NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL ELECTION FOR EIU REPRESENTATIVE

Eastern Illinois University will hold a SPECIAL ELECTION  to begin the process of electing a representative from Eastern Illinois University to the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee (known as EAC) to serve out the remaining vacant term, October 6, 2026, through December 31, 2028.

If you are interested in representing Eastern Illinois University on this Advisory Council, in accordance with the election bylaws, Petitions and Statement of Candidacy Forms will become available for pick-up at the start of business beginning Friday, August 28, 2026. Paper forms may be picked up in the Human Resources office located in Old Main, Office 2020 or online here. The last day to submit the Petition and Statement Candidacy Forms will be by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026. 

Candidates who wish to withdraw from the election ballot must do so by Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

To be eligible for nomination and election to membership on this committee, a Civil Service employee must meet the following qualifications:

1. have a full-time certified status appointment in the State University Civil Service System; and 
2. have at least three current consecutive years of civil service employment in an institution currently served by the system at the time the candidate picks up the petition and statement of candidacy.

The appointment term will be for the remaining vacant opening, from October 6, 2026 through December 31, 2028.

Please review the SUCSAC website https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/boards/eac.aspx which includes the EAC member’s manual and the by-laws for further information.

An official list of candidates and their qualifications will be made available on or before Tuesday, September 15, 2026, or when the number of candidates equals the total number of positions to be filled (1). The election will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, via electronically through single sign-on voting link beginning 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. OR in-person voting, in the Human Resources office between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voting is for Civil Service employees only.

For questions, please contact Fantasy Sharrett, Director of Human Resources at (217) 581-5814 or fdsharrett@eiu.edu.

The President’s Office and the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office will host a retirement reception honoring Melissa Gordon on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Cougill Foyer of Old Main.

Please stop by for refreshments, celebrate Melissa, and wish her well in her retirement!

EIU President Jay Gatrell will hold office hours in the MLK, Jr. Food Court throughout the academic year. The first Community Office Hours session of the Fall 2026 semester is scheduled from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026. Come by the University Food Court to chat with Jay about whatever EIU issues are on your mind!

Location Information
Food Court
Martin Luther King Jr. University Union
1720 7th Street
Charleston, IL 61920

Contact Information
Office of the President
president@eiu.edu

EIU has several Choral Ensembles available through the courses in the School of Music. There is an informational meeting on Wednesday, August 26 at 1 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Doudna Fine Arts Center. 

If you would like to enroll in a choral ensemble, please get in touch with Dr. Howard Eckdahl (heckdahl@eiu.edu) and do the following:

1. Fill out the Choral Form (general info about anyone auditioning that the ensamble needs)
2. Sign up for a Choral Placement (sign up for a time to sing at a future audition*)
   *Please know that the choral placement is not meant to be intimidating. It consists of warming up with the piano to ascertain range and intonation, some pitch memory tests (played notes on the piano that are sung back), and some low-pressure sight reading. 

The Coles County Historical Society invites EIU students, staff, faculty and interested members of the general public to attend the Historical Marker Unveiling in honor of Major Charles B. Hall, Tuskegee Airman and EIU Alum. The unveiling will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 at the corner of Fourth Street and Garfield Avenue on EIU's campus, just north of Coleman Hall.

Charles B. Hall became the first African-American student-athlete at Eastern Illinois when he enrolled in the fall of 1938. He lettered in football and track and helped the Panthers football team to a combined 9-6-1 record in the 1938 and 1939 seasons. On his way to a great career as a halfback for the Panthers, he decided to put school and athletics on hold for a greater cause. He left EIU in the spring of 1941 to join the United States Army Air Corps. Hall was sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field in 1942 where he received his pilot’s wings on July 3. Hall joined the 99th Pursuit Squadron and was sent to North Africa on April 15, 1943. Almost three months later on July 2, 1943 Hall made history by becoming the first African-American fighter pilot to shoot down a German plane during World War II. This distinction brought visits by several generals including the commander of U.S. forces in Europe and future president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
 
Despite his sudden fame, Hall did not forget the students of Eastern Illinois or the citizens of Charleston.  He wrote a statement in a letter dated December 21, 1943, available in this feature at EIUPanthers.com. An excerpt:

“Up in the blue it doesn’t make any difference where you come from, what color you are, etc.
I can appreciate the land, sea, engineers, cooks, nurses, Red Cross, tanks,
defense workers, people buying bonds and a thousand and one other things.
I look at them and say this is worth fighting for.”

