edu/HeatIllnessPrevention.Review the MassMail sent on this topic: https://massmail.illinois.edu/massmail/240692046.html.For questions or additional information, please contact Safety & Compliance, Occupational Safety & Health: oshs@illinois.edu.Thank you for taking the time to review this important information and for helping to keep each other safe when performing work in warmer environments. Advisory: One-Day Work Postponement at Spurlock Museum Any team members with upcoming service work or project activities at Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory Dr., Urbana) should be aware that the building will be closed entirely on Monday, August 3. Spurlock staff will be on a work retreat, and therefore no regularly scheduled work should be performed that day. If your workflow may be affected by this one-day closure, please speak with your supervisor. Emergency/dispatch work, as outlined by the Building Maintenance department service levels (https://fs.illinois.edu/service-level-agreements/), will still be authorized if needed. Regular museum operations will resume at Spurlock on Tuesday, August 4. Thank you for your patience. Annual Fire Alarm Testing at PPSB Next Thursday, August 6, the fire alarms will be tested at PPSB. This work will begin at 7 a.m., and the testing period may take up to two hours. The team checks the sound intensity of all devices, and some of the alarms also have a strobe lighting effect. Team members should expect loud noises and flashing lights during this period. If you are sensitive to loud noise or this type of lighting effect, please adjust your schedule to avoid the testing, including receiving prior supervisory approval if necessary. Annual alarm testing is necessary to verify that all devices function correctly and produce sound loud enough to meet code requirements. If you have questions, please contact the F&S Service Office fsserviceoffice@illinois.edu, 217-333-0340. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, August 3. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. The GROW Framework—Empowering Leaders Through Coaching: Wednesday, August 5, from 1 to 2 p.m., online State of Space Management in Higher Education (Partnership with Huron Consulting): Thursday, August 6, noon to 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S Website Updates If you’re on an F&S web page (e.g., fs.illinois.edu, ERIN intranet site, or INSIDER magazine site) and you notice something that needs to be updated (e.g., a contact change, an image that is out of date, other informational adjustments, or anything else), please send the changes to Travis Tate, assistant director of digital strategy & development, Customer Relations & Communications, tbtate@illinois.edu. It would be helpful if, in addition to the change(s) needed, you specified the URL for any web page(s) needing correction. 2026 MAPPA Conference While “On Track for Excellence,” the 2026 MAPPA Conference in Indianapolis, takes place September 27 to 30, this evening (July 31) is the deadline to receive the special $50 early-bird registration discount. The MAPPA conference is aimed toward facilities professionals, with the goal “to move beyond theory and into practice, delivering timely, relevant, and forward-looking ideas that empower facilities leaders at every level.” Held at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel (with a special conference room rate), the conference breakout sessions will cover many topics, including these: Applying APPA Custodial Guidelines to inform data-driven decisions in today’s university expense-tightening environment Planning and Implementing a Roadmap to Sustainability: Building Facilities, Energy Master Plans, and Cost-Saving Measures Smart Bins: Improving Campus Efficiency Leading Through Uncertainty: A New Model for Emergency Readiness The Responsible Use of AI in Energy Management: Why Good Data Is the Foundation Women in Facilities: Data, Trends, and Lived Experience There is also a keynote speaker, an exhibit room, meals, facility tours, and more. See the conference agenda at https://whova.com/web/y9c56u9QZIi-bs3J3xZPHD4tDRtfd8PfOc3RRi07md0%3D/Agenda/. Register at https://whova.com/portal/registration/-bb68OrlnLmaYK@mhQ21/. Dump & Run® Big Sale Collections at the Stock Pavilion Summer is a great time to work on decluttering your house, your garage, your shed . . . If you find yourself with household items, furniture, or bikes to donate, consider contributing to the University YMCA’s Dump & Run efforts, which help keep many unwanted items out of the landfill. Collections begin on Monday, August 3, from Noon to 4 p.m. at the Stock Pavilion (1402 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana). After that, you can also drop items off there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays (through Friday, August 14) or Saturdays (August 8 or 15) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Note: At this time there is a waitlist for curbside pickup of larger furniture items.* These items will then be offered for purchase during The Big Sale the weekend before classes begin (Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23). Dump & Run accepts most things that are in good, usable condition, including: books, CDs, DVDs, instruments dishware, glassware, bakeware, cookware working small appliances sports equipment nonperishable, unopened food items lawn and garden items They cannot accept CRT TVs or monitors mattresses large appliances (e.g., full-size refrigerators, washers, dryers)nonworking electronics cassette or VHS tapes pianos paint holiday decorations See the full list of accepted (and refused) items and find additional details about the event at https://www.universityymca.org/what-we-offer/programs/dump-run#events. *If you would like to be added to the waitlist for a furniture pickup, please email dumpandrun@universitymca.org. Include your name, address, phone number, items to be collected, and whether you are able to bring your items to the curb. Dump & Run is a registered trademark of the University YMCA. Tickets for Fighting Illini Football on Sale Season tickets for Illinois Football have sold out, but tickets for individual games are still available. The season opener in Gies Memorial Stadium this fall has an 8 p.m. kickoff on Thursday, September 3, when the Fighting Illini take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers. The U. of I. also has home games against Duke on Saturday, September 12; Southern Illinois on Saturday, September 19; Purdue on Saturday, October 3; Oregon on Saturday, October 24; Nebraska on Friday, November 6; and Iowa on Saturday, November 21.In addition to single tickets, the Fighting Illini offer a FamILLy Flex Plan, where you can purchase up to 12 tickets for a three-game mini plan. You would get your choice of the UAB and Southern Illinois games, the Oregon game, and your choice of the Nebraska and Iowa games. The three tickets together cost $105 per person. To purchase tickets, parking passes, or to learn more about announced times and other details, visit https://fightingillini.evenue.net/events/football. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community The Many Days and County Fairs of Central Illinois—This weekend you can choose from a plethora of fairs and fun days hosting everything from dog shows, bull riding, and kiddie tractor pulls to food, music, and carnival rides. Click the individual links to check out schedules, locations, and event details. The Champaign County Fair (https://champaigncountyfair.cc/) continues through August 1. The Coles County Fair (https://www.colescountyfair.net/fair-events) is open through August 2, as are both the McLean County Fair and the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair (https://mcleancountyfair.org/daily/ and https://www.moultriedouglascountyfair.org/the-fair, respectively). Royal Days take place today and tomorrow, July 31 and August 1, as do the Steam Threshing Days in Arthur (https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalDay/ and https://www.illinoisamish.org/special-events, respectively). The latter has historic harvest activities, using 19th-century methods. Crystal Lake Park Art Fair—It’s the eighth annual art fair at Crystal Lake Park (206 W. Park St., Urbana), Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. More than 40 regional and local vendors will be along the park road by the large pavilion and the Lake House. They work in a variety of mediums, including fiber, wood, paint, photography, glass, pottery, jewelry, and more. See a list of the featured artists at https://40north.org/our_programs/crystal-lake-park-art-fair/. Urbana Park District’s Mobile Recreation Unit will also be on hand to entertain kids with activities, games, and crafts. Ragtime the Musical—The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company’s production of Ragtime is showing tonight (July 31) through Sunday (August 2) with three performances: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The award-winning Ragtime interweaves the stories of three disparate families in New York at the dawn of the 20th century. The show goes on at the Virginia Theatre (203 W. Park Ave., Champaign). For more information or to buy tickets in advance, go to https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1139. Wall-E—Bring the family out for Moo-vie Night at the Farm tonight, July 31. Enjoy concessions and the open-air showing of the Disney-Pixar classic from 2008. The fun is hosted by the Champaign Park District at Prairie Farm (2202 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign); bring a blanket or a chair to sit on. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the movie begins at dusk. Read more about this event and upcoming movies in the series at https://champaignparks.org/series/moo-vie-night-at-the-farm/. Quiet Book Club—Love to read, but hate discussing the book? Meet other like-minded readers when you come out for the Urbana Free Library’s Quiet Book Club on Monday, August 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room (210 W. Green St., Urbana). Participants will read together quietly (bring your own book or choose one there) and enjoy light refreshments. Learn more at https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/16013661. Back-to-School Information—Local school districts in Central Illinois will soon begin hosting the first day of school for the 2026–2027 school year, with some districts starting in less than two weeks! Chambanamoms has collected start dates; information about student physical, dental, and vision exam requirements, as well as immunization rules; tips for saving money on the things kids need for school, including school supply giveaways and places that offer free physicals; and much more in their roundup of websites and resources available at https://www.chambanamoms.com/back-to-school/. Sales Tax Holiday—Everyone can save 5 percent on back-to-school shopping between August 7 to 16. During this 10-day period, the State of Illinois portion of the sales tax will be reduced by this amount. In addition to basic school supplies, certain clothing items and shoes that are less than $125 per item are also included in the moratorium. See a complete list of what’s allowed and what’s not at the bottom of this web page: https://tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/bulletins.html. Save the Date August 6—Fire Alarm Testing at PPSB August 16 to 23—Move-In Week August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 7—Labor Day (holiday) September 15 & 17—Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Training |
July 24, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications July 24, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) The Dispatch Turns 40 In 1986, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) decided to start an internal newsletter and named it the O&M Dispatch. (Facilities & Services didn’t become the name of the unit until 2003.) Other names considered in the May planning document included Nuts & Bolts and The O&M Grapevine. The latter became a feature section to report on personal milestones for team members (e.g., births, marriages, promotions, retirements, etc.). A “Pat on the Back” section was also suggested. Forty years later, F&S still celebrates excellent work in that section, but now it runs here in the weekly E-Update.The November edition of the new O&M Dispatch excitedly reported that “AutoCAD, a popular Computer-Aided Drafting system, has been installed in our Drafting Room.” In 1986, this was a relatively new program. The article noted that O&M would use “optical scanning” to enter floor plans into the system, stating that “A Draftsman would need at least two full days to manually trace a typical floor plan into the system, whereas the scanning process requires just five to six hours.” The same issue discussed a new underground irrigation system installed under topsoil and sod on the “U of I Quadrangle.” Apparently, a previous above-ground system “required the Quad to be closed periodically for watering.” The December edition recorded that O&M “recently received an award from the Champaign County Blood Bank, recognizing us for outstanding voluntary service to the community blood program . . . Thanks to the many donors at O&M, this is the second year we have received this award.” (F&S still hosts three blood drives annually; the next one is set for September 29.) This issue also offered explanations for the processes for snow and ice removal and had an article on the Water Station. The latter noted, “In 1901, the University water works were installed and 30 years later a Filtration Plant was built to satisfy the growing need for iron removal. Chlorinators were also installed at this time, and the water was chlorinated for the first time in the water works history.”These early versions of the Dispatch were also peppered with jokes, comic clippings, and little interesting notes, such as this “Blast from the Past” from Bud Gotschall, mechanical engineer III: “Prior to 1964, air conditioning on campus was used exclusively for research. A policy change was then implemented in 1964 that stated air conditioning could also be used for comfort in campus buildings.” Current F&S Team members and others on campus this summer can still rejoice in this 1964 decision! You can check out archived PDFs of Dispatch issues from 1986 to the present on ERIN at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/. Midwest Cogeneration Conference Registration is now open for the three-day 2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference, which will be held in Chicago from August 17 to 19. The conference is hosted by the Midwest Cogeneration Association, which works to promote “a greater public understanding of cogeneration, independent power production, and distributed generation.” The theme behind the conference is “Advancing the Future of Reliable Energy.” Industry experts will discuss “how combined heat and power, cogeneration, distributed generation, and microgrid technologies can drive decarbonization, increase energy resiliency, and provide favorable economic solutions by leveraging available local and federal incentives.”Day 1 will feature a no-cost workshop at the University of Illinois Chicago, an on-site technical tour of the Illinois Institute of Technology, and an evening conference welcome. Day 2 will begin with a networking breakfast with exhibitors and sponsors, a full day of conference speakers, another networking opportunity, and an evening social event on the Chicago Riverfront. Day 3 includes an on-site presentation and technical tour of Half Acre Beer Co. Learn more at https://cogeneration.org/2026mcaconf/ and register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/f1d30917-1a03-4ee6-a236-37cc2c1cec51. Phase 4 Is Underway Comprehensive interior renovations are planned with Phase 4 of the Altgeld Hall Renovation and Illini Hall Replacement Project, which began on July 1. The Altgeld interior spaces will be modernized and enjoy enhanced accessibility throughout, including the east wing addition. The scope of the work for the full project is explained at https://las.illinois.edu/giving/altgeldillini. One exciting conservation effort is that the original murals, depicting the first four colleges of the university, are being cleaned and restored. This will repair damage from water infiltration and age. See a picture of that work at https://las.illinois.edu/giving/altgeldillini/details/renovation.Structural steel deliveries for the construction of a new facility on the site of the former Illini Hall (Phase 3) are ongoing, and the material drop-offs will necessitate periodic closures of John Street over the next several months. When this happens flaggers on Wright Street will temporarily reroute westbound traffic to Chalmers Avenue. Exercising caution on campus, especially in congested areas, is always a good idea, but please be especially careful in construction zones. Slow down, watch for pedestrians, and give workers plenty of room. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, August 3. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Core Skills Every Emerging Leader Needs—The CHORDS Model: Wednesday, July 29, from 1 to 2 p.m., online Skillful Collaboration—Working Successfully to Achieve Team Goals: Thursday, July 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m., online Leadership for Life (presented by the Eastern Region of APPA): Thursday, July 30, noon to 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. F&S Website Updates If you’re on an F&S web page (e.g., fs.illinois.edu, ERIN intranet site, or INSIDER magazine site) and you notice something that needs to be updated (e.g., a contact change, an image that is out of date, other informational adjustments, or anything else), please send the changes to Travis Tate, assistant director of digital strategy & development, Customer Relations & Communications, tbtate@illinois.edu. It would be helpful if, in addition to the change(s) needed, you specified the URL for any web page(s) needing correction. OLLI at Illinois A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign program that used to be age-limited to those 50+ is now open to all adults. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) aims to provide “educational, cultural, and social programs to engage minds, enhance well-being, and foster joy among lifelong learners.” They offer courses and study groups on many topics, and many of the programs are both in-person and on Zoom. Upcoming courses this fall include Great Lakes Weather and Climate, Yoga for Resilience, A Brief History of Champaign and Urbana Theatres, The Media in the Age of AI, African American Art and Artists, and many others. Study groups meet outside the semester (e.g., summer, winter break) and include writing groups, fitness programs, and more. More details are available at https://olli.illinois.edu/. Digital Well-Being A term that is gaining traction is ‘doomscrolling,’ which Merriam-Webster defines as “excessive time scrolling through online content (especially news) that makes one feel sad, anxious, angry, etc.” The National Council for Mental Wellbeing recently published an informative article about this digital habit and suggested ways to stop doomscrolling to protect mental health. These are their five takeaway headlines from their Mental Health First Aid training:Set boundaries for when and how you use social media.Pay attention to how digital content affects your mood. Curate your feed with intention.Replace scrolling with activities that help you recharge. Create screen-free time before bed. Under each headline they give practical suggestions for how to meet that goal and sometimes link to additional resources. They note that small changes can make a big difference in improving mood. To read the full article with all the detailed suggestions, visit https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/news/stop-doomscrolling-improve-mental-health. Air Quality Index In the past couple of weeks, smoke from ongoing Canadian Wildfires has reached into the Midwest, triggering air quality warnings, including here in Champaign-Urbana. On Sunday, July 19, the local Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 158, which is in the unhealthy range of the AQI Scale. The scale represents each category level with both a number and a color:0–50 Good (green) 51–100 Moderate (yellow)101–150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange; e.g., people with asthma, COPD, or other breathing difficulties)151–200 Unhealthy (red)201–300 Very Unhealthy (purple)300+ Hazardous (maroon)CU has also had some orange days that came with a warning for people who are more susceptible to breathing issues and spent several days in the yellow range. Northern parts of the Midwest reached even higher levels. On Thursday, July 16, Chicago’s AQI was over 500. With many of the wildfires (both here in the States and in Canada) still raging, predictions are being made that the Midwest will continue to see periodic days where the AQI is high into August. You can check both the current AQI and the forecasted AQI (at the state level and the city level) at www.airnow.gov; many weather sites (such as weather.gov; click the Air Quality tab over the map) also include this metric. Some ways to protect yourself when the AQI is elevated include the following:Limit your time outside. Wear a protective mask if you must be outdoors.Keep windows and doors closed. Run a high-quality air filter inside. (It is possible to make one from MERV13 filters and a box fan. Search for “Corsi-Rosenthal Box” to find do-it-yourself instructions and video.)Avoid strenuous exercise.Watch for signs of medical distress, such as trouble breathing or chest pain.Check in with people who have known sensitivities.Take precautions with children and pets. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Sidney Fun Daze—The Village of Sidney is hosting their annual Fun Daze this weekend at the Community Building (211 E. Main St.) and nearby locations. One highlight is the Lego Derby. Today (July 24) you can build a Lego vehicle and practice for the Lego Derby Race held tomorrow (Saturday, July 25). Over the two-day event you can also enjoy music, vendors, a movie, a car show, a bag tournament, a petting zoo, inflatables, and more. See the full schedule at https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/sidney-fun-daze/. On the Road Again: Flower Show—Garden Clubs of Illinois is presenting a Standard Flower Show, which is “an adjudicated show with ribbons going to top designers as well as home gardeners.” The free event is in the Lincoln Square Mall (300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana) today (July 24, 4 to 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (July 25, 8 a.m. to noon). Learn more at https://patch.com/illinois/urbana-il/calendar/event/20260724/5f7b1f72-4162-4ff6-8491-d49fb7bf71d0/on-the-road-again-a-standard-flower-show. Champaign County Fair—The fair opens tomorrow (July 25) and runs at the fairgrounds (intersection of Coler and Fairview Avenues, Urbana) through August 1. They open at 10 a.m. every day and close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and both Saturdays. Tomorrow is Military Day. Tuesday is Senior Citizen Day. Saturday, August 1, is First Responder Day. Other highlights include a carnival, exhibits, vendors, a rodeo, motocross, and more. For the full schedule and additional details, visit https://champaigncountyfair.cc/. Summer Splash—Champaign County Forest Preserve is hosting this family-friendly event at Lake of the Woods Peninsula (101 N. Lake of the Woods Rd., Mahomet) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, pedal boats, and an inflatable water slide, live music (from noon to 2 p.m.), food trucks, and more! This year, they are also running shuttles from Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana and Dodds Park in Champaign for those who prefer not to make the drive. See the departure and return times and additional details about the event at https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/summer-splash-1. Peach Party—Fans of the summer fruit can head to Okaw Valley Orchard & Farm (724 County Rd. 1750 N., Sullivan) for a celebration of peach season on Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live entertainment (bluegrass music from Mackville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) will be provided and fresh peaches and other peach-based products will be available. There will be face painting, arts & crafts, and games for all ages throughout the day, as well as mead and cider samples. Visit https://www.okawvalleyorchard.com/peach-party for more information. Foraging for Wild Mushrooms Class—If you’ve ever wanted to learn how “to identify various types of wild mushrooms, covering edible, toxic, and hallucinogenic species,” now is your chance. Instructor Lee Schuler from The Farms at Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello) will show and discuss species that are safe to eat and those that are not. The class meets on Sunday, July 26, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. (If this date is not convenient or if registration is full, it runs on three additional dates in August and September.) For more details or to register, go to https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/foraging-mushrooms/. Save the Date August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 7—Labor Day (holiday) |
July 17, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications New Dispatch Available The latest issue of the Dispatch honors F&S’ 2025 Service Award recipients, who were recently feted at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center. See all the honorees, the Team Member of the Month winners, and the F&S Team Member of the Year on the cover. Inside the Dispatch, you can also read about Summer ConstructionTwo Touch-a-Truck events (one upcoming!)Preventing Heat-Related Illness and What to Do if Heat Stroke OccursA recap of the May Noontime KnowledgeView these and other stories at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch/ or look for copies around F&S locations. Need to catch up on previous issues? The Dispatch is archived at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/ on ERIN as well. You can view editions dating back to 1986! We’d love to feature your work! Tell us about your latest project or achievement. Photos are also gladly accepted. Customer Relations & Communications will include as many stories and images as possible (suggestions needed by June 27 for the next edition). Email your ideas to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu. Multifactor Authentication If you have been verifying your identity on university websites by using SMS (short message service), you should know that this method of multifactor authentication (MFA) is being sunset beginning this month. Users still relying on SMS will be asked to adopt Duo Mobile or a YubiKey (if devices are not compatible with Duo Mobile) as their method of MFA going forward. Duo Mobile is available as an app. To learn how to install and use it, visit https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois/internal/160203.A YubiKey is a small dongle that you physically plug into your device anytime you are asked to confirm your identity through MFA. Learn more about this at https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois/72159.Team members identified as still using SMS will receive an email about the changeover. Once you receive the email, you will have 14 calendar days (not workdays) to complete the change. MFA is required on many university websites, including those that allow you to access pay stubs, the my.FS Portal, Vacation/Sick Leave reporting application, and many others. It is important to complete the switch in a timely manner, so you do not lose access.For questions, please contact the F&S ITS Support Desk fandssupportdesk@illinois.edu, 217-244-6350, or at https://supportdesk.fs.illinois.edu/. Name Badges If you attend conferences or other events on or off campus where a professional name badge would be helpful, there are branding compliant options available would include.These badges are U. of I. branding compliant. The information for ordering is at the bottom of the Brand & Digital Elements page on ERIN: https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/brand-digital-elements/. Scroll to the Name Badge Ordering section. You may also wish to visit this page if you or your department need access to wordmarks, F&S email signatures, PowerPoint templates, F&S letterhead, or note cards. F&S Website Updates If you’re on an F&S web page (e.g., fs.illinois.edu, ERIN intranet site, or INSIDER magazine site) and you notice something that needs to be updated (e.g., a contact change, an image that is out of date, other informational adjustments, or anything else), please send the changes to Travis Tate, assistant director of digital strategy & development, Customer Relations & Communications, tbtate@illinois.edu. It would be helpful if, in addition to the change(s) needed, you specified the URL for any web page(s) needing correction. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, July 20 (in room 127 this time, due to ongoing renovation work in 128). Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Core Skills Every Emerging Leader Needs—The CHORDS Model: Wednesday, July 29, from 1 to 2 p.m., online Leadership for Life (presented by ERAPPA): Thursday, July 30, noon to 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Two Opportunities to Express Your Opinion Illinois Extension is conducting a statewide survey to learn how food waste affects the environment. If you are involved in the meal planning, food shopping, meal prep, or post-meal cleanup in your household, they’d like to hear from you. Learn more about the project at https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7447/1086549018. Take the survey at https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pvyQFKlBiAhjRY. Academic Professionals (APs) are invited to participate in a confidential survey “to better understand shared experiences around compensation, benefits, and workplace protections.” Answers will be reported only in aggregate and are voluntary. The information gathered is a first step toward exploring “solutions that strengthen both our roles and the university.” Read the full ask letter at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/83/566577083.html. Take the survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2–klTUGHDJhFTHOovBH1RZ4M_-KHebBlhsCgCxlDRXkbEQ/viewform. Lane Closures on I-74 West of Mahomet The Illinois Department of Transportation is reconstructing pavement on Interstate 74 between Bloomington and Downs. The work has already begun and is expected to continue into November. Construction crews will close lanes on both the east- and west-bound lanes as part of the work. Alternate routes may be considered to avoid the construction altogether. If you do travel through the area, please expect delays along this portion of the interstate and obey posted speed limits. Remain alert and watch out for workers and equipment. Tick-Borne Disease on the Rise in Illinois A recent U. of I. study shows tick-borne disease is now being reported in every county of Illinois year-round. This is a change from past years, where tick-borne diseases tapered off in the winter. The study notes four tick species (Ixodes scapularis [e.g. deer ticks], Dermacentor variabilis [e.g, American dog ticks], Amblyomma americanum [e.g., lone star ticks], and Amblyomma maculatum [e.g., Gulf coast ticks]) are causing eight disease of concern in Illinois: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFG rickettsioses), Powassan virus disease, Heartland virus disease, and Bourbon virus disease. The increase in disease spread and reporting is likely due to some combination of factors, including range expansion, changes to land use, and the fact that science has gotten better at testing for and catching these diseases.Regardless of the cause of the increase, it is important that you use caution if you are in areas where you might encounter ticks, such as when working or recreating outdoors. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends checking for ticks periodically when you are out because scientists suspect Powassan virus can be passed to humans within minutes of the tick bite. Be sure to conduct a thorough inspection once you return inside. If your children or pet(s) joined you, remember to check them too. Removing ticks as soon as possible reduces the risk of disease transmission. IDPH also offers the following tips:Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see ticks. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.Use an insect repellent that works on ticks, such as one containing 20 to 30 percent DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Follow the application directions on the label. Use 0.5 percent permethrin to treat your clothes or gear. It remains protective even through several washings.Walk in the center of trails, where you are least likely to encounter ticks.Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or a family member exhibits symptoms such as fever or a rash after spending time in areas inhabited by ticks.Learn more about ticks, protecting yourself against them, and what to do if you are bitten at https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/common-ticks.html. Read the Illinois study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877959X26000737/. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community An Evening of Old Time Radio—Rantoul Theatre Group (601 S. Century Blvd., Rantoul) is presenting its fourth annual Old Time Radio show this weekend, with performances tonight and tomorrow (7 p.m. today, July 17, and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 18). Learn more at http://www.rtgonline.org/. Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased in advance from https://rtg.ludus.com/index.php. Youth Theatre—Champaign Park District (CPD) Youth Theatre and Urbana Youth Summer Theatre will both present musicals this weekend: Annie and Frozen, respectively. Annie will play in the Virginia Theatre (203 W. Park Ave., Champaign) tonight at 7 p.m., and tomorrow, Saturday, July 18, at 1 and 7 p.m. For more details or to buy tickets, visit https://champaignparks.org/event/annie-presented-by-cpd-youth-theatre/2026-07-16/. Frozen will play in the Urbana High School Theatre (1002 S. Race St., entrance 3, Urbana), tonight at 7 p.m., tomorrow, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. Ticket preorders may be purchased today, July 17. After that, tickets can only be purchased at the door. More information is available at https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/tickets-now-on-sale-for-the-youth-summer-theatre-production-of-frozen–. Sangamon River Bluff Trail Ribbon Cutting—Come out Saturday, July 18, at 9 a.m. to celebrate the official opening of the Sangamon River Bluff Trail (SRBT), which connects the Allerton Park Trails to the Bruse Hannon Levee Trail (BHLT). The ceremony takes place at the Sangamon River Corridor Reserve (802 Allerton Rd., Monticello). To learn more or to RSVP, go to https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/events-1/ribbon-cutting-for-sangamon-river-bluff-trail. See trail maps for the SRBT and the BHLT at https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/sangamon-river-corridor-reserve. Allerton trail maps are available at https://allerton.illinois.edu/the-trails-map/. National Beepball Tournament—Competitive beep baseball is played by athletes who are blind or visually impaired. Tomorrow, July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., four national teams from Chicago (x2), Indianapolis, and St. Louis will be at William A. Smith Park (200 Prairie Rose Ln., Savoy). The games are free and open to the public. To learn more about this adaptive form of baseball or the tournament, visit https://www.heartlandnewsfeed.com/2026/07/13/beep-baseball-returns-to-savoy/. CUAS Family Skywatch—The Champaign Urbana Astronomical Society is hosting a free event at their observatory (County Rd. 700 E., Champaign) on Saturday, July 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. Note the event will be canceled if there is rain or clouds. Also note there are no bathrooms at the site. For information about available telescopes and directions to the observatory, go to https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/champaign-urbana-astronomical-society-family-sky-watch-2/. Save the Date August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 7—Labor Day (holiday) |
July 10, 2026
| Click here to see this online July 10, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Summer Construction The university is undergoing its usual summer glow-up, with more than 40 active building and infrastructure capital projects underway. The work crisscrosses campus and aims to upgrade roofs, classrooms, laboratories, restrooms, elevators, flooring, lighting, outdoor spaces, and so much more! The Summer Construction 2026 web page has all the details on the many projects in progress on the Urbana campus. There are photos, descriptions, and links to maps and additional information. Go to https://fs.illinois.edu/summer-construction-2026/ to see what’s going on and how F&S is helping reshape campus this summer. One project getting a lot of buzz is the new scoreboard at Gies Memorial Stadium. When complete, it will be “one of the largest video displays in the country, at more than 17,300 square feet in the south end zone. The project includes 16 LED displays totaling more than 26,750 square feet and 30 million pixels.” WAND TV recently had a story on this project that includes video, which gives a better idea of the scope of the board. You can view that here: https://www.wandtv.com/sports/illini/university-of-illinois-getting-ready-to-unveil-new-massive-video-board-at-gies-memorial-stadium/article_bcfcd10e-8e6d-4689-9b15-e347543264cc.html. Multifactor Authentication If you have been verifying your identity on university websites by using SMS (short message service), you should know that method of multifactor authentication (MFA) is being sunsetted beginning this month. Users still relying on SMS will be asked to adopt Duo Mobile or a YubiKey (if devices are not compatible with Duo Mobile) as their method of MFA going forward. Duo Mobile is available as an app. To learn how to install and use it, visit https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois/internal/160203.A YubiKey is a small dongle that you physically plug into your device anytime you are asked to confirm you identity through MFA. Learn more about this at https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois/72159.Team members identified as still using SMS will receive an email about the changeover. Once you receive the email, you will have 14 calendar days (not work days) to complete the change. MFA is required on many university websites, including those that allow you to access pay stubs, the my.FS Portal, Vacation/Sick Leave reporting application, and many others. It is important to complete the switch in a timely manner, so you do not lose access.For questions, please contact the F&S ITS Support Desk fandssupportdesk@illinois.edu, 217-244-6350, or at https://supportdesk.fs.illinois.edu/. PPSB Compound Parking Enforcement The Parking Department may issue citations for parking violations in and around the Physical Plant Service Building (PPSB). This new enforcement effort is to ensure compliance with university parking regulations and support the efficient use of limited parking resources surrounding PPSB.As a reminder, PPSB compound parking is for university vehicles only. Personal vehicles are prohibited in the PPSB compound unless they display a valid F&S parking hangtag and are being used for university business. Team members using an F&S parking hangtag must also have a valid university parking permit.Personal vehicles parked in division- or shop-specific spaces in compound areas without proper authorization may be subject to citation.Violations may also be issued for parking beyond permitted time limits in metered spaces, parking without an appropriate permit in Lot E23, or parking in designated loading zones, motorcycle spaces, or other restricted areas. Unauthorized vehicles may also be subject to towing. NetID Requirement for Portal Application Log In As part of the my.FS Portal login transition, a NetID is now required to access all portal applications. Previously, some individuals coordinating with F&S and needing specific portal access for their projects would have received a temporary F&S ID for that purpose. Those users will now need to request a new affiliate NetID by completing the form at https://identity.uillinois.edu/affilFrontEnd/ and providing the email address of their departmental or shop sponsor.As a reminder, an instructional video about the updated my.FS Portal login process is available at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PortalLogin, which explains the new login workflow and outlines what users can expect. Noontime Knowledge on Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals F&S’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to welcome experts from The Autism Program (TAP) at the University of Illinois as the guest speakers at next week’s Noontime Knowledge. Adrienne Shockley, associate director of TAP and an instructor of autism and neurodiversity in the Department of Human Development & Family Services, and Cassie Alpers, the assistant director of TAP, will speak on the topic “Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals.” Through their oversight of TAP’s Resource Room and work with the autism community, Shockley and Alpers have both theoretical and practical knowledge to share. Come to this interesting talk that will discuss, among other things, the hypotheses as to how and why the number of autism diagnoses in the country is changing and how our understanding of autism has grown over time. To join, on Wednesday, July 15, at noon, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82840756196?pwd=DwusZYMXJgHPkdDnIhQKq0IDmbw4yg.1. You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 828 4075 6196 Password: 701517 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. F&S Website Updates If you’re on an F&S web page (e.g., fs.illinois.edu, ERIN intranet site, or INSIDER magazine site) and you notice something that needs to be updated (e.g., a contact change, an image that is out of date, other informational adjustments, or anything else), please send the changes to Travis Tate, assistant director of digital strategy & development, Customer Relations & Communications, tbtate@illinois.edu. It would be helpful if, in addition to the change(s) needed, you specified the URL for any web page(s) needing correction. Time Off for Official Meetings Are you an elected official of a unit of local government or school district? You should know that university policy has been updated to accurately reflect the language in the Time Off for Official Meetings Act. To maintain compliance, employees are entitled to unpaid leave with no set limit on the number of days. For full details, please review the University System Policy at https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/other/time_off_for_official_meetings. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, July 20. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of these and other upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Work-Life Balance: Monday, July 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., online Developing Essential Soft Skills for Professional Success: Tuesday, July 14, 10 a.m. to noon, online Know Your Rights—Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Tuesday, July 14, 3 to 3:30 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. New Platform for the Grainger Learning Management System Coming Soon! F&S team members have been using the Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) on the iCertainty platform to complete assigned work-related training for several years. While F&S’ relationship with Grainger will continue, VelocityEHS will support the new system by helping to manage the workplace training initiatives through their cutting-edge Accelerate Platform. This new interface was chosen for its user-friendly design, centralized and standardized administration, and enhanced reporting capabilities. The transition is already underway. Watch for additional updates on the switchover in the E-Update and other communication channels. Rooted in Discovery: Agriculture at Illinois The university’s agricultural history stars in a new Big Ten Network documentary that explores “agricultural innovation and discovery” on campus. Broken into three segments, the video commemorates 150 years of the Morrow Plots (est. 1876) in the first one. The second looks at U. of I. efforts to increase food production to help meet global demand. The third story dives into the Sustainable Student Farm and how the students obtain hands-on experiences that span from farm to table via such activities as pizza sauce that the dining halls make from their tomatoes and the weekly farm stand the students staff on the Main Quad. Learn more about the documentary at https://news.illinois.edu/new-btn-documentary-explores-u-of-i-s-remarkable-history-of-agriculture/. All three segments are now available on the Big Ten Network’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCCF81FEA0482B965. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Red, White & The Blues—Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello) is hosting a concert on the Gatehouse Lawn tonight, July 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. Music will feature Billy Galt & the Blues Deacons and Andrew Duncanson & Take a Ride, featuring Michael Peloquin. There will be food trucks, a Touch-a-Truck event, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and more. See all the details at https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/reds-whites-blues/. Outdoor Movie Night—Carriage Crossing Senior Living Center (1701 Congressional Way, Champaign) is hosting a free community movie night tonight, July 10, at 7 p.m. The Pixar favorite Cars will be shown and popcorn will be provided. Other concession items will be available for a donation. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the intergenerational fun. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/CarriageCrossingChampaign/photos/youre-invited-to-a-free-movie-night-grab-your-family-friends-and-neighbors-and-j/1660952639364017/. Theatre Arts at PostMark Urbana—Enjoy a celebration of theatre arts with live theatrical performances, children’s activities, and more. The event is at the Urbana Free Library (210 W. Green St., Urbana) and in locations throughout downtown. There’s also a scavenger hunt to find costumes and props in downtown Urbana businesses, which is done through a partnership with the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Find all the costumes and props and be eligible to win prizes. The event runs Saturday, July 11, between 2 and 4 p.m. For more information, visit https://40north.org/our_programs/postmark-urbana/. Fisher and Georgetown Fairs—When one fair closes, another opens! Check out the last two days of the Fisher Fair (502 E. Sangamon St., Fisher), tonight and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11), with an AMVETS Fish Fry, midway amusements, and more tonight, and a 5K, Mutt Show, and more tomorrow. See the complete schedule at https://fisherfair.com/. Starting tomorrow, the Georgetown Fair (413 N. Seminary St., Georgetown) opens with a 4-H cat/small animal & dog show and the Georgetown Fair Rodeo. On Sunday, there are horse and hog showings, a Gospel Sing, and an Ice Cream Social. The fair concludes Saturday, July 18. See the schedule at https://www.georgetownfair.org/. Colonial Game Day—The Tolono Public Library (111 E. Main St., Tolono) invites you to stop by to check out various games that date back to the American Revolution. People of all ages can try out the games during the library’s open hours (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.). See https://tolonolibrary.org/events#/events/nT4eAi48d7/instances/rKDBag9Lo8/ for more information. Safety Night @ Colbert Park—Christie Clinic and Chambanamoms are cohosting a free safety night at Colbert Park (203 E. Church St., Savoy) on Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. They’ll have fire, police, and other emergency vehicles on hand for the kids to see up close. There will be food trucks, and you’re invited to bring your favorite plushy, stuffy, doll, or similar toy for a check-up from Christie Clinic team members. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/colbert-park/christie-clinic-presents-safety-night-at-colbert-park/1641585353833717/ to learn more. Save the Date July 15—Noontime Knowledge August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 August 26—Noontime Knowledge September 7—Labor Day (holiday) |
July 2, 2026
