Message from the Vice Chancellor
Monday, September 28, 2009
Next Dance Statement
On October 2, 2009, there will be a performance at Assembly Hall of someone wearing an imitation Chief Illiniwek costume. This event is sponsored by Students for the Chief, a registered student organization (RSO), which has rented the facility and incurred all expenses. This program is NOT sponsored by the University, nor by Student Affairs. While the "Chief" may have personal value to some individuals, it has no institutional identity at the University of Illinois since the Board of Trustees voted to retire the chief on March 13, 2007.
University policy allows RSOs to rent the Assembly Hall, to pay rental and all expenses for operating the facility, including ticketing, setting up, use of equipment, security and cleanup. In November of 2008 when the same group sponsored this event, they were billed over $15,000 in charges and paid all fees without using any University or student fee funds. The right of free speech and assembly does not allow the administration to differentiate in the application of University policy based on the content of a group or individual’s speech. The fact that this event is taking place does not indicate that the Chief will be reinstated. As the Board of Trustees directed, the Chief Illiniwek tradition ended in 2007.
Numerous student organizations as well as the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations are offering a series of events and activities that encourage people to think critically about the inclusion and exclusion of Native Americans in the cultural, political, and educational landscape of the United States. It is our hope that programs like these will increase awareness of the issues, provide more avenues for dialogue and promote the cross-cultural understanding we need to create a respectful and caring community.
For additional information regarding the Mascot Issue, please click here
2009-10 Welcome
Some would say this is a difficult time to be in higher education and particularly in Student Affairs. Since the recession hit in late 2008 and early 2009, many of us have been waiting for the effects of the economy to trickle down into higher education. Typically, this happens in the form of reduced state revenues and students and their families feeling the pinch of the economy by making college choices based on limited finances. So at the same time that state dollars are shrinking, the University responds by limiting increases in tuition and student fees that could make up the difference in revenue. The results for us this year is a 0% salary increase, the desire to keep student fees flat, and cuts in state supported revenue.
But I’m an optimist and I believe in focusing on strides we’ve made and the creative ways we are finding to save money and preserve energy resources. Student Affairs staff from across the division are finding ways to collaborate on programs and services—the way to get things done when resources are tight. Initiatives are moving forward with a comprehensive plan in the works for diversity education. Our fund-raising efforts are finding new direction and energy and the Emergency Dean Fund is sparking the interests of alumni far and wide.
The best thing about going into the 2009-2010 academic year is our students: more diverse, bright and eager to engage in the Illinois Experience. They are the Millennials: the group that comes to campus expecting to be involved in co-curricular activities, particularly those with an emphasis on service. These students have a penchant for technology and consequently, we are discovering new and different ways to communicate with them through Facebook and Twitter. They demand a secure, regulated environment and are respectful of norms and institutions. They are close to their parents and we are learning how to work effectively with their families to better serve them. As always, these students are challenging in some ways and their characteristics are welcome in others.
In closing, I’d like to say that I truly appreciate everything you do. I believe that we are the most talented, resourceful and creative Student Affairs organization in the country. President White once asked me how I sleep at night with 42,000 students doing all the things that students do to complicate our lives and theirs. I answered that I sleep well because of our experienced, smart and creative Student Affairs staff. On behalf of the students and the administration, thanks for everything.
Enjoy the Ride
The end of the academic year is closing in and just when it seems as if things should be slowing down we are instead on a wild roller coaster ride that won't end until after Commencement. In addition to taking care of students who are stressed, overwhelmed and tangled up in some problem or another, we are working to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of our students. As you know, budget issues are looming as well with many unanswered questions and an unclear picture of our financial future.
Despite all of the difficulties we face, Student Affairs at Illinois continues to excel and to do an absolutely spectacular job of serving our students and preserving the quality of the Illinois experience. I am so proud of this division, every department, and our staff. During the next few busy weeks, remember that students are at the core of our work and each and every one of you is making a difference for them. By helping students succeed, we are contributing to the future of this country and the world. I truly believe that.
Also, don’t forget to keep balance in your lives. Talk to other staff, spend time with family and friends, and laugh as much and as often as possible. I will do my best to keep you informed of the budget situation and any other administrative decisions that will affect Student Affairs. I will continue to look for every opportunity to get your input. On this wild April and May roller coaster ride, have fun when you can and hang on to your hats.