Hall eventually flew nearly 200 missions over Africa, Italy and other parts of Europe and shot down three enemy planes before returning home.
 
Hall received numerous awards and honors over his lifetime and since his death in 1971. Hall was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (the first African-American to earn the honor), the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, a portrait in the Military Hall of Fame, a memorial statue in his home town of Brazil, Indiana and the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Tuskegee Airman Inc. is named after him.

EIU Parking Fines Increase Effective July 1st, 2026

Please visit our website at eiuparking.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal and select "Get Permits" to purchase your permit.

Fall or yearly permits are available online. Please note yearly permits are only offered in the fall semester.  Yearly permits include Fall, Spring, and summer semesters.

Delivery 

 All faculty staff permits will be mailed to the campus departments. If you are currently displaying a 2025-2026 (red) staff hang tag permit, it is valid until 8/31/2026. Staff lots will be enforced starting on August 26th, 2026.

 Payment Options

Credit or debit cards or payroll deduction are available for online purchases. Cash or check payments are accepted only in the UPD lobby.

 Parking Permit Fees

• Staff/Faculty Permit  $60 Semester, $120 Year
• Motorcycle Permit: $5 Semester, $10 Year
• Replacement permits: $20
• One-day parking permits: $2 (may be purchased weekly)

The EIU Student Impact Grant for Faculty Mentors supports faculty who engage in high-impact mentoring practices. Full-time faculty (Unit A or B) who will be mentoring at least one student during the academic year are eligible. Eligibility is biennial (i.e., no one is eligible for two consecutive years.)

The application submission deadline is noon, Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Program details, including application submission instructions can be found at the ORSP Student Impact Grant Website.

The Academic Program Innovation (API) Grant is now the Academic Program and Career Readiness Innovation (APCI) Grant.

The API grant supported projects that were designed to foster curriculum innovation, enhance the academic reputation of EIU, and impact enrollment. The APCI grant will continue to support those projects and will now also support projects that bridge the gap between academic education and workforce success. Projects should seek to improve EIU student career readiness by addressing National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies.

Projects can develop a new program or transform an existing program at either the program level, or as part of an interdisciplinary or interdepartmental collaboration. The ideal project will seek to increase enrollment and improve student career readiness through curriculum innovation.

Just as with the API grant, applicants must be a full-time EIU faculty member (either Unit A or Unit B) or a department chair. Applications are due by noon, Friday, October 30, 2026. The APCI application, program details and application submission instructions can be found at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) APCI Website.

Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester! Some general and program/service location updates to be aware of as we start the 2026-27 Academic Year:

GENERAL UPDATES

For a summary overview of current EIU construction and campus utility tunnel projects, visit eiu.edu/construction.

• Campus Walkway Accessibility
  To bypass ongoing work on EIU's utility tunnel projects, metal ramps are being used in some outside areas of campus to ease with navigation between buildings.
• Charleston Middle School at Coleman Hall
  Due to the June tornado that damaged Charleston Middle School, EIU and CUSD1 have entered into a partnership that provides learning space for Charleston Middle School students in Coleman Hall. Additional details are available here.
• Renovation of Thomas Hall
  On the south end of campus, Thomas Hall renovations are ongoing. Please follow any available renovation-related directional signage in that area.
• Integrated Sciences Building
  Plans to move forward with the Integrated Science Building at EIU have been sent out to bid by Springfield’s Capital Development Board. Stay tuned for future updates on that project!

