Adapting to online learning in MLS

Like most professors across the country, Amandailee Adams, assistant professor of medical laboratory science, had to re-think her curriculum at a moment’s notice, or so it seemed.

She chose Zoom learning for her lectures and said it has worked well, although she admits there are a few kinks to work out in the coming weeks.

“I like that I can create breakout rooms in my Zoom sessions. I can lecture for 20 minutes and then place students in breakout rooms for interactive learning,” she said. While lecturing online, Adams has students submit their questions to Blackboard, and she answers them at the end of the lecture. 

Adams found online videos for some of her laboratory work.

She said internet connection is the biggest challenge for both her and her students.

Covid-19 challenges have caused her to step out of her comfort zone and try instructional techniques she might not have tried before. “I feel lucky we live in this technological state, that we have options,” she said.

Every day when she logs on, she reminds herself to be flexible, patient and willing to try something new. It’s the same advice she gives her students. “We’re all learning this new process; you have to be willing to laugh at yourself.”

UIS business students win big at International Collegiate Business Skills Championship

The University of Illinois Springfield Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) chapter took home eight awards from the International Collegiate Business Skills Championship 2020, including first place for Campus Chapter Performance in the small chapter division.

Nineteen university chapters competed in the annual skills competition, which was held remotely this year.

The following UIS students received awards: Adam Shaw, first place Extemporaneous Speech; Sruthi Puranapanda, Animesh Pawar, K. Sneha Shenoy and Srinjoy Meta, second place in Case Competition; Nikhil Aatrei, Abhishek Sheshagiri, Adam Shaw and Manasa Nagamalla, second place Written Case, K. Sneha Shenoy received the third place Overall Individual Award and Nikhil Aatrei was named Outstanding Student.

Besides placing first in Campus Chapter Performance in the small chapter division, the team took home second place Overall Performance Award and Hasan Kartal was named Outstanding Adviser.

The International Collegiate Business Skills Competition provides students with an exciting learning experience in which they compete directly with other college teams running a simulated company.

UIS Model Illinois Government Delegation Wins Outstanding Large Delegation at 2020 MIG

The University of Illinois Springfield Model Illinois Government delegation was named the Outstanding Large Delegation at the 2020 Model Illinois Government simulation at the Illinois State Capitol.

The delegation also took home three individual honors. Mackenzi Matthews, of Springfield, was named Outstanding Member of the House, Collin Moseley, of Flora, was named Outstanding Committee Chair in the House and Aislinn Diaz, of Chicago, was named Outstanding Committee Chair in the Senate.

Four UIS students were elected to leadership positions within MIG. Kallie Matthews, of Springfield, who served as the Speaker of the House this year, was re-elected to that position for 2021. Mackenzi Matthews was named Majority Leader, Joseph Partain, of Iuka, was named Minority Leader and Collin Moseley was named Majority Whip.

Each year, students from more than 20 colleges and universities around the state gather at the Illinois State Capitol to serve as legislators, staffers, lobbyists, journalists and officials of the executive branch.

Through committee actions, a regular legislative session and a veto session, participants learn the legislative process by actively participating in the simulation.

MIG members start preparing legislation during the fall term, polish their parliamentary skills and organize membership into a delegation for the spring conference.

The UIS delegation is led by Kenneth Owen, MIG faculty advisor and UIS associate professor of history.

Executive Director of UIS' Center for State Policy and Leadership honored for career

David Racine, executive director for UIS’ Center for State Policy and Leadership has been chosen to receive the 2020 Rail Splitter Public Service Award, given by the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

Racine was chosen as outstanding individual whose career exemplifies public service.

He began his career with the American Public Welfare Association in Washington, DC, and went on to serve as a senior policy advisor, legislative director and was the founding staff member and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Points of Light Foundation.

Racine came to UIS to direct academic research and training at the Institute for Legal, Legislative and Policy Studies. He now serves as the executive director over that program and also oversees UIS’ Survey Research Office, NPR Illinois, GPSI, Innovate Springfield, the Illinois Innocence Project and Child Protection Training Academy.

Racine also offers his expertise to community projects including MOSAIC, the Community Health Roundtable and Sangamon County Continuum of Learning.

Racine will be presented with the award during the chapter’s annual spring banquet and awards ceremony on March 16, 2020 in the UIS Student Union Ballroom.