Enrollment & Retention Management

Upgrade Your College Experience: Transfer to UIS Today!

eewest2 — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:15:55 +0000

Upgrade Your College Experience: Transfer to UIS Today! eewest2 Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:15

Student Location Determinations

khobb2 — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:25:32 +0000

Student Location Determinations khobb2 Wed, 07/03/2024 - 10:25

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to determine the state in which a student is located as required by 34 CFR § 668.43.

II. Scope

This policy applies to current students and prospective students.

III. Background

In November 2019, the Department of Education promulgated regulations requiring that institutions of higher education make a determination regarding the state in which a student is located for the purpose of making certain disclosures. The disclosures pertain to educational programs designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation or is advertised as meeting such requirements. The location determination must be made at the time of the student’s initial enrollment in the educational program, and again upon formal receipt of information from the student that their location has changed. These regulations can be found at 34 CFR § 668.43(c) as amended on October 31, 2023.

IV. Statement of Policy

For the purposes of this policy, a student’s location (not residency) will be determined at the time of initial enrollment (registration) in any undergraduate or graduate program. Students located outside of Illinois will receive and be required to sign a digital attestation form.

A student signing a written attestation that they intend to seek employment in a State will be considered located in that State effective upon the date the signed attestation is delivered to the UIS Registrar. The written attestation must be in the form prescribed by UIS.

Location designations shall remain in effect unless and until a student changes the U.S. state or territory listed in their permanent address using the online Student Self-Service tool and completed the location change form OR without a permanent address change notifies the Registrar that they intend to change their location for the purposes of this policy. Once a student has notified the Registrar’s office per stated policy on the Registrar’s webpage regarding address changes, the university will consider the new U.S. state or territory as the student’s location for the purposes of this policy.

This policy only determines location (not residency) for purposes of professional licensure as governed by 34 CFR § 668.43 and is not a factor in determining residency for tuition purposes. All other university policies that determine Illinois residency for the purpose of tuition assessment will not be superseded by this policy.

V. Procedures

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost will use a student’s location as determined by this policy to make any general educational program disclosures required by 34 CFR § 668.43(a)(5)(v) and any individual educational program disclosures required by 34 CFR § 668.43(c)(1) and (2). When requested, and subject to applicable privacy laws, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost or designee will make the determination regarding a student’s location, together with any supporting documentation, available to the Secretary of Education.

VI. Definitions

Current students:

Students who are currently enrolled in a University of Illinois Springfield educational program. Permanent address: Permanent address includes permanent home address.

Prospective students:

Students who have applied for admission to the University of Illinois Springfield educational program but who have not yet enrolled. Students: Students include current students and prospective students.

VII. Forms, Tools and Additional Resources

Student Self-Service

VIII. Website Address for this Policy

UIS Policies

Policy Level

University-level

Approval Date

07-02-2024

Last Reviewed

07-02-2024

Responsible Unit

Enrollment & Retention Management

Unit Head

Vickie Cook

Associated Documents

Student Location Determinations_07.01.2024.pdf

Enrollment & Retention Management Update - February 2024

hbruc3 — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:32:12 +0000

Enrollment & Retention Management Update - February 2024 hbruc3 Thu, 02/15/2024 - 12:32

Institutional (UIS Funded) Scholarships and Grants

khobb2 — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 20:54:52 +0000

Institutional (UIS Funded) Scholarships and Grants khobb2 Wed, 11/29/2023 - 14:54

Effective Date

This policy will be effective for new students entering UIS beginning with the Fall 2023 and beyond. Current or continuing students will not have changes made to negatively impact their current aid packages.

Description

This policy governs the administration of undergraduate scholarship and grant programs at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). All funds provided and selected by UIS, including scholarships donated by alumni, and private/corporate sources, are considered institutional aid. This policy is intended to maximize the use of all university resources to provide equitable aid programs for scholarship and grants, and avoid over-award situations resulting in post-notification adjustments.

UIS provides generous scholarship and grant programs available for many of its students. Most programs are available to students enrolled in on-campus programs, full-time, and generally excludes students enrolled in online-only programs. To be eligible for UIS aid, students must meet minimum enrollment requirements, demonstrate talent in academics, athletics or other specified areas, and/or have financial need.