OFFICE RELOCATION GUIDE FOR THE 2026-27 ACADEMIC YEAR

Housing & Dining Services
Housing & Dining Services has transitioned to the South Quad’s Human Services Building, placing them directly adjacent to EIU’s largest on-campus student population.
📞 Phone: (217) 581-5111
✉️ Email: housing@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/housing
📱 Instagram: @eiuhousing

Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office is now located on the first floor of the Human Services Building, conveniently located inside the new Housing & Dining Office. Whether you have questions, need support, or are looking for campus resources, we're here to help. Walk-ins are always welcome — simply check in at the Housing & Dining front desk when you arrive.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to noon; 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
📞 Phone: (217) 581-3827
✉️ Email: deanofstudents@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/deanofstudents
📱 Instagram: @EIUDeanOfStudents
The Dean of Students Office looks forward to supporting EIU students and partnering with faculty and staff throughout the academic year. Stop by and say hello—they're excited for a great year ahead!

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life has moved to the second floor of the MLK Jr. University Union, Room 2070 (the former Student Activity Center). This space will be home to EIU's four governing councils: the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, along with FSL staff offices as well.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(EIU’s fraternity and sorority life members will be able to utilize the space during normal MLK Jr. University Union hours.)
📞 Phone: (217) 581-3697
✉️ Email: eiufsl@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/grklife
📱 Instagram: @eiufsl

Office of Leadership & Engagement
The Office of Leadership & Engagement has moved from its previous location on the third floor of the MLK Jr. University Union and what was formerly the Student Activity Center to the lower level of the Union in the space previously occupied by Housing & Dining. Their new home is called Panther Commons, a space designed for Registered Student Organizations, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and other EIU students to gather, collaborate, and build. While the Office of Leadership & Engagement office will close at 4:30 p.m. each day, Panther Commons will remain open during normal MLK Jr. University Union operating hours. OLE staff looks forward to welcoming students and organizations into the new space this fall!
Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
📞 Phone: (217) 581-3967
✉️ Email: ole@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/leadership
📱 Instagram: @eiu_ole

Career Services
EIU’s Career Services Office has moved from the Human Services Building to the heart of campus, and is now located on the third floor of the MLK Jr. University Union. The department intends to launch its new Life Design Studio in its new, central space.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
📞 Phone: (217) 581-2412
✉️ Email: careers@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/careers
📱 Instagram: @eiu.careerservices

EIU Writing Center
The EIU Writing Center is now housed in Booth Library (3rd Floor) as part of a broader initiative featuring updated furniture and modern layouts to create engaging, learner-centered spaces. Additionally, the Writing Center is leveraging new partnerships with Booth Library's Collaboration Commons/Research Services desk. This highly visible new location reinforces the vital connection between learning, research, and the library’s central role in student success. At the relocated and updated Writing Center in Booth Library, EIU students can get help with any aspect of their writing. The center’s trained consultants provide individual conferences, both in person and online. Students can come with ideas, notes, or a draft.
Office Hours & Appointment Scheduling: Available here.
📞 Phone: (217) 581-5929
✉️ Email: writingcenter@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/writing
📱 Instagram: @eiuwritingcenter

Technology Help Desk and Panther Card Office Relocation
The Technology Help Desk and Panther Card Office have moved to the 4th Floor of Booth Library. Staff in both areas are excited to welcome Penthers to their new locations and continue providing the support and services you need. Please note the updated service hours:
Office Hours: Monday through Friday:

     Tech Help Desk
         Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
         📞 Phone: (217) 581-4357
         ✉️ Email: support@eiu.edu
         🌐 Website: eiu.edu/panthertech

     Panther Card Office
         Monday through Friday: Walk-In Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
         Monday through Friday: Phone Support Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
         📞 Phone: (217) 581-4357
         ✉️ Email: campusid@eiu.edu
         🌐 Website: eiu.edu/campusid
     
     We look forward to assisting you in our new space at Booth Library!

The Dean of Students Office is excited to welcome the EIU community to our new location! You can now find us on the first floor of the Human Services Building, conveniently located inside the Housing & Dining Office.

