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EIU Departments, Colleges and Faculty/Staff are invited to decorate their main buildings, offices, lobbies, windows, walls, doors, front desks and cafeterias in a friendly competition for the EIU Homecoming Real Panthers Decorate Blue Competition!

Please complete the entry form by noon on Friday, Sept. 26.

Displays must be completed by noon on Friday, Oct. 3 for judging.

REAL PANTHERS DECORATE BLUE COMPETITION ENTRY

Bring your main character energy and enter the Cosplay Costume Contest during EIU Comic Fest on Saturday, September 27 at Booth Library.

• Open to everyone ages 14+
• 10 categories to win prizes
• 
  
  

Healthy Cooking 101 #2: Hey Pumpkin, Let's Cook!

This event will center on what exactly is a legume and other plant based protein. Additionally we'll talk about whole wheat/whole grain items and their importance. Foods that will be cooked include pumpkin bars and rosemary roasted chickpeas.

Additonal note: pumpkin bars are made with eggs

                   Date                                                 Time                                                          Location      

                9/24/2025                                             5:30                                                     Klehm Hall 2309                            

Sign up form: /herc/machform/view.php?id=109575

• Dr. Jay Gatrell, President 
• Dr. Holly Farley, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Mr. Josh Norman, Vice President for Enrollment Management 
• Mr. John Blue, Executive Director for the Office of Belonging, Access, & Engagement 
• Mr. Jeremy Alexander, Senior Associate Director of Housing 
• Mr. Jody Stone, Dean of Students 
• Dr. Michael Gillespie, Dean of Student Success

President Jay Gatrell invites the entire campus community to the EIU Fall Update, scheduled for Wednesday, September 24.

The update will provide information on EIU's strategic direction under Plan 2028 — EIU's five-year blueprint for sustained success. The update will begin with coffee and donuts at 8:30 am in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Concourse with the update beginning in the Dvorak Concert Hall at 9:00 am.

As in prior years, EIU's annual Fall Update will honor the 2025 recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award and celebrate a selection of other recent EIU achievements. We look forward to seeing you there if your schedule allows.

This presentation goes over important and essential health topics for women. Topics that are discussed include but are not limited to breast and vaginal health and PAP tests. Join us in the MLK Jr Union's Charleston/Mattoon room (3rd floor) 4-5 pm

The Art of Belonging is a one-hour workshop that brings people together with “connecting through colors” activities. Program participants have a chance to explore and grow their creative intelligence as they discover how color can express and reflect moods and emotions.

Location: MLK Jr. Union's Paris Room (3rd floor)

Date & Time: 9/23 @ 5:30PM

The Art of Belonging is a one-hour workshop that brings people together with “connecting through colors” activities. Program participants have a chance to explore and grow their creative intelligence as they discover how color can express and reflect moods and emotions.

Location: Lawson Hall

Date & Time: 9/23 @ 5:30PM

Come talk with us about important and essential health topics for women! We will be located at Coleman hall on 9/22 (weather pending) from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM!

Join the HERC to learn more about our upcoming Healthy Cooking Event! We will be in the MLK Jr Union on 9/22 from 11 AM to 1 PM!

National Hazing Prevention Week is September 22-26, 2025. The EIU Hazing Awareness and Prevention Committee is encouraging the campus community to participate in hazing awareness programs and to learn what each of us can do to eradicate hazing in all its forms. 

Monday, September 22/10am-2pm= These Hands Don't Haze, Outside Tower Dining, Mellin Steps, and South Quad Dining Breezeway in Taylor Hall. EIU students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to paint and place a hand print on the "These Hands Don't Haze" banners to be displayed on the Fourth Street Softball Fence from Sept. 23-29. 

Hazing Awareness and Prevention Through EIU NPHC Alumni Virtual Forum-7pm, Monday, Sept. 22 via Zoom. *See link on posters and displays to register. Led by Dr. Shawn Peoples

Tuesday, September 23/10am-2pm= Faces of Hazing, Library Quad. Display featuring photos and stories of hazing to educate the campus on the devastating impact of hazing on individuals, organizations, and families. 

Wednesday, September 24/10am-2pm= Panthers "Donut" Haze Prze Cab. Enjoy complimentary donuts and purple ribbons along with educational handouts. Studnets will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 dining dollar prizes. 

Thursday, September 25/7pm= Join us for the screening of "Love, Mom and Dad," followed by a discussion on the effects of hazing on victims' families and friends and how we can work together to prevent hazing at EIU. 

