EIU will once again partner with the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer COVID tests for students, faculty, staff, annuitants, and the local community. Drive-through and walk-up options will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 12.

• Walk-up testing will be conducted inside the Student Rec Center on Court 5. Enter at the northwest doors of the Rec Center (not the main Rec Center doors). Walk-up lines will be socially distanced.
• Drive-through testing will be conducted outside the south end of the Fieldhouse. Cars are asked to enter the J Lot off Grant Avenue, follow the queue directions, travel south on the lane between the Fieldhouse and O’Brien Field, turn the corner heading east, and continue to the south entrance of the Fieldhouse. After testing, cars will continue east past Lantz Arena and exit onto Fourth Street.

EIU’s masking policy mandates all individuals on campus to appropriately wear a clean cloth or disposable face mask while on campus. Participants must bring their own mask(s), as additional masks will not be provided.

What else to bring:

• A photo ID
• An ink pen to write on the test vial.
• EIU Students: Please provide LOCAL (school) address to the testing staff.
• Insurance cards, if available.
• A smart phone to register for My Chart. To preregister: go.eiu.edu/IDPHMobileReg. My Chart will allow participants to receive results faster. A member of the IDPH testing team will help participants register for My Chart while they are waiting for their tests if they are not able to preregister.

The Faculty Development and Innovation Center (FDIC) has scheduled the following webinars for January 2021.  Go to http://eiu.gosignmeup.com for more information and to register.

Wednesday, January 13, 9:00-9:45 am
Making the Grade: A Beginner’s Guide to the D2L Gradebook
Facilitator:  Jeff Cranstoun

Thursday, January 14, 2:00-2:45 pm
Above the Grade: Tips and Tricks for Experienced D2L Gradebook Users
Facilitator:  Jeff Cranstoun

Wednesday, January 20, 10:00-11:00 am
Knowmia @ EIU: Getting Started
Facilitator:  Jenna Wismer, Knowmia

Thursday, January 21, 2:00-2:45 pm
Engaging students online: Conducting effective asynchronous online discussions
Facilitator:  Lu Ding

Thursday, January 28, 12:30-1:15 pm
Faculty Commons, Highlights (and Lowlights) from the Fall
Facilitators:  Newton Key and Michael Gillespie

A beta release of LockDown Browser for Chromebook is now available for quizzes/exams delivered in D2L Brightspace.  This version of the LockDown Browser Chromebook extension also supports Respondus Monitor.  For more information, go to https://www.eiu.edu/respondus.

The U.S. Poet Laureate will read from her book, “An American Sunrise,” during a special virtual event on Jan. 30. The program is part of EIU Booth Library’s Big Read program.

Joy Harjo will present the program at 1 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The program is free and open to the public (all that is needed to participate is access to a web browser; no special software is required). Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke/Creek, will read from “An American Sunrise” and participate in a moderated Q+A discussion. More information and a link to participate is available at https://www.eiu.edu/booth/bigread/program.php.

Harjo’s program is sponsored by Booth Library, the Broward County Library (Florida), Broward Public Library Foundation Inc., and Florida Center for the Book. The event is part of the annual Lions in Winter festival sponsored by the EIU Department of English.

For more information visit https://castle.eiu.edu/boothnews/2020/11/11/nea-big-read-a-conversation-with-joy-harjo/.

IGP #37 -- Medical Clearance After Absence Due to Illness or Injury (https://castle.eiu.edu/auditing/037.php) was recently revised with the approval of the president.  Please take time to review the changes.

In an effort to streamline processes and improve data integrity, Business Affairs Operations, Human Resources, and the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity recently collaborated to convert the current paper Personnel Authorization Request (PAR) process to an online web-based process. This process will go live January 11, 2021. At that time, paper PAR forms will no longer be accepted.

This new process will create the ability to submit and approve PAR requests electronically (via pc, smartphone, or tablet), and will route requests to the appropriate approvers automatically. While there will be no changes to the type of data collected on the forms, there will be some changes regarding how to access the forms.

You can access the PAR Online application and approval process thru the PAR Dashboard using this link https://castletest.eiu.edu/busoffapps/apps/boapp_login.php?fid=par.  Links will also be available through the HumanResources web page.

Every year the Intercollegiate Broadcast System (IBS) is proud to honor the best and the brightest among college and high school media.  

In the category of Best Specialty Music Show, the Fogerty Radio Special is one of the finalists.  It aired on Hit-Mix 88.9 WEIU FM Radio on March 7, 2020.    It was produced in conjunction with a pledge show on WEIU-TV which aired at the same time.  The students involved were 2020 graduate Katelyn Eddington (Journalism/Golconda, IL), Senior Randall Becker (Accounting/Essex, IL) and 2020 graduate Nate Carlson (Television & Video Production/Palatine, IL).