Whether you have questions, need support, or are looking for campus resources, we're here to help. Walk-ins are always welcome—simply check in at the Housing & Dining front desk when you arrive.

Office Hours:

• Monday–Friday
• 8 a.m. to noon; 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

📞 Phone: (217) 581-3827
✉️ Email: deanofstudents@eiu.edu
🌐 Website: eiu.edu/deanofstudents
📱 Instagram: @EIUDeanOfStudents

We look forward to supporting our students and partnering with faculty and staff throughout the academic year. Stop by and say hello—we're excited for a great year ahead!

Vehicles for State Business:

The State of Illinois has provided some guidance when State employees use their personal vehicle in an official capacity and for official job duties:

• Using your personal vehicle is prohibited when transporting a non-employee. In these cases, employees should use a fleet vehicle or rental vehicle. 
• When you drive your personal vehicle on State business, you may be found personally liable for any accidents, damage or injuries. The State of Illinois considers your personal auto insurance to be primary. Liability and damages will be covered by your policy first. The State policy will not cover damage to your vehicle.

IGP #19 - University Hours of Operation, Building Schedules, and Flex Scheduling was recently updated with approval by the President. Please take time to review the changes to this policy.

EIU Career Services has MOVED! We are now located on the 3rd Floor of the MLK Jr Union - Room 3065.  Come up and check out our new space and start creating your plan now for your career and life. Stay tuned for more fun developments coming this fall. 

Housing & Dining Services has moved to a new location!  We are now located on the first floor of the Human Services Building (just north of Thomas Hall).  Please see our On-Campus Housing Map to view the new location.  All our contact information remains the same and we look forward to assisting you from our new space!

Tenured/tenure track faculty in Bargaining Unit A, department chairs, and associate chairs are invited to submit applications for the annual Council on Faculty Research (CFR) fall grant competition*. The Council supports research and creative activity that addresses a significant scholarly issue. Applications are due by noon, Wednesday, September 9, 2026. 

To apply, visit the CFR Website to learn about the application process and download 1) the Application Packet for your project type (research or creative activity) and 2) the Departmental Project Evaluation Form. These downloadable items will be Word documents that applicants can complete and submit as e-mail attachments to eiugrants@eiu.edu. 

*Individuals may receive only two consecutive fall awards, after which they will be ineligible for an award in the third year.

The Early Career Grant (ECG) program supports projects with potential to lead to significant external funding. All University personnel within their first six years of employment by EIU are eligible to submit ECG proposals. Eligible projects include but are not limited to research, creative activity, and innovation in academic programs. 

The submission deadline is noon, Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Program details, including application submission instructions can be found at the ORSP Early Career Grant Website.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life has moved to a new location! We are now on the second floor of the MLK Jr. University Union, Room 2070 (the former Student Activity Center). 

This space will be home to our four governing councils: the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, along with FSL staff offices as well. 

Our business hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and our fraternity and sorority life members will be able to utilize the space during normal MLK Jr. University Union hours. 

AN UPDATE FROM FACILITIES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Seventh Street Traffic Pattern Changes Begin Monday, August 10, 2026

BUILDINGS OR AREAS INVOLVED: 7^th Street between Doudna Circle Drive and Roosevelt Drive
DATE/TIME: Beginning Monday, August 10, 2026, until further notice
PURPOSE OF CHANGE: Safe roadway passage for EIU & Community Members   

DETAILS:

• Beginning Monday, August 10, 2026, 7^th Street between Doudna Circle Drive and Roosevelt Drive will be reopened but only to southbound* traffic.
  • *Andrews Hall residents will still have access to the Andrews Hall Parking Lot from the south via the lot entrance west of 7th Street. 
• Signage and barricades will be placed accordingly for traffic control.
• Expect heavy CUSD1 bus and personal vehicle traffic on this stretch of road between 7 and 8:30 a.m. and from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. on traditional school days.
  • Between and outside these times, expect increased construction traffic associated with the ongoing utility tunnel repairs and Thomas Hall remodel.