Friday, September 26- All Day= Panthers Say No To Hazing. Stop hazing and raise awareness by posting on Instagram with @eiu #PanthersAgainstHazing. Posts should highlight why individuals or groups stand against hazing. The student organization with the best post will win a prize for their entire group. 

For more about EIU's Hazing and Prevention efforts along with resouces please go to: /deanofstudents/hazing.php

Jody Stone

Dean of Students

deanofstudents@eiu.edu 

Join the HERC for the return of our popular Self-Care corner series! Join our Mental Health GA for check ins on how to help improve your mental health and take care of yourself during stressful times. We will be located in the Taylor Hall Breezeway from 11 AM to 1 PM!

As a reminder, Health and Counseling Services' Health Education Resource Center offers free narcan training for students and staff! These trainings can be requested (for departments or classes) or individuals can sign up for one of our many fall dates. Please use the link below to sign up or if you want to schedule a training for your students/department, please reach out to the HERC staff at (217) 581-7786.

SIGN UP TODAY!

/herc/machform/view.php?id=112013

The Coles County Health Department has announced that they will be unable to offier on-campus flu vaccinations this year.  Faculty, staff, and annuitants wishing to utilize thier CMS benefit will need to contact the Coles County Health Department at (217) 348-0530 to inquire about clincis being held at the health department and or how to schedule an immunization appointment.  Employees are also encouraged to consider utilizing thier health insurance benefits to get vaccinated through their primary care physicians, thier local health departments, and/or local pharmacies who provide immunizations. 

Facilities will begin stump grinding and grading work along the south side of Booth Library starting Tuesday morning (9/16). The work will pause on Wednesday during the Book Sale and continue on Thursday and Friday (9/18 & 9/19).

The south entrance will remain open throughout the process, as it is the library’s only ADA-accessible entrance. Staff will be on site to help ensure safe access, but please use caution when entering or exiting. If possible, you may wish to use the north entrance during this time.

We appreciate your patience while this work is completed.

Booth Library’s collections are constantly growing to meet the research and information needs of the EIU community. Last month, Booth Library acquired and cataloged 466 physical items (books, DVDs, government documents, archival resources, and more) and 1375 electronic resources (including ebooks, ejournals, digital audiobooks, EIU student theses, and streaming videos). Individual issues of current periodicals are excluded. All items are discoverable through .

New acquisitions include items selected for purchase by Booth’s subject librarians, donations, re-cataloged library items, freely available government publications, and consortium-wide purchases.

Please contact your subject librarian with any questions.

This week in the Doudna Fine Arts Center has concerts you won't want to miss, featuring performances from students at EIU and high schools.

The Jazz Showcase is in the Theatre on Thursday 09/18/2025 at 7:30pm featuring the EIU Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos.

We are having the ACA (A Capella) Fest Saturday 09/20/2025, featuring CHS's Maximum Forte, EIU's Blue Fusion, and more.

The ACA Fest finishes with the highly anticipated vocal a capella group Six Appeal performing in the Dvorak Concert at 7:30pm Saturday 09/20/2025.

Six Appeal is a world-class vocal ensemble whose vibrant energy and dynamic blend bring a cappella to the forefront of live performance.

They are two time global champions of the genre after competing against nearly 200 groups from 26 different countries.

Over their decade in the industry, Six Appeal has collaborated with notable artists Andy Grammer, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Thundercat.

For multiple years in a row, the group has been featured at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party singing on the red carpet.

Whether on the stage, sharing their knowledge with future musicians, or serenading the stars, Six Appeal continues to evolve, elevating classic songs to appeal across generations.

It is with great sadness that the º£½Ç´óÉñ community has learned of the passing of one of its most distinguished alumni and public servants, former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. A proud member of the EIU Class of 1968, Governor Edgar's life and career are a testament to the power of education, integrity, and service.

Governor Edgar's journey in public service began right here in Charleston, where he served as EIU's Student Body President. He went on to a remarkable career in state government, serving as Illinois Secretary of State before being elected to two terms as Governor.

Throughout his time in office, he was widely respected for his commitment to education funding reform, child welfare, and healthcare initiatives, as well as for promoting fiscal responsibility and modernizing state services.

He remained deeply connected to his alma mater throughout his career. He was named EIU's Distinguished Alumnus in 1982 and received an honorary degree in Public Service in 1999. In 2007, he and his wife Brenda established the Edgar Speaker Series to bring influential leaders in government and public policy to campus. Today, EIU’s Booth Library is the proud home of his professional papers.