| Click here to see this online July 2, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) PPSB Compound Parking Enforcement The Parking Department may issue citations for parking violations in and around Physical Plant Service Building (PPSB). This new enforcement effort is to ensure compliance with university parking regulations and support the efficient use of limited parking resources surrounding PPSB.As a reminder, PPSB compound parking is for university vehicles only. Personal vehicles are prohibited in the PPSB compound unless they display a valid F&S parking hangtag and are being used for university business. Team members using an F&S parking hangtag must also have a valid university parking permit.Personal vehicles parked in division- or shop-specific spaces in compound areas without proper authorization may be subject to citation.Violations may also be issued for parking beyond permitted time limits in metered spaces, parking without an appropriate permit in Lot E23, or parking in designated loading zones, motorcycle spaces, or other restricted areas. Unauthorized vehicles may also be subject to towing. Remaining Fiscal Year Deadlines Fiscal year 2026 (FY26) is now closed, but there are still two important deadlines coming up next week that must be met to clear the books. Both are due by the end of the day on Friday, July 10: iBuy Approval Queue: All iBuy approval queues must be cleared. P-Card Reconciliation: All P-Card FY26 transactions must be reconciled in Emburse. If they are not, the P-Card will be suspended and will not accept new purchases until all transactions are reconciled. Please note: Transactions reconciled between 7/2/26 and 7/10/26 will post against FY27 operating budgets.Click here (https://go.fs.illinois.edu/FYDeadlines) to view the PDF of all fiscal year end deadlines. Questions may be addressed to Jenny Watkins, director of Shared Administrative Services, watkinsj@illinois.edu, 217-244-7501. IPHEC Vendor Show—The Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative and others sponsors are hosting over 70 approved IPHEC vendors at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center (Heritage Hall 1–6; 1900 S. First St., Champaign) on Thursday, July 9, between 1:30 and 5 p.m. The vendors offer items in iBuy catalogs, non-catalogs, services, and more. To register, go to https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8882357/IPHEC-Vendor-Show. Learn more about IPHEC at https://iphec.org/index.html. Noontime Knowledge on Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals F&S’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to welcome experts from The Autism Program (TAP) at the University of Illinois as the guest speakers at the next Noontime Knowledge. Adrienne Shockley, associate director of TAP and an instructor of autism and neurodiversity in the Department of Human Development & Family Services, and Cassie Alpers, the assistant director of TAP, will speak on the topic “Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals.” Through their oversight of TAP’s Resource Room and work with the autism community, Shockley and Alpers have both theoretical and practical knowledge to share. Come to this interesting talk that will discuss, among other things, the hypotheses as to how and why the number of autism diagnoses in the country is changing and how our understanding of autism has grown over time. To join, on Wednesday, July 15, at noon, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82840756196?pwd=DwusZYMXJgHPkdDnIhQKq0IDmbw4yg.1. You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 828 4075 6196 Password: 701517 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. my.FS Portal Log In Transition The my.FS Portal is moving from the SiteMinder platform for sign in to Shibboleth beginning Wednesday, July 8. This means the site will begin requiring Duo 2FA and will ensure that credentialing requirements are uniform across all Portal apps. There is a handy video that explains the new login workflow at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PortalLogin. Once you are in the portal, the look and feel will be unchanged. Questions? Email Senior Business Analyst Sangeetha Satyam ssatyam@illinois.edu. Illinois Administrative Professionals Membership Opportunity If you work for the university in certain job classifications (e.g., accountants, administrative aides or assistants, human resource assistants or managers, office managers or assistants, payroll clerks or specialists, storekeepers, or dozens of other titles), you are eligible to join the Illinois Administrative Professionals (IAPs). The network of IAPs offers mentoring, monthly professional development luncheons, updates on important events and/or issues, discussion, and more. The membership year is July 1 to June 30, and applications for 2026–27 are being accepted through July 31. There is a $25 membership fee. Many on campus find this supportive community an excellent way to network, gain leadership experience, and grow their careers. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://publish.illinois.edu/illinois-admin-professionals/the-iap-membership/. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, July 6. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568 New Platform for the Grainger Learning Management System Coming Soon! F&S team members have been using the Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) on the iCertainty platform to complete assigned work-related training for several years. While F&S’ relationship with Grainger will continue, VelocityEHS will support the new system by helping to manage the workplace training initiatives through their cutting-edge Accelerate Platform. This new interface was chosen for its user-friendly design, centralized and standardized administration, and enhanced reporting capabilities. The transition is already underway. Watch for additional updates on the switchover in the E-Update and other communication channels. Celebrate the United States’ Semiquincentennial! On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress formally agreed to the wording of the Declaration of Independence. Twelve of the 13 original colonies voted in favor of breaking away from Great Britain, but the New York delegation abstained because they had not received authorization from their state to vote for independence. They made it unanimous on July 9. The Declaration laid out the grievances with British rule and unequivocally said,We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.This year, on July 4, we’ll celebrate 250 years as a country. Since that first moment in Philadelphia, there have been many other moments, people, and achievements that have contributed to growth and change across the United States. Over the next several weeks, Heather Cox Richardson, professor of history at Boston College, is featuring 250 of them in a project called 250 to 250. These short (~one minute) videos present such topics as D-Day, the Hubble Space Telescope, Ellis Island, Yellowstone, and the Erie Canal. See what has already been posted and check back for more at https://go.fs.Illinois.edu/250to250. Happy Fourth of July! Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Old-Time Jam—Enjoy free music tonight, July 2, at the Lincoln Square Mall (201 Lincoln Square, Urbana) from 7 to 9 p.m. Presented by Folk & Roots, the traditional North American folk music is sure to get your toes tapping. Learn more at https://folkandroots.org/events/. Grease on the Quad—Savor those summer nights tonight when the Illini Union Board shows Grease on the Main Quad (just south of the Illini Union; 1401 W. Green St., Urbana) tonight at 8:30 p.m. The Quad Shop is open before the movie for snack and drink purchases, or bring your own. The movie will be shown in Illini Union I-Rooms if there is rain. Go to https://union.illinois.edu/weekend-films for more information. Fourth of July Celebrations—Celebrate early and often in Central Illinois with fireworks being offered tonight, tomorrow, on the 4th, and even after. See the list at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/06/04/fireworks-fourth-of-july-champaign-urbana-area/. Want activities for Independence Day beyond fireworks? There’s a list for that too: https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/05/31/fourth-of-july-events-champaign-urbana/. Save the Date July 4—Independence Day (university holiday on July 3) July 15—Noontime Knowledge August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 |
June 26, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications June 26, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Creative Cloud Faculty/Staff Renewal University staff Enterprise licenses for Adobe Creative Cloud expire on the last day of this month: June 30. To renew your license for next year (through June 30, 2027), you must go to the WebStore: https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/product.aspx?zpid=7227. You’ll add the free product to your cart and check out like you are buying it. The annual subscription includes Acrobat Pro and Adobe Standard Stock, as well as access to Adobe Enterprise Shared Cloud Storage. If you do not renew, your access will be automatically removed on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. If you choose not to renew, please remember to save any data stored in your Adobe cloud storage before losing access to your Enterprise account. No software installation or registration is needed if you are already using Adobe. Questions? Learn more at https://answers.uillinois.edu/page.php?id=118969. Fiscal Year 26 Deadlines As the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) draws to a close, there are several critical deadlines to be aware of next week: Tuesday, June 30 Blue Time Cards Blue Time Cards for June 21–30 need to be submitted to Payroll before 5 p.m. in order for the expense to be included in FY26 business. Blue Time Cards submitted after this deadline will be reported in FY27 business. Wednesday, July 1 Mobile TimekeepingMobile Timekeeping entries for June 21–30 need to be submitted and approved in the system by supervisors by 3:45 p.m. for the expense to be included in FY26 business. Mobile Timekeeping entries approved after this deadline will be reported in FY27 business. Receiving Receipt entry must be made into Banner and AiM for any materials or services physically received on or before 7/1/26. Please be sure to denote the actual receipt date of the item (i.e., 6/30/26 or before) in the Packing Slip/Date Received field of the receiver. Invoices For invoices to be reflected in FY26 business, they must be submitted to University Payables and processed by F&S Procurement Accounts Payable by 4 p.m. P-Card/T-Card All P-Card/T-Card reports for FY26 must be submitted to F&S Accounts Payable.IMPORTANT: Emburse will automatically change the date to FY27 activity. Reports completed on July 1 will need to be manually changed to FY26 to be processed.Please refrain from submitting any reports for FY27 activity until July 13 or later. iBuy Orders Any iBuy orders processed after July 1 will post against the FY27 business unit operating budget. FY26 Closes in AiM After July 1, all invoices posted for FY26 purchases will post against the FY27 Budget. Click here (https://go.fs.illinois.edu/FYDeadlines) to view the PDF of upcoming deadlines for other important dates (e.g., P-Cards, iBuy, and more). Questions may be addressed to Jenny Watkins, director of Shared Administrative Services, watkinsj@illinois.edu, 217-244-7501. Noontime Knowledge on Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals F&S’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to welcome experts from The Autism Program (TAP) at the University of Illinois as the guest speakers at the next Noontime Knowledge. Adrienne Shockley, associate director of TAP and an instructor of autism and neurodiversity in the Department of Human Development & Family Services, and Cassie Alpers, the assistant director of TAP, will speak on the topic “Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals.” Through their work overseeing TAP’s Resource Room and working with the autism community, Shockley and Alpers have both theoretical and practical knowledge to share. Come to this interesting talk that will discuss, among other things, the hypotheses as to how and why the number of autism diagnoses in the country is changing and how our understanding of autism has grown over time. To join, on Wednesday, July 15, at noon, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82840756196?pwd=DwusZYMXJgHPkdDnIhQKq0IDmbw4yg.1. You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 828 4075 6196 Password: 701517 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. my.FS Portal Log In Transition The my.FS Portal is moving from the SiteMinder platform for sign in to Shibboleth. This means the site will begin requiring Duo 2FA and will ensure that credentialing requirements are uniform across all Portal apps. The target date for this change is Wednesday, July 8. There is a handy video that explains the new login workflow at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PortalLogin. Once you are in the portal, the look and feel should be unchanged. Questions? Email Senior Business Analyst Sangeetha Satyam ssatyam@illinois.edu. New Platform for the Grainger Learning Management System Coming Soon! F&S team members have been using the Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) on the iCertainty platform to complete assigned work-related training for several years. While F&S’ relationship with Grainger will continue, VelocityEHS will support the new system by helping to manage the workplace training initiatives through their cutting-edge Accelerate Platform. This new interface was chosen for its user-friendly design, centralized and standardized administration, and enhanced reporting capabilities. The transition is already underway. Watch for additional updates on the switchover in the E-Update and other communication channels. APPA’s Supervisor’s Toolkit Training Feedback Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is exploring the possibility of bringing APPA’s Supervisor’s Toolkit Training to campus as part of ongoing commitment to employee development and supervisory excellence. The Supervisor’s Toolkit is a three-day leadership development program designed for individuals taking their first step into a supervisory role, as well as for experienced supervisors and forepersons seeking to enhance their leadership effectiveness. The program provides participants with the tools, language, and mindset needed to guide teams more effectively and support organizational excellence.HRCS is interested in hearing from people who have previously taken this training, such as before the recent ILAPPA and Chief Engineers & Facilities Managers Conference, which was held on campus in April. If you have completed the training, please share your feedback about your experience. Your insights regarding the training content, applicability to your role, skills gained, and overall value will help HRCS evaluate the program and determine whether it would be beneficial to offer in the future. To give your opinion, please go to https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6DTDo6i1B3FiXGK. The 2026 University Guide Is Available for Preorder The free, full-color, 52-page magazine has essential campus information and a detailed map. It’s great to have available on tables at events throughout the school year. Preorder a box (60 guides) or two at https://illinoisinabox.stratcom.illinois.edu/university-guide-2025-pre-order/. Free campus delivery begins August 3. Need more things for your tabling at events? Go to the link above and click the words “Illinois in a Box” at the top or bottom. This will take you to the list of Illinois-branded event items that can be reserved for use at no cost! There are games, standup banners, backdrops, tablecloths, and more that can be borrowed. There is also a full selection of swag items that can be purchased at reasonable prices, such as clear stadium bags, car coasters, cards, and more. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, July 6. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568 RightFax Service to Be Retired Technology Services has announced that the university’s RightFax service will be retired, and all remaining RightFax accounts will be disconnected on January 8, 2027. If you currently use RightFax to send or receive faxes, please begin evaluating alternative solutions as soon as possible, as no replacement fax service will be provided. Units that wish to retain existing fax numbers may transfer them to a vendor of their choice. Even if you believe your area no longer uses fax services, please take a moment to verify with your team to avoid any unexpected service disruptions. Additional information, available options, and required next steps can be found in the RightFax Retirement FAQ: https://answers.illinois.edu/illinois/160130. What Should You Do Before and After a Storm? Illinois has already broken its annual tornado record this year, and June isn’t even over yet. The previous record, set over the entire 2024 tornado season, was 142 tornadoes. Illinois has recorded more than 200 tornadoes in 2026 so far—more than any other state. These storms can leave damage not only from a tornado, but also from high winds, hail, lightning, flooding, and the like. This can leave many Illinois residents cleaning up afterward, whether they were hit with a tornado or not. Fortunately, the Illinois Extension has put together a resource list for disaster preparedness and recovery and rebuilding. Visit https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/after-storm-illinois-extension-shares-resources-storm-recovery-rebuilding-disaster and click through the links for tips and reminders, so you’re ready the next time Illinois experiences extreme weather. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Illinois Reliable Information Sources (IRIS)—The Office of the Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library have opened a free online resource collection for Illinois residents. You can access reliable sources on a variety of topics, including auto repair, books, business, education, health, history, hobbies and crafts, home improvement, job seekers, law, newspapers, science, and much more, as well as specific databases geared toward primary, middle, and high school students. IRIS uses the location of your device’s IP address, so as long as you are accessing it within Illinois, you do not need an account, username, password, or library card. You may need a Patron ID (library card), if your IP address is located outside Illinois or if you are accessing the information when traveling. Learn more about all the free resources available at https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/iris.html. Fourth of July Celebrations—Celebrate early and often in Central Illinois with fireworks being offered this weekend, throughout the coming week, on the 4th, and even after. Chambanamoms has a roundup of events (in order of occurrence) in Tolono, Arthur, Danville, Villa Grove, Arcola, Bayles Lake, Farmer City, Fisher, Monticello, Rantoul, Champaign, Bellflower, Bement, Homer, Oakwood, Paxton, Seymour, Sibley, Clinton, and St. Joseph. See the list at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/06/04/fireworks-fourth-of-july-champaign-urbana-area/. Want activities for Independence Day beyond fireworks? There’s a list for that too: https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/05/31/fourth-of-july-events-champaign-urbana/. Weekend Theatre—Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company (CUTC) is presenting The Little Mermaid at the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College (2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign ) tonight, Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m.; tomorrow, Saturday, June 27, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m. For tickets, go to https://cutc.ludus.com/index.php?error=3. The Monticello Theatre Association (1406 N. Market St., Monticello) is presenting The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday (Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.). For tickets to the retelling of the popular Rick Riordan book about a boy who discovers he’s the son of a Greek god, go to https://monticellotheatre.org/productions/current-productions/2026-2/the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical/ Homage to Cinema—Come out for “an evening of film, music, and conversation at the historic Old Tiernan’s Hall (3rd Floor, 115 W. Main St., Urbana), a former 19th-century theater.” The reception is from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; then three silent film shorts by Georges Méliès will be screened beginning at 7 p.m., including The Astronomer’s Dream (1898), with Nu Orbit Ensemble providing a live, improvised score. Learn more about this free event at https://www.film-fanatic.club/event-homage-cinema.html. The Rope Warrior— The Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St.) is hosting David Fisher (AKA the Rope Warrior) for three shows on Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Fisher currently holds the Guinness World Record for “most rope jumps in one minute.” He will delight kids and adults alike with his feats, which include jumping rope while sitting on the floor, jumping rope while dancing, and jumping rope while in a human-sized balloon. Click the event on the calendar at https://champaign.org/events for more information. Mead at the Museum—On Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 8 p.m., the Museum of the Grand Prairie (950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet) is celebrating Pollinator Week with an opportunity to see honeybees working in an enclosed hive, sample honey, see pollinator-friendly plants, tour the botanical garden, learn about mead production, sample and purchase mead, and more. The event is free and geared toward adults (although children may attend with an adult). See a map with all the event details (including presentation times) on the Champaign County Forest Preserve Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CCFPD. Learn more at https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/mead-at-the-museum. Save the Date July 4—Independence Day (university holiday on July 3) July 15—Noontime Knowledge August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 |
June 18, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications June 18, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) New Phishing Attempt Recently, an F&S team member was contacted by “Morgan White” on instant messaging. The person asked the team member to “purchase gift certificates bar-codes at any nearby grocery stores” (see image) and promised to reimburse the team member afterward. The team member correctly identified this as a phishing attempt and reported it. Of course, no one at F&S will ever ask you to purchase gift cards or gift certificates in this manner. All university purchases must go through proper channels. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has a web page that addresses this very issue.The scam starts with a call, text, email, or social media message and asks you to buy cards or certificates.The scammers always say it’s urgent, which is designed to lower your defenses and not allow you time to think. They might ask you to go to a generic store (as they did here) or to a specific one. If you actually follow through with the purchase, they’ll ask you for the numbers and PIN codes.Don’t do it! It’s a scam! See https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams#howwork for more information. If someone approaches you with this sort of phishing scam, report it! If you receive a phishing attempt via email, forward it to report-spam@illinois.edu and then delete it. Contact the IT Service Desk consult@illinois.edu, 217-244-7000. Critical Fiscal Year 26 Deadlines As the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) draws to a close, there are several critical deadlines to be aware of in the next few days: Please remind your vendors that the university’s fiscal year end is 6/30/26.Please ensure all travel, mileage, and miscellaneous expenses reimbursement requests for expenses incurred from 7/1/25 to 6/19/26 are submitted and approved by the department manager in Emburse by 4 p.m. on 6/19/26.FY26 Shop Stock tickets should be submitted to Financial Operations by 5 p.m. on 6/25/26.Get the full PDF of all upcoming deadlines at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/FYDeadlines. View the complete timeline for these and other important dates (e.g., Mobile Timekeeping, P-Cards, iBuy, and more) at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/33/270443833.html. Water Quality Report The 2025 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Water Quality Report is now available. The U. of I. annual water quality report provides information about the source of campus drinking water, contaminant testing, general health precautions, and how the calendar year 2025 sample results compare to regulatory requirements. There is one public notice included at the end of the report. View the full report here: https://docs.fs.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WaterQualityReport2025_V2-Web-Version.pdf. More water quality information is available on the F&S website at https://fs.illinois.edu/water-quality/. Noontime Knowledge on Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals F&S’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to welcome experts from The Autism Program (TAP) at the University of Illinois as the guest speakers at the next Noontime Knowledge. Adrienne Shockley, associate director of TAP and an instructor of autism and neurodiversity in the Department of Human Development & Family Services, and Cassie Alpers, the assistant director of TAP, will speak on the topic “Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals.” With their work overseeing TAP’s Resource Room and with the autism community, Shockley and Alpers have both theoretical and practical knowledge to share. Come to this interesting talk that will discuss, among other things, the hypotheses as to how and why the number of autism diagnoses in the country is changing and how our understanding of autism has grown over time. To join, on Wednesday, July 15, at noon, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82840756196?pwd=DwusZYMXJgHPkdDnIhQKq0IDmbw4yg.1. You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted: Meeting ID: 828 4075 6196 Password: 701517 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. my.FS Portal Log In Transition The my.FS Portal is moving from the SiteMinder platform for sign in to Shibboleth. This means the site will begin requiring Duo 2FA and will ensure that credentialing requirements are uniform across all Portal apps. The target date for this change is Wednesday, July 8. There is a handy video that explains the new login workflow at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PortalLogin. Once you are in the portal, the look and feel should be unchanged. Questions? Email Senior Business Analyst Sangeetha Satyam ssatyam@illinois.edu. New Platform for the Grainger Learning Management System Coming Soon! F&S team members have been using the Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) on the iCertainty platform to complete assigned work-related training for several years. While F&S’ relationship with Grainger will continue, VelocityEHS will support the new system by helping to manage the workplace training initiatives through their cutting-edge Accelerate Platform. The transition is already underway with a targeted go-live date of July 1. This new interface was chosen for its user-friendly design, centralized and standardized administration, and enhanced reporting capabilities. Watch for additional updates on the switchover in the E-Update and other communication channels. APPA’s Supervisor’s Toolkit Training Feedback Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is exploring the possibility of bringing APPA’s Supervisor’s Toolkit Training to campus as part of our ongoing commitment to employee development and supervisory excellence. The Supervisor’s Toolkit is a three-day leadership development program designed for individuals taking their first step into a supervisory role, as well as for experienced supervisors and forepersons seeking to enhance their leadership effectiveness. The program provides participants with the tools, language, and mindset needed to guide teams more effectively and support organizational excellence.HRCS is interested in hearing from people who have previously taken this training, such as before the recent ILAPPA and Chief Engineers & Facilities Managers Conference, which was held on campus in April. If you have completed the training, please share your feedback about your experience. Your insights regarding the training content, applicability to your role, skills gained, and overall value will help HRCS evaluate the program and determine whether it would be beneficial to offer in the future. To give your opinion, please go to https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6DTDo6i1B3FiXGK. Blood Drive Kudos Many thanks to the dozen people who donated a pint of whole blood and the two people who donated double red cells at the recent F&S Blood Drive. Taken together, up to 42 local lives will be saved because of your generosity. Blood donations help patients of all ages, including accident victims, those needing surgery, and those battling cancer. Thank you again for being a hero to a family you’ve never met!If you’d like to help next time, mark your calendar for September 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the bloodmobile will return to PPSB. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, June 22. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. 10 Communications Mistakes Leaders Unknowingly Make and How to Fix Them—Wednesday, June 24, 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Creative Cloud Faculty/Staff Renewal Team members with a university staff Enterprise license for Adobe Creative Cloud should note that university licenses expire on the last day of this month. To renew your license for next year (through June 30, 2027), you must go to the WebStore: https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/product.aspx?zpid=7227. The free, annual subscription includes Acrobat Pro and Adobe Standard Stock, as well as access to Adobe Enterprise Shared Cloud Storage. If you do not renew, your access will be automatically removed on July 15, 2026. If you choose not to renew, please remember to save any data stored in your Adobe cloud storage before losing access to your Enterprise account. No software installation or registration is needed if you are already using Adobe. Questions? Learn more at https://answers.uillinois.edu/page.php?id=118969. RightFax Service to Be Retired Technology Services has announced that the university’s RightFax service will be retired, and all remaining RightFax accounts will be disconnected on January 8, 2027. If you currently use RightFax to send or receive faxes, please begin evaluating alternative solutions as soon as possible, as no replacement fax service will be provided. Units that wish to retain existing fax numbers may transfer them to a vendor of their choice. Even if you believe your area no longer uses fax services, please take a moment to verify with your team to avoid any unexpected service disruptions. Additional information, available options, and required next steps can be found in the RightFax Retirement FAQ: https://answers.illinois.edu/illinois/160130. Juneteenth Juneteenth commemorates the day (June 19th) in 1865 that enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they had been set free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and more than two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The first celebration of the Juneteenth date took place in Texas in 1866. It has been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021. There are several Juneteenth celebrations locally tonight and tomorrow. Go to https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/juneteenth-celebrations-in-champaign-urbana/ for Smile Politely’s list. Visit https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/06/09/juneteenth-events-champaign-urbana/ for Chambanamoms’ list. See Illinois Public Media’s list at [//will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/champaign-danville-and-urbana-to-mark-juneteenth-by-celebrating-black-freedom-and-families]will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/champaign-danville-and-urbana-to-mark-juneteenth-by-celebrating-black-freedom-and-families. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Champaign County Celebrates America 250—The Champaign County History Museum and the Champaign Public Library have a very exciting opportunity to view 21 original founding documents in a special exhibit called Forging Liberty. The documents, including a rare Peter Force printing (1833) of the Declaration of Independence, a letter from George Washington, Revolutionary War Maps of Boston, and more, will be on display at the library (200 W. Green St., Champaign) today, Thursday, June 18, through Sunday, June 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The exhibit is free, and you can avoid the standby line by getting a timed ticket at https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/america250. The link also has additional information about the exhibit. Father’s Day Around Champaign County—If you are still looking for Father’s Day ideas for the weekend, Chambanamoms has a couple of lists for you. There’s an events and activities list at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/06/09/fathers-day-events-champaign-urbana/ and a list of restaurants doing Father’s Day specials at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/06/04/fathers-day-food-champaign-urbana/. If Dad would enjoy concert tickets to the Journey Final Frontier tour at the State Farm Center (1800 S. First St., Champaign), on Saturday, June 20, you can purchase buy-one, get-one free tickets (through 10 p.m. on Friday, June 19, while supplies last) using code DADSROCK. See more on the State Farm Center Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/p/DZm4zpsDymQ/. Repair Café—Bring your broken things and experts can help you get them working again! Or, if you’re good at fixing your own broken things, consider coming out to help others with their projects. Repair Cafétakes place on the third Thursday of each month, which is tonight, June 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the basement of the Independent Media Center (202 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana). What can you repair? Anything! Bring in clothes, blankets, small appliances, electronics, tools, lawn care equipment, furniture, and more. For additional information, visit https://makerspaceurbana.org/all-events/?event=684. Folk & Roots Fridays—The Urbana Park District hosts great music at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, (206 W. Park St., Urbana), from noon to 1, on the first and third Fridays of the month during the summer. Come out tomorrow (June 19) for all the fun and music. There are also snack, drink, and boat rental specials, or bring your own lunch. Go to https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free–folk—roots-friday-0157429683-3258497601 for more information. WCIA Broadway Series Announced—Between September 2026 and May 2027, six Broadway tours will come through the State Farm Center (1800 S. First St., Champaign): Beetlejuice, Clue, The Wiz, Waitress, The Book of Mormon, and Shucked. Series tickets and single show tickets for The Book of Mormon are already on sale. Single show tickets for the other shows go on sale on Wednesday, June 24. Go to https://www.statefarmcenter.com/events/2627bdwy for more details. Summer Twilight Concert on the Quad—Musicians from the U. of I. and the local community come together to perform two fun concerts that cover a wide variety of musical styles. Now in its 115th year, the performances are held on the Main Quad, just south of the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana). The first concert is Thursday, June 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. Bring your own seating, food, and drink and enjoy this great summer tradition. It’s also not too late to register to participate in the second concert cycle (rehearsals begin July 6 and the concert is July 23). Go to https://www.bands.illinois.edu/summer-band to learn more. Upcoming SURS Webinars—The State Universities Retirement System is offering two free webinars for employees this month. You can register to learn more about the Deferred Compensation Plan on Wednesday, June 24, from 1 to 2 p.m., or the Plan Choice Tier II on Tuesday, June 30, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. To register or see what will be discussed, go to https://surs.org/events/ and then click the title of the webinar you are interested in. Save the Date June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) July 4—Independence Day (university holiday on July 3) July 15—Noontime Knowledge August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 |
June 12, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications June 12, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) New Dispatch Available The cover story of the new issue of the Dispatch looks at the recent ILAPPA and Chief Engineers & Facilities Managers Conference and recounts highlights from that event. The Dispatch also features the following stories aboutRecent Noontime Knowledge webinars on Jane Addams and F&S’ Bridgette Moen’s Earth Month discussion of “Equitable Access to Open Space”Boneyard Creek Community Day by-the-numbersA video showcasing the team at Abbott Power Plant that is encouraging local girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathAnd more!View these and other stories at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch/ or look for copies around F&S locations. Need to catch up on previous issues? The Dispatch is archived at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/ on ERIN as well. You can view editions dating back to 1986! We’d love to feature your work! Tell us about your latest project or achievement. Photos are also gladly accepted. Customer Relations & Communications will include as many stories and images as possible (suggestions needed by June 26 for the next edition). Email your ideas to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu. Summer Bicycle Roundup F&S and the Parking Department have tagged bicycles and personal micromobility devices (e.g., e-scooters) that have been left on campus with an orange sticker that reads, “Remove this tag by 6/24 or your bicycle will be removed.” If you currently have a bicycle or an e-scooter with this sticker, you must remove it to identify your device as active, otherwise it will be impounded. After June 24, bikes and e-scooters that retain the tag will be collected and stored until the start of the fall semester. Owners can reclaim their devices after paying a $40 impound fee. Bicycles must also be registered with Project 529. Any items remaining after this process will be donated. Learn more at https://bike.illinois.edu/resources/bicycle-roundup/.If you no longer need your bicycle, you could donate it yourself to the Campus Bike Center (51 E. Gregory Drive, Champaign) or the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (202 S. Broadway Avenue, room 24). No appointment is required. Donations may be tax-deductible, and the bikes will be refurbished or recycled, with as many parts as possible reused. Visit https://campusrec.illinois.edu/facilities/campus-bike-center orhttps://thebikeproject.org/ for more details. F&S Portal Transition The my.FS Portal (https://my.fs.illinois.edu/) is moving from the Siteminder platform for sign in to Shibboleth. This means the site will begin requiring Duo 2FA and will ensure that credentialing requirements are uniform across all Portal apps. The target date to go live with this change is Wednesday, July 8. There is a handy video that explains the new login workflow at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PortalLogin. Once you are in the portal, the look and feel should be unchanged. Questions? Email Senior Business Analyst Sangeetha Satyam ssatyam@illinois.edu. Illinois Supervisory Skills Program There is still time to apply for the fall 2026 Illinois Supervisory Skills Program. This cohort-based program is designed for supervisors seeking to advance their leadership skills while learning alongside peers from across campus. It is open to employees with at least a 75-percent-time appointment who currently supervise status or student employees. Learn more about the program at https://humanresources.illinois.edu/about/culture-learning-engagement/employee-learning-organizational-effectiveness/supervisor-development/#unisyn-ihr-il-supervisory-skills-program. Applications are due June 22. Presidential Search Town Hall With President Timothy Killeen retiring in 2027, the University of Illinois System is seeking your input on the search for the 21st president of the university. They are hosting a town hall meeting on Thursday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center in Heritage Hall (1900 S. First St., Champaign). No registration is needed, but if you need accommodation(s) to participate, please reach out to System Human Resource Services at erhr@uillinois.edu or 217-333-2600. For more information, see the massmail on this topic at https://massmail.illinois.edu/massmail/430951576.html.Not able to attend this town hall but still have thoughts or feedback to share? Email UISystmPresidentSrch@uillinois.edu with your ideas. Complete Streets: Lincoln Avenue Weather permitting, crews will begin work on the Lincoln Avenue Complete Streets Demonstration project on Monday, June 15, at 7 a.m. This work will reconfigure the roadway striping from the existing three vehicle travel lanes to four. To do this, painted pavement markings on Lincoln Avenue between Killarney Street and Fairview Avenue will be removed and replaced. Two-way traffic and access to all local properties will be maintained at all times. Please drive carefully in the area and watch for intermittent lane shifts during construction.This demonstration, a conversion back to four lanes, and the associated traffic assessment will help inform the future design of Lincoln Avenue. Motorists and riders are encouraged to provide feedback to the City of Urbana at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HZBNJKF.This project is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant program and is intended to provide safety improvements for all roadway users. Questions may be directed to Justin Swinford justin.swinford@urbanail.gov, 217-384-2342. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, June 22. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the complete details of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Beyond Single Dimensions: Exploring Identity—Tuesday, June 16, 1 p.m., online Origins of Inequality—Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m., online Promoting Systems of Equity—Thursday, June 18, 1 p.m., online 10 Communications Mistakes Leaders Unknowingly Make and How to Fix Them—Wednesday, June 24, 1 p.m., online Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Creative Cloud Faculty/Staff Renewal Team members with a university staff Enterprise license for Adobe Creative Cloud should note that university licenses expire on the last day of this month. To renew your license for next year (through June 30, 2027), you must go to the WebStore: https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/product.aspx?zpid=7227. The free, annual subscription includes Acrobat Pro and Adobe Standard Stock, as well as access to Adobe Enterprise Shared Cloud Storage. If you do not renew, your access will be automatically removed on July 15, 2026. If you choose not to renew, please remember to save any data stored in your Adobe cloud storage before losing access to your Enterprise account. No software installation or registration is needed if you are already using Adobe. Questions? Learn more at https://answers.uillinois.edu/page.php?id=118969. RightFax Service to Be Retired Technology Services has announced that the university’s RightFax service will be retired, and all remaining RightFax accounts will be disconnected on January 8, 2027. If you currently use RightFax to send or receive faxes, please begin evaluating alternative solutions as soon as possible, as no replacement fax service will be provided by Technology Services. Units that wish to retain existing fax numbers may transfer them to a vendor of their choice. Even if you believe your area no longer uses fax services, please take a moment to verify with your team to avoid any unexpected service disruptions. Additional information, available options, and required next steps can be found in the RightFax Retirement FAQ: https://answers.illinois.edu/illinois/160130. Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Since 1992, faculty and staff on the Urbana campus have operated a mutual aid fund that provides more than $40,000 a year to colleagues in crisis. Through the generosity of people like you, this emergency assistance fund has covered unexpected medical bills, helped people escape domestic violence, and offered critical financial support for more than 1,200 employees. Your donations to the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund offer hope to colleagues in need. To contribute, go to https://go.illinois.edu/FSEmergencyFund. Team members who have at least a 50 percent, benefits-eligible appointment and have completed a minimum of six months of service with the university are eligible to apply for assistance if they are experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to an emergency. You do not have to have contributed to the fund to benefit from it. To apply, call Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS) at 217-244-5312.”FSAWS counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources, and forward cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAWS staff. The Executive Committee notifies the FSAWS staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAWS staff instructs the Illinois Human Resources Business Office to distribute the grant.” Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/FSEF. Juneteenth Juneteenth commemorates the day (June 19th) in 1865 that enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they had been set free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and more than two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The first celebration of the Juneteenth date took place in Texas in 1866. It has been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021. There are several celebrations locally. Tomorrow, June 13, there is a Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration at Douglass Park (512 E. Grove St., Champaign) from noon to 3 p.m. Next Friday, June 19, there is a Juneteenth Parade & Liberation Celebration in Urbana that steps off at 1 p.m. at Colorado Avenue and Philo Road. The parade route runs north to Florida Avenue, east to Vine Street, and then back to Colorado. That evening, from 6 to 8 p.m., there is a Juneteenth Concert in Douglass Park. There are several other events throughout the coming week. See a detailed list for Champaign-Urbana (CU) at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/06/09/juneteenth-events-champaign-urbana/. Illinois Public Media has a different list that includes CU and Danville at [//will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/champaign-danville-and-urbana-to-mark-juneteenth-by-celebrating-black-freedom-and-families]will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/champaign-danville-and-urbana-to-mark-juneteenth-by-celebrating-black-freedom-and-families. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Happy Birthday Alma Mater!—Yesterday, June 11, was the date Lorado Taft’s Alma Mater sculpture was unveiled in 1929. She is looking great at 97, thanks in part to the conservation project from 2012-14. Learn more about Alma in the News-Gazette article: https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-legends-lists-and-lore-lorado-taft/article_04d0d888-29da-4fc6-a887-df36e092e6ff.html. Read about the conservation project at https://fs.illinois.edu/Projects/alma-mater-restoration/.Ma homet Soda Fest—Taste more than 100 sodas in downtown Mahomet this Saturday, June 13, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. In addition, there will be live music, food trucks, vendors, kid activities, and more! Admission is free, but tasting opportunities do have an associated cost. Learn more at https://mahometdaily.com/6th-annual-mahomet-soda-fest-bubbles-into-downtown-june-13/. OUTside in Champaign Forests—This monthly hike that welcomes “queer-identifying individuals and allies who share a love for the great outdoors” meets on the second Saturday of each month. This Saturday, June 13, meet at Homer Lake (2573 S. Homer Lake Rd., Homer) at 10 a.m. The hike runs until about 11:30 a.m. More details are available at https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/outside-in-champaign-forests-6. From Sea to Shining Symphony—Urbana Pops will present a free concert on Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in the Urbana High School Auditorium (1002 S. Race St., Urbana). Repertoire includes Carmen Dragon’s American the Beautiful, Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, along with “Let It Go” from Frozen and “Adagio for a Tee-Ball Dropout.” Learn more about the pieces being performed and the Urbana Pops Orchestra at https://www.urbanapops.org/. Ford County Fair—The 100th Ford County Fair runs from June 13 to 20, kicking off tomorrow night with musical guests Clay Walker and Walker Montgomery. Rides open on Monday, June 15, at 6 p.m., and Tuesday is Family Night with a petting zoo and fire trucks on display. The fair (Ford County Fairgrounds, 329 E. 3rd St., Melvin) has many other activities each day as well. Download a detailed schedule at https://www.fordcountyfair.org/the-fair. World Cup Viewings—The Illini Union Courtyard Cafe will be showing many of the 2026 matches on the large screen. The World Cup schedule and other information is available at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7?eventId=33553891. Save the Date June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) July 4—Independence Day (university holiday on July 3) July 15—Noontime Knowledge August 16 to 23—Move In August 24—First Day of Classes for Fall 2026 |