Facilities Planning and Management personnel thank you in advance for your awareness and adherence to these safety precautions.

The Office of Leadership & Engagement has relocated from its previous location on the third floor of the MLK Jr. University Union and what was formerly the Student Activity Center to the lower level of the Union in the space previously occupied by Housing & Dining.

Our new home is Panther Commons, a space designed for Registered Student Organizations and students to gather, collaborate, and build community. 

   Summer Hours
   - Mondays - Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   - Fridays: 8 a.m. to noon

   Regular Academic Year Hours
   - Mondays - Fridays: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

While the Office of Leadership & Engagement office will close at 4:30 p.m. each day, Panther Commons will remain open during normal MLK Jr. University Union operating hours. We look forward to welcoming students and organizations into the new space this fall!

PART-TIME STUDENT INSURANCE FOR PART-TIME, ONLINE AND OFF CAMPUS STUDENTS
Student Insurance provides the student worldwide protection 24 hours a day.  The Plan has a $100 deductible per diagnosis and pays up to 70% of eligible expenses for physician and hospital expenses, lab and x-ray, surgery, ambulance transport, physical therapy, maternity expenses, mental health, and substance abuse issues. The Student Insurance plan covers prescriptions prescribed by SBL-EIU Student Medical Clinic Providers that are provided by Prairie Medical Pharmacy.

Unlike an HMO or PPO, the Plan does not have a network, giving students a choice in their care and provides coverage for treatment the student receives while they are at home, at school, and wherever they may travel. 

Student Insurance is an economical way to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses when family health plans do not cover 100% of medical costs because of deductibles, co-payment amounts, limitations on specific benefits, and out-of network penalties.  The Student Insurance Plan complements the family health plan.  Most students find it beneficial to carry both, particularly if the family plan has a deductible and/or coinsurance.

You can find more information about the Plan at www.eiu.edu/studentinsurance or by contacting our office at 217-581-5290. There are 2 short videos on the website that do a nice job of explaining all about the Plan.

Fall 2026 semester students enrolled in 5 or more hours (any program format), are eligible for coverage. Please note, students enrolled in an on-campus program taking 9 or more hours are automatically billed for coverage.

Students wishing to enroll in the Student Insurance Plan must complete the Enrollment Form, available under the “My Health” tab in the students PAWS account. The deadline to enroll in the Plan is September 04, 2026. The cost of the coverage is $120.00.

As mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996, EIU is required to publicly post Consumer Confidence Reports detailing the quality of drinking water available on campus during the previous calendar year, as well as any contaminant and/or non-contaminant violations. For compliance, EIU issues two reports annually -- the EIU Consumer Confidence Report and the City of Charleston Consumer Report. Both reports are available to view and/or print using the links below for the 2025 calendar year reporting period (January 1 through December 31, 2025).

• 2026 EIU Water Consumer Confidence Report (IL0295500)
• 2026 City of Charleston Water Consumer Confidence Report (IL0290100)

These reports are also available to view and/or print at www.eiu.edu/fpm/fpmdocs.php.

Paper copies of these reports will not be distributed via mail. To obtain a printed copy, or for questions or concerns, please contact Aaron Kemper, EIU Plumber Foreman, at (217) 581-7212.

An email containing the above links also will be sent to all students and employees, including all building coordinators, to ensure these reports are available to the occupants/employees of any building connected to the public water system. Students and employees also can review Important Information About Your Drinking Water here.

This news item will remain active until August 30, 2026. The links to the 2026 Consumer Confidence reports will remain on appropriate areas of the EIU website until the 2027 reports replace them next year.

Beginning March 16, 2026, parking lots between the Student Services Building, the Old Steam Plant, and south of Blair Hall will be closed as part of a comprehensive upgrade to EIU's campus infrastructure. NOTE: ADA parking spaces immediately south of Blair Hall will remain open, and an ADA‑compliant ramp will be installed to accommodate east–west pedestrian traffic at the northwest corner of the Student Services Building.

Please review a map of the parking lot availability HERE, noting the additional details below.*