Governor Edgar's legacy is defined by his civility, fairness, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. He was a firm believer that education creates opportunity, and that an engaged citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy. He served with patience, always seeking solutions over division and emphasizing public service as the cornerstone of a life well-lived.

He will be deeply missed by the entire EIU family, our neighbors in Charleston, and the people of Illinois.

Initial holds for students not in compliance with the Illinois College Immunization Act have been placed. This administative hold will prevent students from adding or dropping current classes, as well as registering for future semesters should compliance not be met. Additionally students who may not be in  middle of an immunization series may have an immunization hold placed if they become overdue in receiving the next vaccines they are needing. Many questions may be answered by visiting the immunizations website. Additional questions may be directed to immunizations@eiu.edu. 

New and Incoming Student who have been assigned to AlcoholEdu for College, Mental-Well Being for Undergraduates, and/or Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates began receiving emails to thier EIU accounts during the week of September 8th. Students have until October 9th to complete Part I of the courses assigned to them.  Adminsitrative holds will be placed beginning October 10th. Students may also access their assignments by visiting the Vector Solutions Portal through the Training and Development Tab found in thier Paws Account. Those encountering issues may find troubleshooting solutions at: /herc/troubleshooting.php. Questions regarding this mandate and the program may be directed to the Health Education Resource Center by emailing herc@eiu.edu or calling (217) 571-7786.

Part of the responsibility in driving a University-owned vehicle is to report any accidents involving that vehicle to Mike Hutchinson, the University Risk Manager. Anyone who has had an accident in an EIU vehicle will need to come to Old Main - Room 1140 within 48 hours to fill out a claim report. If there is a police report, please bring it with you. Incidents involving damage to University property must also be reported. If you are unable to come into the office, call 217-581-2921.

The local Jewish community meets once a month for Shabbat services in the chapel of Wesley United Methodist Church, across from the EIU campus. The current schedule includes a Shabbat service on 9/12 at 7:30 pm and High Holy Day services led by Rabbi Bruce Pfeffer of Indianapolis also held at Wesley UMC with these dates and times: Rosh Hashanah evening service:  Monday, 9/22, 7:30 pm and Rosh Hashanah morning service Tuesday,  9/23 at 10:00 am; Yom Kippur evening service on Wednesday, 10/1 (Kol Nidre) at 7:30 pm, Yom Kippur morning service, Thursday, 10/2 at 10:00 am, and Yom Kippur concluding services (Yizkor/Neilah) on 10/2 at 4:00 pm. For more information, please contact Marjorie Hanft via email at mhanft@eiu.edu.

Are you a college student, graduate student, or recent graduate with a disability seeking an internship or job? The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) connects federal agencies with college students and recent graduates with disabilities seeking to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.

For more info visit  or contact EIU’s Office of Accessibility & Accommodations (McAfee 1336, 217-581-6583) or Career Services (Human Services 1301, 217-581-2412).

As part of º£½Ç´óÉñ’s commitment to ensuring institutional viability and financial stability, the University is implementing a time-limited Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) in FY26 for eligible Faculty, Administrative/Professional, and ASP staff. This program is designed to help the institution proactively manage resources, support ongoing budget restructuring, and strengthen our ability to adapt to current and future needs.

The VSIP is a time-limited program that provides a financial incentive for those who choose to participate, supporting both individual transitions and the University’s ability to realign resources for the future. Participation is entirely voluntary.

In the week ahead, eligible employees will receive direct email notification from Human Resources with plan details and FAQs. To learn more about the VSIP, please visit this link.

ITS'S BACK.....Step Up to a Healthier You with Walktober

Back by popular demand, Be Well is excited to announce the return of Walktober. Take advantage of autumn's cool temperatures and spectacular views in this fitness campaign. You'll go on a virtual color tour through some of the world's most vibrant, breathtaking landscapes and fun events while boosting energy, improving mood, and making walking a priority.

Be sure to participate with a team, friend, family member, or co-worker for support. For participating in the Walktober Challenge, you will have a chance to win Be Well SWAG or one of the grand prizes by completing any of the categories listed:

1. Weekly drawings for earning at least 5 leaves (any color)
2. Midpoint drawings for earning at least 10 leaves (can do any color or gold only)
3. Final drawing(s) for reaching program goal, being a top team or and individual shout out or biggest motivator on the Wellness Wall.