June 5, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services Customer Relations & Communications June 5, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Car Break-In on Campus An F&S team member recently reported that their personal car was broken into on campus near the Digital Computer Laboratory (1304 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana). This type of crime is usually one of opportunity. It may be a one-off or it may indicate the beginning of a spate of such activity. The Illinois State Crime Stoppers Association recommends you: Take valuables with you or hide items out of sight; never leave registration or ID papers or credit cards in the vehicle. Lock all doors and ensure all windows are closed; take the keys. Park in open and well-lit areas. If available, activate the vehicle’s security system. Learn more at https://www.illinoiscrimestoppers.org/vehicle-theft. REMINDER: To the greatest extent practical, all F&S vehicles should be returned to designated parking areas at PPSB, Garage & Car Pool, and the Waste Transfer Station to help prevent vandalism or theft opportunities, such as vehicle break-ins or catalytic converter targeting. If you witness a theft or suspicious incident in progress while at work, take the following steps: Remain calm. Do not approach the individuals involved. Dial 911 immediately if it is safe to do so, and give the best possible description of what you observe. If it is safe to do so, take a picture of the activity. If you discover you are the victim of vehicle theft or vandalism after the fact, please report it to the UIPD’s non-emergency number at 217-333-1216. Please also inform your supervisor. Donate Blood Next Wednesday at PPSB Seven whole blood and one double red cell slots are still available on Wednesday, June 10, during the next F&S Blood Drive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Summer is one of the most challenging times for blood banks as regular donors are on vacation or otherwise unavailable. At the same time, increased summer travel and outdoor activities can increase the risk of accidents and the need for blood. Help get the local area off to a great start and sign up to donate today! The return of the Bloodmobile to the PPSB north parking lot is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour on work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Crucial Conversations Learn how to have a hard conversation! The next offering of Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place June 16, 18, 23, and 25, across four half-day sessions, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Breakfast will be provided.Those who attend will enhance their communication skills and transform their interpersonal interactions by discovering how to navigate difficult conversations confidently to achieve positive outcomes. Participants will also learn how to • develop skills to communicate effectively during high-stakes situations. • listen actively and speak persuasively. • build stronger relationships and foster a collaborative environment. Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registering. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Monday, June 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1235183958. Learn more at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/85/256009485.html. Creative Cloud Faculty/Staff Renewal Team members with a university staff Enterprise license for Adobe Creative Cloud should note that university licenses expire on the last day of this month. To renew your license for next year (through June 30, 2027), you must go to the WebStore: https://webstore.illinois.edu/shop/product.aspx?zpid=7227. The free, annual subscription includes Acrobat Pro and Adobe Standard Stock, as well as access to Adobe Enterprise Shared Cloud Storage. If you do not renew, your access will be automatically removed on July 15, 2026. If you choose not to renew, please remember to save any data stored in your Adobe cloud storage before losing access to your Enterprise account. No software installation or registration is needed if you are already using Adobe. Questions? Learn more at https://answers.uillinois.edu/page.php?id=118969. RightFax Service to Be Retired Technology Services has announced that the university’s RightFax service will be retired, and all remaining RightFax accounts will be disconnected on January 8, 2027. If you currently use RightFax to send or receive faxes, please begin evaluating alternative solutions as soon as possible, as no replacement fax service will be provided by Technology Services. Units that wish to retain existing fax numbers may transfer them to a vendor of their choice. Even if you believe your area no longer uses fax services, please take a moment to verify with your team to avoid any unexpected service disruptions. Additional information, available options, and required next steps can be found in the RightFax Retirement FAQ: https://answers.illinois.edu/illinois/160130. Illinois Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act Beginning June 1, any employer in Illinois with 51* or more employees must offer their employees up to 20 days (or the length of the child’s stay, whichever is shorter) of unpaid leave to care for a child receiving medical treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This unpaid leave applies even to those not typically eligible for other leave types. At the university, all employees are eligible for this leave benefit. NICU leave can be taken in increments of at least two hours or full days. Those eligible for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) have to use that first before using the NICU leave. The university may request reasonable verification of the NICU stay, excluding “confidential medical information protected by HIPAA or other laws.” To see full details, go to https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=2581261. To learn more about this law, go to https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/leave_rights_division/family-neonatal-intensive-care-leave-act0.html.*Note: Employers in the State of Illinois with 16 to 50 employees must offer up to 10 days of unpaid leave to care for a child in the NICU. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, June 8. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find appropriate opportunities. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Leadership & Influence This interactive session (June 9, 10-11:30 a.m.) explores what it really means to lead in today’s workplace. In this session, you will learn how to adapt your leadership style to different situations, communicate a clear and motivating vision, and influence others through trust, credibility, and everyday actions. The course also introduces practical tools for setting goals, encouraging growth, and creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered to do their best work. 10 Communications Mistakes Leaders Unknowingly Make – And How to Fix Them Explore the most common hidden communication mistakes leaders fall into. In this session (June 24, 1-2 p.m.), you’ll learn why these patterns happen, how they’re having a larger impact than you realize, and how to correct them. Learners will walk away with practical frameworks to diagnose breakdowns, reset conversations, and lead with clarity when the stakes are high. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. AITS Requires Form Update Administrative Information Technology Services (AITS) wants to ensure that all team members have read and understood the university’s Information Security Compliance policy. The form acknowledges that, as a university employee, you are given access to university systems and applications, where necessary to perform your duties. It also notes that you may have access to confidential information as a result of your work. It then lays out 10 ways in which you agree to be careful with your account access and securing digital and printed information or data, among other points, including staying current with cybersecurity training. To read the agreement terms in full and to sign the form, go to https://go.uillinois.edu/InfoSecCompForm. It should autofill your name and UIN after completing the login process. You then check the box to indicate you “fully understand and agree to comply with the applicable university security policy.” Finally, click the blue Submit button to finish. The whole process should take only a few minutes to read, submit, and receive email confirmation of completion. Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Since 1992, faculty and staff on the Urbana campus have operated a mutual aid fund that provides more than $40,000 a year to colleagues in crisis. Through the generosity of people like you, this emergency assistance fund has covered unexpected medical bills, helped people escape domestic violence, and offered critical financial support for more than 1,200 employees. Your donations to the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund offer hope to colleagues in need. To contribute, go to https://go.illinois.edu/FSEmergencyFund. Team members who have at least a 50 percent, benefits-eligible appointment and have completed a minimum of six months of service with the university are eligible to apply for assistance if they are experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to an emergency. You do not have to have contributed to the fund to benefit from it. To apply, call Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS) at 217-244-5312.”FSAWS counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources, and forward cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAWS staff. The Executive Committee notifies the FSAWS staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAWS staff instructs the Illinois Human Resources Business Office to distribute the grant.” Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/FSEF. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Balloons over Vermilion—It’s the 10th annual hot air balloon fest at Kennekuk County Park (22296-A Henning Rd., Danville)! The fun begins today, Friday, June 5, with live music, food trucks, a kid zone, and more. The balloon launch is at 6:30 p.m., and there are also tethered balloon rides, a balloon glow, and a drone show. Activities continue tomorrow (June 6), with a community flight at 6:30 a.m. and a 5K race (same-day registration available) at 7:30 a.m. Friday’s action repeats in the afternoon and evening as well. See the full schedule at https://www.balloonsoververmilion.com/event-schedule. Love for ALLerton—Enjoy music on the Gatehouse Lawn at Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello) tonight (June 5) from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food, or purchase the latter from food trucks. (Note the bar will be open; no outside alcohol is permitted.) Tonight’s headlining band is Beyond the Blonde, a tribute band for Pink, Lady Gaga, and Gwen Stefani. There will also be LGBTQ+ resources for Pride Month and a vendor fair. Learn more at https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/love-for-allerton/. National Trails Day—Saturday, June 6, is National Trails Day. Celebrate with a hike. The Urbana Park District is offering four options, each with a park district expert: 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Weaver Park; 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Perkins Road Wet Prairie; 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Busey Woods; and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park. Earn a prize for each completed hike and a special prize if you do all four. While all hikes are free, the park district does ask you to register, so they have an idea of numbers. Go to https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/celebrate-national-trails-day-with-a-big-hike-through-our-natural-areas for more details. Illinois State Parks are also participating. See their press release at https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32583. Free Outdoor Fitness—Try Yoga, Zumba, or Tai Chi for free this summer courtesy of the Urbana Park District at Meadowbrook Park (2808 S. Race St., Urbana). Yoga is every Saturday, beginning tomorrow, June 6, through August 1, from 9 to 10 a.m. Zumba is offered tomorrow, June 20, and on July 11, and July 18, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Tai Chi takes place on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., on June 9, June 23, July 14, and July 28. A few exercise mats are available to borrow, or bring your own. More details are available at https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/join-free-fitness-in-the-park-this-summer-. Strawberry Festivals—Fans of the red fruit (fun fact: it’s technically not a berry!) should head to Catlin Park (301-399 W. Vermilion St., Catlin) on Saturday, June 6, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be food trucks, 34 vendors, and the Ladies of Catlin will offer “strawberries, shortcake, and jam under the pavilion.” The townspeople are also hosting a village-wide rummage sale. See their Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/CatlinStrawberryFestival/. NOTE: Arthur usually hosts their Strawberry Jam Festival this weekend as well, but a May 17 Facebook post says it is not happening this year. Instead, they will have Arthur Days, a smaller community festival: https://www.facebook.com/p/Arthur-Strawberry-Jam-Festival-100078740801563/. Summer Concert Series—Rhythm and blues band Candy Foster and Shades of Blue are the kickoff artists for this popular summer series at Lake of the Woods Peninsula (101 N. Lake of the Woods Rd., Mahomet), on Saturday, June 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy free music and lake views. Food and drink may be purchased from Project 47 Smokehouse at the concert. Visit https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/summer-concert-series-candy-foster-and-shades-of-blue-3 for more on this event. Save the Date June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) July 4—Independence Day (university holiday on July 3) |
May 29, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications May 29, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Benefit Choice Enrollment Period Final Weekend It’s the final chance to make changes during the university’s Benefit Choice enrollment period! The window closes Monday, June 1, 2026. For most people, this will be the only opportunity this year to make changes to health or dental insurance; add or drop dependents; re-enroll, make changes to, or start a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account; and the like. To make changes outside the enrollment period, you must show documentation of a qualifying event. To learn more, you can view or download the FY27 Benefit Choice booklet at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BenefitChoice. The link is in the Take Action box on the right-hand side of the page. If you have additional questions about Benefit Choice or State of Illinois benefits, contact the MyBenefits Service Center at 844-251-1777 or TDD/TTY 844-251-1778, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. F&S Blood Drive Is June 10! Eleven whole blood and one double red cell slots are available on Wednesday, June 10, during the next F&S Blood Drive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. One pint of whole blood can save up to three lives. Also of note, Impact Life no longer uses a finger stick and a drop of blood to check donor hemoglobin levels. The new devices use light to measure hemoglobin through the skin quickly and comfortably! Learn more about the new procedure here: https://www.bloodcenter.org/lp/orsense/.The return of the Bloodmobile to the PPSB north parking lot is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour on work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. In-Person Supervisory Training Session: Annual Goal Setting & Performance Review Are you a supervisor who needs to complete performance reviews for the team members reporting to you? A new training opportunity will provide information on deadlines, best practices, tips for writing more impactful evaluation components, recommendations for goal setting, and an overview of performance review and Individual Development Plan tools available online! This can help you strengthen performance reviews by enhancing team member development, engagement, and two-way communication throughout the process.Facilitated by Associate Director of Inclusion and Organizational Development Doni Walker, the training is Wednesday, June 3 (1–2:30 p.m.), in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A. F&S is committed to professional growth and development, aligning with project and service delivery excellence at the U. of I. To register, go to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PerformanceReviewTraining. For questions, contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. AITS Requires Form Update Administrative Information Technology Services (AITS) wants to ensure that all team members have read and understood the university’s Information Security Compliance policy. The form acknowledges that, as a university employee, you are given access to university systems and applications, where necessary to perform your duties. It also notes that you may have access to confidential information as a result of your work. It then lays out 10 ways in which you agree to be careful with your account access and securing digital and printed information or data, among other points, including staying current with cybersecurity training. To read the agreement terms in full and to sign the form, go to https://go.uillinois.edu/InfoSecCompForm. It should autofill your name and UIN. You then check the box to indicate you “fully understand and agree to comply with the applicable university security policy.” Finally, click the blue Submit button to finish. The whole process should take only a few minutes to read and complete. Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Since 1992, faculty and staff on the Urbana campus have operated a mutual aid fund that provides more than $40,000 a year to colleagues in crisis. Through the generosity of people like you, this emergency assistance fund has covered unexpected medical bills, helped people escape domestic violence, and offered critical financial support for more than 1,200 employees. Your donations to the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund offer hope to colleagues in need. To contribute, go to https://go.illinois.edu/FSEmergencyFund. Team members who have at least a 50 percent, benefits-eligible appointment and have completed a minimum of six months of service with the university are eligible to apply for assistance if they are experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to an emergency. You do not have to have contributed to the fund to benefit from it. To apply, call Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS) at 217-244-5312.”FSAWS counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources, and forward cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAWS staff. The Executive Committee notifies the FSAWS staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAWS staff instructs the Illinois Human Resources Business Office to distribute the grant.” Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/FSEF. Email Phishing Scams Phishing emails continue to occasionally slip through university filters, including recent ones that referenced Teams accounts. If you receive such a suspicious message, please forward the email to report-spam@illinois.edu and then delete it. Alternatively, you may also report and remove suspected spam or phishing emails in your university email account by using the Report Spam button in Outlook.Tap or click the message to highlight it.Click the Report Spam button. Depending on your device and operating system, this button may be located in the toolbar or identified by a security-themed icon, such as a red shield. Alternatively, you might need to click or tap the three dots near the top right corner of the email to find it.A new window will appear, asking you to confirm and provide additional information.Phishing attacks attempt to appear as if they are legitimate communications, often mimicking other campus messages and announcements. Be careful!Never reply to an email that asks you to reply with your password. The university will never ask you to do this. Check the hyperlinks (hover over them without clicking). If you are not certain it is a legitimate address, search for the link yourself on a trusted website. Only enter your NetID and password on legitimate university web pages. If in doubt, the university would much prefer you ask for help rather than guess that a link is safe or an email is legitimate. They invite you to call the IT Service Desk for help at 217-244-7000. Learn more at https://www.cybersecurity.illinois.edu/be-aware-of-threats/. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, June 8. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find an appropriate opportunity. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Crucial Conversations The next offering of Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place June 16, 18, 23, and 25, across four half-day sessions, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Breakfast will be provided.Those who attend will enhance their communication skills and transform their interpersonal interactions by discovering how to navigate difficult conversations confidently to achieve positive outcomes. Participants will also learn how to • develop skills to communicate effectively during high-stakes situations. • listen actively and speak persuasively. • build stronger relationships and foster a collaborative environment.Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registering. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Monday, June 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1235183958. Learn more at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/85/256009485.html. New Web Cam at the Veterinary Medicine Found Barns The Round Barn and Manager’s House Exterior Renovation project is underway on St. Mary’s Road. The three historic barns were built between 1907 and 1913 and given status on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Now, thanks to a generous bequest from university alum Leah Wightman, the barns are undergoing needed structural repairs and updates. The College of Veterinary Medicine has set up a web page for the project that includes the new web cam and photos of the barns, including some interesting ones of the interiors. Watch the progress at https://vetmed.illinois.edu/facilities/round-barns-and-manger-house/. You can also enjoy views of the Quad and Alma and follow work being done at the Morrow Plots on the university’s other webcams at https://illinois.edu/community/campus-cams/. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Pop-Up Book Sale—The Friendship Bookstore in the Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St.) is hosting a Pop-Up Sale tonight, May 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Customers will receive a free book coupon to use on their next visit. Tomorrow and Sunday (May 30 and 31; 1 to 4 p.m. each day), they are doing their Tag Bag Sale, where you can take home a bag of books for your summer reading pleasure for just $1. Bring your own paper grocery store-sized bag or purchase and fill a library tote. Read all about it at https://champaign.org/event/friendshop-bookstore-pop-up-sale-15051640. Friday Night Live—Every Friday night, now through August 28, you can enjoy live music from multiple bands in downtown Champaign. Performances are at “the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil & Park, the Downtown Plaza, and Market & Taylor.” The fun kicks off tonight, May 29, at 6 p.m. with bands Vestiges, Modern Drugs, The Surreal Deal, Rory Book and the Volumes, Wildwood, Union Avenue, Carrie Sue & the Wood Burners, and The Chickadee Sermon. There are also weekly kids’ activities, which this week includes bubbles and balloons. For more information, go to https://40north.org/our_programs/friday-night-live/. Mortgage 101—Prospective home buyers are invited to an hour-long workshop on buying a house presented by the Urbana Park District (UPD), tomorrow, May 30, from 9 to 10 a.m., at their Health and Wellness Center (2002 E. Washington St., Urbana). The class, led by Helen Zhang, a financial expert, will demystify the process of obtaining a mortgage. She’ll also discuss credit readiness, loan program options, documentation requirements, and more. While the class is free, UPD does ask you to register because they are serving a light breakfast. See https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/learn-how-to-buy-a-house-at-urbana-park-district for more details. History Walks—History buffs should check out the tours offered by the Champaign County History Museum. This weekend, on Saturday, May 30, at 1 p.m., they are offering their Historic Champaign Theater Tour, which looks at some of Champaign’s theaters (e.g., The Virginia Theatre, which is still in operation, and other “theaters, opera houses, and movie theaters” now gone), as well as the programs and shows they offered to the community. The arts scene not your thing? They also have Historic Building Tours for the downtowns of Champaign and Urbana, a Historic Homes Tour, and Haunts and Legends of UIUC. The tours are offered a handful of times each through October. Go to https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/tours to learn more. Summer Band Sign Ups—If you play an instrument, sign up for Summer Band. It is open to all students, band alumni, and community members, no audition required. Summer Band presents two well-attended Concerts on the Quad (June 25 and July 23). Rehearsals for for the first one begin Monday, June 8, and those for the July concert begin Monday, July 6. Join one or both. Learn more about the schedule, the wide-ranging repertoire, and this fun tradition at https://www.bands.illinois.edu/summer-band. University of Illinois Football—The Fighting Illini have announced their season opener against the UAB Blazers will take place on Thursday, September 3, at Gies Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. for this pre-Labor Day game. They also have home games on September 12 and 19, and Illinois’ Homecoming game will be on Saturday, October 3. See more details about the coming season at https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/5/27/first-three-illini-football-game-times-tv-designations-announced. Save the DateJune 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)June 19—Juneteenth (holiday)July 4—Independence Day (university holiday on July 3) |
May 22, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications May 22, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Noontime Knowledge with DRES For more than 75 years, Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) has been tasked “to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the programs, services, and activities” of the university. This month, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is excited to welcome James Loomis, DRES access specialist, as the Noontime Knowledge guest speaker. He’ll give an overview of the many ways DRES can help with accessibility. To join Loomis’ talk on Wednesday, May 27, at noon, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/88403102235?pwd=E3jIfmzMFirnhxPTiHb5DiZA4yaAc6.1.You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted: Meeting ID: 884 0310 2235 Password: 330879 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Checking Your Leave Balance If you are planning time off for an upcoming vacation or any other reason, it is easy to check your official leave balance to see how much time you have accrued. To do so, follow the steps below for your employment category: Academic Professional (AP) and Civil Service (CS) exempt staff who enter time off in the Vacation Sick Leave (VSL) system: Go to the VSL system: https://portal.fs.illinois.edu. Under the HR drop-down menu, choose “Vacation/Sick Leave Reporting.” Civil Service (CS) nonexempt, Academic Hourly (AH), and Extra Help (EH) staff who do not use VSL can find available leave listed at the top of their pay statements: Go to My UI Info (formerly NESSIE): https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/myinfo. Under the Pay drop-down menu, choose “Earnings Statement. “Then click the green “Access Earnings Statement” button. You’ll need your NetID and Password for login. Scroll down to view your most recent pay statement. To see a statement from a prior date, click the blue “View Past Statements” button at the top right of the page. F&S team members who use Mobile Timekeeping are reminded that the leave balance amounts listed there are an estimation and do not reflect actual sick and vacation time available. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, Culture & Strategy fandsdlhr@mx.uillinois.edu. Benefit Choice Enrollment Period Open The university’s Benefit Choice enrollment period closes Monday, June 1, 2026. For most people, this will be the only opportunity this year to make changes to health or dental insurance; add or drop dependents; re-enroll, make changes to, or start a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account; and the like. To make changes outside the enrollment period, you must show documentation of a qualifying event. To learn more, you can view or download the FY27 Benefit Choice booklet at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BenefitChoice. The link is in the Take Action box on the right-hand side of the page. You can view the times and locations of available Benefit Choice fairs or a recorded version of the fair presentation at https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/benefit-choice-fairs.html. If you prefer to go in person, the closest upcoming fair to Champaign-Urbana is next week on Wednesday, May 27, in Charleston, at Eastern Illinois University, but there are also still remaining dates in Springfield and Carbondale. If you have additional questions about Benefit Choice or State of Illinois benefits, contact the MyBenefits Service Center at 844-251-1777 or TDD/TTY 844-251-1778, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reminder: Time Entry and Approval Deadline Over the Holiday Even with the observance of Memorial Day, the time entry period for the Mobile Timekeeping application (https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MobileTimekeeping) will still close, as it typically does, at 10 a.m. on Monday (May 25). Please remember to submit all work hours in Mobile Timekeeping and have the time approved by your supervisor before the deadline.Any work hours that have not been submitted by then will require an adjustment via a blue time card signed by the employee and supervisor. Any time card entries must be made by Wednesday, May 27, at noon to be paid the Friday after the scheduled pay date. As a reminder, the Payroll department will not submit or approve time and will only make adjustments after receiving a correctly filled-out blue time card.Thanks for your assistance and for using Mobile Timekeeping as a primary means of entry to assist Payroll and expedite processing. For questions, contact Larisha Exum lexum@illinois.edu. PPSB BEAP Update: Request for Information Today, May 22, is the final day to self-report for this iteration of updates!* Team members in PPSB are asked to self-report if they have access and functional needs in an emergency; these include any extra support(s) needed by individuals—with or without disabilities—who may be independent or able to use typical systems under normal conditions but who would need additional assistance during emergencies or disasters, such as with evacuation, medical care, supervision, transportation, communication, or similar measures. This information would be used in the Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) for PPSB that is currently being updated by Safety & Compliance (S&C). Individuals who would like to identify such a need in the BEAP should provide their information as part of this update. Please reply to oshs@illinois.edu with the following details: Name Cell phone number Office phone number Office or room number Specific access or functional need Designated “buddy” (name, office or room number, and the office and cell phone numbers of the person who has agreed to assist you during an emergency) If you need help identifying a buddy, please speak to your supervisor regarding potential options. Please be aware that the sharing of this information will be restricted to S&C team members responsible for updating the BEAP and the Division of Public Safety’s emergency management and telecommunications staff. It may also be communicated to first responders during an emergency to provide extra assistance if needed. To learn more, see https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/25/1141815825.html.*You may still send updates at any time if your information changes. Outage Request Form In the course of your work at F&S you may need to request a service outage, that is for steam, chilled water, ventilation, heating, compressor, electrical, water, elevator(s), fire alarms, sprinkler systems, gas, or other systems to be temporarily turned off so that work may proceed safely. If this is the case, you’ll need to fill out the Outage Request Form available on ERIN at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/OutageRequest. (Note: ERIN is the team members only portion of the F&S website, so you’ll need to be logged in to access the form.) Please keep in mind that three working days’ notice is needed for your request, unless it is an emergency. Once complete, submit the form to the Service Office. The Service Office provides more information about making requests for services and outages at https://fs.illinois.edu/Providers/service-office/. They also have a link to an Outage Request Process Training file, which is available in the Document list on that web page. It is a helpful flowchart to walk you through the steps needed for both planned and emergency outage requests. F&S Instagram Message Smashes Record As far as signs of summer go, converting traffic signals on campus to flashing red now seems to be right up there with Memorial Day Weekend, lots of sunshine after work, and outdoor music! F&S’ Instagram post about the switchover easily topped previous engagement records on the F&S social media platform. It is clear that the university community is excited by this summer rite of passage and is showing their love by interacting with the post. If you want to view the video of the moment F&S Electricians literally flipped the switch for summertime, go to https://www.instagram.com/p/DYevbSUupch/. See it on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1305156271722572.Be sure to keep up with F&S team members across social media platforms. The links are always here at the bottom of the weekly E-Update. In-Person Supervisory Training Session: Annual Goal Setting & Performance Review Are you a supervisor who needs to complete performance reviews for the team members reporting to you? A new training opportunity will provide information on deadlines, best practices, tips for writing more impactful evaluation components, recommendations for goal setting, and an overview of performance review and Individual Development Plan tools available online! This can help you strengthen performance reviews by enhancing team member development, engagement, and two-way communication throughout the process.Facilitated by Associate Director of Inclusion and Organizational Development Doni Walker, the training is Wednesday, June 3 (1–2:30 p.m.), in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A. F&S is committed to professional growth and development, aligning with project and service delivery excellence at the U. of I. To register, go to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PerformanceReviewTraining. For questions, contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. F&S Blood Drive Is June 10! Sixteen whole blood and two double red cell slots are available on Wednesday, June 10, during the next F&S Blood Drive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. One pint of whole blood can save up to three lives. Also of note, Impact Life no longer uses a finger stick and a drop of blood to check donor hemoglobin levels. The new devices use light to measure hemoglobin through the skin quickly and comfortably! Learn more about the new procedure here: https://www.bloodcenter.org/lp/orsense/.The return of the Bloodmobile to the PPSB north parking lot is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour on work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, June 8. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find an appropriate opportunity. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Crucial Conversations The next offering of Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place June 16, 18, 23, and 25, across four half-day sessions, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Breakfast will be provided.Those who attend will enhance their communication skills and transform their interpersonal interactions by discovering how to navigate difficult conversations confidently to achieve positive outcomes. Participants will also learn how to • develop skills to communicate effectively during high-stakes situations. • listen actively and speak persuasively. • build stronger relationships and foster a collaborative environment.Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registering. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Monday, June 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1235183958. Learn more at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/85/256009485.html. Enjoy a Safe Memorial Day Weekend With the start of the summer recreation season this weekend, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) urges people to wear life jackets whenever they are on the water. They also remind people that operating a boat is similar to driving a car, and both activities should only be done when sober. In 2024, 63 boating accidents in Illinois resulted in 15 fatalities. IDNR would like everyone to get home safely, and they offer free boating safety courses for those new to the activity or who need a refresher. View upcoming dates and times at https://dnr2.illinois.gov/SafetyEd/SafetyEdClassByCounty. See the full IDNR press release about boating safety at https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32535.The Champaign Police Department, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, and other local law enforcement agencies are also working to improve safety during this busy travel weekend. There will be “high-visibility seat belt enforcement” across Illinois through Tuesday, May 26. Officers may pull over and ticket drivers who are not adhering to the seat belt laws, even if no other law has been broken. Learn more about the Click It or Ticket enforcement at https://idot.illinois.gov/travel-and-maps/safety/campaigns/buckle-up-illinois/seat-belts.html.Finally, IDOT announced that “lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Memorial Day weekend to minimize travel disruption.” The lanes that can reopen will do so at 3 p.m. today and remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25. However, many lane closures throughout the state, including ones in Champaign County (District 5), will remain in place. See a complete list of continuing lane closures on Illinois-maintained roads at https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/lanes-reopening-where-possible-for-memorial-day-holiday-travel-wlfq4h. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Summer Fun in CU and Beyond—If you are looking for things to do locally this summer, check out the list from The Daily Illini, “A Guide to Summertime Activities in CU,” here: https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/champaign-urbana/local-bussiness/2026/05/14/summertime-activities-in-cu/. It suggests pools (many of which open this weekend), nature, restaurants and bars, shopping, music, and more. If you’d rather get out of town, Chambanamoms offers up their own list of “31+ Unique Summer Day Trips from Champaign-Urbana” here: https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/05/04/champaign-urbana-day-trips-summer/. It also suggests natural areas to explore, museums, zoos, and other fun activities. Finding Nemo Jr.—Champaign Park District Youth Theatre presents the Pixar family favorite in a show geared toward young people. Remaining shows at the Virginia Theatre (203 W. Park Ave., Champaign) are tonight (May 22) at 7 p.m. and tomorrow (Saturday, May 23) at 1 and 7 p.m. The show features favorite songs from the film and adds some new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, too. For more details, go to https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1087&utm_source=chambanamoms&utm_medium=email&utm_content=finding-nemo. Steam and Streamliner Weekend—Head out to the Monticello Railway Museum (992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello) on Saturday or Sunday (May 23 or 24) to ride two different historic trains: a vintage steam locomotive and an elegant diesel streamliner from the 1950s. Tickets are good for the whole day; ride as often as you like. Trains depart from the Nelson Crossing Depot at the museum between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Visit https://www.mrym.org/streamliners for more information. Rocket Launch—The model rocket club, Central Illinois Aerospace, is hosting a rocket launch at Dodds Park (1501 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign; exact launch location depends on wind direction) on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 6 p.m. Come watch other model rockets launch or bring your own rockets, engines, and igniters. Learn more about this fun activity and how to get involved at http://www.ciarocketry.org/launches.html. Birding for Beginners—Environmental educator Nina Carmichael will lead an all-ages walk that will help you learn to successfully observe birds. The free activity takes place at Homer Lake Forest Preserve (2573 S. Homer Lake Rd., Homer; follow the signs to the meeting spot) on Sunday, May 24, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. No registration is needed. Bring your own binoculars or borrow ones at the site. Learn more at https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/birding-for-beginners. Save the Date May 25—Memorial Day (holiday) May 27—Noontime Knowledge June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) July 4—Independence Day (holiday) |