Scope and Application

This policy pertains to all institutional aid awarded by the University of Illinois Springfield including, but not limited to:

UIS merit admission scholarships, such as Star Scholar, Lincoln and Transfer Merit
UIS Capital Scholars Honors (CAP) Scholarship program
UIS Athletic Scholarships*
University of Illinois President’s Award Program (PAP)
Donor-based or Departmental scholarships
Need-based grants and tuition waivers
Any other scholarships selected and awarded by UIS staff and/or faculty

*Athletic grants-in-aid programs are administered by the financial aid office at the discretion of UIS Athletics. Student eligibility for these awards must be applied consistent with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations, as well as any applicable federal, state and university requirements.

Tuition assistance for state university employees, dependents or retirees is also considered outside the scope of this policy, insofar as it is an institutionally-provided and defined benefit. Tuition assistance is applied in coordination with other forms of institutional aid and in relationship to employment status, which may require more nuanced treatment. Employees receiving full tuition waivers are generally not eligible for other UIS institutional aid.

Policy Details

UIS institutional aid is generally awarded for the fall/spring, and most programs are not available for the summer term, with some exceptions such as athletic aid and certain donor scholarships. UIS institutional aid may be used to cover UIS tuition and mandatory fees, with a few exceptions.

In some cases, UIS institutional aid may be used for on-campus housing and meals. However, students are responsible for additional costs of attendance, which may include remaining tuition and fees, housing and dining costs, books and personal expenses. UIS institutional aid may not be used to pay certain fees such as Student to Student Grant, student health insurance, fines such as parking tickets or late fees, or other non-educational expenses. Institutional aid is non-refundable, has no cash value, and may not be rolled to a future semester or year.

UIS Scholarship Maximum

Generally speaking, UIS institutional aid is capped at a students’ tuition and mandatory fee charges. The combination of UIS scholarships, grants and other tuition- and fee-specific aid programs may not exceed UIS tuition and mandatory fees. However, certain UIS scholarships may be designated as applicable to housing, meals, and/or books. Adjustments to student aid offers may be required to comply with all federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines. UIS scholarships and grants may have additional award specific restrictions and renewal criteria. Students should review the scholarship guidelines carefully.

UIS Students are only eligible to receive one of the following: Star Scholar Award, Lincoln Scholarship, Capital Scholars Honor Scholarship, Transfer Merit Scholarship, President’s Award Program, Camerata Music Scholarship, or Memorial Health Pre-Nursing Scholarship. However, the AIM HIGH Grant, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Out of State Scholarship, and UIS Athletic scholarships may be combined with other UIS scholarships, up to the UIS scholarship maximum.

UIS Donor-based scholarships

Scholarships donated to UIS to be selected by university personnel vary widely in awarding criteria, renewability, and are generally available to be utilized for any educational-related expenses. Specific criteria are maintained by the Office of Advancement. Since these scholarships are funded by external sources, UIS donor-based scholarships may be awarded up to the cost of attendance in addition to other UIS scholarships, rather than applying to the UIS Scholarship Maximum of tuition and mandatory fees.

Coordination with Other Financial Aid

Overall, a student’s total financial aid may not exceed their overall cost of attendance, which is an estimate used by financial aid to calculate aid eligibility. In compliance with federal student aid regulations, all institutional aid to UIS students is managed through the Office of Financial Assistance (OFA). When institutional aid is coordinated with non-institutional aid, the student’s total financial aid package cannot exceed the student’s financial cost of attendance, as determined by OFA, and as allowed by federal and state regulations. Exceptions to this policy may be made only with the approval of the Director of Financial Aid.

Tuition- and fee-specific aid programs may not exceed the amount billed (and not otherwise remitted in the form of reciprocity or tuition benefits) to the student as instructional tuition and mandatory fees. Funds limited to individual billed components must specify to which component they apply (e.g., room/housing, board/meal plan, books/supplies). Certain tuition-specific and tuition and fee-specific financial aid programs a student may be eligible for must be considered and applied prior to UIS institutional aid, including, but not limited to:

Child of Veteran tuition waiver
Employee and Child of Employee tuition waivers
Other State of Illinois programs, including but not limited to:
- IL Veterans’ Grant tuition and mandatory fees waiver
- IL National Guard tuition and certain fees waiver
- IL DCFS Scholarship and Tuition waiver
- Grant Program for Dependents of Police/Fire/Correctional Officers
- MIA-POW Tuition and certain fees waiver
Military and Veteran Tuition Assistance and Educational program
Any other tuition/fee specific aid programs from any source

Students who are eligible for the following State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant may have UIS institutional aid up to the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing and/or meal plans, as applicable, in addition to the MAP Grant. Generally speaking, federal Veterans’ Education benefits are not considered when determining eligibility for UIS institutional aid.