The 2021 Awards Ceremonies will held during the 81st Annual IBS International Media Conference in March 2021.

The spring Job & Internship Virtual Fair will be held through Handshake from 1 pm -7 pm on Thursday, February 18. Please share with your students, in your departmental newsletters, and other channels you utilize.  Underclassmen are also highly encouraged to participate. As a faculty member, you are welcome to create a “student” account in Handshake to view employers, job listings, events, etc. Go to app.joinhandshake.com to get started!    

Unlike our traditional fairs, students will need to do some pre-planning steps BEFORE the fair: 

• 1         Log into Handshake (app.joinhandshake.com), complete your profile and upload a resume. You will want to be visible to employers!
• 2.       Register for the Job Fair in Handshake.
• 3.       Start researching the participating employers.
• 4.       Sign up for sessions! Employers will be setting their schedules for the day and you will start seeing a list of available sessions below their school descriptions. You will have the option to participate in 30 minute group sessions to learn about the employer and ask questions and/or sign up for an individual 1:1 session were both you and the employer will communicate on video.   

Should I participate as an undecided major or underclassmen? YES! Locate employers that are hosting 30 minute group sessions. This will be a less intimidating process than the in-person fair and a great way to start exploring opportunities now.   

All students can review suggested tips at: https://learn.joinhandshake.com/students/attending-a-virtual-career-fair-here-are-10-tips-you-need-to-know/.   

Check out how a virtual fair will work in this video! https://learn.joinhandshake.com/students/handshake-virtual-career-fairs-video-introduction/  

Career Services is kicking off the 2nd semester of our virtual Employer Showcase series.  Students have the opportunity to hear from successful individuals from a variety of industries.  Many are EIU alums!   Each speaker will share their story including what they studied, their career path, what they learned, and tips they have for students.   This is a great way for students to make professional connections and also to explore career options they may have not considered for their major!   In addition to the presentation, students will also have the opportunity to ask questions.   Students (and faculty) can sign up in Handshake.  A Zoom invitation link will be sent to participants.   View the schedule of showcase sessions at: https://www.eiu.edu/careers/events.php   

The Accounting Office at Eastern Illinois University is seeking candidates for a full-time Accountant I position.  Responsibilities include accounting and financial reporting for University Advancement, maintaining accurate gift information, approve invoices for Accounts Payable and process utility payments.  Candidates should be self-starters; possess a positive attitude; have excellent customer service skills; and have excellent organizational abilities with attention to detail. 

Qualified candidates should have one or any combination of the following, totaling three (3) years:

A.    1.   Work experience and/or training in Accounting or a closely related field

B.     2.   College course work and/or training in Accounting or a closely related field including 12 semester hours in accounting.

·         Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals 18 months

·         90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

·         Bachelors’ Degree or higher (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)       

Qualified candidates will be required to pass a Civil Service Examination.  To apply, please submit an application, resume, three business references, and transcripts online at:   https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/application/login.php.   Deadline for application is January 22,  2021.  AA/EEOE

You are invited to participate in the Eastern Reads Experience for the EIU community. We will discuss Ijeoma Oluo's best-selling book, So You Want To Talk About Race (Seal Press, 2019). The conversations will take place via Zoom and will be facilitated by members of the university faculty, staff and administration. For those who participate we will meet once a week for 4 weeks for a 60 minute conversation. Those interested in engaging in this important and critical conversation will be responsible for securing their own copy of this book, which is available in our Book Store.

It is our hope that the book will inspire a productive dialog about the racism and white privilege at our institution, in our community, and our country. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to join.

Below are the options:
Mondays (2/1, 2/8, 2/15, and 2/22) from 9-10am
Tuesdays (2/2, 2/9, 2/16, and 2/23) from 9-10am

Wednesdays (2/3, 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24) from 6-7pm
Thursdays (2/4, 2/11, 2/18, and 2/25) from 12-1pm

Each session is limited to 20 participants. Register using the link below:

“Wow, you have a great voice!” How many times have you heard that? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials, or cartoon characters and think, “I could do that!”

Explore the voiceover industry with your instructor, a professional, working voice actor from Voices For All. Discover current trends in the industry and how they make it easy and affordable for just about anyone to get involved. You’ll learn about different types of voiceovers and the tools you’ll need to find success. Your instructor will take notes as you read a real script in this one-on-one video chat setting, and offer some coaching to improve your delivery. You’ll receive a professional voiceover evaluation later. One-time, 90-minute, introductory class. Learn more at http://www.voicesforall.com/ooo Must 18 or over.