May 15, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications May 15, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) F&S Procurement News You Can Use: How to Submit a Rush/Emergency Request The university’s Purchasing and Contract Management Office (PCMO) provides the following information and guidance on rush and emergency orders in accordance with the state procurement code. State Definition of Emergency The State defines an emergency as “A situation involving public health, public safety, or cases where immediate expenditure is necessary for repairs to State property to protect against further loss or damage, to prevent or minimize serious disruption in State services, or to ensure the integrity of State records.” Emergency conditions may result from fires, explosions, adverse weather conditions, or an epidemic. They may also result from untimely breakdown, damage, or loss of equipment vital to maintaining health or safety standards. In true emergencies, the Illinois Procurement Code provides that purchasing procedures, including bidding requirements, may be waived if it becomes important for an emergency transaction to be completed within a certain time. It’s an Emergency! What do I do? (Product/service has been received.) If you need to make a purchase that is truly an emergency, you may submit your requisition after the service is performed or the purchase is made. Emergencies are not nonconforming, as long as you notify F&S Purchasing no later than five business days after an emergency purchase has been made. Contacting Purchasing as soon as possible after the purchase allows them time to assist you with this process. How do I request a Rush/Urgent Order? (Product/service has not been received.)Enter RUSH ORDER in the F&S Comment field on the Online Purchase Request app in the my.FS Portal.Using the State’s definition of an emergency, provide a written justification on F&S letterhead (signed by Unit Head if applicable) explaining the need to rush/expedite the request. Attach the letter with your quote to the purchase request in my.FS. Please note: The justification will help PCMO communicate to other campus departments why delays have occurred to their respective requests or requisitions. Conditions for an emergency purchase exist when there is a threat to public health or public safety; immediate expenditure is needed for repairs to university property to protect against further loss or damage; preventing or minimizing serious disruption in critical university services which affect health, safety, or collection of substantial revenues, or ensuring the integrity of university records. Rushes due to failure to submit in a timely manner do not constitute a priority. Once the rush justification has been provided, the requisition will be assigned to a buyer who will determine whether the justification is enough to warrant a “Rush”, “Urgent,” or “Emergency” classification.Specific references to this PCMO policy procedure can be found here https://purchasing.illinois.edu/faqs/. Questions may be addressed to ProcurementPur@mx.uillinois.edu. Noontime Knowledge with DRES For more than 75 years, Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) has been tasked “to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the programs, services, and activities” of the university. This month, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is excited to welcome James Loomis, DRES access specialist, as the Noontime Knowledge guest speaker. He’ll give an overview of the many ways DRES can help with accessibility. To join Loomis’ talk on Wednesday, May 27, at noon, go to https://illinois.zoom.us/j/88403102235?pwd=E3jIfmzMFirnhxPTiHb5DiZA4yaAc6.1.You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:Meeting ID: 884 0310 2235 Password: 330879 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. PPSB BEAP Update: Request for Information Team members in PPSB are asked to self-report if they have access and functional needs in an emergency; these include any extra support(s) needed by individuals—with or without disabilities—who may be independent or able to use typical systems under normal conditions but who would need additional assistance during emergencies or disasters, such as with evacuation, medical care, supervision, transportation, communication, or similar measures. This information would be used in the Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) for PPSB that is currently being updated by Safety & Compliance. Individuals who would like to identify such a need in the BEAP should provide their information as part of this update. Please reply to oshs@illinois.edu with the following details by Friday, May 22:Name, Cell phone number, Office phone number, Office or room number, Specific access or functional need, Designated “buddy” (name, office or room number, and the office and cell phone numbers of the person who has agreed to assist you during an emergency) If you need help identifying a buddy, please speak to your supervisor regarding potential options. Please be aware that the sharing of this information will be restricted to S&C team members responsible for updating the BEAP and the Division of Public Safety’s emergency management and telecommunications staff. It may also be communicated to first responders during an emergency to provide extra assistance if needed. To learn more, see https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/25/1141815825.html. Benefit Choice Enrollment Period Open The university’s Benefit Choice enrollment period is open through Monday, June 1, 2026. For most people, this will be the only opportunity this year to make changes to health or dental insurance; add or drop dependents; re-enroll, make changes to, or start a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account; and the like. To make changes outside the enrollment period, you must show documentation of a qualifying event. To learn more, you can view or download the FY27 Benefit Choice booklet at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BenefitChoice. The link is in the Take Action box on the right-hand side of the page. You can view the times and locations of available Benefit Choice fairs or a recorded version of the fair presentation at https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/benefit-choice-fairs.html. If you prefer to go in person, the closest upcoming fair to Champaign-Urbana is on Wednesday, May 27, in Charleston, at Eastern Illinois University, but there are also upcoming dates in Springfield, Chicago, and other areas throughout the state.If you have additional questions about Benefit Choice or State of Illinois benefits, contact the MyBenefits Service Center at 844-251-1777 or TDD/TTY 844-251-1778, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. F&S Blood Drive Is June 10! Seventeen whole blood and two double red cell slots are available on Wednesday, June 10, during the next F&S Blood Drive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. One pint of whole blood can save up to three lives. Also of note, Impact Life no longer uses a finger stick and a drop of blood to check donor hemoglobin levels. The new devices use light to measure hemoglobin through the skin quickly and comfortably! Learn more about the new procedure here: https://www.bloodcenter.org/lp/orsense/.The return of the Bloodmobile to the PPSB north parking lot is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour on work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Four-Way Stops Return at Campus Intersections for Summer Six campus intersections will convert to continuously flashing four-way stops beginning Monday, May 18:Fourth Street and Peabody DriveFourth Street and Gregory DriveFourth Street and Daniel StreetSixth Street and Gregory DriveSixth Street and Armory AvenueSixth Street and John Street Normal signal operation will resume on Friday, August 14, for the start of the fall semester. If you would like a refresher on who has the right-of-way at four-way stops, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s Rules of the Road and Traffic Safety Publications page at https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/motorist/rorts.html. Information about campus street, sidewalk, and pathway closures is always available on the F&S website at https://fs.illinois.edu/News/Category/closures/. For questions, contact Transportation Systems Manager Stacey DeLorenzo sdeloren@illinois.edu, 217-300-1750. Commencement and Unit Graduation Ceremonies Commencement and unit ceremonies take place throughout this weekend, including the university-wide ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m., at Gies Memorial Stadium. Hot Ones host Sean Evans will be the guest speaker. He is a 2008 graduate of the university; see Chancellor Charles L. Isbell, Jr. turn the torched tables on Sean on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE7MYXcmzs8. Throughout graduation weekend, dozens of unit convocation ceremonies are scheduled at locations like the Activities and Recreation Center, Krannert Center for Performing Arts, and Foellinger Auditorium. For a full list, see https://commencement.illinois.edu/unit-ceremonies/unit-convocation-ceremonies/. Please be aware of increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Important information about your drinking water The campus water system has sampled for a series of unregulated contaminants. Unregulated contaminants are those that don’t yet have a drinking water standard set by EPA. The purpose of monitoring for these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. This data is available to the public. If you are interested in examining the results, please visit the F&S Water Quality page or contact Safety & Compliance via email at ecs@illinois.edu. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, June 8. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members are encouraged to take advantage of professional development classes; please work with your direct supervisor to find an appropriate opportunity. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. Crucial Conversations The next offering of Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue will take place June 16, 18, 23, and 25, across four half-day sessions, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A. from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Breakfast will be provided.Those who attend will enhance their communication skills and transform their interpersonal interactions by discovering how to navigate difficult conversations confidently to achieve positive outcomes. Participants will also learn how to • develop skills to communicate effectively during high-stakes situations. • listen actively and speak persuasively. • build stronger relationships and foster a collaborative environment.Supervisor approval should be obtained prior to registering. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Monday, June 8. Click this link to register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1235183958. Learn more at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/85/256009485.html. In-Person Supervisory Training Session: Annual Goal Setting & Performance Review A new training opportunity for supervisors, facilitated by Associate Director of Inclusion and Organizational Development Doni Walker, will strengthen performance reviews by enhancing team member development, engagement, and two-way communication throughout the process. The training features tips for writing more impactful evaluation components, outlines best meeting practices, offers recommendations for goal setting, and provides an overview of performance review and Individual Development Plan tools available online. The training on Wednesday, June 3 (1–2:30 p.m.), will be in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, and exemplifies the unit’s commitment to professional growth and development, aligning with project and service delivery excellence at the U. of I. To register, go to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PerformanceReviewTraining. For questions, contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. University Changing Phone Infrastructure; Teams to Remain the Same Beginning in late spring, the university will change phone carriers and calling plans. Teams and related software resources set up by individuals or departments will not change. By FY27, numbers will be ported to a new carrier; service is not expected to be impacted. When changing calling plans, phone service outside of the university’s Teams environment may be briefly interrupted. The university’s Technology Services will work to minimize disruption and provide more information as timelines finalize. More information is available at https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois/160026. Questions may be addressed to consult@illinois.edu. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Illinois Supervisory Skills Program—Applications are now open for the fall 2026 Illinois Supervisory Skills Program. This cohort-based program is designed for supervisors seeking to advance their leadership skills while learning alongside peers from across campus. It is open to employees with at least a 75-percent-time appointment who currently supervise status or student employees. Learn more about the program at https://humanresources.illinois.edu/about/culture-learning-engagement/employee-learning-organizational-effectiveness/supervisor-development/#unisyn-ihr-il-supervisory-skills-program. Applications are due June 22. Science at the Market—The university’s Astronomy Department will be presenting at the Farmer’s Market at Lincoln Square Mall (300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana) on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. This is part of a full series of weekly citizen science events aiming to spark people’s interest in various science topics. Learn more and see the complete schedule at https://physics.illinois.edu/outreach/science-at-the-market. Bird Mist Netting Demonstration—Avian biologists from the university will demonstrate how they catch, band, and release birds at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve (3485 County Rd. 2700 E., Penfield). Stop by between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, to view scientific research in action. Go to https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/bird-mist-netting-demonstration-2026 for more information. Taylor Street Block Party—Enjoy free music from Hannah Kitt (5 p.m.), Popped Balloon (5:50 p.m.), Sid Kingston (6:50 p.m.), The Write Ups (7:55 p.m.), Nectar (8:55 p.m.), and Mustard Plug (10 p.m.) at the first of five block parties this summer. The fun on Saturday, May 16, also includes handmade products and unique gifts from a “marketplace of makers, designers, doers, and dreamers,” as well as access to food and drink at the many local restaurants in downtown Champaign. (Taylor St. runs between N. Neil St. and N. Market St.) For more details, go to https://www.soundbridgefoundation.org/about-toast. Sound Bite Sundays—Come out to Downtown Plaza (320 N. Neil St., Champaign) on Sundays in May (17, 24, 31) for interactive jumbo games from noon to 3 p.m., with live music from 2 to 3 p.m. Bring your family and friends to play giant versions of games like Connect 4, checkers, chess, and cornhole at the free event. See https://www.visitdowntownchampaign.com/sound-bites for more. Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday—The Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory St., Urbana) is hosting two exhibits: Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights and Setting the Table for 250 Years of American Politics that look back at the history of the United States since 1776. The exhibits are open during normal operating hours. Visit their website for more details: https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/. The State of Illinois is celebrating with a Passport to Illinois that explorers can use to log visits to important sites like the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, The Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet, and dozens of other monuments, museums, scenic byways, parks, memorials, and historic markers in the state. Join the fun on your next summer road trip! Learn more about the passport and where to pick up a physical copy or download it from https://www.il250.org/passport. Save the DateMay 15 & 16—Final days for Dump & Run® (end of school year collection)May 16—CommencementMay 25—Memorial Day (holiday)June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) |
May 8, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & ServicesCustomer Relations & Communications May 8, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Employee Transition Notification Form At several points throughout employment with F&S, it could be necessary to fill out an Employee Transition Notification Form (ETNF) for a team member you supervise. Examples of this include:Employee onboardingEmployee shop transferEmployee job changeEmployee exitThe ETNF helps keep track of some F&S-issued equipment, office assignments, key and card access, and more. If you need to fill out the form in one of these situations, you can find it at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/ETNF. Name Change Announced In the F&S Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, you’ll notice a focus on workplace culture. For example, it expresses the aim to “foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth”; encourage “a culture of respect, inclusion and empowerment for all team members”; and nurture “an inclusive workplace culture” that strengthens “the voices of underrepresented groups across all F&S units.” One change reflecting these goals is the new name of F&S’ employee relations/human resources, inclusion and organizational development, and payroll departments, which will now officially be called Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS). Please note the ampersand (and the lack of a comma before it) when writing out the name in full. Team members will begin to see this naming convention in our messaging, in announcements, publications, and on the F&S website (internal and external), including organizational charts. If you notice a legacy use of a former version of the division name, please send a note to Customer Relations & Communications (CRC; fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu) so it can be updated. To read the strategic plan, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/StrategicPlan. A New Platform for the Grainger Learning Management System F&S team members have been using the Grainger Learning Management System (GLMS) on the iCertainty platform to complete assigned work-related training for several years. While our relationship with Grainger will continue, the platform on which it is hosted will change, with VelocityEHS becoming the new provider to assist us with managing our workplace training initiatives. The transition will begin in June with a go-live date for team members of July 1. VelocityEHS was chosen for its user-friendly design, centralized and standardized administration, and enhanced reporting capabilities. Watch for updates in the E-Update and other communication channels on the switchover, training session availability, and additional information in the coming weeks. Benefit Choice Enrollment Period Open The university’s Benefit Choice enrollment period is open through Monday, June 1, 2026. For most people, this will be the only opportunity this year to make changes to health or dental insurance; add or drop dependents; re-enroll, make changes to, or start a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account; and the like. To make changes outside the enrollment period, you must show documentation of a qualifying event.Central Management Services (CMS) has mailed a benefit choice booklet to all State benefits-eligible employees. You can also view or download the FY27 booklet at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BenefitChoice. The link is in the Take Action box on the right-hand side of the page.You can view the times and locations of available Benefit Choice fairs or a recorded version of the fair presentation at https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/benefit-choice-fairs.html. If you prefer to go in person, the closest upcoming fair to Champaign-Urbana is on Wednesday, May 27, in Charleston, at Eastern Illinois University, but there are also upcoming dates in Springfield, Chicago, and other areas throughout the state. If you have additional questions about Benefit Choice or State of Illinois benefits, contact the MyBenefits Service Center at 844-251-1777 or TDD/TTY 844-251-1778, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. F&S Blood Drive Is June 10! Seventeen whole blood and four double red cell slots are available on Wednesday, June 10, during the next F&S Blood Drive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. One pint of whole blood can save up to three lives. Also of note, Impact Life no longer uses a finger stick and a drop of blood to check donor hemoglobin levels. The new devices use light to measure hemoglobin through the skin quickly and comfortably! Learn more about the new procedure here: https://www.bloodcenter.org/lp/orsense/.The return of the Bloodmobile to the PPSB north parking lot is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour on work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. Annual Dump & Run® Event – Volunteers Needed Each year, F&S helps keep surplus items out of the waste stream by providing a place for students and others in the campus community to donate gently used personal items. This year, eight 20′ × 8′ containers will be situated near these residence halls: Allen HallBarton HallFlorida Avenue Residence HallsHopkins HallIllinois Street Residence HallsLincoln Avenue Residence HallsPennsylvania Avenue Residence HallsSherman HallBetween Monday, May 11, and Saturday, May 16, the campus community can drop off their items at one of these containers, each day between noon and 8 p.m. How can you help? Volunteers are needed to help ensure the drop-off locations are monitored throughout the week. To fill a two-hour shift, fill out the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/DumpandRunVolunteer. What can be collected? You can donate accessories, appliances, books, collectibles, computer equipment, clothing, electronics, food and drink (nonperishable and unopened), furniture, housewares, jewelry, lamps, linens, multimedia, shoes, TVs (flat screen only), and similar items. What cannot be collected? Please do not bring broken items; perishable, homemade, or open food or drink; box springs, mattresses, or mattress toppers; cleaning products; or hazardous materials (e.g., paint, aerosols, chemicals, alcohols). University property cannot be collected. For a more complete list of what can and cannot be donated and additional information about the event, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/DumpandRun. Dump & Run is a registered trademark of the University YMCA. Transportation Roundup Help Inform Future Improvements to Local Transportation The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission needs your feedback on walking, biking, and rolling around the cities to help guide recommendations for updates to the Champaign-Urbana Active Transportation Plan. Giving your opinion will help inform future improvements to the local transportation system and will positively impact the bicycle network, micromobility infrastructure, pedestrian safety aspects, and more. The survey closes on Wednesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. Participate at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/ActiveTransporationPlanSurvey. It should take less than five minutes to complete. Donate Your Bike! If you no longer need your bicycle, you can donate it to the Campus Bike Center (51 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign) or the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (202 S. Broadway Ave., room 24). Simply drop it off at either location—no appointment necessary. All donated bicycles will be refurbished or recycled, reusing as many parts as possible. Both the Campus Bike Center and Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign offer refurbished bikes for sale that have passed inspection by staff. Specific parts are also available for purchase. Bike donations help support bike programs and related events at the university and may be tax-deductible. Learn more at https://bike.illinois.edu/resources/bicycle-roundup/. I-57 and I-74 Ramp Closures Roadwork in the I-57/I-74 corridor will cause rotating ramp closures throughout the summer. Each closure for construction will last two to four weeks. Currently, the on-ramp to southbound I-57 from Olympian Drive is closed; it is expected to reopen May 18, weather permitting. Nine additional ramp closures are scheduled throughout the summer. See the full Illinois Department of Transportation press release for additional details at https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/i-5774-interchange-ramp-two-week-closure-begins-may-4. Motorists should expect delays. Please use caution in work zones. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, May 11. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. IDEA Webinars Behind-the-Meter Cooling has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 29, at noon. The session will look at the growing demand on the electric grid, and the role of natural gas in that asset mix. While natural gas can help solve the electricity problem, it creates waste heat, so the webinar will also explore ways to use recovered waste heat, which can double system efficiency. Learn more or sign up at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8917733452275/WN_6yp20DUwQlecENhlc42yGg#/registration.A complete list of upcoming IDEA webinars and archived presentations is available at https://www.districtenergy.org/events/webinars. In-Person Supervisory Training Session: Annual Goal Setting & Performance Review A new training opportunity for supervisors, facilitated by Associate Director of Inclusion and Organizational Development Doni Walker, will strengthen performance reviews by enhancing team member development, engagement, and two-way communication throughout the process. The training features tips for writing more impactful evaluation components, outlines best meeting practices, offers recommendations for goal setting, and provides an overview of performance review and Individual Development Plan tools available online. The training on Wednesday, June 3 (1–2:30 p.m.), will be in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, and exemplifies the unit’s commitment to professional growth and development, aligning with project and service delivery excellence at the U. of I. To register, go to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PerformanceReviewTraining. For questions, contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. Tick-Borne Illnesses Summer brings opportunities to be outside enjoying nature, but it can also mean tick season. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges residents to protect themselves from ticks and the diseases they carry, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis, some of which can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. Ticks live in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and brush, and they are most active in spring and summer. If performing work outdoors or enjoying recreational activities where ticks might be active, IDPH recommends diligently checking for ticks once you return inside. If your children or pet(s) joined you, remember to check them too. Removing ticks within 24 hours reduces the risk of disease transmission. IDPH also offers the following tips:Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see ticks. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.Use an insect repellent that works on ticks, such as one containing 20 to 30 percent DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Follow the application directions on the label. Use 0.5 percent permethrin to treat your clothes or gear. It remains protective even through several washings.Walk in the center of trails, where you are least likely to encounter ticks.Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or a family member exhibits symptoms like fever or rash after spending time in areas inhabited by ticks.Learn more about ticks, protecting yourself against them, and what to do if you are bitten at https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/common-ticks.html. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Illini Baseball—Enjoy the last home series of the Illini Baseball season as the Fighting Illini take on Northwestern tonight (Friday, May 8) at 6 p.m., tomorrow (Saturday, May 9) at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday (May 10) at 1 p.m. Tonight, it is “Hail to the Orange Out” and fans are asked to wear orange, with the first 100 fans through the gate receiving a free T-shirt. Tomorrow is Senior Day, and Sunday will recognize Mother’s Day and kids can run the bases after the game. All games are free to attend at Illinois Field (601 E. Kirby Ave., Champaign). Learn more at https://fightingillini.com/sports/2022/4/11/fighting-illini-promotions.aspx. Spring Plant Sales—If you need flowers, vegetables, herbs, or fruit plants for your garden, there are several local opportunities this weekend! Come out to Sola Gratia Farm (2200 Philo Rd., Urbana), today, tomorrow, and Sunday (May 8 to 10), or next weekend (May 15 to 17), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Find the crop list and other information at https://www.solagratiacsa.com/events/spring-plant-sale-2026. Prairie Fruit Farm (4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign) also has a large selection available this Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More details are available at https://www.facebook.com/experiencechampaign/posts/prairie-fruits-farm-creamery-hosting-a-2-day-plant-sale-alongside-meadow-lane-fa/1574197831376568/. If it is herbs you seek, the C-U Herb Society is hosting its annual sale inside Lincoln Square Mall (300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana) on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. until noon (or until sold out). To see a list of their plants, go to https://cuherbsociety.org/plantsale/plantsale.html. Sangamon River Showcase—Come out to the Izaak Walton Cabin (679 Senna Dr., Mahomet) in Lake of the Woods for a family-friendly day of exploring the river with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. Examine live fish with a fisheries biologist, try kayaking and canoes, see displays on mussel research and bird houses, and explore a water table. The event on Saturday, May 9, between noon and 5 p.m., is free, and no registration is required. Visit https://sangamonriver.org/event-cal/sangamon-river-showcase-3/ for more information. Historical Games: Pastimes to Playtime—The Museum of the Grand Prairie in Lake of the Woods (950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet) is offering a free children’s games workshop this Saturday, May 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. Try playing historical kid games, learn about their origins, and even make games to take home. Go to https://www.museumofthegrandprairie.org/Visit/Events/historical-games-pastimes-to-playtime to learn more. 24-Hour Musical Revue Challenge—The St. Joseph-Ogden High School Drama Department has an interesting plan for its students: Tonight, they will learn the theme and songs they are to prepare for the musical revue. Then they have just one day to “rehearse, polish, and prepare a show-stopping performance before the curtain opens” on Saturday, May 9, at 7 p.m., at the high school (301 N. Main St., St. Joseph). For more, see https://www.facebook.com/61555926716056/posts/1594041681679657/. Summer Movies on the Quad—The Illini Union Board has announced their free film lineup. The fun takes place on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. beginning May 21 and runs through August 13. (In the event of rain, the film showing moves into the Illini Union I-Rooms.) The Quad Shop is open in the Union before the film for purchase of candy, popcorn, drinks, and other items or bring your own. This summer, the series kicks off with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and ends with Mandalorian and Grogu. In between, you can view Back to the Future, Hoppers, Zootopia 2, Jaws, Michael, Project Hail Mary, and five additional films. See the complete list at https://union.illinois.edu/weekend-films. Save the DateMay 8 to 14 (weekdays only)—FinalsMay 11 to May 16—Dump & Run® (end of school year collection)May 16—CommencementMay 25—Memorial Day (holiday)June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) Pats on the Back You can give colleagues a Pat on the Back anytime by sending an email to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu. Those names will be listed here with the complimentary words posted in full like with this week’s submissions (https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/pats-on-the-back/). |
May 1, 2026
| Click here to see this online May 1, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Benefit Choice Enrollment Period Opens Today The university’s Benefit Choice enrollment period is open, now through Monday, June 1, 2026. For most people, this will be the only opportunity this year to make changes to health or dental insurance; add or drop dependents; re-enroll, make changes to, or start a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, and more. To make changes outside the enrollment period, you must show documentation of a qualifying event.Central Management Services (CMS) has mailed a benefit choice booklet to all State benefits-eligible employees. You can also view or download the FY27 booklet at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BenefitChoice. The link is in the Take Action box on the right-hand side of the page.CMS is hosting a Benefit Choice Fair to review materials and discuss plan options. CMS representatives and benefit vendors will be available to answer questions. The fair is Wednesday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center (1900 S. First Street, Champaign) in the Quad, Alma Mater, and Technology rooms. A 30-minute presentation will be offered at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. No registration is required. View a recorded version of the presentation or the times and locations of other Benefit Choice fairs at https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/benefit-choice-fairs.html.If you have additional questions about Benefit Choice or State of Illinois benefits, contact the MyBenefits Service Center at 844-251-1777 or TDD/TTY 844-251-1778, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Huge Hooray for F&S’ 2025 Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award Winners! Congratulations to F&S Records Information Management Specialist Beth Leitz and Equipment Services Supervisor Joey Rice, who were honored with the Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award (CSEA) in the Service and Maintenance category! You can read about Beth and Joey’s honors, along with the other 13 winners, at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/CSEA. When notified about the award for Beth, Associate Director of Engineering Services Kelly Jo Hoffmann said, “This award is super well deserved for our records library SUPERSTAR. Thanks to those that submitted your praise of her or wrote letters of recommendation.”Additionally, the CSEA news release stated, “She provides outstanding support to both internal and external customers. Her extensive knowledge of campus and facilities make her an invaluable resource to project managers, F&S tradespeople, departmental personnel, and other stakeholders. ” In nominating Joey, Assistant Director of Transportation & Building Services Macie Sinn said, “Joey’s professionalism, reliability, and collaborative approach positively reflect on F&S, Building Services, and the university. His work ensures custodial staff have the tools necessary to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities, reinforcing confidence in our services and supporting the university’s commitment to operational excellence.”The award announcement said, “He is committed to expanding his technical knowledge related to equipment maintenance and system functionality. He regularly assists supervisors and building service workers by troubleshooting equipment issues, explaining proper use and offering guidance or preventative maintenance practices, ensuring that equipment remains safe, functional, and reliable.” A CSEA committee recommended the finalists, who were approved by Illinois Chancellor Charles L. Isbell, Jr. Staff members received awards in one of the eight functional categories, and each honoree also received $1,500 and a commemorative award. Please congratulate Joey and Beth on this well-deserved achievement the next time you have the chance! Annual Dump & Run® Event – Volunteers Needed Each year, F&S helps keep surplus items out of the waste stream by providing a place for students and others in the campus community to donate gently used personal items. This year, eight 20′ × 8′ containers will be situated near these residence halls: Allen HallBarton HallFlorida Avenue Residence HallsHopkins HallIllinois Street Residence HallsLincoln Avenue Residence HallsPennsylvania Avenue Residence HallsSherman HallBetween Monday, May 11, and Saturday, May 16, the campus community can drop off their items at one of these containers, each day between noon and 8 p.m. How can I help? Volunteers are needed to help ensure the drop-off locations are monitored throughout the week. To fill a two-hour shift, fill out the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/DumpandRunVolunteer. What can be collected? You can donate accessories, appliances, books, collectibles, computer equipment, clothing, electronics, food and drink (nonperishable and unopened), furniture, housewares, jewelry, lamps, linens, multimedia, shoes, TVs (flat screen only), and similar items. What cannot be collected? Please do not bring broken items; perishable, homemade, or open food or drink; box springs, mattresses, or mattress toppers; cleaning products; or hazardous materials (e.g., paint, aerosols, chemicals, alcohols). University property cannot be collected. For a more complete list of what can and cannot be donated and additional information about the event, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/DumpandRun. Dump & Run is a registered trademark of the University YMCA. Donate Your Bike! If you no longer need your bicycle, you can donate it to the Campus Bike Center (51 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign) or the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (202 S. Broadway Ave., room 24). Simply drop it off at either location—no appointment necessary. All donated bicycles will be refurbished or recycled, reusing as many parts as possible. Both the Campus Bike Center and Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign offer refurbished bikes for sale that have passed inspection by staff. Specific parts are also available for purchase. Bike donations help support bike programs and related events at the university and may be tax-deductible. Learn more at https://bike.illinois.edu/resources/bicycle-roundup/.For more information about Bike at Illinois programs or events, contact Sustainable Transportation Assistant Sarthak Prasad sprasad9@illinois.edu, 217-300-9575. F&S Blood Drive Is June 10! Twenty whole blood and four double red cell slots are available on Wednesday, June 10, during the next F&S Blood Drive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. One pint of whole blood can save up to three lives. Also of note, Impact Life no longer uses a finger stick and a drop of blood to check donor hemoglobin levels. The new devices use light to measure hemoglobin through the skin quickly and comfortably! Learn more about the new procedure here: https://www.bloodcenter.org/lp/orsense/.The return of the Bloodmobile to the PPSB north parking lot is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Team members may charge up to one hour on work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. To reserve a spot, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. New In-Person Supervisory Training Session: Annual Goal Setting & Performance Review A new training opportunity for supervisors, facilitated by Associate Director of Inclusion and Organizational Development Doni Walker, will strengthen performance reviews by enhancing team member development, engagement, and two-way communication throughout the process. The training features tips for writing more impactful evaluation components, outlines best meeting practices, offers recommendations for goal setting, and provides an overview of performance review and Individual Development Plan tools available online. The training exemplifies the unit’s commitment to professional growth and development, aligning with project and service delivery excellence at the U. of I. Dates/Times: Wednesday, May 6 (2–3:30 p.m.), or Wednesday, June 3 (1–2:30 p.m.) Location: Stores & Receiving conference room 1A Registration: https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PerformanceReviewTrainingFor questions, contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. All Are Welcome! The Diversity and Inclusion Committee meets online on the first Wednesday of the month (for less than an hour) to brainstorm stories and ideas about our shared human experience for the monthly Noontime Knowledge sessions. The goal of these presentations is to inspire, entertain, and inform F&S team members and the campus community through a wide range of subjects. If this type of engagement interests you, please consider joining or just sending in your ideas for topics. To volunteer, submit ideas, or even attend a meeting on a trial basis, email Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, May 11. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. IDEA Webinars Behind-the-Meter Cooling has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 29, at noon. The session will look at the growing demand on the electric grid, and the role of natural gas in that asset mix. While natural gas can help solve the electricity problem, it creates waste heat, so the webinar will also explore ways to use recovered waste heat, which can double system efficiency. Learn more or sign up at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8917733452275/WN_6yp20DUwQlecENhlc42yGg#/registration.A complete list of upcoming IDEA webinars and archived presentations is available at https://www.districtenergy.org/events/webinars. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Bluebell Festival—Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello) is hosting its annual bluebell celebration today through Sunday. Tonight (May 1), the plant sale fundraiser is open from 5 to 8 p.m., along with live music, food trucks, and more. Tomorrow (Saturday, May 2), the plant sale and food trucks return from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Spring Market, featuring handmade items from local creators, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The plant sale also runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Additionally, there are garden tours, craft and gardening workshops, and other activities throughout the weekend that require registration. For details on all of this, visit https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/bluebellfestival2026/. The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals—Enjoy the school edition (PG-13) of the sci-fi horror comedy from StarKid about an average guy who doesn’t see the point of spontaneously bursting into a song or a choreographed number. When a meteor causes “a musical pandemic,” however, he and his friends have to battle the musical apocalypse. The show runs tonight and tomorrow (May 1 and 2) at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Cobb Auditorium at Urbana High School (1002 S. Race St., Urbana). Go to https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/urbana-high-school-theatre-presents-the-guy-who-didnt-like-musicals-school-version/ to learn more or find the link to purchase tickets in advance (also available at the door). Market at the Square—Urbana’s Market at the Square in the southeast corner of the Lincoln Square Mall parking lot (corner of Vine Street and Illinois Street) reopens for the season this Saturday, May 2, from 7 a.m. to noon (and every Saturday through October). You’ll find fresh produce, local farm products (e.g., eggs, honey), baked goods, local arts and crafts and more, rain or shine. For an interactive map to find your favorite vendors and more, go to https://urbanamarket.org/. Boat Rental Opens for the Season—Crystal Lake Park (206 W. Park St., Urbana) begins weekend boat rentals at the Lake House, from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (through May 24), weather permitting. Then from May 28 to August 9, they will be open the same hours Thursdays to Sundays, resuming the Saturdays and Sundays hours from August 15 to September 6. Additionally, they’ll be open Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, which is the last day of the season. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Visit https://www.urbanaparks.org/lake-house-in-crystal-lake-park for more information. Parkland Concert Band and Orchestra—America 250 is the title of the program that features patriotic selections, including “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “American Salute,” and Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” from the orchestra, as well as “American Folk Rhapsody No. 2” and “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” from Holst’s The Planets from the band. The concert begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, in the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College (C180; 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign). See the full program at https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Newsroom/Parkland-News?ArtMID=1721&ArticleID=1339. Free Tomato Plants—Come to the lobby of First Federal Savings Bank (301 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana, or 1311 S. Neil St., Champaign) on Monday, May 4, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and receive two tomato plants (Super Fantastic variety), while supplies last, at their annual tomato plant giveaway. See their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ffsbofcu/posts/free-tomato-plants-on-monday-may-the-4th-some-fun-creative-from-our-friends-at-a/1509241074265427/) for more. Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County Workshop—If you are thinking about becoming a homeowner, Habitat has a home-buying seminar coming up to help you learn how to do it affordably. There’s a virtual meeting on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and an in-person version on Tuesday, May 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn more or register at https://cuhabitat.org/financial-education/. The link also has information on other educational content available from Habitat for Humanity. Save the DateMay 6—Last day of classesMay 7—Reading DayMay 8 to 14 (weekdays only)—FinalsMay 11 to May 16—Dump & Run® (end of school year collection)May 16—CommencementMay 25—Labor Day (holiday)June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)June 19—Juneteenth (holiday) |
April 24, 2026
F&S Vehicle Inventory at Garage and Car Pool
At the beginning of next week (Monday, April 27, to Wednesday, April 29, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day), Transportation & Building Services (TBS) will conduct an inventory of the F&S vehicle fleet. All unit cars, trucks, vans, and specialty vehicles operated by departments/divisions must be counted.
A designated user of each vehicle must bring it to the Garage and Car Pool (GACP) to be scanned electronically during this period. It is a short process; no additional information is needed from the driver. To assist in creating a smooth vehicle flow, all drivers are asked to enter from the north side of the GACP parking lot.
Thank you for helping to expedite the timely collection of this data. For questions or to address the availability of specific vehicles during the reporting period, contact Neil Franzen franzen2@illinois.edu, 217-333-2890.
Illinois Race Weekend
The race, which began in 2009, returns to campus and the surrounding communities. Tonight, the 5K Run/Walk takes place with a wave start on S. Oak Street, south of St. Mary’s Road, at 7:30 p.m. Come watch the runners (some carrying sousaphones to raise money for the Crisis Nursery) and hang out at the 4th Mile Street Fest. There will be live music from local band Vivacious Audio and food trucks with a variety of food and drink to purchase from Bayly’s Faves, El Oasis, Juanito’s Tacos, Jurassic Grill, Kona Ice, La Paloma, Main Scoop, Mini Melts, Parlor Doughnuts, Patty Daddy’s, and Travelin’ Toms.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, is the main event, with the Wheelchair Half Marathon beginning at 7:31 a.m. and the Marathon and Half Marathon beginning wave starting at 7:33 a.m. Find a spot to cheer on participants along the race course or celebrate with the finishers at the Meijer 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash, which begins at 8 a.m. and winds down at 2 p.m. Big Guns will provide live music and the same food trucks will be available.
Helpful Links:
F&S Team Member Email with More Details: https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/26/1530270326.html
Race Maps: https://illinoismarathon.com/course-info/
Course Impacts Chart: https://illinoismarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/Course-Impact-Times.pdf?x14262
University Parking Map: https://parking.illinois.edu/campus-parking-map
Full Schedule: https://illinoismarathon.com/event-schedule/weekend-schedule/
Sponsor the Marching Illini Sousaphones in their 13th 5K fundraiser for the Crisis Nursery: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/105466/christie-clinic-illinois-race-weekend-2026/pledge/team/928313
4th Mile Street Fest: https://illinoismarathon.com/event-schedule/4th-mile/
Meijer 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash: https://illinoismarathon.com/27th-mile-celebrate-victory-bash/
Illinois Race Weekend
The race, which began in 2009, returns to campus and the surrounding communities. Tonight, the 5K Run/Walk takes place with a wave start on S. Oak Street, south of St. Mary’s Road, at 7:30 p.m. Come watch the runners (some carrying sousaphones to raise money for the Crisis Nursery) and hang out at the 4th Mile Street Fest. There will be live music from local band Vivacious Audio and food trucks with a variety of food and drink to purchase from Bayly’s Faves, El Oasis, Juanito’s Tacos, Jurassic Grill, Kona Ice, La Paloma, Main Scoop, Mini Melts, Parlor Doughnuts, Patty Daddy’s, and Travelin’ Toms.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, is the main event, with the Wheelchair Half Marathon beginning at 7:31 a.m. and the Marathon and Half Marathon beginning wave starting at 7:33 a.m. Find a spot to cheer on participants along the race course or celebrate with the finishers at the Meijer 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash, which begins at 8 a.m. and winds down at 2 p.m. Big Guns will provide live music and the same food trucks will be available.
Helpful Links:
- Race Maps: https://illinoismarathon.com/course-info/
- Course Impacts Chart: https://illinoismarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/Course-Impact-Times.pdf?x14262
- University Parking Map: https://parking.illinois.edu/campus-parking-map
- Full Schedule: https://illinoismarathon.com/event-schedule/weekend-schedule/
- Sponsor the Marching Illini Sousaphones in their 13th 5K fundraiser for the Crisis Nursery: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/105466/christie-clinic-illinois-race-weekend-2026/pledge/team/928313
- 4th Mile Street Fest: https://illinoismarathon.com/event-schedule/4th-mile/
- Meijer 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash: https://illinoismarathon.com/27th-mile-celebrate-victory-bash/
- F&S Team Member Email with More Details: https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/26/1530270326.html
New In-Person Supervisory Training Session: Annual Goal Setting & Performance Review
A new training opportunity for supervisors facilitated by Associate Director of Inclusion and Organizational Development, Doni Walker, will strengthen performance reviews by enhancing team member development, engagement, and two-way communication throughout the process. The training features tips for writing more impactful evaluation components, outlines best meeting practices, offers recommendations for goal setting, and provides an overview of performance review and Individual Development Plan tools available online. The training exemplifies the unit’s commitment to professional growth and development, aligning with project and service delivery excellence at the U. of I.
Dates/Times: Wednesday, May 6 (2–3:30 p.m.) and Wednesday, June 3 (1–2:30 p.m.)
Location: Stores & Receiving conference room 1A
Registration: https://go.fs.illinois.edu/PerformanceReviewTraining
For questions, contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101.
Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
Celebrate Earth Month with the F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, April 29, at noon! This Noontime Knowledge features guest speaker Bridgette Moen’s talk, “Equitable Access to Open Space.” She’ll explore the “importance of access to nature and parks, recommendations for access, and how Champaign County meets (or in some cases does not meet) those recommendations.”
Moen worked as both the planning director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and a park planner with the Champaign Park District before joining F&S, so this is sure to be an interesting and informative talk! To join, go to: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86216475431?pwd=kz4JIYWfPM3Fra0I0xMkkyeaJPcMGQ.1
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 862 1647 5431
Password: 735542
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
All Are Welcome!
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee meets online on the first Wednesday of the month (for less than an hour) to brainstorm stories and ideas about our shared human experience for the monthly Noontime Knowledge sessions. The goal of these presentations is to inspire, entertain, and inform F&S team members and the campus community through a wide range of subjects. If this type of engagement interests you, please consider joining or just sending in your ideas for topics. To volunteer, submit ideas, or even attend a meeting on a trial basis, email Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu.
PowerPoint Templates
If you have an upcoming presentation, you can save time by downloading one of the five available PowerPoint templates on ERIN. These already have the correct branding and F&S wordmarks required by the campus. The templates can be used for your talk on campus, at a conference, or in the community.
Each one has a different look to meet your unique needs and the tone you are looking for, and there are slides for bar graphs and charts, timelines, quotes, and other useful items. To learn more, visit https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/brand-digital-elements/. You’ll need to be logged in to the team member pages. Also on this page? F&S wordmarks, email signatures, and more!