Questions related to this policy may be directed to the Office of Financial Assistance, within UIS Enrollment Management.

Policy Level

Unit-level

Approval Date

10-25-2022

Last Reviewed

10-25-2022

Responsible Unit

Enrollment & Retention Management

Financial Assistance

Unit Head

Vickie Cook

Associated Documents

UIS Institutional scholarship policy_revised_112923_1.pdf

Mid-Semester Enrollment & Retention Management Division Updates

hbruc3 — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:16:15 +0000

Mid-Semester Enrollment & Retention Management Division Updates hbruc3 Mon, 10/30/2023 - 14:16

State of Illinois Child of Employee Tuition Waiver Policy

khobb2 — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:34:02 +0000

State of Illinois Child of Employee Tuition Waiver Policy khobb2 Wed, 09/20/2023 - 08:34

Policy Owner: Division of Enrollment and Retention Management
Responsible Official: Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention Management
Approved by: Chancellor
Originally Approved: 09/19/2023
Targeted Review Date: 09/19/2026
Contact: Vickie Cook

Issue Statement:

The policy currently in place at UIS related to the State of Illinois Child of Employee Tuition Waiver program needs to be reviewed, as it does not address how the waiver is to be handled if the eligible parent passes away. So as not to add additional stress to the student of a deceased eligible employee during a very difficult time, a policy change is requested beginning with the 2023-2024 Academic Year to provide these students with a comparable waiver throughout their established terms of eligibility. This change in how the University implements this discretionary waiver is allowed under Illinois Administrative Code 1075.500.

Policy:

Beginning with the 2023-2024 Academic Year, any UIS student currently enrolled who is receiving the Child of Employee (COE) 50 percent waiver and loses their eligible parent will continue to be provided a 50 percent tuition waiver throughout their established terms of eligibility. This extension is available to any UIS student who is currently attending regardless of which state institution their identified parent was employed. The Child of Deceased Employee waiver will continue to follow all COE Policy Guidelines.

Procedure:

Employees must contact UIS Human Resources to apply for the waiver and can file using the System Human Resource Services website. This is required each academic year.
The usage of waivers at other universities is tracked “on the honor system.” The benefit utilization record (BUR) must be turned in every academic year. It is a self-reporting of the usage of the waiver. The BUR form is located on the same page as the application. It is also posted on the Financial Aid forms page on the UIS website.

Policy Level

University-level

Approval Date

09-19-2023

Last Reviewed

09-19-2023

Responsible Unit

Enrollment & Retention Management

Unit Head

Vickie Cook

Associated Documents

State of Illinois Child of Employee Tuition Waiver Policy 09.19.2023.pdf

UIS to offer in-state tuition to out-of-state students from the St. Louis and Quad Cities areas

bwood8 — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:10:16 +0000

UIS to offer in-state tuition to out-of-state students from the St. Louis and Quad Cities areas bwood8 Thu, 07/20/2023 - 11:10

UIS streamlines path to bachelor's degrees for transfer students

bwood8 — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:22:21 +0000

UIS streamlines path to bachelor's degrees for transfer students bwood8 Tue, 07/18/2023 - 11:22

Digital Badge Policy

khobb2 — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:26:37 +0000

Digital Badge Policy khobb2 Mon, 06/12/2023 - 10:26

Scope

Includes all internal badges offered for credit and non-credit activities.

Definitions

Macro-Credential

A United States Higher Education Qualification (or international equivalent) that is awarded by an accredited provider (e.g., Bachelor Degree, Master Degree).

Micro-Credential

A digital form of non-credit certification indicating demonstrated mastery in a specific skill or set of skills (e.g., Professional Development).

Digital Badge

An electronic representation of an accomplishment, affiliation, or interest that is visual, available online, and embedded with metadata that provides context, meaning, process, and result of an activity.

Metadata

Detailed information about who issued the badge, what the criteria were for earning it, when it was earned, keyword tags, evidence, and any other relevant information to convey the value of the certification. It is embedded in the digital badge, which validates the integrity of the credential.

Purpose

This policy documents the process for the use, design, and application of Digital Badges at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Background

Digital badges are a visual representation of the attainment or successful demonstration of the knowledge, skill and/or competency gained through learning and engagement opportunities that are verified by the University.