You will have a one-on-one session with a voice coach over Zoom.  Cost is $49.  Register at https://sce.eiu.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=21SPVOICE. You will be contacted by a coach to set up your time. 

A reminder to students, faculty and staff that you are invited to participate in EIU's ongoing series of the Eastern Reads Experience. This semester participants will discuss Ijeoma Oluo's best-selling book, So You Want To Talk About Race (Seal Press, 2019). The conversations will take place via Zoom and will be facilitated by members of the university faculty, staff and administration. The discussion groups will meet once a week for 4 weeks for a 60 minute conversation.  Participants will be responsible for securing their own copy of the book, available in the EIU bookstore and online outlets.

Below are the discussion session options:

• Mondays (2/1, 2/8, 2/15, and 2/22) from 9 - 10 am
• Tuesdays (2/2, 2/9, 2/16, and 2/23) from 9 - 10 am
• Wednesdays (2/3, 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24) from 6 - 7 pm
• Thursdays (2/4, 2/11, 2/18, and 2/25) from 12 - 1 pm

Each session is limited to 20 participants. Register using the link: go.eiu.edu/SP21EIUReads.

Eastern Illinois University is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Graphic Designer Associate – Education and Design Specialist at the Tarble Art’s Center. This position will manage Tarble’s Design Lab which is an innovative industry resource that highlights EIU’s Department of Art and Design and the Graphic Design Program.

Duties will include:

• Development and implementation of educational initiatives and exhibit related programs for EIU students, local K-12 students, Tarble members, and members of the community.
• Coordinate and deliver educational outreach programs across the region including Tarble-to-Go education initiatives and Tarble Vision toddler program.
• Manages graphic design for all exhibitions, educational programs, social media, website, posters, and print media.
• Acts as project manager for all publications and printed materials.
• Works with EIU’s Marketing and Communications Department as needed
• Twelve months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series.

Required qualifications for this position are:

     1.  Any one or any combination that equals thirty six (36) months from the categories below:

A.      Credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design.

·         60 semester hours equals 12 months

·         90 semester hours equals 24 months

·         120 semester hours or a Bachelor’s Degree equals 36 months

B.      Work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are comparable to the training provided in programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design.

        AND

Note:  A Master’s Degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets all minimum acceptable qualifications for the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series.

The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment.  No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

 To apply, please submit an application, resume, transcripts, and the names and contact information for three (3) business references online at https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/application/login.php.   Applications should be submitted by January 29, 2021 to ensure consideration.

AA/EEOE

To support local non-profits, the Civic Engagement & Volunteerism Office is hosting a two-week donation drive each month to collect specific items needed to serve our community. This month from January 18 to 29, the office is promoting awareness of Standing Stone Community Center, a local food pantry and resale store that serves Coles County. Give back to our surrounding community during this cold season by donating high priority items which include canned and boxed food, toiletries, and soap. Donations can be dropped off in the Civic Engagement & Volunteerism Office at 3065 MLK Jr. Union.

Nominations are being sought for Eastern Illinois University's 2021 Faculty Laureate award, which recognizes a faculty member for excellence in supporting the general education curriculum.

Nominees must be current full-time members of EIU's teaching faculty (Unit A and Unit B faculty; department chairpersons are also eligible) and must have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence in the general education curriculum.

Details about the nomination process are available at https://www.eiu.edu/acaffair/laureate.php.

Nominations and supporting materials deadline has been extended to 4 p.m. Friday, March 22nd, either in a single PDF file or in hard copy, to Cindy Hutchison, Academic Affairs; 1020 Old Main; cmhutchison@eiu.edu. 

Eastern Illinois University students who have used Booth Library resources to enhance their research are encouraged to enter the library’s Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creativity program.

The program is open to all Eastern Illinois University students. Cash prizes of up to $300 will be awarded, in addition to certificates of recognition.

The student entry may be a written work, art piece, exhibit, musical work, documentary, performance or another format.

The 2021 guidelines can be found on Booth Library’s website at https://library.eiu.edu/awardsforexcellence/. All entries must be submitted electronically through EIU’s scholarship portal, https://eiu.academicworks.com/.

The deadline to enter is March 22. Recipients will be selected by April 1, and the winners will be honored during the Virtual Student Research and Creativity Discovery Conference on April 9. Works submitted for competition must have been completed within the last 12 months.

Selected entries will become a part of Booth Library’s Student Research and Creativity Collection.

Greetings, lifelong learners! Don't miss out on these free, thought-provoking learning events, delivered right to your phone or computer via EIU's Academy of Lifelong Learning!