Ongoing Events
The following activities are recurring:
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the first available offering. The next session is on Monday, April 27. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
- Becoming a Better Leader: How to Identify and Close Your Gaps, Wednesday, April 29, 1 p.m., online
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
IDEA Webinars
Behind-the-Meter Cooling has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 29, at noon CDT. It looks at the growing demand on the electric grid and takes a new look at an alternative: natural gas. While natural gas can help solve the electricity problem, it creates waste heat, so the webinar will also explore ways to use recovered waste heat, which can double system efficiency. Learn more or sign up at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8917733452275/WN_6yp20DUwQlecENhlc42yGg#/registration.
Other upcoming IDEA webinars include:
- Accelerating Downtown Decarbonization with District Energy, Wednesday, April 29, noon
(https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5417750631238/WN_nuaTP2bVQQS3WLyX4CmPQw#/registration) - District Cooling as Urban Infrastructure, Thursday, April 30, 8 a.m.
https://un-org-unep.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-n1Rs-d4RI-0ulcYWmpEHQ#/registration
Health and Well-Being Resources and Tips
There are resources available to help you on your wellness journey. Here are a few:
Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services has a Resources Hub. Right now, you can download a Stress Management Toolkit. They are also working on two new resources: a Recipe Book and the iWalk Toolkit. Have a healthy recipe to share? Submit it for the book! Learn more at https://humanresources.illinois.edu/about/culture-learning-engagement/faculty-staff-assistance-and-well-being-services/resources-hub/.
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office offers the Financial Wellness Hub (FinWell Hub) to Illinois residents. This platform offers free resources that can be personalized to help you with your financial goals. There are webinars and links to information on retirement planning, planning for a child’s college education, managing debt, estate planning, investing, and so much more. For an overview of the program, visit https://illinoistreasurer.gov/home/financial-education/il-financial-wellness-hub/.
As the weather warms up, it’s very important to stay hydrated. If you need suggestions on increasing your water intake, visit https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/hydration-hacks-how-drink-more-water-every-day.
Because April is Alcohol Awareness Month, the Wellness Alliance has published an informative two-page document about alcohol use, along with some of the benefits of drinking less and tips to do that. You can download it here: https://emails.illinois.edu/files/08/2093193608/wellness_alcohol.pdf .
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Central Illinois City Nature Challenge—The City Nature Challenge is an international event that invites participants to find wildlife (plants, animals, fungi, etc.) in local cities. In this case, wild means “it wasn’t put there, and it is not being taken care of by people.” Multiple Central Illinois counties are taking part. There are 13 events in Champaign County alone, over the next four days, including Spring Wetland Ecology (see below), sunset and night hikes, a History Walk with Roger Digges at Meadowbrook Park, a bird walk hosted by the Champaign County Audubon Society, and more. Go to https://cicnc.blogspot.com/2026/04/countying-events-12-24-champaign.html for more details.
- C-U Area Prom Giveaway—If you have gently used prom- or formal-appropriate clothing to donate, there is still time and a need! There is also still time to shop the giveaway: 3 to 6 p.m., today, Friday, April 24; noon to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 26; and 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 28. The giveaway is in the Traction Building (41 E. University Ave. #1A, Champaign), and there are donation sites across the community. For more details on the event and how to shop or donate, go to https://cwpitch.my.canva.site/promgiveaway.
- Illini Baseball and Softball—There are only two more weekend home series for Fighting Illini Baseball (601 E. Kirby Ave., Champaign). This weekend, they take on Nebraska tonight at 6 p.m., tomorrow (April 25) at 3 p.m., and Sunday, at 1 p.m. Tonight’s game features Bleacher Bum BBQ, live music with the Tom Grassman Band, and postgame fireworks. Learn more at https://fightingillini.com/sports/baseball/schedule. It’s the final weekend home series for Fighting Illini Softball (1202 W. Florida Ave., Urbana). They face Penn State tonight at 5 p.m., tomorrow at 1 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Tomorrow’s game features Senior Day and the World’s Largest Softball Tailgate with live music, food trucks, and inflatables. Learn more at https://fightingillini.com/sports/softball/schedule?mibextid=Zxz2cZ.
- High School Musicals—Champaign Central Drama presents Shrek the Musical at the high school (610 W. University Ave., Champaign), tonight and tomorrow, April 24 and 25, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 26, at 2:30 p.m. Learn more at https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/central-drama-presents-shrek-the-musical-2/. Champaign Centennial presents SpongeBob the Musical in the Aldridge Auditorium at the high school (913 Crescent Dr., Champaign). It runs tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. See https://www.chambanamoms.com/locations/centennial-high-school/ for more.
- Spring Wetland Ecology—Julie Nieset, a wetland ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, will lead a guided exploration of Busey Woods (1505 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana) on Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m. Participants will visit seasonal ponds and learn about the spring plants and animal communities that call them home. To register (required by the end of today) or learn more, visit https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free–spring-wetland-ecology-6974082153.
- University Chorus and Oratorio Society Concert—Join the University Chorus (an undergraduate treble chorus composed of both music and non-music majors) and the Oratorio Society (a symphonic choir composed of students, faculty, staff, and community members) for their spring concert. The program, Born Free, will be performed in the Recital Hall at Smith Memorial Hall (805 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana) on Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m. It weaves “together prayers of surrender, cries for help, and visions of peace — in pursuit of what it means to be human, to be generous, to be free, and what we might yet become.” For more information, go to https://music.illinois.edu/about-us/events/university-chorus-and-oratorio-society-concert/.
- Save the Date
- April 23–25—Illinois Race Weekend
- April 24—Arbor Day Tree Planting
- April 29—Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
- June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
April 17, 2026
New Dispatch Is Available
The April issue of the Dispatch spotlights F&S’ new strategic plan and recent rollout meetings to discuss it with team members. The Dispatch also features the following stories and more:
- A look at emergency preparedness for tornadoes
- A recap of Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin’s recent Noontime Knowledge on Lunar New Year
- Kudos for years-long safety success at Abbott Power Plant
- Praise for everyone who came together to respond to the flood at Snyder Hall
View these and other stories at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch/ or look for copies around F&S locations. Need to catch up on previous issues? The Dispatch is archived at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/ on ERIN as well. You can view editions dating back to 1986!
We’d love to feature your work!
Tell us about your latest project or achievement. Photos are also gladly accepted. Customer Relations & Communications will include as many stories and images as possible (suggestions needed by May 18 for the next edition). Email your ideas to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu.
Celebrate Earth Month!
Earth Day began in 1970 with more than 20 million participants in the United States. Over time, the event has spread to more than 190 countries with more than one billion participants. With so many people celebrating, observances and activities also expanded, and by the 1990s, Earth Month was recognized, with April 22, Earth Day, still anchoring the whole phenomenon.
People come together throughout the period to learn more about the environment and how to protect it, and to put these actions into practice. F&S, the university, and the local community have many ways to participate on Earth Day and throughout the month. Some of these are highlighted in this edition of the E-Update, but you can see many more on the calendar on ERIN: https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/News/celebrate-earth-month-at-the-u-of-i/.
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony
Join the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces at the Illinois Arboretum (https://arboretum.illinois.edu/events/) for a tree planting in celebration of Arbor Day and the university’s newly attained arboretum accreditation (https://arbnet.org/morton-register/illinois-arboretum/). The event will be held at noon on Friday, April 24, and include light refreshments. The makeup date in case of inclement weather is May 1.
The Arbor Day celebration is part of the Tree Campus Higher Education® initiative, which F&S leads in collaboration with campus partners. Since 2015, the U. of I. has been honored with that designation for its continued commitment to effective urban forest management. Learn more about these efforts, and get links to various plans and resources, including the TreeKeeper database at https://fs.illinois.edu/trees/.
Bike for Earth Day
Show your support for the planet and more environmentally friendly transportation by riding your bike to work on Tuesday, April 21. Then, in the afternoon, stop by one of the four campus Bike for Earth Day stations between 4 and 7 p.m.:
- Alma Mater Plaza
- Ikenberry Commons (bike shelter next to Flagg Hall)
- Intersection of Green Street and Lincoln Avenue
- National Soybean Research Center
There you’ll be able to pick up a set of bike lights* if you need them (you must have your bike), enter a drawing for a chance to win a new helmet and U-lock, register your bike, learn more about the local cycling community, and/or receive a free T-shirt*.
Volunteers Needed
You can sign up to help at one of the four locations. Simply fill out the form at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BikeforEarthVolunteer. For questions about Bike at Illinois events or programs, contact Sarthak Prasad sprasad9@illinois.edu, 217-300-9575.
*while supplies last
Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
Celebrate Earth Month with the F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, April 29, at noon! This Noontime Knowledge features guest speaker Bridgette Moen’s talk, “Equitable Access to Open Space.” She’ll explore the “importance of access to nature and parks, recommendations for access, and how Champaign County meets (or in some cases does not meet) those recommendations.”
Moen worked as both the planning director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and a park planner with the Champaign Park District before joining F&S, so this is sure to be an interesting and informative talk! To join, go to: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86216475431?pwd=kz4JIYWfPM3Fra0I0xMkkyeaJPcMGQ.1
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 862 1647 5431
Password: 735542
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Seeking Suggestions for Noontime Knowledge Topics
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee promotes monthly Noontime Knowledge presentations to engage and inform F&S team members and the campus community through these thought-provoking, and often fun, events. Previous topics include book banning, a local “A League of Their Own” professional female baseball player, a Japan House Tea Ceremony, the African American Heritage Trail, health and well-being, accessibility, the Dump & Run®, and Indian boarding schools, as well as discussions with a transgender educator, the Chez Veterans Center, and the Sustainable Student Farm. You can view the video from our most recent Noontime Knowledge on Lunar New Year at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLk1byvCQMA.
The committee would like to crowdsource exciting new topics for future Noontime Knowledges. What interests you? Is there a person or subject you want to know more about? Do you know someone on campus who might be willing to be a guest speaker? Please send your ideas to Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu. Thanks for your feedback!
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, April 27. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
- Becoming a Better Leader: How to Identify and Close Your Gaps, Wednesday, April 29, 1 p.m., online
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Culture & Strategy (HRCS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
IDEA Webinar
Behind-the-Meter Cooling will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at noon CDT. It looks at the growing demand on the electric grid and takes a new look at an alternative: natural gas. While natural gas can help solve the electricity problem, it creates waste heat, so the webinar will also explore ways to use recovered waste heat, which can double system efficiency. Learn more or sign up at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8917733452275/WN_6yp20DUwQlecENhlc42yGg#/registration.
South Mattis Avenue Closure
The City of Champaign has closed Mattis Avenue between Windsor Road and Curtis Road for infrastructure improvements, including “new concrete pavement, curb and gutter, storm sewers, street lighting, on-street bike lanes, and a multi-use path.” The road is expected to remain completely closed until it reopens (December 4, conditions permitting). Detours will be marked, but people who previously used that section to travel will generally need to use Prospect Avenue or Duncan Road. People who used this route to access Christie Clinic (at Mattis and Windsor; Windsor entrance will remain accessible) or Carle Clinic (at Curtis and Mattis) should plan for a little extra travel time. Learn more about this closure at https://champaignil.gov/2026/03/30/south-mattis-avenue-reconstruction-windsor-road-to-curtis-road/.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Senate Survey
If you have thoughts on the Senate’s size, organization, structure, and operation, they would like to hear from you. A Senate Review Commission is conducting a survey and will collate respondents’ thoughts and create a report of the findings and their recommendations. All interested members of the campus community are welcome to provide this anonymous feedback by April 26. To learn more or to take the survey, visit https://surveys.illinois.edu/sec/1163164581. If you prefer to submit written comments via email, you can send them to senatereviewcommission@illinois.edu with SR9 in the subject line.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
Steel Band Concert—The band that features steel drums and world percussion plays a variety of music, from traditional calypso to popular songs. Come out on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. to enjoy their fun, free spring concert in the Recital Hall of Smith Memorial Hall (805 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana). Visit https://music.illinois.edu/about-us/events/steel-band-6/ for more.
EbertFest Last: The Last Dance—EbertFest ends its historic run at the Virginia Theatre (203 W. Park Ave., Champaign) today and tomorrow (April 17 and 18). Some films still have seats available. See the movies, the times, and more at https://thevirginia.showare.com/default.asp?search=ebertfest.
Champaign Central High School Jazz Festival—Three Central jazz bands and three Central combos will be joined by bands and combos from other high schools and middle schools in Champaign, Paxton-Buckley-Loda, and Cerro Gordo, as well as a Central Alumni band and special guest Todd Kelly, tonight and tomorrow (April 17 and 18) in Combes Gym and Seeley Hall (610 W. University Ave., Champaign). For more details, go to https://www.facebook.com/maroonbands/posts/the-57th-annual-central-high-school-jazz-festival-is-coming-up-in-2-short-weeks-/1548565593945016/.
The Spring Commoner: Vintage Base Ball Jubilee—Play vintage base ball with the Champaign Clippers on Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m., in Dana Colbert Park (203 E. Church St., Savoy). No experience or equipment needed. The game is played without gloves and with underhand pitching. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/p/DXDaZ05Dy1Y/?img_index=1.
A Cappella Concerts—The Other Guys will feature at the Varsity Men’s Glee Club Concert in the Recital Hall of Smith Memorial Hall (805 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana), on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. This concert is free. No Strings Attached will also perform on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in Gregory Hall Auditorium (810 S. Wright St., Urbana). This concert has a small entrance fee. Learn more at https://music.illinois.edu/about-us/events/varsity-mens-glee-and-the-other-guys-celebration-concert/ or http://www.nostringsattachedacappella.com/.
One Week Boutique—Central Illinois’ largest children’s consignment sale returns to the Leonard Recreation Center (2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign) on Saturday, April 18 ($2 admission for adults); Sunday, April 19 (free admission for all), and Monday, April 20 (free admission and most items half-price). The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Kid clothing sizes are newborn to size 14. Gently used toys, baby gear, and furniture will also be available. Go to http://oneweekboutique.com/ for more information.
Spring Ice Skating Show—Enjoy a “Splash of Color” at the show that features local skaters and special performances by the University of Illinois synchronized skating team and the “Ice Cubes” team. The fun begins at 1 p.m. at the Ice Arena (406 E. Armory Ave., Champaign). See more at https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/ice-arena-spring-ice-skating-show/.
Prairie Farm Opening Day—The local petting farm opens Saturday, April 18. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m., with the rabbit petting area open 1 to 3 p.m., and the goat petting area open 3 to 5 p.m. Prairie Farm (2202 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign) is free, and this year the season runs through October 18. For more information, visit https://champaignparks.org/event/prairie-farm-opening-day-2026/.
Save the Date
- April 18—Boneyard Creek Community Day
- April 18—Sustainapalooza
- April 21—Bike for Earth Day
- April 22—Earth Day
- April 23–25—Illinois Race Weekend
- April 24—Arbor Day Tree Planting
- April 29—Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
- June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
April 10, 2026
PPSB Parking Reminders for Motorcycle, Visitor, and Receiving Areas
With temperatures rising, some F&S team members may be dusting off their summer rides. If you park a personal or work vehicle in the spaces around PPSB, please do not obstruct the motorcycle parking at the south end of the building; these spaces are reserved. Additionally, please do not park in visitor parking spots or the receiving area on the north side of the building.
Team members may not park personal vehicles in designated shop parking spaces or within the PPSB compound without the appropriate parking permit. Please note that hangtags provided by shops/departments for designated F&S campus rental spaces are not valid for PPSB. Various long- and short-term metered parking options are also available around PPSB and in Lot E14, if necessary.
Thank you for being considerate of others when finding parking!
PPSB Parking Reminders for Motorcycle, Visitor, and Receiving Areas
With temperatures rising, some F&S team members may be dusting off their summer rides. If you park a personal or work vehicle in the spaces around PPSB, please do not obstruct the motorcycle parking at the south end of the building; these spaces are reserved. Additionally, please do not park in visitor parking spots or the receiving area on the north side of the building.
Team members may not park personal vehicles in designated shop parking spaces or within the PPSB compound without the appropriate parking permit. Please note that hangtags provided by shops/departments for designated F&S campus rental spaces are not valid for PPSB. Various long- and short-term metered parking options are also available around PPSB and in Lot E14, if necessary.
Thank you for being considerate of others when finding parking!
Boneyard Creek Community Day
Did you know that Boneyard Creek was once the site of tug-of-war contests between freshmen and sophomores on campus? The University of Illinois Archives has an illustrated piece about the Boneyard’s history, including its song parodies, its tendency to flood before the Second Street Basin was completed, and the Boneyard Yacht Club, a team of engineering students who competed in concrete canoe races. (See https://archives.library.illinois.edu/2014/01/22/boneyard-creek/#more-5677.) The importance of the Boneyard Creek to campus, past and present, cannot be overstated. Please consider joining the local community in the one-morning effort to remove trash and invasive plants from this noteworthy area.
One Week Left to Register!
F&S is a proud sponsor of the Boneyard Creek Community Day (BCCD) effort. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 (rain date: May 2). Please consider joining other F&S team members in this important (and fun!) activity. To register as part of the F&S group, please do one of the following:
- Use the sign-up sheet in Mary Jane Gilly’s office (145-1 in the Safety & Compliance area).
- Register at http://www.boneyardcreek.org/ and then email Betsy Richardson bliggett@illinois.edu, so that she can add you to the F&S tally.
Note: Online registration closes on April 17, but in-person registration is allowed at the event.
On April 18
Event activities begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers should check in at Scott Park (207 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign), where they will be assigned a campus area to clean. Volunteers who want to work at other community locations should select their preferred location during registration. At noon, everyone returns to Scott Park for a free lunch, music, and educational displays. Visit the Boneyard Creek link (above) for more information.
Other Considerations
- Wear closed-toe shoes or boots that can get dirty and/or wet.
- Bring a refillable water bottle!
- Participants who don’t already have a BCCD T-shirt can get one at check-in.
- Organizers will have gloves and tools for volunteers to use.
Campus Bicycle Census Needs Volunteers
Since 2013, F&S has conducted periodic bike censuses to identify high-ridership locations on campus. The collected information enables data-driven decisions on where to prioritize mobility, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including bike rack upgrades, pathway enhancements, and related modernizations. This year, the census will also survey e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices. To cover the campus, volunteers are needed on Tuesday, April 14.
Participants should first attend an instructional session (on either Monday, April 13, from 4 to 5 p.m., or Tuesday, April 14, from 10 to 11 a.m.). Both will be held at Anniversary Plaza, which is south of the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana). The actual census taking will begin at 11 a.m., immediately following the Tuesday session. To sign up, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BikeCensus.
For more information about the census or other Bike at Illinois programs, contact Sarthak Prasad sprasad9@illinois.edu, 217-300-9575.
Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
Celebrate Earth Month with the F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, April 29, at noon! This Noontime Knowledge features guest speaker Bridgette Moen’s talk, “Equitable Access to Open Space.” She’ll explore the “importance of access to nature and parks, recommendations for access, and how Champaign County meets (or in some cases does not meet) those recommendations.”
Moen worked as both the planning director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and a park planner with the Champaign Park District before joining F&S, so this is sure to be an interesting and informative talk! To join, go to: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86216475431?pwd=kz4JIYWfPM3Fra0I0xMkkyeaJPcMGQ.1
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 862 1647 5431
Password: 735542
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Seeking Suggestions for Noontime Knowledge Topics
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee promotes monthly Noontime Knowledge presentations to engage and inform our campus community through these thought-provoking, and often fun, events. Previous topics include book banning, a local “League of Their Own” professional female baseball player, a Japan House Tea Ceremony, the African American Heritage Trail, health and well-being, accessibility, the Dump & Run ® , and Indian boarding schools, as well as discussions with a transgender educator, the Chez Veterans Center, and the Sustainable Student Farm. You can view the video from our most recent Noontime Knowledge on Lunar New Year at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLk1byvCQMA.
The committee would like to crowdsource exciting new topics for future Noontime Knowledges. What interests you? Is there a person or subject you want to know more about? Do you know someone on campus who might be willing to be a guest speaker? Please send your ideas to Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu. Thanks for your feedback!
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, April 13. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
- The Flexible Leader’s Playbook: Leading Effectively Now, Wednesday, April 15, 1 p.m., online
- Becoming a Better Leader: How to Identify and Close Your Gaps, Wednesday, April 29, 1 p.m., online
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Early-Bird IDEA Registration Discounts
Final Week!The early-bird registration rate ends Friday, April 17. Don’t miss out! This year, IDEA2026 will be held in Ottawa, Canada, from June 23 to 26, at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. To register, go to https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/registration. To learn more about the conference and other activities from IDEA, view their recent mailing at https://myemail.constantcontact.com/ICYMI–This-Week-s-Newsletter-and-IDEA2026-Registration-Now-Open.html or the IDEA2026 website at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/home.
Tree Planting Ceremony
Join the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces at the Illinois Arboretum (https://arboretum.illinois.edu/events/) for a tree planting in celebration of Arbor Day and the university’s newly attained arboretum accreditation (https://arbnet.org/morton-register/illinois-arboretum/). The event will be held at noon on Friday, April 24, and include light refreshments. The makeup date in case of inclement weather is May 1.
The Arbor Day celebration is part of the Tree Campus Higher Education® initiative that F&S leads, in collaboration with campus partners. Since 2015, the U. of I. has been honored with that designation for its continued commitment to effective urban forest management. Learn more about these efforts, and get links to various plans and resources, including the TreeKeeper database at https://fs.illinois.edu/trees/.
South Oak Street Reconfiguration Begins Next Week
The section of South Oak Street between St. Mary’s Road and Kirby Avenue will have north- and southbound driving lanes and two bicycle lanes, as well as a new center left-turn lane once roadwork is complete. This transformation begins on Monday, April 13. Lanes will shift throughout the project. Please be aware of road signage and flaggers and use caution when traveling in this area.
For university-related closure questions, contact the Transportation Systems Manager, Stacey DeLorenzo sdeloren@illinois.edu, 217-300-1750. Additional campus-approved closure information is available at https://fs.illinois.edu/News/Category/closures/.
Thank You Grad Students!
Today’s grad students are tomorrow’s leaders! One week in April does not seem long enough to express how much grad students contribute to this campus, through research, teaching, scholarship, service, and more. With great gratitude and best wishes for continued success, F&S is thankful for each opportunity to collaborate with grad students on projects.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Moms Weekend 2026—This weekend features dozens of events on and around campus that are meant to please moms and other family members. Some events, such as the Festival of Quilts, the Horticulture Club Spring Plant Fair, and the Boneyard Arts Festival, are open full days to the public. Other events, such as Little Women at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts or Mean Girls at the Lincoln Hall Theatre, Illini Softball, various concerts, and the Garden Walk at the President’s House, are at specific times. See the full list of events, times, and locations at https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/8430.
- Mahomet-Seymour High School Drama—Anything Goes, the delightful spring musical at the high school (302 W. State St., Mahomet), runs Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (7 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m.) this weekend (April 10–12) and next (April 17–19). Learn more and find the link to purchase tickets in advance at https://mahometdrama.wixsite.com/mshsdrama/fiddler-on-the-roof (yes, that is the correct link!).
- Spring Merchandise Sale—Head over to Gies Memorial Stadium (1402 S. First St., Champaign) on Saturday, April11, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., to pick out fresh Illini swag. The sale is sponsored by the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, in conjunction with the Gameday Spirit Fan Store. New Fighting Illini clothing and souvenirs, as well as some used U. of I. team-issued gear, will be discounted, with some prices up to 80 percent off. For more details, go to https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/4/6/general-annual-gies-memorial-stadium-spring-merchandise-sale-set-for-april-11.aspx.
- History of Champaign County Forest Preserves: Lake of the Woods—If you enjoy walking, hiking, or recreating at Lake of the Woods, or if you just want to learn more about it, you may be interested in the presentation about the preserve, next Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Museum of the Grand Prairie (950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet). Meant to be interesting to both those familiar with the local asset and those who have never been, the free talk will discuss the Lake of the Woods’ early formation and development, as well as the many current offerings. Light refreshments will follow. See https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/history-of-champaign-county-forest-preserves-lake-of-the-woods for more information.
- Electronics Recycling Event—Residents of Champaign County can sign up now to participate in the Residential Electronics Collection Event to be held on Saturday, May 16, at Parkland College (who are just the host site, please do not call them), from 8 a.m. to noon. You must have a reservation to take part. TVs (all types and sizes), computer equipment, microwaves, and many other items, including 40V lawn mower batteries, will be accepted. See the full list of recyclable items and/or register for a slot at https://ecycle.simplybook.me/v2/.
SAVE THE DATE
- April 10 & 11—Engineering Open House / Beckman Institute Open House
- April 14—Campus Bicycle Census
- April 18—Boneyard Creek Community Day
- April 21—Bike for Earth Day
- April 22—Earth Day
- April 23–25—Illinois Race Weekend
- April 29—Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
- June 10—F&S Blood Drive (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
April 3, 2026
Final Four Primer for Team Members
Whether you intend to watch the Illini’s national semifinal matchup with the University of Connecticut in Central Illinois or travel to Indianapolis to be there live, here’s what you need to know for the big game.
What: Illinois (28-8) vs. UConn (33-5) in the NCAA Tournament National Semifinal
When: Saturday, April 4 (5:09 p.m. tipoff)
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: TBS, TNT, TruTV, HBO Max
Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | Varsity Network App
National Radio: Westwood One (Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, P.J. Carlesimo, & Andy Katz) | SiriusXM 84, SXM APP
Recent History: The Huskies beat Illinois 74-61 in the 2024 tournament on the way to winning their sixth national title. In a nonconference matchup in November 2025, UConn beat Illinois by 13 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Notably, Illini star Keaton Wagler played only 14 minutes and scored three points in that contest. UConn leads the all-time series 4-1.
Updates From Indy:
For on-stie updates, you can follow Illinois Men’s Basketball on social media:
@IlliniMBB (X)| @IlliniMBB (Instagram) | Facebook | YouTube
Did You Know?
- Illinois’ six Final Four appearances are second-most among teams without a national title , trailing only Houston (7), which Illinois defeated in this year’s Sweet 16.
- The U. of I. has made five other Final Four appearances: 1949, 1951, 1952, 1989 and 2005. In each of those first four appearances, Illinois lost in the semifinal. The first three were under head coach Harry Combes and the 1989 loss was under head coach Lou Henson. Bruce Weber helped lead the 2005 Illini to the national championship game, falling to North Carolina 75-70.
- lllinois’ 50 NCAA Tournament wins rank 18th among all schools, and fourth among the Final Four participants.
- Illinois’ Brad Underwood coached for 26 years before landing his first Division I head coaching job. He’s now in year 39 of a career that has seen him lead Stephen F. Austin, Oklahoma State, and now Illinois—reaching his first ever Final Four at age 62.
- The last Big Ten team to win the NCAA men’s basketball national championship was Michigan State in 2000.
Champaign Emergency Orders:
The City of Champaign is implementing Emergency Orders in a defined area around campus to promote the safety and welfare of the public by placing limits on alcohol sales on Saturday, April 4. Additionally, assuming the Illini win Saturday’s semifinal game, similar restrictions will be enacted on Monday, April 6. Public safety officials have determined that these measures will help reduce the possibility of personal injury or property damage during celebratory activities that could arise in association with the upcoming Final Four games featuring the Illini. For full details, please see the April 4 Emergency Order and April 6 Emergency Order, which:
• Require businesses in a defined area around campus to serve alcoholic beverages in plastic, paper, and aluminum containers (no glass) for a set period of time before and after the games.
• Restrict the sale of packaged liquor and cocktails-to-go in a defined area around campus for a set period of time during and after the games.
• Restrict the delivery of alcohol in and out of a defined area around campus for a set period of time during and after the games.
GO ILLINI, BEAT UCONN!!!
Armory Locked Entrances
Select entrances at the Armory (505 E. Armory Ave., Champaign) are being locked as part of enhanced security measures. This temporary action affects the northwest, southeast, and south-central entrances. F&S team members parking service vehicles in departmental spaces in Lot E5, adjacent to the building along East Gregory Drive, will be impacted by this adjustment. Please refer to Facility Access Maps to review the building layout for alternate entrances: https://go.fs.illinois.edu/FacilityAccessMaps.
Boneyard Creek Community Day
Did you know that Boneyard Creek was once called Silver Creek? That name was used from 1822 to at least 1887, although the name Boneyard Creek also came into use in the mid-1800s. Once a year, no matter what you call it, the local community comes together to remove trash and invasive plants from this important area.
Registration Is Open Now
F&S is a proud sponsor of the Boneyard Creek Community Day (BCCD) effort. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 (rain date: May 2). Please consider joining other F&S team members in this important (and fun!) activity. To register as part of the F&S group, please do one of the following:
- Use the sign-up sheet in Mary Jane Gilly’s office (145-1 in the Safety & Compliance area).
- Register at http://www.boneyardcreek.org/ and then email Betsy Richardson bliggett@illinois.edu, so that she can add you to the F&S tally.
Note: Online registration closes on April 17, but in-person registration is allowed at the event.
On April 18
Event activities begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers should check in at Scott Park (207 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign), where they will be assigned a campus area to clean. Volunteers who want to work at other community locations should select their preferred location during registration. At noon, everyone returns to Scott Park for a free lunch, music, and educational displays. Visit the Boneyard Creek link (above) for more information.
Other Considerations
Organizers will have gloves and tools for volunteers to use.
Wear closed-toe shoes or boots that can get dirty and/or wet.
Bring a refillable water bottle!
Participants who don’t already have a BCCD T-shirt can get one at check-in.
Campus Bicycle Census Needs Volunteers
Since 2013, F&S has conducted periodic bike censuses to identify high-ridership locations on campus. The collected information enables data-driven decisions on where to prioritize mobility, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including bike rack upgrades, pathway enhancements, and related modernizations. This year, the census will also survey e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices. To cover the campus efficiently, volunteers are needed on Tuesday, April 14.
Participants would first attend an instructional session (on either Monday, April 13, from 4 to 5 p.m., or Tuesday, April 14, from 10 to 11 a.m.). Both will be held at Anniversary Plaza, which is south of the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana). The actual census taking will begin at 11 a.m., immediately following the Tuesday session. To sign up, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BikeCensus.
For more information about the census or other Bike at Illinois programs, contact Sarthak Prasad sprasad9@illinois.edu, 217-300-9575.
Noontime Knowledge with University Landscape Architect Bridgette Moen
Celebrate Earth Month with the F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, April 29, at noon! This Noontime Knowledge features guest speaker Bridgette Moen’s talk, “Equitable Access to Open Space.” She’ll explore the “importance of access to nature and parks, recommendations for access, and how Champaign County meets (or in some cases does not meet) those recommendations.”
Moen worked as both the planning director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and a park planner with the Champaign Park District before accepting her current role at the university, so this is sure to be an interesting and informative talk! To join, go to: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86216475431?pwd=kz4JIYWfPM3Fra0I0xMkkyeaJPcMGQ.1
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 862 1647 5431
Password: 735542
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Seeking Suggestions for Noontime Knowledge Topics
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee promotes monthly Noontime Knowledge presentations to engage and inform our campus community through these thought-provoking, and often fun, events. Previous topics include book banning, a local “League of Their Own” professional female baseball player, a Japan House Tea Ceremony, the African American Heritage Trail, health and well-being, accessibility, the YMCA Dump and Run, and Indian boarding schools, as well as discussions with a transgender educator, the Chez Veterans Center, and the Sustainable Student Farm.
Our committee would like to crowdsource exciting new topics for future Noontime Knowledges. What interests you? Is there a person or subject you want to know more about? Do you know someone on campus who might be willing to be a guest speaker? Please send your ideas to Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu. Thanks for your feedback!
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, April 13. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund
Since 1992, the faculty and staff on the Urbana campus have operated a mutual aid fund that provides more than $40,000 a year to colleagues in crisis. Through the generosity of people like you, this emergency assistance fund has covered unexpected medical bills, helped people escape domestic violence, and offered critical financial support for more than 1,200 employees. Your donations to the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund offer hope to colleagues in need. To contribute, go to https://go.illinois.edu/FSEmergencyFund.
Team members who have at least a 50 percent, benefits-eligible appointment and have completed a minimum of six months of service with the university are eligible to apply for assistance if they are experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to an emergency. You do not have to have contributed to the fund to benefit from it. To apply, call Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS) at 217-244-5312.
“FSAWS counselors review each situation, pursue all relevant campus and community resources, and forward cases that meet eligibility requirements to a Chancellor-appointed Executive Committee of three, whose identity is known only to the Chancellor and FSAWS staff. The Executive Committee notifies the FSAWS staff of its decision. When the committee recommends a grant, the FSAWS staff instructs the Illinois Human Resources Business Office to distribute the grant.” Learn more at https://humanresources.illinois.edu/about/culture-learning-engagement/faculty-staff-assistance-and-well-being-services/emergency-funding/ or check out the recent email on this topic at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/51/1863409751.html.
Last Chance to Complete the Required Title IX Training
Most F&S team members have already completed the Title IX Training, but a handful still need to do so. Unless you are extra help, you must complete this training by 5 p.m. today (April 3). To do so, go to www.uillinois.il.vectorlmsedu.com. Additional instructions for accessing the course were included in the massmail sent by the University Ethics and Compliance Office at the Illinois System. If you need help, please reference https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/51/1703736651.html. The training is expected to take about an hour.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
Financial Fitness: Advanced Estate Planning Strategies—Join online on Tuesday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to noon, to learn about the five-step estate-planning process, including different types of trusts, portability of exemption of spouses, and more. Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services is offering this webinar in coordination with Prudential Pathways. To register, visit https://events.zoom.us/ev/AmdVr7ULIk7qYRjgVZW_TcdqAe9SUmP0ny51eBYl2F6Ui-OzUiYf~AqsjPxb-yHeuOI0l-9_ldZLdDl-JAbj6ss2OZi5UcYpm_NuGHo2Da77GlA.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
Illinois Spring Trout Season Begins—Early birds can begin catching trout at 5 a.m., on Saturday, April 4 (worms optional). Chambanamoms published a roundup last year that included everything you need to know: where to fish locally, how to get a license (needed for anyone 16 or older), where to buy or borrow equipment, and more. Go to https://www.chambanamoms.com/2025/04/25/fishing-champaign-urbana/ for all the details.
Edible Book Festival—Tomorrow is the day! Come out to the Common Ground Food Co-op in the Lincoln Square Mall (300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana) to celebrate books and cake at the 20th annual Edible Book Festival, sponsored by the University Library and Common Ground. Past entries include Murder on the Oreo Express and Demon Copperbread; to see what people came up with this year, come for the public viewing at 11:30 a.m. Stay for the judging and cookies at noon. For more information, visit https://www.library.illinois.edu/geninfo/edible-book-festival/.
MTD “Campus Town Hall”—The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) wants to hear from their riders on Monday, April 6, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana, room 104). MTD staff will give a brief presentation followed by a question and discussion period. Sign up or learn more at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/807399017.
Beckman Institute Open House and Engineering Open House—Two community favorites occur on campus next Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11. Beckman highlights include Bug-Inspired Design, a wireless energy glove where you can power it by waving your hand, and a “Fear Factor” exhibit where you put your hands into mystery boxes, if you dare! See the full list of Beckman exhibits and events at https://beckman.illinois.edu/visit/events-at-beckman/beckman-institute-open-house. Engineering highlights include Physics Van shows, interactive Lego design, a LabEscape game, a Superhero Hospital, and the after-hours Tesla Coil Concert (Friday, on the Bardeen Quad, between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.). You can download their full list of exhibits and events by clicking the Visitor Guide button on https://www.eohillinois.org/. Both sites have information about times, locations, and parking.
Arbor Day Event at the Illinois Arboretum—Join the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces at the Illinois Arboretum (https://arboretum.illinois.edu/events/) for a tree planting in celebration of Arbor Day and the university’s newly attained arboretum accreditation (https://arbnet.org/morton-register/illinois-arboretum/). The event will be held at noon on Friday, April 24, and include light refreshments. The makeup date in case of inclement weather is May 1.