Policy Statement

The University will permit the use of digital badges for the purposes of acknowledging the achievements of learners (e.g., students and employees) documented and assessed through credit and non-credit learning

Principles

The University is committed to ensuring the integrity, transparency, and creditability of its digital badges. Recognition of a skill, attribute, or competency that has been developed through learning will only be granted within the constraints of this commitment. Applications for a digital badge will provide evidence that accurately represents knowledge, skill, or attribute that is being assessed or evaluated.

Permissions and Usage

The University of Illinois Springfield recognizes that macro-credentials often do not clearly identify specific skills or abilities gained through an educational experience. The University acknowledges learning is a lifelong process where individuals should be provided with opportunities to acquire, display, and certify their achievements, skills, knowledge, and competencies gained through learning and professional development opportunities.

Credential

Digital badges provide evidence of achievement and are not to be used as an acknowledgment of attendance or participation in a module, training program, or course. Earning a digital badge symbolizes the attainment of a skill, knowledge, or behavior that is supported by evidence, e.g., coursework, a reflective narrative, or other assessment.

Ownership

The awarding and ownership of a digital badge is the right of the University. The University has a right to revoke a digital badge that has been issued to a person who did not possess the knowledge, skill, or behavior that was assessed.

Brand Identity

As a digital emblem, digital badges are bound by the University brand identity guide. The design and development of digital badges will be managed by UIS Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) to ensure integrity and consistency in online and digital branding.

Design

The design of university digital badges will promote a sense of dynamic learning, by highlighting the multitude of opportunities that are available to acquire, display and certify knowledge, skills and behaviors. It will embody the culture, atmosphere and experience of the University.

Procedures

The Digital Badge Request Form will assist with the development and implementation of digital badges. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the information provided in this form is complete, and sufficient to develop a digital badge that meets all requirements.

Requesting Badges for credit-bearing courses

Badges for skills demonstrated in credit-bearing courses, certificates, or college-sponsored activities will be reviewed and approved by each college.
The college-approved Digital Badge Request Form should be emailed to cape@uis.edu.
CAPE will create the digital badge and notify the college and the badge requestor when the credential has been created.

Requesting badges for non-credit workshops and activities

The digital badge request form for non-credit badges will be reviewed by CAPE.
Approved digital badges will be created based on the submitted form.

Digital Badge Request Form

The information required on the Digital Badge Request Form will document the skills demonstrated and/or activities completed to earn the badge (see example below). Requestors must document the process used to validate each badge recipient’s content achievement, the date of the content validation, and the name/email of the badge recipient (to be released to the third-party badging platform).

Title (e.g. Collaboration);
Description (e.g. This badge recognizes competence in the skill of collaboration);
Criteria (e.g. When working with others the recipient shows: commitment to problem solving and working with peers; approaches group tasks systematically; makes connections between the ideas of other group members; and recognizes the role of other people in the group.);
Issuer Details (e.g. Department of Education);
Criteria (e.g. Reflective essay);
Date issued (and expiration);
Tags (optional; e.g. #Collaboration; #Teamwork; #Cooperation; #UIS).

Standard Symbols for Badge Design

All images included in badges must be approved by CAPE.

Issuing Badges

To issue credentials, the requestor will follow the process established by CAPE upon approval of the digital badge.

Badges Development and Issuance Fees

Please contact CAPE at cape@uis.edu for badge development and issuance fees.

Addendum A. Examples of Digital Badges

Knowledgeable and skilled, with critical judgement

Comprehensive knowledge and skills relating to their disciplines
Ability to analyze and critically evaluate arguments and evidence
Facility with interdisciplinary perspectives
Capacity to find, evaluate and use information
Ability to apply professional knowledge and skills in the workplace

Effective communicators and collaborators

Capacity to communicate effectively with others orally and in writing
Capacity to communicate effectively with others using technological and creative media
Capacity to interact and collaborate with others effectively in the workplace

Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

Ability to deploy knowledge and skills to devise solutions to problems
Knowledge of research methodologies appropriate to their disciplines
Ability to generate creative works and perspectives
Capacity to manage their careers independently

Socially responsible and engaged in their communities

Ethical awareness and academic integrity
Capacity to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve real problems
Understanding of social and civic responsibilities, human rights or sustainability

