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The College of Public Affairs and Education and the Center for State Policy and Leadership, University of Illinois Springfield

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  • What happens on a university campus during the summer?

    Jun 8, 2021 12:45 pm by Dr. Robert W. Smith, Dean, College of Public Affairs and AdministrationThought Leadership

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    I bet you’ve always wondered…what happens on a university campus during the summer!? And what…if anything…happens in the College?

    As we recently celebrate our Memorial Day Holiday which is a day to celebrate the many sacrifices made by our veterans over the years to preserve this country and our democracy, it also signifies the “unofficial” start to our summer on campus and in the community.

    So I thought I would use this first Holiday of summer to reflect upon what happens here at UIS and the College of Public Affairs and Administration in the summer!

    		  

     
     
     

    First, I must emphasize that we are still here! Faculty, staff and students are on campus and offices are open. Of course, some of those offices may be on “summer hours” or have abbreviated office hours due to health and safety precautions associated with the COVID pandemic, but we are open. I would just suggest that you call ahead or email if you need to meet with someone (faculty or staff) or to access any in person services. As for the Dean’s staff and academic chairs and some select faculty members, we are working on our summer projects to get ready for the next academic year, strategizing enrollments, looking at new programs, curricular changes and working on administrative/academic projects.

     

     

    Second, I’d like to stress that UIS and the College are offering summer classes! I’ve included an abbreviated listing of courses in the table below. There is still time for students and others to sign up for courses! On campus or on line, take a look at a solid set of interesting courses to take! The Library and other student services are also available to help students learn and live on campus. Summer study equals summer fun here at UIS!

    Summer 2021 Courses

    Instructor

    CCJ 312

    ECCE: Policing In America

    Ryan Williams

    CCJ 347

    ECCE: Race, Class, and Social Justice

    Jay Gilliam

    ENS 449

    Agricultural Politics & Policy

    Megan Styles

    ENS 472

    Urban Environments

    Anne-Marie Hanson

    LES 446

    Family Law

    Deborah Anthony

    LES 428

    Juvenile Law

    Tess Dooley

    PSC 435

    ECCE: American Political Thought

    Jason Pierceson

    PSC 462

    International Law and Organizations

    Adriana Crocker

    PSC 331

    ECCE: Political Ideas and Ideologies

    Richard Gilman-Opalsky

    PAD 482

    Global Child Advocacy Studies

    Betsy Goulet

    PAD 538

    Public Service Ethics and Leadership

    Ty Dooley

    PAD 554

    Community Planning Tools

    Junfeng Wang

    PAD 590

    Topic: Emergencies, Crises, & the Nonprofit Sector

    Jose Irizarry

    MPH 408

    ECCE: Addiction

    Brian Chen

    MPH 478

    ECCE: Crisis in Environmental Health

    Lenore Killam
    		 

     
     
     

    Third, summer for most faculty, who are not teaching, means time for research, scholarship, applying for grants, attending workshops or conferences and enjoying some good old vacation time with family and friends. This is so well deserved after our COVID 19 struggles and heartache.

    Just so you know, many faculty are available throughout the summer or will get back to you if you email or leave a message. But, other faculty are away and may not be back until August. Still other faculty are on an administrative assignment that keeps them on campus or available during summer and still other faculty utilize campus as home base to research or write articles.  It’s a mixed bag! But if you need to or would like to reach a faculty member, email or call their department office to leave a message. If it’s an urgent matter or you need an answer on something, please feel free to contact the Dean’s Office for help. We always seem to be here!!

    		  

     
     
     

    A fourth element to highlight is that UIS and our College stand as pillars in the community whether or not it is fall or spring or summer. In summer, there are camps of all kinds, sporting events, cultural and entertainment programing, lectures or talks all available to the public. We welcome you to campus for those activities whether as alumni, students, stakeholders or friends. Be sure to be on the lookout this summer for a brand new University Web page which will guide you through exciting and important events happening on campus this summer and in the next academic year. Of course, COVID 19 safety and health precautions must guide us and may set some limits or parameters around these activities on campus in person. But virtual events and programming are also continuing options to take note of and attend as our health restrictions may dictate.

    My overall message is to stay connected to our College and UIS during the summer. There is lots going on, even if the pace of campus seems slower. Of course, use the summer to rest and recharge but also look to the College and University to round out your summer plans.

    		  

     

    Sincerely,

    Dean Robert Smith, Ph.D.

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