• A Conversation with Joy Harjo On Saturday, 1/30/21, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., we have the opportunity to hear poet laureate Joy Harjo read from An American Sunrise and the session will include a moderated Q&A session. Register here for this virtual event: https://tinyurl.com/Academy-Spring-2021 This is part of the Lions in Winter Festival sponsored by the EIU English Dept.  To participate, click here.
• Transversing Spaces: Increasing Empathy, Understanding, and Equity Cross Colors  The last session of this outstanding course will meet Tuesday, 2/2/21, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. and you are welcome to join, even if you were unable to attend the previous meetings. Dr. Carole Collins Ayanlaja will educate us on racism and how our own identity has been shaped.  She will deconstruct what it means to be racist.  Learning cultural literacy and developing empathy will benefit your comprehension of current complex issues. All 3 sessions online recommended but not required. Registration for all events is requested; we will email a reminder and link.  https://tinyurl.com/Academy-Spring-2021.  
• Lions in Winter Festival: Joan Kane  Inupiaq poet and native of Anchorage, AK Joan Kane will provide virtual readings and discuss threats to her ancestral community on 2/4/21, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Loss of the cultural knowledge understood by elders concerns her as she raises children.  This session includes a craft talk.  Register here https://tinyurl.com/Academy-Spring-2021 or all (217) 581-5114. 

The spring Program Guide is available at http://online.anyflip.com/hevxd/jdam/mobile/index.html.
Printed copies of the Program Guide are now available at 1420 Buzzard Hall on campus, area public libraries, the YMCA and many other locations.

The Faculty Development and Innovation Center (FDIC) has scheduled the following webinars for February 2021.  Go to http://eiu.gosignmeup.com for more information and to register.

• New Assignment Creation Experience in D2L
  February 3, 2021; 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
  Facilitator: Julie Lockett
  
  
• Knowmia @ EIU: Beyond the Basics
  February 4, 2021; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  Facilitator: Jenna Wismer, Techsmith Knowmia
  
  
• Knowmia @ EIU: Improving Accessibility for ALL Students
  February 9, 2021; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  Facilitator: Jenna Wismer, Techsmith Knowmia
  
  
• Enhance Learner-Instructor Interaction using Intelligent Agents in D2L
  February 10, 2021; 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
  Facilitator: Julie Lockett
  
  
• Make and Take: Create an Intelligent Agent in D2L
  February 10, 2021; 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
  Facilitator: Julie Lockett
  
  
• Knowmia @ EIU: Engagement - Creating Virtual Connections
  February 16, 2021; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  Facilitator: Jenna Wismer, Techsmith Knowmia
  
  
• Personalize Your Course Interactions Using Video Note in D2L
  February 17, 2021; 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
  Facilitator: Julie Lockett
  
  
• Faculty Commons, Active Learning and Small Teaching Tips
  February 25, 2021; 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
  Facilitator: Newton Key and Michael Gillespie

Eastern Illinois University’s Health and Counseling Services is seeking qualified candidates for a half time (50%) Medical Technologist I position.

Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree, have graduated from an accredited program for Medical Laboratory Scientists and be board certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent agency.

Responsibilities include:  Specimen collection and processing, moderately complex testing (both qualitative and quantitative), and proper documentation in Electronic Medical Records (EMR).  Preference will be given to candidates with EMR experience. This is a part-time, 9.5-month position.  Qualified candidates must be an Illinois resident. The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment.  No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

To apply, please submit application, transcripts, and certification online at https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/application/login.php. Applications must be submitted by February 12, 2021 to ensure consideration.  AA/EEOE

 Culinary Worker III (Cook)

Eastern Illinois University’s Panther Dining is seeking candidates for a Culinary Worker III (Cook).   Minimum qualifications include: One (1) year of experience in food service cooking in a commercial setting that is comparable to that described in the lower level of this series.  Starting pay is $15.68/hour with pay increases after six months and after one year.  

Qualified candidates will be required to pass a Civil Service Examination.  To apply, you may submit a completed application and resume online at https://www.eiu.edu/~humanres/application/login.php  .  Applications must be submitted by February 5, 2021 to ensure consideration.  

Food Service Sanitation Laborer

Eastern Illinois University’s Panther Dining is seeking a Food Service Sanitation Laborer.  Starting pay is $15.68/hour with pay increases after six months and after one year.  

Qualified candidates will be required to pass a Civil Service Examination.  To apply, you may submit a completed application and resume online at https://www.eiu.edu/~humanres/application/login.php  .  Applications must be submitted by February 5, 2021 to ensure consideration.   

AA/EEOE