Student Affairs Goes Public
Spring semester brings with it a host of venues that impact the campus in a variety of ways: Martin Luther King Jr. Observance, “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day observed, Spring Break and Commencement. In addition to these events, I am very proud of the opening of the Women’s Resources Center (formerly Women’s Programs) on the second floor of the bank building on the corner of Greet and Wright Streets, 703 S. Wright Street, 2nd Floor. Women’s Programs, which has been doing remarkable work for many years, now has a space of its own. The Center will provide new opportunities to reach students and build a strong gender equity community.
In the coming months we will be issueing what we hope will be the first in a series of public service announcements. The first: “Create Your Community: Respect Yourself and Others” is an awareness campaign to inform students of some of the negative consequences of drinking to excess. We hope this campaign will empower students to take ownership for their actions and appeal to their sense of accountability to the campus and community. Most important to all of us is keeping our students safe and healthy. We are thrilled to have the support of the campus community, and the MTD, in bringing this message to light.
As Student Affairs professionals, we welcome collaboration and shared commitment to this endeavor. Let’s work together to make the campus safe and welcoming for all students.
If Student Affairs units have additional information to share, please feel free to contact Julie McMahon, jmcmahon@illinois.edu, so that we can help make our campus one that believes in respecting everyone.
To our shared community,
C. Renée Romano
New Student Affairs Website
As you can see, Student Affairs has a brand new website and I’m really excited about it. I think it presents our division as a unified group focused on the student experience at Illinois. I hope you're finding it informative and useful.
In addition to promoting Student Affairs both on and off campus, it is my intention to use the website as a way to communicate to student affairs staff on a regular basis. Periodically, I will be posting messages about current news and activities in student affairs as a way for staff to be informed and empowered.
Help us by contributing news from your unit so that we can all celebrate our endeavors and accomplishments. Please consider sharing news from your units in two new pages we're developing:
• "Kudos" recognizes accomplishments on both the unit level and also for individual recognition. It may be a new program that's being identified, or the renovation of a past program. We want to hear about the awards and nominations of your co-worker, or the accolades of community recognition. Send your submissions to: studentaffairs@illinois.edu.
• "Student Affairs Job Board" now has current positions posted through the University's Job Board, that are now conveniently posted on our website. I'm hoping that this will provide our staff the opportunity to think 'outside' their current venues as a way to better utilize their professional strengths.
In this current time of change and uncertainty, I know that Student Affairs professionals provide not only a stabilizing presence on campus, but are also as the innovators of change. We will continue to keep watch over today's Illinois students and make their time here a positive and productive beginning for their future.
Chief Representation
On November 15, 2008, there will be a performance at Assembly Hall of someone wearing an imitation Chief Illiniwek costume. This event is sponsored by Students for the Chief, a registered student organization (or RSO), which has rented the facility and incurred all expenses. This program is NOT sponsored by the University, nor by Student Affairs. While the "Chief" may have personal value to some individuals, it has no
institutional identity at the University of Illinois since the Board of Trustees voted to retire the chief on March 13, 2007.
Student Affairs recognizes that the Chief representation aggrieves some
members of our community, particularly in November when the nation is
celebrating Native American Heritage month. We value a community that
respects and cares for one another, and we will continue to work with
students and all members of our community to promote these values at the
University.
In November, the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations is
sponsoring a series of events that encourages people to think critically
about the inclusion and exclusion of Native Americans in the cultural,
political, and educational landscape of the United States. Our hope is
that these programs will increase awareness of the issues, provide more
avenues for dialogue, and promote the cross-cultural understanding we
need to create a more respectful and caring community. We invite all of
you to help us in building that community.
C. Renee Romano, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Welcome to Student Affairs Staff:
Join Me Online!
Vice Chancellor Renee Romano would like to welcome all the staff within Student Affairs to join her here, on a regular basis, to share what's going on in the division and to help keep them informed. In this way, you can be aware of new projects, initiatives and upcoming programs on the horizon, along with timely and helpful information which could impact you directly.
Additionally, Dr. Romano would like to share and acknowledge accomplishments and successes, or "kudos" within the division. She may even call upon you for input on certain issues where she wants your feedback.
Please make it a point to bookmark this page and check back to see what's new on today's Student Affairs radar!
Vice Chancellor Renée Romano
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