Culturally Capable

Awareness of and respect for the values and knowledges of global citizens
Capacity to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve real national and international concerns or issues
Understanding of social and civic responsibilities, human rights or sustainability beyond borders

Effective in culturally diverse and international environments

Ability to interact successfully in culturally or linguistically diverse contexts
Capacity to apply global knowledge and perspectives

Policy Level

University-level

Approval Date

12-13-2022

Effective Date

12-13-2022

Last Reviewed

12-13-2022

Responsible Unit

Enrollment & Retention Management

Unit Head

Vickie Cook

Associated Documents

UIS Digital Badge Policy_Approved-12.13.2022.pdf

Enrollment/Retention Spotlight

khobb2 — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 18:19:33 +0000

Enrollment/Retention Spotlight khobb2 Sat, 06/10/2023 - 13:19

Various Updates

Admissions Processing: The Office of Admissions Processing is responsible for functions related to application processing and review, course credit evaluation, credential processing, and transfer agreements. In recent months, we have attended several transfer exploration nights with the U of I System, UIC, and UIUC in partnership with area high schools and corresponding district community colleges in an attempt to reach students earlier. We continue to work on building more equivalent courses with all of the Illinois community colleges and we’ve started meeting with program chairs to discuss ways we can partner together to improve the UIS transfer experience.

Admissions Recruitment: Admission offices are often seen as gatekeepers, standing between applicants and their academic goals. But what happens after that acceptance letter lands in a student's inbox? The yield work begins, a crucial yet sometimes overlooked aspect of the higher education journey.
- What is yield?
  Yield work is a complex and nuanced endeavor, but its rewards are substantial. By understanding the factors that influence student choice and implementing effective strategies, we can cultivate a thriving and engaged student body, setting the stage for a successful academic journey. Yield, in admissions terms, refers to the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll at a particular university. A high yield means that more students are choosing our institution over others, signifying a strong academic reputation, vibrant campus life, and effective recruitment strategies.
- Why is yield work important?
  A healthy yield isn't just a vanity metric. It has tangible benefits for the university and student:
  - For the university: A higher yield ensures a full incoming class, leading to financial stability, optimal class sizes, and a diverse and engaged student body.
  - For the student: A well-managed yield process helps students make informed decisions, find the right academic fit, and feel confident about their chosen path.
- The Art of Yielding: Strategies for Success
  So, how do we cultivate commitment and entice admitted students to choose UIS over other options? Here are some key strategies:
  - Financial aid optimization: Offering competitive scholarships and need-based aid packages significantly impacts a student's decision.
  - Showcasing the experience: Virtual tours, interactive webinars, and personalized campus visits bring the university to life, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
  - Building relationships: Prompt communication, dedicated advisors, and personalized outreach make students feel valued and supported throughout the enrollment process.
  - Harnessing the power of community: Connecting admitted students with current students, alumni, and faculty mentors creates a sense of belonging and excitement for the future.
- Call to Action - what can YOU do?
  - Call admitted students to put a personal touch on what your program offers and the care you have for them.
  - Connect admitted students to current students.
  - Current student stories: Do you have a current student who would give a quote, testimonial, or do a video with admission.
  - Provide an email that admission can send to parents. Remember, successful yield isn't just about filling seats; it's about creating a community where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
Financial Assistance: Approximately 80 percent of UIS undergraduate students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and/or student employment. We are ready to help you apply for and receive assistance to fund your education.

FAFSA Submission
We encourage students and families to submit a FAFSA as soon as possible. At this time, the application should be available for students 24/7. Visit the 2024-25 FAFSA Issue Alerts website for details on known issues. We will do our very best to provide students with information as soon as we can; however, we must ensure that we are providing accurate information. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
Records and Registration: The Office of Records and Registration (also known as the Office of the Registrar) has a number of updates per area.
- Catalog/Scheduling: The 2025-26 UIS Catalog is now available on the Course Schedules and Catalogs website.
- Degree Audits: Working with the Office of Admissions Processing to continue the efforts on improving course-to-course articulations and transferability for incoming students.
- Registration: Registration for Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 is now open. Please encourage students to register as soon as possible before classes fill up or get canceled due to a lack of enrollment.
- Tuition/Fees: Tuition, fee, and assessment amounts are available on the Tuition and Fees website. The tuition calculator has been revamped to include complete cost of attendance information.
- Graduation: Students graduating in the coming semesters should watch for important email communications (including application deadlines) from the Registrar.