Financial Fitness: Advanced Estate Planning Strategies—Join online on Tuesday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to noon, to learn about the five-step estate-planning process, including different types of trusts, portability of exemption of spouses, and more. Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services is offering this webinar in coordination with Prudential Pathways. To register, visit https://events.zoom.us/ev/AmdVr7ULIk7qYRjgVZW_TcdqAe9SUmP0ny51eBYl2F6Ui-OzUiYf~AqsjPxb-yHeuOI0l-9_ldZLdDl-JAbj6ss2OZi5UcYpm_NuGHo2Da77GlA.
March 27, 2026
Campus Bicycle Census Needs Volunteers
Since 2013, F&S has conducted periodic bike censuses to identify high-ridership locations on campus. The collected information enables data-driven decisions on where to prioritize mobility, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including bike rack upgrades, pathway enhancements, and related modernizations. This year, the census will also survey e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices. To cover the campus efficiently, volunteers are needed on Tuesday, April 14.
Participants would first attend an instructional session (on either Monday, April 13, from 4 to 5 p.m., or Tuesday, April 14, from 10 to 11 a.m.). Both will be held at Anniversary Plaza, which is south of the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana). The actual census taking will begin at 11 a.m., immediately following the Tuesday session. To sign up, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BikeCensus.
For more information about the census or other Bike at Illinois programs, contact Sarthak Prasad, 217-300-9575.
Boneyard Creek Community Day
Did you know that dozens of different fish have been found in the Boneyard Creek? See the full list of those found by the Illinois Natural History Survey at https://fishesofboneyardcreek.weebly.com/fish-list.html. Additionally, waterfowl and small animals like muskrats make the creek their home. Once a year, to help out the local wildlife, the local community comes together to remove trash and invasive plants from the area.
Registration Is Open Now
F&S is a proud sponsor of the Boneyard Creek Community Day (BCCD) effort. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 (rain date: May 2). Please consider joining other F&S team members in this important (and fun!) activity. To register as part of the F&S group, please do one of the following:
- Use the sign-up sheet in Mary Jane Gilly’s office (145-1 in the Safety & Compliance area).
- Register at http://www.boneyardcreek.org/ and then email Betsy Richardson bliggett@illinois.edu, so that she can add you to the F&S tally.
Note: Online registration closes on April 17, but in-person registration is allowed at the event.
On April 18
Event activities begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers should check in at Scott Park (207 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign), where they will be assigned a campus area to clean. Volunteers who want to work at other community locations should select their preferred location during registration. At noon, everyone returns to Scott Park for a free lunch, music, and educational displays. Visit the Boneyard Creek link (above) for more information.
Other Considerations
Organizers will have gloves and tools for volunteers to use.
Wear closed-toe shoes or boots that can get dirty and/or wet.
Bring a refillable water bottle!
Participants who don’t already have a BCCD T-shirt can get one at check-in.
Mobile Timekeeping, AiM, and my.FS Portal Outage Planned for March 31
Next Tuesday, March 31, F&S Information Technology Services (ITS) will take AiM, my.FS Portal applications, and Mobile Timekeeping offline briefly for planned maintenance. Please be aware that these services will be unavailable from 5:30 p.m. until approximately 8 p.m. The workplace management software and related applications are expected to be restored after that period.
For questions, please contact the F&S ITS Support Desk fandssupportdesk@illinois.edu, 217-244-6350, or at https://supportdesk.fs.illinois.edu/.
One Week Left to Complete the Required Title IX Training
All university faculty and staff, except team members classified as extra help, must complete Title IX training by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3. To begin or complete your training, go to www.uillinois.il.vectorlmsedu.com. Additional instructions for accessing the course were included in the massmail sent by the University Ethics and Compliance Office at the Illinois System. If you need help, please reference https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/51/1703736651.html. The training is expected to take about an hour.
IDEARegistration Is Now Open
In 2024, F&S’ Utilities & Energy Services division and the university were recognized as the International District Energy Association (IDEA) System of the Year at the organization’s annual conference. This year, IDEA2026, will be held in Ottawa, Canada, from June 23 to 26, at the Rogers Centre Ottawa.
An early-bird registration rate applies through Friday, April 17, for both IDEA members and non-members, and there is special low pricing for students that is also discounted for early registrants. To register, go to https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/registration. To learn more about the conference and other activities from IDEA, view their recent mailing at https://myemail.constantcontact.com/ICYMI–This-Week-s-Newsletter-and-IDEA2026-Registration-Now-Open.html or the IDEA2026 website at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/home.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, March 30. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Spring Leaf Collection
It’s officially spring! If you’re working on sprucing up your lawns and gardens, you may wonder what to do with the yard waste. Fortunately, several area towns have announced their spring yard waste collection dates:
- Champaign—Residents will have two opportunities to put out yard waste this spring: Orange Zone pickups are April 13 and May 11; Blue Zone pickups are April 20 and May 18. All four dates are Mondays, and yard waste should be out by the curb by 6 a.m. Learn more about how to bag or tie the materials at https://champaignil.gov/public-works/find-a-service/yard-waste.
- Mahomet—Leaf and limb collection begins the week of April 6; it is followed by a week of leaf-only collection. Click on the Landscape Waste link at https://www.mahomet-il.gov/ to download the PDF with all the details.
- Rantoul—The spring leaf collection period has already passed, but they also offer bimonthly brush pickup. The next one of these will be held the week of April 6. For more information, visit https://www.village.rantoul.il.us/349/Leaf-Brush-Removal.
- St. Joseph—Leaf and brush pickup occurs in the first full week of each month from April to November. Go to https://stjosephillinois.org/index.asp?SEC=4D67733B-70B0-4BE5-8B1F-02AD38592040 to download the PDFs that detail the process for leaves and for brush.
- Urbana—Residents should put out their yard waste on their U-Cycle collection day during the week of April 13–17. Note this is the only collection week in Urbana. See https://www.urbanail.gov/public-works/page/spring-leaf-collection-0 for the particulars.
If your location is not listed here, try checking with your public works department. As always, the Landscape Recycling Center also remains an option for Champaign County residents. Go to https://www.landscaperecyclingcenter.org/disposal for more details.
Name Change
The university’s Technology Services unit is changing the name of the Technology Services Help Desk. Later this spring the support center will be known as the IT Service Desk. You’ll begin to see the change as unit websites and support pages are updated and then in printed materials. If you have references to the Help Desk in your own materials, please plan on updating those to help campus keep these references consistent. Read the full email from the Office of the Chief Information Officer about this new naming convention at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/59/1097121059.html.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- CUDO Plays Grand Exhibition—If board games are your thing, the Champaign-Urbana Design Organization (CUDO) is offering the opportunity to try brand new ones at their Season 12 Grand Exhibition on Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 7 p.m., at the Independent Media Center (202 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana). Local teams have spent the last six months designing the games, and they are ready for you to play! The event is free to the public and family friendly. Patty Daddy’s food truck will be on site, some local artisans will sell their related crafts, and there will be door prize raffles at 6 p.m. to kick off the awards ceremony. For more information about the organization, go to www.cudoplays.com; to learn more about the exhibition, go to https://www.cudoplays.com/events/season12-grand-exhibition.
- Model Train Show—The free train show at Lincoln Square Mall (300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana) offers operating layouts in G, HO, and N scales, and vendors will have new and used items for these scales and O for sale. There’s also a free make-and-take activity where participants of any age can create their own model railroad car that will work with the Brio wooden track system. Come watch the trains and join the fun on Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Sunday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit https://itd.illinoisterminaldivision.org/show/show.htm for more details.
- Raptors Up Close—The university’s Wildlife Medical Clinic will have some of their ambassador birds, such as Odin, Loki, or Ruby, red-tailed hawks; River, a bald eagle; Clover, an American kestrel; and/or Whittington, an eastern screech owl, on hand on Saturday, March 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Lake of the Wood Pavilion (1600 Trillium Dr., Mahomet). The free program requires no registration and is suitable for ages 4 and up. Come see the birds up close and learn more about raptors! Note that the exact birds in attendance have not yet been announced. Go to https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/raptors-up-close-2026 for details about the program and https://vetmed.illinois.edu/hospital/wildlife-medical-clinic/outreach/ambassador-animals/ if you want to know about the ambassador animals.
- Flowers of Us—Drop by the Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory St., Urbana) between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, to welcome spring by crafting flowers from assorted supplies, which the museum will provide. The event is free for everyone, and people of all ages are welcome. For more, see https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2691.
- Egg Hunts and More—Chambanamoms.com has a growing list of egg hunts and other Easter-related activities throughout the area over the next two weekends available at https://www.chambanamoms.com/champaign-urbana-easter-egg-hunts/. Note that some do require advance registration.
- Urbana Pothole Reporting Update—The Urbana Public Works Department reports that the pilot program for the Urbana Problem Reporter has ended. They ask people to now report potholes by contacting them via email at PublicWorks@UrbanaIL.gov or by phone at 217-384-2342. Additional campus, city, county, and state contact information for pothole reporting is available at https://fs.illinois.edu/News/help-report-potholes/.
March 20, 2026
F&S Strategic Plan
Most F&S team members have had a chance to hear an overview of the new F&S Strategic Plan. If there is anything you want to review or revisit, ERIN now has a page that includes links to the plan itself, a recent webinar of one of the sessions that can be viewed at any time, the PowerPoint slides used in the various sessions, and timelines of the planning process. To access all this information, go to https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/fs-strategic-plan-a-strategy-for-service-stewardship-2025-2030/. You will need to log in to ERIN first, but once done, you’ll be able to download the plan and PowerPoint and/or view the video.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the F&S Strategic Plan process. The F&S plan offers “a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen our workforce, enhance customer and stakeholder engagement, advance access and belonging, improve resource stewardship, and foster innovative collaboration.” It aligns with the mission and vision of the university and will help guide F&S through 2030.
Noontime Knowledge: Jane Addams
March is Women’s History Month, and you can celebrate next week with the F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, March 25, at noon, in a Noontime Knowledge exploring the life of Illinois’ own Jane Addams (1860–1935). Addams co-founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided social services to local residents, many of whom were from lower-income and immigrant families. Her work addressed a myriad of issues, including education, public health, women’s rights, working conditions, and more. Addams also had a concern for world peace and became the first US woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1931).
To learn more about this remarkable woman, use this link to join the video and discussion:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86548669584?pwd=rJLc6DpQVtF5Vg7uXsqakbIfh2A9hc.1.
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 865 4866 9584
Password: 348048
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Final Day to RSVP!
The traditional homestyle breakfast will take place in the PPSB West Hallway next week:
- Big Breakfast, Wednesday, March 25, 7 to 8:30 a.m.
- Big Breakfast for Dinner, Thursday, March 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, three varieties of sausage patties (pork, turkey, or vegan), scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, a yogurt bar, fruit, and more. Team members can “grab and go,” or a limited number of tables and chairs will be available. To help with headcounts and food quantities, RSVP to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BB26 by the end of the day today (March 20).
If you have questions or you would like to volunteer to help set up/clean up, cook, or serve at either session, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101.
The Big Breakfast is an approved F&S event. With prior supervisory approval, up to 0.3 hours can be claimed. Please use work order {XX-9999} phase 065 to report the time.
What’s the University’s Name Again?
If you’ve been at this university, or really following any university, for a while, you’ll have noticed that naming conventions often change over time. It can sometimes be hard to keep up. Does the university’s official name have an at? Does it take acomma (,)or en (–) or em (—) dash before the location? Should the name always be preceded by The? Since universities want you to say and write their names correctly, they usually have a style guide that explains how to format the name. Fortunately, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has such a guide at https://brand.illinois.edu/messaging/name-and-boilerplate.
The first use of the university’s name should be styled as above, with no at (officially dropped in fall 2020), nor is there a comma, en dash, or em dash. If a the is needed, it should be lowercase unless it starts a sentence. The type of punctuation mark between the two city names is a hyphen (-). Once you’ve used the full name, you can then refer to it as the university (note the lowercase U), Illinois, U. of I. (note the periods), Urbana, or the Urbana campus. The university strongly prefers to avoid the formerly ubiquitous use of the initialism UIUC, although they recognize that in space-constrained instances (e.g., a grant proposal with a character limit) this may be the most efficient abbreviation. And if you need to make Illinois possessive, you only have to add the apostrophe at the end (e.g., Illinois’ administration).
Required Title IX Training Period Is Open
All university faculty and staff, with the exception of team members classified as extra help, must complete Title IX training by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3. To begin or complete your training, go to www.uillinois.il.vectorlmsedu.com. Additional instructions for accessing the course were included in the massmail sent by the University Ethics and Compliance Office at the Illinois System. If you need help, please reference https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/51/1703736651.html. The training is expected to take about an hour.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, March 30. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always take advantage of professional development classes. Upcoming events include
- Say the Right Words to Defuse Tension and Foster Collaboration: Wednesday, March 25, from 1 to 2 p.m., online.
- Data-Driven Stewardship: Building Trust Through Transparent Capital Planning: Thursday, March 26, from noon to 1 p.m., online.
To see the full list of upcoming opportunities, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about future training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
IDEA Registration Is Now Open
in 2024, F&S’ Utilities & Energy Services and the university were recognized as the IDEA System of the Year at the annual International District Energy Association (IDEA) conference. This year, the conference, IDEA2026, will be held in Ottawa, Canada, from June 23 to 26, at the Rogers Centre Ottawa.
An early-bird registration rate applies through Friday, April 17, for both IDEA members and non-members, and there is special low pricing for students that is also discounted for early registrants. To register, go to https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/registration. To learn more about the conference and other activities from IDEA, view their recent mailing at https://myemail.constantcontact.com/ICYMI–This-Week-s-Newsletter-and-IDEA2026-Registration-Now-Open.html or the IDEA26 website at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/home.
Boneyard Creek Community Day
F&S is a proud sponsor of the Boneyard Creek Community Day (BCCD). Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, and watch for an email next week about how you can participate in this important (and fun!) activity with other F&S team members and the larger Champaign-Urbana community. Learn more about BCCD at https://www.boneyardcreek.org/.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
Commencement Speaker Announced—Hot Ones host and Illinois alum Sean Evans (Class of 2008) will be the guest speaker at the 2026 graduation ceremony in Gies Memorial Stadium on May 16. To make the announcement, Chancellor Charles Isbell Jr. flipped the script and interviewed Evans in the style of his own show. See the fun video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE7MYXcmzs8.
Illini Hosting the Women’s Big 10 Gymnastics Championships—There are three sessions at State Farm Center (1800 S. First St., Champaign): First up, Illinois, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Washington compete tonight, March 20, at 6 p.m. Iowa, Maryland, Ohio State, and Penn State meet tomorrow, March 21, at noon. In the final session, tomorrow at 5 p.m., Michigan takes on Michigan State, Minnesota, and UCLA. Tickets for each session are $15; parking is free. Learn more at https://fightingillini.com/facilities/state-farm-center/2.
Alumni Awards for Distinguished Service Recipients—The Grainger College of Engineering is hosting a panel discussion with six distinguished alums of the U. of I. The event will take place on Friday, March 27, between 10 and 11 a.m., and you can join in person at NCSA (1205 W. Clark St., Urbana) or via Zoom. Panelists from ceramic engineering, civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering will discuss “their experiences, lessons learned, and valuable advice for achieving success.” A light lunch will be served after the in-person event. Learn more or find the links to register at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/73/867447973.html.
20th Annual Edible Book Festival—Bakers who want to enter a book-related masterpiece in the festival can find more information, including the full rules and the registration link, now at https://www.library.illinois.edu/geninfo/edible-book-festival/. Those who want to view the creations on Saturday, April 4, should plan on coming out to Common Ground Co-Op (300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana) that morning. Viewing begins around 11:30, and awards will be given at noon. Cookies will be served at 12:15 p.m.
Virginia Theatre Shows—Tickets are still on sale for Sesame Street Live!: Elmo’s Got the Moves, which will be at the Virginia Theatre (203 W. Park Ave., Champaign) on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. The show has a run time of 80 minutes. The Virginia also still has tickets for the Roger Ebert’s Film Festival “The Last Dance” on April 17 and 18. Links to tickets for both events are available at https://thevirginia.showare.com/.
New Campus Web Cam—Now you can literally watch grass grow on the Morrow Plots Cam. (Fun Fact: Corn is a type of tall annual grass in the Poaceae family.) Find the new web camera on the Campus Cams page (along with the Quad Cam and the Alma Cam) at https://illinois.edu/community/campus-cams/.
March 13, 2026
Strategic Plan Survey
The U. of I. is in the planning process of laying out the roadmap for the next few years on the Urbana campus. Illinois Leads is the name of the strategic plan that will be used to guide the path, and the Illinois Leads Steering Committee would really appreciate your feedback on what is important to include in this plan. If you have thoughts on where we’ve been as a community and where we should strive to go next, please fill out the survey at http://go.illinois.edu/IllinoisLeads. Completing the survey is expected to take less than 10 minutes. As a thank you, those who complete the survey can enter a drawing to win Illinois-branded items. Want to know more about the strategic plan process? Visit https://strategicplan.illinois.edu/.
Noontime Knowledge: Jane Addams
March is Women’s History Month, and you can celebrate with the F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, March 25, at noon, for a Noontime Knowledge even exploring the life of Illinois’ own Jane Addams (1860–1935). Addams co-founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided social services to local residents, many of whom were from lower-income and immigrant families. Her work addressed a myriad of issues, including education, public health, women’s rights, working conditions, and more. Addams also had a concern for world peace and became the first US woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1931).
To learn more about this remarkable woman, use this link to join the video and discussion:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86548669584?pwd=rJLc6DpQVtF5Vg7uXsqakbIfh2A9hc.1.
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 865 4866 9584
Password: 348048
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Eggcellent News! The Return of the Big Breakfast and Big Breakfast for Dinner
The traditional homestyle breakfast will take place in the PPSB West Hallway:
- Big Breakfast, Wednesday, March 25, 7 to 8:30 a.m.
- Big Breakfast for Dinner, Thursday, March 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, three varieties of sausage patties (pork, turkey, or vegan), scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, a yogurt bar, fruit, and more. Team members can “grab and go,” or a limited number of tables and chairs will be available. To help with headcounts and food quantities, RSVP by Friday, March 20, to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BB26.
If you have questions or you would like to volunteer to help set up/clean up, cook, or serve at either session, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. The Big Breakfast is an approved F&S event. With prior supervisory approval, up to 0.3 hours can be claimed. Please use work order {XX-9999} phase 065 to report the time.
F&S on Social Media
If you like keeping up with the latest happenings, consider following F&S’ socials. We have a presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Find job postings on LinkedIn; videos from recent Diversity and Inclusion Noontime Knowledge talks on YouTube; photos of F&S projects on Facebook, Instagram, and X; news and fun, light-hearted banter on Threads; and so much more. Whatever your preferred platform, F&S has a way for you to keep in touch and stay informed, and the links are always available at the bottom of the E-Update.
Required Title IX Training Period Is Open
All university faculty and staff, with the exception of team members classified as extra help, must complete Title IX training by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3. To begin or complete your training, go to www.uillinois.il.vectorlmsedu.com. Additional instructions for accessing the course were included in the massmail sent by the University Ethics and Compliance Office at the Illinois System. If you need help, please reference https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/51/1703736651.html. The training is expected to take about an hour.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, March 30. Note: Due to a scheduling conflict, no orientation will be held on Monday, March 16. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
F&S team members can always enjoy professional development classes. Upcoming events include
- Say the Right Words to Defuse Tension and Foster Collaboration: Wednesday, March 25, from 1 to 2 p.m., online.
- Data-Driven Stewardship: Building Trust Through Transparent Capital Planning: Thursday, March 26, from noon to 1 p.m., online.
Full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Pothole Reporting
The local weather forecast indicates we’re in for a spell of warmer days and cooler nights. For walkers, this is excellent news for an enjoyable constitutional, but the freeze-thaw pattern is less welcome for drivers as it tends to bring about potholes. F&S team members and city, county, and state workers are prepared for pothole season, but their jobs are easier if we all pitch in to report problematic potholes as they occur.
Where should you report these? The answer depends on which entity has street jurisdiction. A road through campus may seem like the university’s responsibility, but it could be a city street or even a state-owned one. Parts of Springfield Avenue, for example, are actually serviced by the State of Illinois.
- F&S maintains university-owned streets. Contact the F&S Service Office fsserviceoffice@illinois.edu, 217-333-0340, or Transportation Demand Management fandscampusdm@illinois.edu.
- The City of Champaign asks people to report potholes via its new Brightly Citizen Portal. This page has the link and the instructions on how to enter the information to create a work order: https://champaignil.gov/public-works/report-an-issue/.
- City of Urbana also has a new app, the Urbana Problem Reporter, available at https://urbana.ccgisc.org/portalurbana/apps/CrowdsourceReporter/index.html?appid=97b52b60f67c45529311bc1ad5fe5db5. Choose “Infrastructure Problems” to see the menu and then “Road / Sidewalk /Sign” to see issues already reported or to report a new one.
- Surrounding towns have their own Public Works Departments, including Mahomet, 217-586-2013; Rantoul Street Division, 217-892-6800; Savoy, 217-359-0655; and St. Joseph, which uses a form that can be found here: https://stjosephillinois.org/index.asp?SEC=37FE945A-927F-40D4-9E19-9DE001325994#3DEEFBB2-61D9-42AA-BB75-EDEC8F7685E9.
- For Champaign County Highways, please contact the County Highway Department at 217-384-3800.
- To report a pothole on a state highway or interstate, call 1-800-452-IDOT(4368).
For more on street jurisdiction, visit the F&S website at https://fs.illinois.edu/street-jurisdiction/.
Early Voting in the Midterm Primary Election
Early voting continues in Champaign County at the Bennett Center, Champaign Public Library, Church of the Living God, Illini Union, Lake of the Woods Pavilion, Leonard Recreation Center, Meadowbrook Church, Parkland College, Building E, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Rantoul Youth Center, Savoy Recreation Center, and Tolono Public Library. Addresses for these locations were printed in last week’s E-Update, which can be viewed at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/65/902799265.html. These locations are open at these times:
| Today | Sat., Mar. 14 | Sun., Mar. 15 | Mon., Mar. 16 | |
| Bennett Center | Until 7 p.m. | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| All other locations | Until 6 p.m. | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 1–4 p.m. | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. |
Mail-in Ballots
With the Midterm Primary Election Day (March 17) growing close, if you still have a mail-in ballot to return, consider placing it in a drop box by 7 p.m. on Election Day to ensure it counts (see last week’s E-Update [linked above] for a discussion of the new US Post Office rules). Drop box locations are as follows:
- Brookens Administration Building – 1776 E. Washington St., Urbana
- Champaign Public Library – 200 W. Green St., Champaign (drop box is on S. State St.)
- Martens Center – 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
- Illini Union – 1401 W. Green St, (southeast corner inside the Union)
- Mahomet Public Library – 1702 E. Oak St., Mahomet
- Parkland at Mattis – 1315 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign
- Rantoul Village Hall – 333 S. Tanner St., Rantoul
- Savoy Recreation Center – 402 Graham Dr., Savoy
- Sholem Pool – 2205 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
- Swearingen Memorial Library – 201 N. Third St., St Joseph
- Urbana Free Library – 210 W. Green St., Urbana
For more information on drop boxes, visit https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/vote-mail-information and toggle the Returning Your Ballot header.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Fighting Illini Baseball and Softball—March 13 to 15—Welcome spring at the ball field this weekend! The men’s team takes on Minnesota tonight at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. The women will go up against Iowa tonight at 5 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Tonight, it is FamILLY Friday at both parks: four hot dogs, four popcorns, and four non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased for just $40. On Sunday, a Pre-Paddy’s Day celebration will offer a kids zone at the baseball game with inflatables and lawn games, and young fans can run the bases after the game. Green beer will be on offer for fans 21 and up at both fields. Games are free to attend. The men play at Illinois Field (601 E. Kirby Ave., Champaign) and the women at Eichelberger Field (1202 W. Florida Ave., Urbana). For more about baseball, go to https://fightingillini.com/sports/baseball/schedule; for more on softball, visit https://fightingillini.com/sports/softball/schedule/2026.
- Arthur Home and Garden Expo—More than 60 exhibitors will be on hand to give you ideas for your upcoming home and garden projects, covering such topics as kitchen remodeling, flooring, insulation, fencing and decks, storage buildings, landscaping, tools and supplies, and more. Admission to this expo is free at the Otto Center (2058 CR 1800 N., Arthur). It is open tonight, March 13, until 8 p.m., and runs 8 a.m to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. Learn more at https://www.arthurexpo.com/.
- The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade—Rantoul invites you to participate in the parade and other St. Patrick’s Day fun like music, Irish dancing, food, and drink. MIX 94.5 is hosting the party on Saturday, March 14, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., in downtown Rantoul (E. Sangamon Ave., between N. Kentucky Ave. and N. Garrard St.). Everyone can participate in the block-long parade at the finale of the celebration. For more information, go to https://mix945.com/2026/02/12/its-official-again/.
- Euchre Tournament—Riggs Beer Company (1901 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana) is hosting a free Euchre Tournament on Sunday, March 15. Sign up at 12:30 p.m.; game play begins at 1 p.m. and is expected to last about 3 hours. The round robin–style tournament means you do not need to have a partner to play as everyone gets a new partner in every game. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Additional details are available at https://www.riggsbeer.com/events/euchre-tournament-2-378-322-807-619-981-403-857-989-768-208-247-182-521/.
Rise Above—A traveling exhibit about the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) will be at the Rantoul National Aviation Center (6 Aviation Center Drive, Rantoul) next Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The free exhibit looks at the adversity these men and women faced and how they rose above it. For more information, visit https://www.myrantoul.com/calendar.aspx?EID=1090.
Save the Date
- Through March 22—Spring Break
- March 17—Midterm Primary Election
- March 25—Big Breakfast
- March 25—Noontime Knowledge
- March 26—Big Breakfast for Dinner
April 18—Boneyard Creek Community Day
March 6, 2026
Eggcellent News! The Return of the Big Breakfast and Big Breakfast for Dinner
The traditional homestyle breakfast will take place in the PPSB West Hallway:
- Big Breakfast, Wednesday, March 25, 7 to 8:30 a.m.
- Big Breakfast for Dinner, Thursday, March 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, three varieties of sausage patties (pork, turkey, or vegan), scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, a yogurt bar, fruit, and more. Team members can “grab and go,” or a limited number of tables and chairs will be available.
To help with headcounts and food quantities, RSVP by Friday, March 20 to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BB26.
If you have questions or you would like to volunteer to help set up/clean up, cook, or serve at either session, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101. The Big Breakfast is an approved F&S event. With prior supervisory approval, up to 0.3 hours can be claimed. Please use work order {XX-9999} phase 065 to report the time.
Noontime Knowledge: Jane Addams
March is Women’s History Month, and you can celebrate with the D&I Committee on Wednesday, March 25, at noon, in a Noontime Knowledge that explores the life of Illinois’ own Jane Addams (1860–1935). Addams co-founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided social services to local residents, many from lower-income and immigrant families. Her work addressed myriad issues, including education, public health, women’s rights, working conditions, and more. Addams also had a concern for world peace and became the first US woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1931).
To learn more about this remarkable woman, use this link to join the video and discussion:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86548669584?pwd=rJLc6DpQVtF5Vg7uXsqakbIfh2A9hc.1.
You can also join by opening Zoom, clicking “Join a Meeting,” and entering the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 865 4866 9584
Password: 348048
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Required Title IX Training Period Is Open
All university faculty and staff, with the exception of team members classified as extra help, must complete Title IX training by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3. This online training satisfies the requirements outlined in state and federal law, and the course addresses sexual misconduct prevention and harassment in the workplace, as well as current Title IX requirements.
To begin or complete your training, go to www.uillinois.il.vectorlmsedu.com. Additional instructions for accessing the course were included in the massmail sent by the University Ethics and Compliance Office at the Illinois System. If you need help, please reference https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/51/1703736651.html. The training is expected to take about an hour. Note: At the time of this writing, the course assignment page shows the wrong due date. Please be sure to complete the training within the window outlined here and in the massmail.
F&S Style Guide & Acronyms
Even long-time F&S team members may be occasionally caught off guard by all the initialisms and acronyms* in use at F&S and the university. If you have trouble keeping EMT and XMT straight, are asked to get SMEs to review a document, or need to order PPE, and you’re not sure what those mean, the Style Guide & Acronyms page on ERIN can help. The page is located at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/style-guide-acronyms/, and you must be logged in, as the page is just for team members.
Once there, toggle a letter in the alphabetical list to find style guide entries at the top and acronyms and initialisms at the bottom. The style guide has information on F&S capitalization, punctuation, naming conventions, and so on. At the top, you’ll also see links to additional style guides for campus and the University of Illinois System, which each have their own conventions. Can’t find an entry you think would be useful for the F&S guide? Send your suggestions to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu. *Did You Know?
Acronyms are pronounced as a word, for example, ERIN is an acronym for Employee Resources, Information, and News.
Initialisms are pronounced letter-by-letter, for example, ADA is an initialism for Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ongoing Events
The following activities are recurring:
Have an Idea for “F&S at Work” in the Next Dispatch?
Tell us about your latest project or achievement! Photos are also gladly accepted. Customer Relations & Communications will include as many stories and images as possible (suggestions needed by March 20 for the next edition). Email your ideas to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, March 30. Note: Due to a scheduling conflict, no orientation will be held on Monday, March 16. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
ILAPPA + Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference
The Illinois Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference, which this year is being organized by Utilities & Energy Services’ Rob Roman and Andy Robinson, has now released its schedule, with many opportunities to hear from F&S team members, including Interim Associate Vice Chancellor Morgan White, along with Jon Hasselbring, Sylvia McIvor, and Nathan Reifsteck. Speakers from outside F&S also abound. For example, Caleb Brooks, a professor at the university, will discuss campus’ proposed microreactor, and Elisabeth Reed, ISU’s director of sustainability, will talk about that program. To see the schedule, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/ConferenceAgenda.
Free registration is now open for the conference and also ILAPPA’s 2026 Supervisor Toolkit training at a discounted price ($600 per person). The toolkit training is designed to help facilities management supervisors realize both personal and professional growth in their roles. Please speak with your supervisor if interested in attending this training program.
For More Information
- Conference (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/):
Wednesday afternoon /Thursday: April 22–23
- Supervisor Toolkit (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/):
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday morning: April 20–22
Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Set your clocks forward one hour. This is also an excellent time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change out the batteries if it has been a while. Replace broken or expired alarms. The life expectancy of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is 10 years. Look for the manufacturing date on the unit to make sure yours are still viable. Remember, working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors reduce the risk of dying in a home fire or by carbon monoxide poisoning by at least 50 percent.
Early Voting in the Midterm Primary Election
Beginning Monday, March 9, several early voting sites will be open in Champaign County:
Tolono Public Library (111 E. Main St., Tolono)
Bennett Center (102 E. Main St., Urbana)
Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St., Champaign)
Church of the Living God (312 E. Bradley Ave., Champaign)
Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana)
Lake of the Woods Pavilion (301 Senna Dr., Mahomet)
Leonard Recreation Center (2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign)
Meadowbrook Church (1902 S. Duncan Rd., Champaign)
Parkland College, Building E (2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign)
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph)
Rantoul Youth Center (1306 Country Club Ln., Rantoul)
Savoy Recreation Center (402 Graham Dr., Savoy)
| Location and Hours | Mon., Mar. 9 – Fri., Mar. 13 | Sat., Mar. 14 | Sun., Mar. 15 | Mon., Mar. 16 |
| Bennett Center | 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| All other locations | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 1–4 p.m. | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. |
For more information about early voting, visit https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/early-voting-information. If voting outside Champaign County, please check details with your own county clerk’s office.
Election Day Voting
The Midterm Primary Election is Tuesday, March 17. On Election Day, these 12 locations, as well as more than 40 others, will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. See the full list at https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/election-day-voting-information.
Mail-in Ballots
If you are voting by mail, your ballot must be deposited into a drop box by 7 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked to the County Clerk’s office, by a United States Post Office, no later than Election Day. If you drop your ballot in a mailbox, please allow extra time. Remember the United States Postal Service (USPS) has changed the way it postmarks mail. Postmarks are now dated to express when the USPS processed the item. This procedural change means mailed items will not be postmarked until it arrives at the mailing processing center on Mattis in Champaign. Customers can still take mail to any local post office and ask the postal clerk for a free, manual postmark. Please plan accordingly when mailing date-sensitive items. Learn more about this change at https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-this-new-mail-rule-could-affect-your-ballot-your-tax-return-and-more.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Celebrate Women’s History Month—There are many opportunities throughout the month of March to recognize the contributions of women. The Women’s Resources Center has a list of events on campus at https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/7466. Chambanamoms have a growing list of activities in the community at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/03/01/womens-history-month-champaign-urbana/, and Smile Politely has a list of Woman-Owned Restaurants and Cafes to Love at https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/woman-owned-restaurants-and-cafes-to-love/.
- Campus Maps in the Illinois App—F&S helped develop the campus maps in the Illinois app. It’s a good resource for building locations, floor plans, and more. To access the feature, touch the Map icon. Next select Campus Buildings. Move the map to find the building you are interested in and click on its location. That will bring up the address, a link to the floor plans and amenities, and even a short list of the key amenities, such as drinking fountains, all-gender restrooms, and lactation rooms, where available. If you don’t yet have the Illinois app, it is available for download in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Learn more at https://m.illinois.edu/.
- All Out A Cappella—Enjoy collegiate a cappella groups the Acafellaz, Clef Hangers, and Secondary Dominance from ISU and No Comment, Illinois Rip Chords, and the Xtension Chords from the U. of I. at this 10th annual fundraiser for Unity’s music programs. The music begins tonight, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Polly Anderson Auditorium at Unity High School (1127 County Rd 800, Tolono). The concert will also feature Surreal Sound, Unity’s a cappella group. Go to https://unitymusicboosters.seatyourself.biz/ to purchase tickets.
- Quadball National Qualifier—Quadball is a real-life sport based on the fictional game of Quidditch from the Harry Potter book series. This weekend, Quadball teams (collegiate and adult) from across the country will compete for a spot in the US Quadball Cup. Play takes place at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex (744 Murray Rd., Rantoul) from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Teams that do well will participate in bracket play between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. One-day tickets and weekend passes are available. Learn more at https://www.usquadball.org/current-season/usq-national-qualifier-champaign-county.
- Land of Lincoln Short Track Regional Speedskating Championships—The championships bring out young and adult speedskaters. Come cheer them on this Saturday, March 7, with warm ups from 12:30 to 1:10 p.m., and racing from 1:30 to 7 p.m. On Sunday, racing begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at noon. The competition takes place at the University of Illinois Ice Arena (406 East Armory, Champaign). Visit https://champaignregionalspeedskating.org/Land-of-Lincoln/ for more information, including race rules and scoring.
- Monarch & Pollinator Fair—Butterfly enthusiasts (ages 3 to 12) will enjoy this free family-friendly event with face painting, crafts, stories, science activities, games, and more. To learn more about our pollinator friends, come out on Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the McKinley Foundation (410 E. Daniel St., Champaign). For more details, visit https://mckinleycu.org/monarch-fair/.
- Annual KRT Clean Up—Bring the whole family to help get the Kickapoo Rail Trail ready for spring outings. The annual clean up is this Sunday, March 8, between 1 and 3 p.m. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and all participants must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes as the work may lead off-trail and some areas could be wet. Tools and gloves will be provided. Learn more at https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/annual-krt-clean-up-2026.
February 27, 2026
February Dispatch Is Available
The first issue of 2026 discusses Utilities & Energy Services’ CPR/First Aid/AED training, including an in-depth look at the Stop the Bleed portion of the course. The article also offers some resources for where you can find that part of the training online, so you too could help in an emergency. The Dispatch also features the following stories:
- A recap of the recent Noontime Knowledge about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- A look at the recent winter weather from a safety perspective
- An award for the Rainwater Management Program
- An opportunity for Fire Extinguisher Training this spring
- An upcoming revitalization of the historic round barns
View these and other stories at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch/ or look for copies around F&S locations. Need to catch up on previous issues? The Dispatch is archived at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/.
We’d love to feature your work!
Tell us about your latest project or achievement. Photos are also gladly accepted. Customer Relations & Communications will include as many stories and images as possible (suggestions needed by March 20 for the next edition). Email your ideas to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu.
Eggcellent News! The Return of the Big Breakfast and Big Breakfast for Dinner
The traditional homestyle breakfast will take place in the PPSB West Hallway:
- Big Breakfast, Wednesday, March 25, 7 to 8:30 a.m.
- Big Breakfast for Dinner, Thursday, March 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, three varieties of sausage patties (pork, turkey, or vegan), scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, a yogurt bar, fruit, and more. Team members can “grab and go,” or a limited number of tables and chairs will be available.
To help with headcounts and food quantities, RSVP by Friday, March 20 to https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BB26.
If you have questions or you would like to volunteer to help set up/clean up, cook, or serve at either session, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101.
The Big Breakfast is an approved F&S event. With prior supervisory approval, up to 0.3 hours can be claimed. Please use work order {XX-9999} phase 065 to report the time.
Illini Union Roof Replacement
With approximately 10,000 people a day coming through its doors, the Illini Union is one of the busier buildings on campus. The iconic facility has been recognizable to students, employees, alums, and community members since the doors first opened on February 8, 1941. Now celebrating its 85th year, F&S is overseeing the project to replace the original roof and 78 dormer windows so that the building can continue to welcome everyone on campus into the next century.
F&S’ Steve Breitwieser, manager of communications & external relations, with the help of project team members, created a video that offers a close-up look at the work and shows the importance of what they are doing. It includes drone footage and interviews with Mark Roessler, F&S project manager, as well as representatives from the Union and the contractor. View the video here: https://go.fs.illinois.edu/IlliniUnion.
Once you have seen how the modern work is caring for the historic building, you may also be interested in watching silent, black-and-white footage from the Illini Union’s original construction, which was filmed between 1939 and 1940. You can see that one here: https://mediaspace.illinois.edu/media/t/1_gxaftdf5.
ILAPPA + Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference
The Illinois Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference, which this year is being organized by Utilities & Energy Services’ Rob Roman and Andy Robinson, has now released its schedule, with many opportunities to hear from F&S team members, including Interim Associate Vice Chancellor Morgan White, along with Jon Hasselbring, Sylvia McIvor, and Nathan Reifsteck. Speakers from outside F&S also abound. For example, Caleb Brooks, a professor at the university, will discuss campus’ proposed microreactor, and Elisabeth Reed, ISU’s director of sustainability, will talk about that program. To see the schedule, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/ConferenceAgenda.
Free registration is now open for the conference and also ILAPPA’s 2026 Supervisor Toolkit training at a discounted price ($600 per person). The toolkit training is designed to help facilities management supervisors realize both personal and professional growth in their roles. Please speak with your supervisor if interested in attending this training program.
For More Information
Supervisor Toolkit (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/):
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday morning: April 20–22
Conference (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/):
Wednesday afternoon /Thursday: April 22–23
Ongoing Events
The following activities are recurring:
Call Before You Dig!
Avoid hitting utility lines when you dig, whether at home or at work! Call JULIE at 8-1-1 first. This nationwide number is used to make a locate request for underground utilities before you excavate. This free service is available 24/7, but it may take a few days to fulfill the request. For upcoming digging on university property, JULIE will coordinate with the Service Office to begin the locate process. F&S shops perform the actual locates for utilities on campus and may take up to two business days to do so for nonemergency locates. For more information, visit https://fs.illinois.edu/utility-locating/.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next session is on Monday, March 2. Due to a scheduling conflict, orientation will not be held on Monday, March 16. New team members who start on that day should attend the session on Monday, March 30. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Accessibility Survey
Two students working on their master’s degree are collecting data on how accessible the Urbana campus’ crosswalks and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps are. This survey informs a capstone project for the Department of Urban & Regional Planning in collaboration with F&S’ Transportation Demand Management department. You can help by completing the survey, which will take 15–20 minutes. Answers will be anonymous. Feedback from individuals with mobility limitations is particularly encouraged, but all responses are welcome. To participate, you must complete the survey by 11:59 p.m. today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR579EI2Y7Q-zDdVoPfhmwC6OF7fik-YscKQWByvCcHKgygg/viewform.
PCard Recertification
Today is the final day to recertify during the Purchasing Card (PCard) Recertification period. If you have one or are a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM, you MUST recertify by the end of the day. To do so, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630.
If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp.
Join the Employee Recognition Committee
Final Day to Apply! We want your help to coordinate our team member recognition programs (Team Member of the Month, Team of the Month, and Team Member of the Year). Five volunteers are needed, and all individuals are invited to participate (with prior supervisory approval). The committee meets monthly for one hour to consider the nominees for the recognition awards. Committee members serve for a year but may remain for an additional term. Please note that committee members are not eligible to receive these awards while serving on this committee. Previous winners are highly encouraged to serve.
If you’re interested, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101, by the end of today.
acilities Information Resources Training Available on ERIN
Would it be helpful to see old contract drawings, project manuals, or shop drawings for your current work? Facilities Information Resources (FIR) has digitally archived many of these items. FIR’s Two-Minute Tutorials can assist you in finding what you need efficiently:
- TMT-1 Drawing Searching 101 – 8-minute video + PDF handout
- TMT-2 Equipment Data Searching – 11-minute video + PDF handout
Custom training focused on a unit’s specific needs can also be arranged. Learn more about drawing and document searching at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/training/. Questions may be directed to Beth Leitz bleitz@illinois.edu.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Lunar New Year Exhibition—There’s still time to catch the display of festive images of Chinese New Year, in the Main Library, rooms 309 and 321. The exhibit, sponsored by the International and Area Studies Library, runs during normal library hours through March 15. The images explore Lunar New Year themes and the horse (in honor of 2026 being the Year of the Horse on the Chinese zodiac calendar). Learn more at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7?eventId=33545611.
- Oscar-Nominated Short Films—Movie buffs will appreciate the opportunity to watch nominated Animated Shorts (tonight at 7 p.m.), Documentary Shorts (Saturday, February 28, at 7 p.m.), and Live Action Shorts (Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m.) for the upcoming Oscar season. The series is sponsored by the Chambana Film Society and hosted at the Savoy 16 Theater (232 W. Burwash Ave., Savoy). You can purchase tickets to individual events or receive a discount when combining all three screenings. Go to https://www.chambanafilmsociety.org/ to learn more.
- Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad—Looking for Lincoln presents this traveling exhibit at the Urbana Library (210 W. Green St., Urbana) through March 29. It tells “the courageous stories of freedom seekers, and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them.” The exhibit is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Learn more at https://illinoisugrr.org/urbana-free-library/.
- Men’s Gymnastics and Ninja Warrior Competition—The Illini take on Army and Greenville on Saturday, February 28, at noon, in Huff Hall (1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign). Following the competition, kids and adults are invited to test their strength, speed, and agility in the ninja warrior competition. Check in at the marketing table by the end of the second rotation of the gymnastics to receive a 5-second time reduction. An Apple iPad will be awarded to the winner of each division. Sign up to participate at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9JOcVtdGAehkClRmSg7d1yfPBFiNZFeXckekdA5xw2J_P-Q/viewform; for more information about the gymnastics tri meet, visit https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/20/mens-gymnastics-illini-mens-gym-hosts-ninja-warrior-competition.aspx.
- Sinfonia Da Camera—Ian Hobson conducts Sinfonia, and performs as a soloist, in an all-Rachmaninoff evening: “Rach 3”: the Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor and the Symphony No. 3 in A Minor on Saturday, February 28, at Foellinger Great Hall, in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana). The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is expected to last about two hours, including an intermission. Learn more at https://krannertcenter.com/node/25256.
- Sunday Morning Bird Walks—This popular series from the Champaign County Audubon Society returns for spring (March through May) beginning this Sunday, March 1. Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot (1505 N. Broadway, Urbana) at 7:30 a.m. The group will either walk to Crystal Lake Park or Busey Woods from there. Expect to see warblers (36 species!), vireos, thrushes, orioles, tanagers, and others. The walk officially ends at 9 a.m., but bird enthusiasts are welcome to stay longer if the birds are being cooperative. More details are available at https://www.champaigncountyaudubon.org/sunday-morning-bird-walks.
February 20, 2026
Learn About the Celebration of Lunar New Year at the Next Noontime Knowledge
The F&S Diversity & Inclusion Committee welcomes Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin, the associate director of the university’s Asian American Cultural Center, as the next Noontime Knowledge guest speaker on Wednesday, February 25, at noon. Breslin’s topic, “From Korea to Champaign—Lunar New Year Soup and Stories,” will explore the Lunar New Year Festival, stories, and traditions through a Korean diasporic lens, while considering the many ways people across the pan-Asian community celebrate this event. Based on the lunar calendar, Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and thus it may fall between January 21 and February 20 in any given year. This year, it was celebrated on Tuesday, February 17.
To join the Noontime Knowledge, use this link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82903956921?pwd=7kkpgfRsLAdLvqbibz1TJYluI98uyv.1.
Alternatively, open Zoom, click “Join a Meeting,” and enter the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 829 0395 6921
Password: 833833
You can also join by phone at 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Join the Employee Recognition Committee
We want your help to coordinate our team member recognition programs (Team Member of the Month, Team of the Month, and Team Member of the Year)! Five team members are needed, and all individuals are invited to participate (with prior supervisory approval). The committee meets monthly for one hour to consider the nominees for the recognition awards. Committee members serve for a year but may remain for an additional term. Please note that committee members are not eligible to receive these awards while serving on this committee. Previous winners are highly encouraged to serve.
If you’re interested, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217-333-0101, by no later than Friday, February 27.
New Crucial Conversation Training Dates Set for March
Only one spot remains!Don’t miss the chance to partake in the informative training that helps you learn how to hold Crucial Conversations. Join other team members on March 3 and 5, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Sign up by Monday, February 23.
Click this link to enroll: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/388407209. Supervisor approval should be obtained before registering.
While there is a cost ($350) to attend the on-site training and gain access to the associated learning materials, it is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. Shops and departments should check their training budgets to ensure current funding availability.
PCard Recertification
One week left to comply! The Purchasing Card (PCard) Recertification period is ending. If you have one or are a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM, you MUST recertify before Friday, February 27,if you have not already done so. To complete the recertification, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630.
If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp.
Ongoing Events
The following activities are recurring:
Call Before You Dig!
Avoid hitting utility lines when you dig, whether at home or at work! Call JULIE at 8-1-1 first. This nationwide number is used to make a locate request for underground utilities before you excavate. This free service is available 24/7, but it may take a few days for the request to be fulfilled. For upcoming digging to be performed on university property, JULIE will coordinate with the Service Office to begin the locate process. F&S shops do the actual locates for utilities on campus and may take up to two business days to do so for nonemergency locates. For more information, visit https://fs.illinois.edu/utility-locating/.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next orientation is Monday, March 2. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
A New Leader’s Playbook: Lead Change Through Tough Conversations – Wednesday, February 25 (1–2 p.m., online)
If you’re a new senior leader, this workshop is for you! Learn how to gain trust and buy-in from your team, with practical strategies.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Accessibility Survey
Two students working on their master’s degree are collecting data on how accessible the Urbana campus’ crosswalks and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps are. This survey informs a capstone project for the Department of Urban & Regional Planning in collaboration with F&S’ Transportation Demand Management department. You can help by completing the survey, which will take 15-20 minutes. Answers will be anonymous. Feedback from individuals with mobility limitations is particularly encouraged, but all responses are welcome. To participate, complete the survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR579EI2Y7Q-zDdVoPfhmwC6OF7fik-YscKQWByvCcHKgygg/viewform.
Free Income Tax Preparation Help Available
The State of Illinois has a resource page that lists several services that can help you prepare your income tax forms for free if you meet the requirements. These include
- The IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (minimum age 60 and income caps).
- The AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program (minimum age 50, but AARP membership is not required).
- GetYourRefund (low- and moderate-income people may qualify)
Visit the resource page for more details: https://tax.illinois.gov/individuals/free-tax-preparation-resources.html. Read the full press release, which has additional information, at https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=26039. Remember, this year, taxes are due on Wednesday, April 15.
ILAPPA + Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference: Now with the 2026 Supervisor Toolkit! This year, the Illinois Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference will be combining with the ILAPPA Conference, April 22–23, at the Illini Union. Two program tracks will be offered to all, with topics selected by the Chief Engineers and the ILAPPA community. Free registration is now open for the conference and also ILAPPA’s 2026 Supervisor Toolkit training at a discounted price ($600 per person). The toolkit training is designed to help facilities management supervisors realize both personal and professional growth in their roles.
- Conference (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/):
Wednesday afternoon /Thursday: April 22–23 - Supervisor Toolkit (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/):
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday morning: April 20–22
University of Illinois Web Conference: Early bird registration is now open for the 2026 virtual conference on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10. In addition to the online portion, an in-person gathering will take place at the Hotel Royer (210 S. Race St., Urbana) on Thursday evening. Chris Tidrick, CIO of Gies College of Business, will be the keynote speaker on Thursday morning. Sessions that day include “The Future of SEO,” “AI in Accessibility,” and “Putting the Content into Content Strategy.” Friday’s keynote speaker will be Masha Trenhaile, who serves as the Head of University Strategy and Outreach for Bayer Crop Science. Sessions that day include “Small Details, Big Impact,” “Modular Architecture for Web Applications,” “Scroll-Stopping Design for Social Media,” and “TL;DR, How to Write When No One’s Reading.” Go to https://webcon.illinois.edu/2026-day-1-sessions/ or https://webcon.illinois.edu/2026-day-2-sessions/ for complete details on each day’s sessions.
2026 Safety Summit: The National Safety Council’s conference and expo for safety professionals runs May 6 to 8 in Baltimore, Maryland, with professional development seminars on the first day. Topics include using AI and technology for injury prevention, fatigue technology innovation, and more than 50 other learning opportunities. The Expo features over 150 industry-leading exhibitors. Learn more at https://2026safetysummit.nsc.org/home.
Voting in the Midterm Primary Election
While the Midterm Primary Election is Tuesday, March 17, early voting is underway. On the primary ballot are races for candidates to represent Illinois in the US Senate and House of Representatives (in the 2nd, 13th, and 15th Congressional Districts) and many other races where people are vying to be your candidate at the local, state, or federal level in the fall Midterm Election.
If you would like to cast an early in-person vote, you can do so at the Bennett Center (102 E. Main St., Urbana), Monday through Friday, through March 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Monday, March 9, an additional 11 early voting locations join the Bennett Center (with ones in Champaign, Mahomet, Rantoul, Savoy, St. Joseph, Tolono, and Urbana). The hours of these centers vary but will include weekend hours on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. Early voting concludes at the end of the day on Monday, March 16.
For the dates, times, and locations of early voting, visit https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/early-voting-information. The County Clerk website also offers mail-in voting and sample ballots.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Black Joy Social—Celebrate Black History Month with an open mic by Inner Voices Theatre, a step performance by DREAAM Praise Dance Troupe, and music by the DREAAM Choir presented by Parkland College’s Black Student Association. The event takes place tonight, February 20, between 5:30 and 8 p.m. in the Student Union (2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign). Find more information at https://experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events?event=22319.
- Urbana High School Theatre Presents: Trap—Enjoy some psychological drama after an “incomprehensible event,” in which “every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious – every person but one.” The story plays out in documentary style with the investigators on the case and interviews with witnesses, first responders, and more to try to get to the bottom of this strange event. The show runs tonight, February 20, and tomorrow, February 21, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, February 22, at 2 p.m., in the Cobb Auditorium at the high school (1002 S. Race St., Urbana). Tickets and more information are available at https://uhstheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200490726.
- University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra—Samuel Barber’s Piano Concerto, Op. 38, with pianist Xiaomei Xu, and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 are on the program tonight, February 20, at Foellinger Great Hall, in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana). The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is expected to last about an hour and a half, including an intermission. Learn more at https://krannertcenter.com/events/university-illinois-symphony-orchestra-12.
- Spurlock Guided Tours—The Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory St., Urbana) is offering two guided tours this weekend, both on Saturday, February 21. At 11 a.m., you can learn about percussion instruments from street buckets to war snares and a modern trap kit with The Beat of History: Percussion Instruments of the World tour (https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2684). At 1 p.m., you can “[d]iscover how the ancient—and not so ancient—world is reflected across campus in ways you may not have noticed.” The Campus Culture: Antiquity that Shaped the University of Illinois tour (https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2682) includes discussion of Alma Mater and the U. of I. Ambulance Unit in World War I. The tours are free and last about an hour.
- My Neighbor Totoro—The Virginia Theatre (203 W. Park Ave., Champaign) is hosting two showings (1 and 7 p.m.) on Saturday, February 21, of the beloved anime film that won the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 1988. My Neighbor Totoro is rated G and runs 86 minutes. Learn more about the film, watch the trailer, or buy tickets at https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1097.
- Women’s Gymnastics—The Fighting Illini take on UCLA on Sunday, February 22, at 4 p.m. at the State Farm Center (1800 S. First St., Champaign). Olympian Jordan Chiles will appear for UCLA. For more details or to purchase tickets, go to https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/2/19/illinois-womens-gymnastics-to-face-missouri-no-4-ucla.aspx.
February 13, 2026
Join the Employee Recognition Committee
We want your help to coordinate our team member recognition programs (Team Member of the Month, Team of the Month, and Team Member of the Year)! Five team members are needed, and all individuals are invited to participate (with prior supervisory approval). The committee meets monthly for one hour to consider the nominees for the recognition awards. Committee members serve for a year but may remain for an additional term. Please note that committee members are not eligible to receive these awards while serving on this committee. Previous winners are highly encouraged to serve.
If you’re interested, please contact Doni Walker dewalke@illinois.edu, 217.333.0101, by no later than Friday, February 27.
G.R.O.W. Program Offers New Apprenticeship Opportunities
Only a few days left to apply! The Great Resource Opportunity Within program was created in cooperation with local unions for internal candidates who want to G.R.O.W. with F&S. The program establishes dedicated, long-term apprentice paths in the trades. Currently, two positions are available:
- Carpenter Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15653
- Mill Worker Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15654
The deadline to apply is Monday, February 16. To be considered, F&S team members must submit their letter of interest, resume, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor. The candidate must also have at least three years’ continuous employment with F&S and no active formal disciplinary action.
To learn more about the program, go to the program’s web page (https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/g-r-o-w-program/) after logging into ERIN on the F&S website. For questions, contact HR Coordinator Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu.
Learn About the Celebration of Lunar New Year at the Next Noontime Knowledge
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee welcomes Amy Kyung Eun Breslin, the associate director of the university’s Asian American Cultural Center, as the next Noontime Knowledge guest speaker on Wednesday, February 25, at noon. Breslin’s topic, “From Korea to Champaign—Lunar New Year Soup and Stories,” will explore the Lunar New Year Festival, stories, and traditions through a Korean diasporic lens, while considering the many ways people across the pan-Asian community celebrate this event. Based on the lunar calendar, Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and thus it may fall between January 21 and February 20 in any given year. This year, it will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17.
To join the Noontime Knowledge, use this link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82903956921?pwd=7kkpgfRsLAdLvqbibz1TJYluI98uyv.1.
Alternatively, open Zoom, click “Join a Meeting,” and enter the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 829 0395 6921
Password: 833833
You can also join by phone at 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
New Crucial Conversation Training Dates Set for March
More than 40 F&S team members have already received training from the Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue series, with representatives from the Building Maintenance, Engineering & Construction Services, Transportation & Building Services, and Capital Projects divisions participating thus far. After attending a recent event, a colleague said, “The concepts were clearly stated, and the practice helped solidify the concepts in my memory.”
The next offering of the training series will take place on March 3 and 5, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Four spaces are still available and can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Monday, February 23. Click this link to enroll: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/388407209. Supervisor approval should be obtained before registering.
While there is a cost ($350) to attend the on-site training and gain access to the associated learning materials, it is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. Units and departments should check their training budgets to ensure current funding availability.
PCard Recertification
The Purchasing Card (PCard) Recertification period is ending. If you have one or are a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM, you MUST recertify before Friday, February 27, if you have not already done so. To complete the recertification, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630.
If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp.
ONGOING EVENTS
Call Before You Dig!
Avoid hitting utility lines when you dig, whether at home or at work! Call JULIE at 8-1-1 first. This nationwide number is used to make a locate request for underground utilities before you excavate. This free service is available 24/7, but it may take a few days for the request to be fulfilled. For upcoming digging to be done on university property, JULIE will coordinate with the Service Office to begin the locate process. F&S shops do the actual locates for utilities on campus and may take up to two business days to do so for nonemergency locates. For more information, visit https://fs.illinois.edu/utility-locating/.
New Team Member Orientation Dates
New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next orientation is Monday, February 16. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Additional Training/Professional Development
Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.
Leadership Development for Women – Wednesday, February 18 (10 a.m.–noon, online)
This course provides the tools to navigate challenges, gain confidence to lead, and motivate future generations. It also emphasizes the value of networking and mentoring for inspiring others to recognize their full leadership potential.
Kindness at Work: Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture – Wednesday, February 18 (1–2 p.m., online)
Learn the benefits of kindness, empathy, and compassion in the workplace and how they can be encouraged by managers and team members alike.
A New Leader’s Playbook: Lead Change Through Tough Conversations – Wednesday, February 25 (1–2 p.m., online)
If you’re a new senior leader, this workshop is for you! Learn how to gain trust and buy-in from your team, with practical strategies to help you.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
Text 9-1-1 Available in Champaign County
To report an emergency via text, make 9-1-1 the recipient in the “To:” section. Then include the location of the emergency and the type of help needed in the message. Use clear, concise language without abbreviations, emoticons, or emojis. Be prepared to answer questions or follow instructions. Remember to silence your phone if a message alert could jeopardize your safety. To learn more about Text 9-1-1, visit https://www.metcad911.org/text/default.html.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
ILAPPA + Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference: Now with the 2026 Supervisor Toolkit! This year, the Illinois Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference will be combining with the ILAPPA Conference, April 22–23, at the Illini Union. Two program tracks will be offered to all, with topics selected by the Chief Engineers and the ILAPPA community. Free registration is now open for the conference and also ILAPPA’s 2026 Supervisor Toolkit training at a discounted price ($600 per person). The toolkit training is designed to help facilities management supervisors realize both personal and professional growth in their roles.
- Conference (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/):
Wednesday afternoon /Thursday: April 22–23 - Supervisor Toolkit (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/):
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday morning: April 20–22
University of Illinois Web Conference: Early bird registration is now open for the 2026 virtual conference on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10. In addition to the online portion, an in-person gathering will take place at the Hotel Royer (210 S. Race St., Urbana) on Thursday evening. Chris Tidrick, CIO of Gies College of Business, will be the keynote speaker on Thursday morning. Sessions that day include “The Future of SEO,” “AI in Accessibility,” and “Putting the Content into Content Strategy.” Friday’s keynote speaker will be Masha Trenhaile, the head of University Strategy and Outreach. Sessions that day include “Small Details, Big Impact,” “Modular Architecture for Web Applications,” “Scroll-Stopping Design for Social Media,” and “TL;DR, How to Write When No One’s Reading.” Go to https://webcon.illinois.edu/2026-day-1-sessions/ or https://webcon.illinois.edu/2026-day-2-sessions/ for complete details on each day’s sessions.
2026 Safety Summit: The National Safety Council’s conference and expo for safety professionals runs May 6 to 8 in Baltimore, Maryland, with professional development seminars on the first day. Topics include using AI and technology for injury prevention, fatigue technology innovation, and more than 50 other learning opportunities. The Expo features over 150 industry-leading exhibitors. Learn more at https://2026safetysummit.nsc.org/home.
Accessibility Survey
Two students working on their master’s degree are collecting data on how accessible the Urbana campus’ crosswalks and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps are. This survey informs a capstone project for the Department of Urban & Regional Planning in collaboration with F&S. You can help by completing the survey, which will take 15 to 20 minutes. Answers will be anonymous. Feedback from individuals with mobility limitations is particularly encouraged, but all responses are welcome. To participate, complete the survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR579EI2Y7Q-zDdVoPfhmwC6OF7fik-YscKQWByvCcHKgygg/viewform.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Tournament—Both the men’s and women’s teams will participate in the two-day tournament at the Activities and Recreation Center (201 E. Peabody, Champaign) today and tomorrow, February 13 and 14. With 15 games to choose from, there are plenty of chances to catch the action. Tonight, the women take on Arizona at 5 p.m., and the men face Auburn at 7 p.m. Tomorrow, the first game is at 8 a.m., and the final match starts at 3:45 p.m. All the details are available at https://dres.illinois.edu/athletics/2026-illinois-wheelchair-basketball-home-tournament/, including live stream information for those who can’t make it in person.
- Theatre Opportunities—Central Drama is presenting Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (the world’s longest running play on the West End, with more than 30,000 [and counting] performances). You can take in the murder mystery tonight and tomorrow (February 13 and 14) at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m., at the high school’s Decker Theatre. More details are available at https://www.instagram.com/p/DUj1NTNjyRn/. If that genre isn’t your cuppa tea, you could head over to the Station Theatre for the new musical Head Over Heels, which features music from The Go-Go’s. The show has a wait list for the weekend, but it is sometimes possible to get in via the list; tickets are still available for Thursday, February 19, and Saturday, February 21. Learn more at https://stationtheatre.com/.
- Argenta IceFest—Live ice carving demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. are among the highlights of the 10th annual ice festival in downtown Argenta on Saturday, February 14. Master ice carvers will display their art, making this a fun and unique event. Food and drink will be available from local vendors throughout the day, as well as kid-friendly and pop-up activities. Find out more at https://de.enjoyillinois.com/things-to-do/festivals-and-events/holidays/listing/7th-annual-argenta-icefest/.
- Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras Events—If you’re looking for things to do on Saturday or Tuesday, check out the following links with suggestions: Valentine’s Day for Adults: https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/01/18/valentines-day-dates-adults-champaign-urbana/ or https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/valentines-day-ideas-for-the-romantics/; Valentine’s Day for Families: https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/01/15/valentines-day-events-families-champaign-urbana/; and a Mardi Gras List (with kid-friendly events at the top and more adult-friendly ones if you scroll to the bottom): https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/02/03/mardi-gras-champaign-urbana/.
- Greek and Roman Summer Camps—If your kids (ages 8 to 11) are obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, the university has just the summer camp for that, with two sessions in June for “Meet the Romans” and four for “Meet the Greeks.” Different activities take place each time, so you can sign up for more than one. Registration opens Sunday, February 15, and the popular camps fill up quickly. Visit https://classics.illinois.edu/academics/summer-camps for more details.
- School’s Out Activities—Monday, February 16, is Presidents’ Day, and several area school districts are closed for the holiday. Never fear, there are some fun activities on tap to help you fill the day. Skateland in Savoy has a Paw Patrol event, between 1 and 4 p.m. The Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College is running matinées of their shows Cosmic Colors at 1 p.m. and Sunstruck at 2 p.m. The Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet has a Meet Abraham Lincoln event between 2 and 3:30 p.m., where stories from the 16th president will be shared. The Mahomet Public Library is showing The Wild Robot at 2 p.m. Learn more about all these events at https://www.chambanamoms.com/event-calendar/.
February 6, 2026
Learn About the Celebration of Lunar New Year at the Next Noontime Knowledge
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee welcomes Amy Kyung Eun Breslin, the associate director of the university’s Asian American Cultural Center, as the next Noontime Knowledge guest speaker on Wednesday, February 25, at noon. Breslin’s topic, “From Korea to Champaign—Lunar New Year Soup and Stories,” will explore the Lunar New Year Festival, stories, and traditions through a Korean diasporic lens, while considering the many ways people across the pan-Asian community celebrate this event. Based on the lunar calendar, Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and thus may fall between January 21 and February 20 in any given year. This year, it will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17.
To join the Noontime Knowledge, use this link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/82903956921?pwd=7kkpgfRsLAdLvqbibz1TJYluI98uyv.1.
Alternatively, open Zoom, click “Join a Meeting,” and enter the following meeting ID and password where prompted:
Meeting ID: 829 0395 6921
Password: 833833
You can also join by phone at 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted.
If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
G.R.O.W. Program Offers New Apprenticeship Opportunities
Application Period Ends Soon! The Great Resource Opportunity Within program was created in cooperation with local unions for internal candidates who want to G.R.O.W. with F&S. The program establishes dedicated, long-term apprentice paths in the trades. Currently, two positions are available:
- Carpenter Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15653
- Mill Worker Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15654
The deadline to apply is Monday, February 16. To be considered, F&S team members must submit their letter of interest, resume, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor. The candidate must also have at least three years’ continuous employment with F&S and no active formal disciplinary action.
To learn more about the program, go to the program’s web page (https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/g-r-o-w-program/) after logging into ERIN on the F&S website. For questions, contact HR Coordinator Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu.
Revolving Loan Funds Available
Please help spread the word! F&S is now accepting new Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) applications for utility conservation projects envisioned by academic, auxiliary, and administrative units. Since its inception, the RLF has supported more than $10M in loans for energy-efficiency improvements and, in 2026, will provide $1M for colleges, departments, and institutes to support transformative upgrades, such as LED retrofits, occupancy sensor installations, HVAC enhancements, building envelope repairs, and more.
Team members are encouraged to review the program guidelines and the application form’s informational requirements to determine whether existing or future work within the organization or other campus academic or administrative units could benefit from potential RLF support. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 6. Learn more at https://fs.illinois.edu/revolving-loan-fund-rlf/. For questions or assistance with completing an application, contact Energy Efficiency and Conservation Specialist Paul Foote gfoote2@illinois.edu, 217-244-1048.
New Crucial Conversation Training Dates Set for March
More than 40 F&S team members have already received training from the Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue series, with representatives from the Building Maintenance, Engineering & Construction Services, Transportation & Building Services, and Capital Projects divisions participating thus far. After attending a recent event, a colleague said, “The concepts were clearly stated, and the practice helped solidify the concepts in my memory.”
The next offering of the training series will take place on March 3 and 5, in Stores & Receiving conference room 1A, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested team members are encouraged to sign up by Monday, February 23. Click this link to enroll: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/388407209. Supervisor approval should be obtained before registering.
While there is a cost ($350) to attend the on-site training and gain access to the associated learning materials, it is a significant savings compared to the instructor-led course delivered virtually by Crucial Learning. Units and departments should check their training budgets to ensure current funding availability.
Rescheduled My.FS Portal Upgrade to Occur Next Week
Next Tuesday, February 10, the Service Request application in the my.FS Portal will be updated to incorporate the same design enhancements previously applied to other modules, including implementing Duo security verification and making it a more seamless experience when using your NetID and password to sign in. This improvement work was postponed to the start of the spring semester to allow F&S Information Technology Services (ITS) additional time to test the upgraded module.
No significant maintenance downtime for the portal is expected ahead of this transition; users will be able to log in as usual once the changeover occurs. For questions or to provide additional feedback, please contact the F&S ITS Support Desk fandssupportdesk@illinois.edu, 217-244-6350, or at https://supportdesk.fs.illinois.edu.
ILAPPA + Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference
Now with the 2026 Supervisor Toolkit!
This year, the Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference will be combining with the ILAPPA Conference, April 22-23, at the Illini Union. Two program tracks will be offered to all, with topics selected by the Chief Engineers and the ILAPPA community. Free registration is now open for the conference and also ILAPPA’s 2026 Supervisor Toolkit training at a discounted price ($600 per person). The toolkit training is designed to help facilities management supervisors realize both personal and professional growth in their roles.
Conference (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/):
Wednesday afternoon /Thursday: April 22-23
Supervisor Toolkit (https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/):
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday morning: April 20-22
Check Out the Dispatch Archive on ERIN
Did you know the Dispatch archive extends back to 1986! If you are looking for past feature stories, performing research, or just catching up on more recent editions from recent years, visit the ERIN (employee intranet) side of the F&S website at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/dispatch-archive/.
If you would like a project or initiative featured in the Dispatch, let Customer Relations & Communications (CRC) know about your latest project or achievement. Related multimedia is also gladly accepted. CRC will include as many stories and images as possible. Send your suggestions to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu.
Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball – Help Fill State Farm Center vs. USC
Help sell out the Illinois Women’s Basketball game this Sunday, February 8, at noon, against USC at the State Farm Center. All fans will get in for $5, plus there will be several Super Bowl Sunday concession specials.
The game will also celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day and Play4Kay/Cancer Awareness Day. For more information, visit the team web page at https://fightingillini.com/sports/womens-basketball.
The Illini are presently 16-7 overall and 6-6 in Big Ten Conference play. The squad is 11-2 in the “House of ‘Paign” this season!
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
- 10th Annual Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week—It’s the final two days of Restaurant Week (February 6 & 7), and more than 55 participating restaurants are waiting to serve you! From baked goods to quick favorites and fine dining, you’re sure to find something to your taste. Chambanamoms has a rundown of several of the special offers at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/01/28/champaign-urbana-restaurant-week/. You can also see the whole list of restaurants or search by keyword at https://experiencecu.org/events/restaurant-week.
- Illini Hockey—There are two chances to watch the Fighting Illini take on McKendree University at the Ice Arena (406 E. Armory Ave., Champaign) this weekend. Tonight and tomorrow, February 6 & 7, at 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more or buy tickets at https://www.illinihockey.com/schedule/upcoming.
- National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day—Bring the family out to the Martens Center (1515 N. Market St., Champaign) on Saturday, February 7, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., to celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Kids of all ages will enjoy making their own sweet treat! The Champaign Park District will provide the ingredients, and groups of 20 to 25 people will take turns every 30 minutes. For more information, go to https://champaignparks.org/event/national-ice-cream-for-breakfast-day-2/.
- Men’s Gymnastics—It’s the Fighting Illini vs. Michigan at noon on Saturday, February 7, in Huff Hall (1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign). The event is free to attend. Enjoy the excitement of two highly ranked programs. Visit https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-gymnastics for more information.
- SURS Traditional & Portable Retirement Estimator Workshop—This interactive workshop will teach you how to use the Benefit Estimator tool on the Secure Member Website. Because it is interactive, the event is limited to 100 members. For more information or to register for the webinar on Wednesday, February 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., go to https://surs.org/event/surs-traditional-portable-retirement-benefit-estimator-workshop/.
January 30, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services January 30, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Biannual Crafts & Trades Testing Next Wednesday, February 4, is the final day to apply to test for the university’s Crafts & Trades positions. Openings include (but are not limited to) carpenter, laborer, locksmith, pipefitter, roofer, steam and power plant, steam distribution, and temperature control. Go to https://humanresources.illinois.edu/bi-annual-testing/ to see the full list. Then click the “View Postings on the Job Board” button at the top to go to the page where clicking the job title will garner more information. Interested people can upload copies of their certifications and licenses, along with a detailed work history. Learn about the process online at jobs.illinois.edu or by calling Illinois Human Resources at 217-333-2137. Pocket Facts 2026 Download the very helpful booklet that puts facts and figures at your fingertips from campus and the University of Illinois System! For example, this school year,The Urbana campus is hosting 60,000 plus students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. It is ranked #12 in public universities. The total FY26 operating budget for the system is $8.94 billion. One in every 37 jobs in Illinois are connected to the system.Interested in reading more? The entire booklet is available at https://news.uillinois.edu/view/7815/343199489. Reasonable Accommodations for University Employees Did you know the Office for Access and Equity (OAE) is available to help facilitate the reasonable accommodations process for university employees, including faculty, academic professionals, civil service, postdocs, extra help, student employees, and others. According to OAE’s website, “a reasonable accommodation: is a modification or adjustment to a job-related activity, an employment practice, or the work environment.enables an individual to perform the essential functions of their position, access the privileges and benefits of employment, or apply or interview for a job. may be for a fixed time period or for an indefinite duration.may be adjusted over time as the needs of the employee or the unit change. must not create an undue hardship for the employing unit.” Reasonable accommodations may be applied over several categories, including disabilities or medical conditions; pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related conditions; religious accommodations; victims of violent crime; or parking accommodations. More information, including ways to get help, report a problem, or request an accommodation, is available at https://oae.illinois.edu/employee-accommodations/. ILAPPA’s Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference Now with the 2026 Supervisor Toolkit! The Supervisor Toolkit will precede the conference, meeting Monday through Wednesday morning, April 20–22, with the ILAPPA conference beginning immediately after on Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, April 23. Registration is already open. The event is being held in the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana), making it very convenient for team members to attend.While details on speakers and topics are still being developed, the Supervisor Toolkit is meant to be a fun and engaging course “designed to help supervisors realize both personal and professional growth.” Sign up at https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/. Two conference tracks, one set by ILAPPA and one set for chief engineers, will be available on those days. Register for the conference at https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/. Illini Cash Ends June 30 If you’ve ever used Illini Cash, you should check your account balance and spend down any remaining amount before June 30. After that date, the Illini Cash program will be discontinued. Illini Cash is accepted around campus at locations that include University Housing dining halls, campus Starbucks, the Illini Union Bookstore, and others. Learn how to check your balance, where you can use your card, and other details about the Illini Cash program at the FAQ located at https://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/illini-cash-faq. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: G.R.O.W. Program Offers New Apprenticeship Opportunities Extended! The Great Resource Opportunity Within program was created in cooperation with local unions for internal candidates who want to G.R.O.W. with F&S. The program establishes dedicated, long-term apprentice paths in the trades. Currently, two positions are available:Carpenter Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15653Mill Worker Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15654The deadline to apply is now Monday, February 16. To be considered, F&S team members must submit their letter of interest, resume, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor. The candidate must also have at least three years’ continuous employment with F&S and no active formal disciplinary action. To learn more about the program, go to https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/g-r-o-w-program/. For questions, contact HR Coordinator Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu. New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next orientation is Monday, February 2. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Additional Training/Professional Development Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training.Building Confidence and Assertiveness – Wednesday, February 11 [10 a.m. – 12 p.m.] This webinar will provide you with the tools to overcome fear, gain personal empowerment, and inspire confidence in others. By believing in your potential and the positive changes we can make, we are able to grow personally and professionally. Promoting Systems of Equity – Friday, February 13 [10 – 11 a.m.] Oppression is more than just the sum of individual prejudices. Its patterns are systemic and therefore self-sustaining, often without interruption. This webinar provides an overview of the levels of oppression often experienced and an opportunity for reflection, perspective-taking, and creative initiative in creating opportunities for increased equity and inclusion. Leadership Development for Women – Wednesday, February 18 [10 a.m. – 12 p.m.] This course provides the tools to navigate challenges, gain confidence to lead, and motivate future generations. Additionally, participants will gain knowledge on the value of networking and mentoring for inspiring others to recognize their full potential as leaders. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue – Tuesday and Thursday, March 3 and 5 [9 a.m. to 5 p.m.] In-person at Central Stores & Receiving conference room 1A. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. PCard Recertification Do you have a Purchasing Card (PCard), or are you a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM? You will need to recertify before February 27, unless you completed the certification on or after October 1, 2025. To complete the recertification, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630.If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp. Low-Cost Therapy for Adults with Depression and Anxiety Spring openings are available for low-cost treatment of adults in the community, including U. of I. faculty/staff and students, suffering from depression, lethargy, grief, chronic anxiety or worry, social anxiety, fears, anxious avoidance of particular situations, or anxiety related to an event. For more information or a free screening appointment, call the university’s Psychological Services Center at 217-333-0041. Fees are based on a sliding scale that depends on family size and income, but no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. For general information about the center, visit https://psc.illinois.edu/. Bevier Café is now open for the spring semester. The student-run café offers lunch and self-service on weekdays. See the weekly menu at beviercafe.illinois.edu. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Strides Shelter Fundraiser Concert—Come out tonight (January 30) to the Independent Media Center (202 S. Broadway, Urbana) for an all-ages concert to support the Strides Shelter. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m., with Rebekah Mangles, Mike Ingram, and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. There’s also a live painting, which will be auctioned, and a food and coat drive. Learn more at https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/strides-shelter-fundraiser-concert/. Sip and Learn—Enjoy “Hot Cups of Culture” on Saturday, January 31, when the Museum of the Grand Prairie (950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet) offers American hot chocolate, Chinese tea, and a selection of other warm drinks enjoyed by communities within Champaign County. The free event is from 4 to 6 p.m. Go to https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/sip-and-learn-hot-cups-of-culture-jan-2026 for more details. Black History Month Events—There are many campus and community events on tap in February to celebrate Black History Month, with some aimed at adults and some at families. These include DIY kids activities; a talk on New Philadelphia, the first US town platted and registered by an African American; music opportunities and open mics; lectures, and much more! Check out these lists for all the details on date, time, and place: Chambanamoms’ list at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/01/27/black-history-month-champaign-urbana/; Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center’s list at https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/531; Parkland College’s list at https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Student-Life/Fun-and-Friends/Upcoming-Events/Black-History-Month. Eighth Annual Mudpuppy Festival—This Monticello tradition celebrates the aquatic salamander found in the Sangamon River. To join the fun, come to the Monarch Events Center (212 S. Independence St., Monticello) on Sunday, February 1, between 1 an 4 p.m. There’s a children’s section hosted by the Illinois Extension, with crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and more. All-ages exhibits discuss the river and its wildlife, including mussels, birds, and, of course, mudpuppies! For more information, go to https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/events-1/mudpuppy-festival-2026. Understanding Your SURS Benefits – Tier II—This webinar is geared toward Tier II members (SURS participants who began on or after January 1, 2011). It will cover retirement issues, including earning and purchasing service credit, sick leave, refunds, reciprocal time, and other topics Join on Wednesday, February 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., by registering at https://surs.org/event/understanding-your-surs-benefits-tier-ii/. Sap to Syrup—Register for the March date of the very popular exploration of the history and science behind maple sugaring. Learn how to tap maple trees and sample real maple syrup at the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake Forest Preserve (main entrance: 2573 S. Homer Lake Rd, Homer; the Salt Fork Center is at 1229 Flicker Dr.). Join the morning session (10 to 11:30 a.m.) or the afternoon one (12:30 to 2 p.m.) on Saturday, March 7. Visit https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/sap-to-syrup-exploring-maple-tapping-in-central-illinois-march-2026 for more information and registration. The event is free, but the sessions fill up quickly! Save the Date February 25—Noontime KnowledgeMarch 14 to 22—Spring BreakMarch 17—Midterm Primary ElectionMarch 26—Big Breakfast Pats on the Back Remember to give colleagues a Pat on the Back by sending an email to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu. Compliment a deserving team member and have your words posted at https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/pats-on-the-back/. |
January 23, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services January 23, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Biannual Crafts & Trades Testing The enrollment period for testing for the university’s Crafts & Trades positions is underway. Postings for the second group will be open from January 26 to February 4. Openings include (but are not limited to) carpenter, laborer, locksmith, pipefitter, roofer, steam and power plant, steam distribution, and temperature control. Go to https://humanresources.illinois.edu/bi-annual-testing/ to see the full list. Then click the “View Postings on the Job Board” button at the top to go to the page where clicking the job title will garner more information for that job. Interested people can upload copies of their certifications and licenses, along with a detailed work history. Learn about the process online at jobs.illinois.edu or by calling Illinois Human Resources at 217-333-2137. ILAPPA’s Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference Now with the 2026 Supervisor Toolkit! The Supervisor Toolkit will precede the conference, meeting Monday through Wednesday morning, April 20-22, with the ILAPPA conference beginning immediately after on Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, April 23. Registration is already open. The event is being held in the Illini Union (1401 W. Green St., Urbana), making it very convenient for team members to attend. While details on speakers and topics are still being developed, the Supervisor Toolkit is meant to be a fun and engaging course “designed to help supervisors realize both personal and professional growth.” Sign up at https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-supervisor-toolkit-training-information/. Two conference tracks, one set by ILAPPA and one set for chief engineers, will be available on those days. Register for the conference at https://ilappa.appa.org/2026-ilappa-illinois-chief-engineers-facility-managers-conference/. Reporting Natural Gas Odors on Campus The detection of a natural gas odor is a critical situation. Leave the area immediately and call the F&S Service Office at 217-333-0340 if you smell natural gas or if a natural gas odor is reported to you. Do not use your cellphone while in the affected area. When reporting a natural gas leak or odor, prompt action is vital; call rather than email or submit a service request to expedite response activities. More information is available at https://fs.illinois.edu/Providers/service-office/. Join the Winter Blood Drive According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, making the need for blood constant and consistent. Blood is used to help patients survive traumatic injuries, cancer treatment, surgeries, and even chronic illnesses. Your blood donation can help save up to three lives. Please consider joining fellow team members and supporting the F&S Blood Drive on Thursday, January 29, between 8 a.m. and noon. The goal is to collect 18 pints for local hospitals, which could save up to 54 lives. Ten slots are still available for donations, including the drive’s first four whole blood appointment times from 8:05–8:35 a.m. and one-hour double red cell openings from 8–10 a.m. To make an appointment, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. This is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Employees may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. Motor Vehicle Record Check Updates Additional information has been shared related to the rollout of the motor vehicle record check required of some F&S team members. HireRight, the company helping to complete the process, will send a new email to those who received an initial email with incorrect subject line, and the new subject line should be as follows: University of Illinois Motor Vehicle Record Screening Request for [YOUR NAME]. Many of those required to complete this check should receive the correct invitation this or next week, but the timing of the correction email may be as late as mid-February. If you did not respond to the initial request, you must respond to the second one. Links for additional information: OBFS Policies and Procedures 15.5: Motor Vehicle Records Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Frequently Asked Questions Departmental Driver Approval Form HireRight’s Privacy and Legal Notices Questions may be addressed to Director of Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy Angela Cravens acravens@illinois.edu, 217-300-8344. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: G.R.O.W. Program Offers New Apprenticeship Opportunities Extended! The Great Resource Opportunity Within program was created in cooperation with local unions for internal candidates who want to G.R.O.W. with F&S. The program establishes dedicated, long-term apprentice paths in the trades. Currently, two positions are available: Carpenter Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15653 Mill Worker Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15654 The deadline to apply is now Monday, February 16. To be considered, F&S team members must submit their letter of interest, resume, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor. The candidate must also have at least three years’ continuous employment with F&S and no active formal disciplinary action. To learn more about the program, go to https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/g-r-o-w-program/. For questions, contact HR Coordinator Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu. New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next orientation is Monday, February 2. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Upcoming Webinars Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: two-day training (Tuesday and Thursday, March 3 and 5), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Central Stores & Receiving conference room 1A. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. PCard Recertification Do you have a Purchasing Card (PCard), or are you a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM? You will need to recertify before February 27, unless you completed the certification on or after October 1, 2025. To complete the recertification, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630. If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp. Taxes This year the tax-filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting and processing 2025 tax returns on Monday, January 26. If you used the IRS Direct File program last year, you should note that it has been discontinued. IDOR warns that fake texts and websites attempting to impersonate them are circulating; these are phishing scams trying to obtain private details. Stay safe! IDOR will never request personal or financial information via text message. Confirm official communications or contact details at https://tax.illinois.gov. IDOR has taxpayer assistance numbers for related inquiries at 1-800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336 (TTY: 1-800-544-5304). Hours and details about additional help are listed at https://tax.illinois.gov/forms/incometax/currentyear/individual/il-1040-instr/for-tax-assistance.html. Free language assistance for limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals is also available. Learn more at https://tax.illinois.gov/aboutidor/eeo-aa/accessibility-and-accommodations/language-access-plan-overview.html. Federal tax information and help are available at https://www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Electronic Access to W-2s and Other Forms If you have given the U. of I. permission to provide electronic tax forms, you can now access your W-2, 1042-S, and/or 1095-C forms. To do this, go to https://www.hr.uillinois.edu. Full instructions were sent in a recent massmail. You can view it at https://emails.uofi.uillinois.edu/newsletter/81/296730281.html. Results of the University’s Fall 2025 Public Opinion Study Ken Goldstein, a national pollster and political communicator, will report on the findings of the Fall 2025 Public Opinion Study conducted at the U. of I. He will share insights from the 2025 polling research, as well as the actionable opportunities the university has to improve public perception and reinforce its mission. The in-person event is Wednesday, January 28, from 1 to 2 p.m., in room 1302 of the Everitt Laboratory (1406 W. Green St., Urbana). Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Line & Swing Dance—The Savoy Recreation Center (402 W. Graham Dr.) is offering a fun class that will teach a variety of line and country swing dances tonight, January 23, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. There’s a small fee ($3 for residents, $5 for nonresidents) and registration is needed. Sign up at https://savoyil.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=542. Knit and Sit—All ages and experience levels are invited to Krannert Art Museum (500 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign) on Saturday, January 24, from 1 to 3 p.m., for this free event. Bring your project (weave, crochet, knit, felt, or embroider) or participate in a weaver’s circle. Want to learn to knit? A limited amount of yarn and needles will be available and instructors can help get you started. For more details, go to https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7?eventId=33540378. Free Car Seat Check Event—A properly installed car seat is essential to your child’s safety, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says nearly half of car seats are not installed correctly, and others put that number even higher. The Savoy Fire Department’s certified technicians will check yours (and adjust it if needed) on Tuesday, January 27, between 4 and 6 p.m., at the Savoy Fire Department (106 W. Tomaras Ave.). No appointment needed. Learn more at https://www.chambanamoms.com/events/free-car-seat-check-event/. SURS Plan Choice Tier II Webinar—Tier II members (SURS participants who began on or after January 1, 2011), who have not yet made a retirement plan choice, may attend this informative webinar that discusses their options. Join on Tuesday, January 27, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., by registering at https://surs.org/event/plan-choice-tier-ii-webinar-7/. Virtual Talk by Dr. Ebony Elizabeth Thomas—The Rare Book & Manuscript Library is hosting an online webinar, Into the Dark Forest: Exploring Textual Representations of Enslavement in Children’s Books and Comics, by Dr. Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, on Wednesday, January 28, at 7 p.m. Go to https://go.illinois.edu/DarkForest to register to receive the Zoom link for this interesting discussion. Free Family and Couples Therapy—The School of Social Work is looking for families or couples willing to receive eight weeks of therapy, free of charge, provided by MSW students who will be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker. Sessions will take place at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or 7 p.m. on Thursdays for eight weeks starting February 26 (no session on March 19). For more information or to register, visit https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7WYjFlJryRK1XpA. Pen Pal Initiative—A new program, sponsored by both the University of Illinois Library and International Education, is planning to match university students with members of the Champaign-Urbana community to exchange handwritten letters. The goals are to combat loneliness, integrate students into the local community, and foster intergenerational and intercultural friendships. It’s free to participate and materials will be provided. The number of community members needed depends on the number of students who sign up. If you’d like to take part, fill out the interest form at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1432607571 by February 8. More information is also available at the link. Save the Date January 29—F&S Blood Drive February 25—Noontime Knowledge March 14 to 22—Spring Break March 17—Midterm Primary Election |
January 16, 2026
| Click here to see this online Facilities & Services January 16, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas) Biannual Crafts & Trades Testing The enrollment period for testing for the university’s Crafts & Trades positions is underway. Some postings are open now through January 21; others will open January 26 to February 4. Current openings include (but are not limited to) brickmason, construction, ironworker, machinist, mill worker, painter, plumber, sheetmetal, and water station positions. Interested people can upload copies of their certifications and licenses, along with a detailed work history. Go to https://humanresources.illinois.edu/bi-annual-testing/ to see the lists for both sets of openings. Then click the “View Postings on the Job Board” button at the top to go to the page where clicking the job title will garner more information for that job. Learn about the process online at jobs.illinois.edu or by calling Illinois Human Resources at 217-333-2137. Join the Winter Blood Drive According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, making the need for blood constant and consistent. Blood is used to help patients survive traumatic injuries, cancer treatment, surgeries, and even chronic illnesses. Your blood donation can help save up to three lives. Please consider joining fellow team members and supporting the F&S Blood Drive on Thursday, January 29, between 8 a.m. and noon. The goal is to collect 18 pints for local hospitals, which could save up to 54 lives. Ten slots are still available for donations, including the drive’s first four whole blood appointment times from 8:05–8:35 a.m. and one-hour double red cell openings from 8–10 a.m. To make an appointment, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. This is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Employees may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations. Mentoring Recruitment Lunch Do you enjoy talking to kids? If so, you’re a good candidate to be a mentor with CU One-to-One Mentoring. Local students (third grade and up) are actively seeking mentors who are willing to be there for them. No experience necessary. The mentoring gig is one hour a week during the school year, and the job is simply to show up and engage with the student. That might be through playing games, or sharing stories, or just actively listening to them. Each mentor-mentee dynamic is different because the people involved are different, but your one-hour-a-week effort makes a huge difference in the life of the child. Intrigued? Come learn more at the Mentor Recruitment Lunches at noon or 12:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 21, in PPSB conference room 128. Pizza will be served at both sessions, and CU One-to-One staffers, Lauren Smith and Natalie Lessaris, will be on hand to explain the process and answer questions. F&S Mentors May Charge Time Mentoring is an approved event at F&S, and up to an hour a week can be charged. For more information, contact Cynthia Cope cfcope2@illinois.edu, 217-333-6065, or Jim Sims jimsims@illinois.edu, 217-244-6425. Temporary Fueling Procedures Next week, the vehicle fueling station at Garage and Car Pool (GACP; 1701 S. Oak St.) will undergo work to upgrade existing equipment. Repairs will start on Tuesday, January 20, and are expected to last two or three days. During this period, fueling should be limited to only vehicles with less than a quarter of a tank to minimize trips to the fuel station. Unleaded fuel will be available at pumps 3 and 4. On January 20, diesel will be available at the pump, but on January 21, diesel fuel will only be accessible from auxiliary tanks in the facility’s west parking area. GACP will be open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both these days. (GACP is closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.) For more information, contact Shawn Patterson spttrsn@illinois.edu, 217-333-3912. iRead Volunteers Needed Spread the joy of reading by helping young students. Do you remember when you were little and reading “clicked” for you? Suddenly the entire world (and beyond) was at your fingertips, within the pages of a book. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is hoping to open that door to the littlest readers by giving them extra attention through the iRead portion of their iRead • iCount program. You can volunteer in Champaign or Urbana schools to participate in the spring program, which runs March 3 to May 8. You’ll be asked to donate a one-hour block each week to work with a small group of students. Training and materials are supplied. This volunteer program is also a university-approved event. To learn more or find the application form, go to https://www.champaigncounty.org/iread-icount/. Applications are needed by January 30. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day The F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee invites you to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the documentary “Martin Luther King Jr.: Enough Is Enough.” The film looks at his life, his work, and his “legacy of courage and inspiration.” To join the Noontime Knowledge on Friday, January 23, at noon, use this link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81809981063?pwd=LSRGFEfzsr7LEMrMk5BWPreeTnqF3U.1 Alternatively, open Zoom, click “Join a Meeting,” and enter the following meeting ID and password where prompted: Meeting ID: 818 0998 1063 Password: 483992 You can also join by phone at 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905. Ongoing Events The following activities are recurring: G.R.O.W. Program Offers New Apprenticeship Opportunities Extended! The Great Resource Opportunity Within program was created in cooperation with local unions for internal candidates who want to G.R.O.W. with F&S. The program establishes dedicated, long-term apprentice paths in the trades. Currently, two positions are available: Carpenter Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15653 Mill Worker Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15654 The deadline to apply is now Monday, February 16. To be considered, F&S team members must submit their letter of interest, resume, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor(s). The candidate must also have at least three years’ continuous employment with F&S and no active formal disciplinary action. To learn more about the program, go to https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/g-r-o-w-program/. For questions, contact HR Coordinator Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu. New Team Member Orientation Dates New Team Member Orientation sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next orientation is February 2. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated! Upcoming Webinars Find full information about upcoming opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: two-day training (Tuesday and Thursday, March 3 and 5), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Central Stores & Receiving conference room 1A. Learn More F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is always seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568. PCard Recertification Do you have a Purchasing Card (PCard), or are you a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM? You will need to recertify before February 27, unless you completed the certification on or after October 1, 2025. To complete the recertification, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630. If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp. F&S HireRight Email F&S team members whose positions require a motor vehicle record (MVR) check may have received an email this week from HireRight, the company helping to complete the process. The image (left) shows the top of the email. While it may look like a phishing scam, it is actually important to follow the steps the email outlines so the record check may be completed in a timely manner. Those required to complete the check should receive additional information directly from Illinois Human Resources. Questions may be addressed to Director of Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy Angela Cravens acravens@illinois.edu, 217-300-8344. Council of Academic Professionals Meeting President Killeen will join the virtual meeting on Thursday, February 5. If you have questions for consideration, please submit them by Tuesday, January 20. Questions are solicited in advance of the meeting so Killeen can address as many topics as possible; submit them to https://surveys.illinois.edu/sec/412739977. If you will be attending the February 5 meeting, please register at https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/jF3BiDgGQo-QM7GkacvKNw#/registration. Healthy Updates Flu Shots The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports that flu cases in the state remain high, but less than 1/4 of eligible Illinoisans have received their flu shot. It’s not too late! IDPH has a vaccine finder dashboard and provider map at https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/vaccine-locator/dashboard.html. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said, “Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Simple steps like covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick if you are able, and improving ventilation are also critical to preventing further spread.” Get Covered Illinois The deadline to enroll in Get Covered Illinois (the state’s official health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act) has been extended. Residents now have until January 31 to obtain coverage. Visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov for more information or to enroll, or call the Customer Assistance Center at 1-866-311-1119 (TTY: 711). The Customer Assistance Center is offering extended hours through January 31. Mindful Movement Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services is offering a six-week series that will guide you through mindful meditations and easy stretching exercises. It meets Wednesdays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., starting on February 4. To participate, fill out the form at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/547465630. Registration closes on January 28. Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community Fighting Illini Swimming—It’s the Illini versus Iowa and Nebraska at the Activities & Recreation Center Pool (201 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign) at 5 p.m. this evening, January 16, and 10 a.m., tomorrow, January 17. Tonight is Country Night. Go to https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/1/13/swimming-diving-illinois-swim-hosts-nebraska-and-iowa-divers-to-compete-in-iowa-city.aspx for more information. Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics—The Illini take on Penn State at Huff Hall (1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign) at 7 p.m. this evening, January 16. It’s the first Big Ten meet for Illinois this season. Learn more at https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/1/14/womens-gymnastics-illini-verse-penn-state-in-home-opener.aspx. Artventures for Kids—Kids five and up will enjoy the interactive time at the Krannert Art Museum (500 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign) on Saturday, January 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. The program includes stories, gallery exploration, and art making. Visit https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7?eventId=33539130 for more details. MLK Events—Looking for a way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King this weekend? There are several events to choose from, including the 25th Annual Countywide Celebration on Sunday and the Day of Service on Monday. See the full list at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2026/01/11/martin-luther-king-champaign-urbana-events/. Matinée at the Library—The Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St., Champaign) will screen Wicked (2024; rated PG) on Sunday, January 18, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Enjoy the free showing of the story of the witches of Oz. For more information, visit https://champaign.org/event/matinee-at-the-library-wicked-15201770. Understanding your SURS Benefits Webinar (Tier 1)—This session examines topics like how to earn and purchase service credit, sick leave, survivor benefits, and other retirement calculations. The free webinar takes place on Wednesday, January 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at https://surs.org/event/understanding-your-surs-benefits-webinar-tier-i/. Save the Date January 19—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Designated Holiday) January 21—Noontime Knowledge January 21—Mentor Recruitment Lunch January 29—F&S Blood Drive February 25—Noontime Knowledge March 17—Midterm Primary Election |
January 9, 2026
Click here to see this online Facilities & Services January 9, 2026 Click here to view a printable .pdf of the E-Update F&S TEAM MEMBERS (supervisors, please post in your areas)
G.R.O.W. Program Offers New Apprenticeship Opportunities
Final week to apply! The Great Resource Opportunity Within program was created in cooperation with local unions for internal candidates who want to G.R.O.W. with F&S. The program establishes dedicated, long-term apprentice paths in the trades. Currently, two positions are available: Carpenter Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15653 Mill Worker Apprentice: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/15654 The deadline to apply is Friday, January 16. To be considered, F&S team members must submit their letter of interest, resume, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor(s). The candidate must also have at least three years’ continuous employment with F&S and no active formal disciplinary action. To learn more about the program, go to https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/g-r-o-w-program/. For questions, contact HR Coordinator Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu.
Join the Winter Blood Drive
According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, making the need for blood constant and consistent. Blood is used to help patients survive traumatic injuries, cancer treatment, surgeries, and even chronic illnesses. Your blood donation can help save up to three lives. Please consider joining fellow team members and supporting the F&S Blood Drive on Thursday, January 29, between 8 a.m. and noon. The goal is to collect 18 pints for local hospitals, which could save up to 54 lives. Slots are still available for both whole blood and double red cell donations. To make an appointment, visit https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BloodDrive or contact Steve Breitwieser sbreit@illinois.edu, 217-300-2155. This is an F&S-approved event, but team members must receive prior supervisory approval to participate. Employees may charge up to one hour, work order {XX-9999} phase 42 Blood Donations.
Mentoring Recruitment Lunch
Do you enjoy talking to kids? If so, you’re a good candidate to be a mentor with CU One-to-One Mentoring. Local students (third grade and up) are actively seeking mentors who are willing to be there for them. No experience necessary. The mentoring gig is one hour a week during the school year, and the job is simply to show up and engage with the student. That might be through playing games, or sharing stories, or just actively listening to them. Each mentor-mentee dynamic is different because the people involved are different, but your one-hour-a-week effort makes a huge difference in the life of the child. Intrigued? Come learn more at the Mentor Recruitment Lunches at noon or 12:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 21, in PPSB conference room 128. Pizza will be served at both sessions, and CU One-to-One staffers, Lauren Smith and Natalie Lessaris, will be on hand to explain the process and answer questions. F&S Mentors May Charge Time
Mentoring is an approved event at F&S, and up to an hour a week can be charged. For more information, contact Cynthia Cope cfcope2@illinois.edu, 217-333-6065, or Jim Sims jimsims@illinois.edu, 217-244-6425.
F&S Strategic Plan Update
The next F&S strategic plan, named “A Strategy for Service & Stewardship,” is in PDF form on the team member-only intranet, ERIN on the “Administration” page (https://fs.illinois.edu/Employee/administration/). F&S team members must log in to ERIN with their U. of I. credentials to access the page and document. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen our workforce, enhance customer and stakeholder engagement, advance access and belonging, improve resource stewardship, and foster innovative collaboration. Through these initiatives, we are committed to operational excellence and ensuring that our efforts directly support the mission of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
iRead Volunteers Needed
Spread the joy of reading by helping young students. Do you remember when you were little and reading “clicked” for you? Suddenly the entire world (and beyond) was at your fingertips, within the pages of a book. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is hoping to open that door to the littlest readers by giving them extra attention through the iRead portion of their iRead • iCount program. You can volunteer in Champaign or Urbana schools to participate in the spring program, which runs March 3 to May 8. You’ll be asked to donate a one-hour block each week to work with a small group of students. Training and materials are supplied. This volunteer program is also a university-approved event. To learn more or find the application form, go to https://www.champaigncounty.org/iread-icount/. Applications are needed by January 30.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The F&S Diversity and Inclusion Committee invites you to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the documentary “Martin Luther King Jr.: Enough Is Enough.” The film looks at his life, his work, and his “legacy of courage and inspiration.” To join the Noontime Knowledge on Wednesday, January 21, at noon, use this link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81809981063?pwd=LSRGFEfzsr7LEMrMk5BWPreeTnqF3U.1 Alternatively, open Zoom, click “Join a Meeting,” and enter the following meeting ID and password where prompted: Meeting ID: 818 0998 1063
Password: 483992 You can also join by phone at 312-626-6799 or 470-250-9358, using the same meeting number, followed by the pound sign (#), when prompted. If you have questions, please contact Julie O’Mahoney jao22@illinois.edu, 217-244-0905.
Ongoing Events
The following activities are recurring:
New Team Member Orientation Dates for 2026
New Team Member Orientation sessions for this year are now on the F&S Training Calendar. Sessions are held every two weeks (payroll Mondays), excluding holidays, in PPSB conference room 128. The orientation runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New team members who are unable to attend on their start date should attend the next available offering. The next orientation is February 2. Supervisors are also encouraged to view the calendar and help facilitate departmental attendance. Your continued support is appreciated!
Upcoming Webinars
Find information about 2026 opportunities at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/Training. Some are listed below. 2026 APPA Membership Updates – January 13, 2026 [12–1 p.m.]
Join APPA to review changes and improvements to your membership in 2026! Building Organizational Trust – January 14, 2026 [10:30–11:30 a.m.]
Not only is trust essential for an organization, but it is also essential for individuals, especially those in leadership or managerial positions, because team members will respect and more readily accept the ideas of those they trust. In this webinar, we will learn how trust improves relationships at all levels, and you will learn how to exemplify the characteristics and behaviors of a trustworthy person. 5 Essential Laws for Employee Growth – January 14, 2026 [1–2 p.m.]
This webinar is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their effectiveness, increase their confidence, and create lasting progress in the year ahead. Participants will explore how these five laws can guide their decisions, relationships, and habits so growth becomes intentional rather than accidental. From Boomers to Zoomers: Bridging Generational Gaps in the Office – January 16, 2026 [10–11:30 a.m.]
This workshop will help you understand the various generations present at work and understand what motivates them and dealing with them on a daily basis. Folks from both generations will have many ideas to offer, which will help the organization thrive in the marketplace. Learning how to deal with the generation gaps at work will help you become a better manager or co-worker. Personal Productivity – January 16, 2026 [1–3 p.m.]
Boost efficiency and take control of your time with practical strategies for personal productivity. This course explores the power of routines, effective scheduling, task prioritization, and delegation. Participants will learn how to break down large projects, create professional routines that maximize focus, and implement systems that reduce stress and increase output. By adopting these tools, individuals can work smarter, stay organized, and achieve lasting results.
Learn More
F&S Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy (HRDS) is always seeking your input about 2026 training and professional development opportunities. If you or your team have a training need, please submit a Facilities & Services Training Request or contact Joseph Meeker, F&S training & development specialist, jlmeeke2@uillinois.edu, 217-300-6568.
PCard Recertification
Do you have a Purchasing Card (PCard), or are you a Department Card Manager (DCM) or a delegate for a DCM? You will need to recertify before February 27, unless you completed the certification on or after October 1, 2025. To complete the recertification, go to https://answers.uillinois.edu/training/120630. If you no longer need a PCard, please turn the card in to your DCM, who will submit a cancellation request to UPAY Card Services. For policies and procedures, please access https://www.busfin.uillinois.edu/bfpp.
F&S Lost & Found
F&S has three separate Lost & Found locations. If you have lost or found items, please contact the appropriate location so belongings may be reunited with their owners. 1. The PPSB Lost & Found is located at the FIR Help Desk, room 177 (fandsfire@illinois.edu or 217-333-0923).
2. The Garage & Car Pool (GACP) Lost & Found is located at the front entrance counter in the GACP. It primarily covers items left in vehicles (217-333-3910).
3. The BSW Lost & Found is located on the second floor of the GACP building. It primarily covers items found in the campus buildings served by F&S that do not have their own Lost & Found locations (217-300-7288).
Midterm Primary Election
Tuesday, March 17 is the date for the Midterm Primary in Illinois. Note this is in the middle of the university’s spring break. It is already possible to request a mail-in ballot, which would be mailed to you on February 5, or within two days of your request if you make it after that date. Early in-person voting also begins February 5. Request a mail-in ballot at https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/vote-mail-information. Learn more about early voting at https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/many-ways-vote/early-voting-information. If you are considering using a mail-in ballot, please be aware that this year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has changed the way it postmarks mail. Previously, the mail was postmarked on the date the USPS received the item. Now, postmarks will be dated to express when the USPS processed the item. This procedural change means if an item needs to be postmarked by a certain day (e.g., for a voting ballot or a tax return), you may need to allow for extra time to ensure it. Locally, mail now sent from home, work, or from a post office in, say Urbana, or Savoy, would not be postmarked until it arrives at the mailing processing center on Mattis in Champaign. Customers will still be able to take mail to any local post office and ask the postal clerk for a free, manual postmark. Please plan accordingly when mailing date-sensitive items. Learn more about this change at https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-this-new-mail-rule-could-affect-your-ballot-your-tax-return-and-more.
New Laws in Illinois
More than 460 new state laws were passed in 2025, with many of them starting on January 1. Here are a handful of them: The newly renamed Military Leave Act (formerly the Illinois Family Military Leave Act) provides employees who serve on funeral honors details (and who work for an employer with 51 or more employees), up to 8 hours per month (40 hours maximum per year) paid leave to perform this service without need to use their vacation or personal time. (SB 0220) Part-time workers are now also eligible, along with full-time workers, to take up to 10 days of paid leave to donate an organ. (HB 1616) The state has eliminated the waiting period to report a person missing. Police must take the report when requested to do so and cannot delay due to (among others) the person’s age, mental health status, that they may have left on their own free will, or because the person reporting is not a family member. (SB 0024) The Safe Gun Storage Act decrees that owners of firearms must securely store their guns if they know (or should know) that minors, people at risk of harming themselves or others, or those who are not allowed to have a gun may have access to the weapon(s). Unsafe storage may result in fines. (SB 0008) Employers are required to provide 30 minutes of paid break time to nursing mothers who need to express milk for up to one year after the child’s birth. (SB 0212) To see a roundup of these and other laws now in effect, visit https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/what-illinois-laws-take-effect-january-1-2026.
Snippets from F&S, Campus, and the Community
Christmas Tree Recycling—The City of Champaign will collect natural Christmas trees set by the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, January 12. The Landscape Recycling Center (1210 E. University Ave., Urbana) will also accept natural trees for free recycling during January with no residency requirement. Chambanamoms.com has more details at https://www.chambanamoms.com/2025/12/25/collections-christmas-trees-champaign-urbana/.
Harlem Globetrotters—Tickets are still available to see the Harlem Globetrotters on their 100 Year Tour. Experience the excitement at the State Farm Center (1800 S. First St., Champaign) tonight, January 9, at 7 p.m. Go to https://fightingillini.evenue.net/event/E25/0109 for more information.
Trivia—Trivia buffs have multiple opportunities to show off their skills this weekend. The trivia categories at the Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St., Champaign; https://champaign.org/event/unbooked-trivia-14920311) tonight, January 9, look back at 2025 and also squirrels. Join the fun from 6 to 8 p.m. If older history is more your jam, head to The Literary (122 N. Neil St., Champaign; https://www.literarybookbar.com/), also tonight, between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., where the Museum of the Grand Prairies staff will quiz you (solo) or your team (up to 7 people) on artifacts from their collection and other history-related questions. If Gilmore Girls Trivia is your cup of tea, you can test your Stars Hollow knowledge on Sunday, January 11, 2 p.m., at Yellow & Co. (1830 Patton Dr., Mahomet; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-gilmore-girls-theme-at-yellow-co-tickets-1977827253557).
Winter on the Lake—Meet the live ambassador animals for the Champaign County Forest Preserve at the Elks Lake Pavilion, Lake of the Woods (1600 Trillium Dr., Mahomet), on Saturday, January 10, between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. You can also enjoy hands-on stations about lake ice, animal ecology, seasonal shifts, and other activities for all ages at this free event. Learn more at https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/winter-on-the-lake.
Retirement Savings Plan Distributions Options Webinar—Do you have questions about how the financial distribution options of the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) at retirement? Get answers at the free webinar on Wednesday, January 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will also “address retirement planning tools, types of annuities, the RSP Application process, timing of payments and available resources.” Register for the webinar at https://surs.org/event/retirement-savings-plan-rsp-distribution-options-webinar/.
Save the Date January 19—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Designated Holiday) January 29—F&S Blood Drive