Winners can choose from select prizes ($50 value) including:

• Ear buds
• Smart scale
• Activity tracker
• Magic Bullet

Dates to remember

• Logging begins: Wednesday, October 1
• Registration and team formation ends: Friday, October 31
• Last day to log activity: Sunday, November 30.

Logging activity is simple using your favorite tracking device or the Step Converter tool. Delicious recipes, inspiring articles, interactive message board, motivating daily emails and more help keep you moving!

Sign up for Walktober here: 

And be sure to check for EIU teams to join and maximize your activity!

The University is currently seeking faculty and staff to serve as Advisors and/or Hearing Panel Members in cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and Title IX procedures.

• Advisors support students or employees as they navigate the formal process, offering non-biased, trauma-informed guidance.

• Hearing Panel Members serve as decision-makers during formal hearings, evaluating evidence and determining outcomes.

Ideal candidates are analytical, fair, supportive, and able to maintain strict confidentiality. This is a limited time commitment, and involvement is based on the frequency of cases and the University’s need. Comprehensive training will be provided—no prior experience is necessary.

Join a community of colleagues working to ensure a fair, respectful, and safe environment for all.

To learn more or express interest, contact Dr. Shawn D. Peoples, Director of the Office of Civil Rights/ Title IX Coordinator, at sdpeoples@eiu.edu or 217-581-5020. 

Did you know you can update your own EIU online profile and directory information?

Each University employee has access to a personal profile editor that makes it easy to keep your information current. Simply visit the profile editor directly, or click the “Update Your Profile” button located in the lower left-hand corner of your profile page. After logging in with your EIU credentials, you’ll be able to edit a wide range of content - from your biography and office hours to languages spoken and photo.

These updates help students and colleagues get to know you better and ensure your profile reflects your current role and contact information.

Note: Certain fields (including phone number, building, office location and department) are managed through Banner. If you need to update any of those, you’ll be directed to a form that will be reviewed and processed by Human Resources.

All EIU students and employees have free access to the complete Adobe Creative Cloud. 

There will no longer be a need for students and employees to buy Adobe software for personal use on their computers.  Adobe Creative Cloud provides apps, web services, and resources for all your creative projects — photography, graphic design, video editing, UX design, drawing and painting, social media, and more.  

If you have questions, check out the FAQ section below.

How can I get access to the Adobe Creative Suite? 

Students:

1. Visit  and login with your EIU credentials.

2. In the upper right hand corner select "Add apps" then "Request new apps".

3. Under suggested apps select "Adobe Student Access" then "Add".

4. Access may take up to 1 hour to be granted. You will receive an email telling you when you have access.

Employees:

All EIU employees will have access by default () and will not require an additional request. 

Are all EIU students eligible? 

All students, with the exception of dual credit students, are eligible.

Why did EIU make this investment? 

Through a partnership with all Illinois public higher education institutions EIU has secured the Creative Cloud at a significantly reduced cost. This has resulted in substantial savings for EIU students while also expanding access to the software for the entire student community.

How long will students have access to Adobe Creative Cloud? 

Eligible students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud through June 30, 2026.

Are there any restrictions on the use of Adobe Creative Cloud or where I can use it?

No restrictions as long as the student/employee maintains eligibility.

Faculty question: If I want to incorporate this into my course instruction, how do I learn more about its capabilities? 

EIU is working directly with Adobe and the FDIC to provide workshops on instructional use cases. In the short term you can learn more by visiting the .

EIU Marketing & Communications is excited to share our students’ college success through Merit Pages, a platform that highlights student achievements and allows us to tell our student's stories.

These stories include:

• Dean’s list inclusion
• Scholarships
• Presenting research/academic work
• Winning awards
• Internships
• Volunteering
• RSO & club involvement
• Work experience
• Other recognition & accomplishments

EIU's Merit Pages helps showcase student accomplishments from admission through graduation and creates an online presence that will set students apart as they enter the workforce. This makes it easier for employers, graduate schools and internship coordinators to discover and recognize student success. In partnership with EIU Marketing & Communications, Merit Pages also turns student accomplishments into personalized stories.

To learn more and suggest a Merit Page update, visit the Marketing & Communications Merit Page info site.

EIU offers several internal grant opportunities, including:

The Academic Program Innovation Grant (API) supports projects designed to foster new curriculum innovations and enhance the academic reputation of the University. Applicants must hold status as a full-time EIU faculty member (either Unit A or Unit B). Department chairs are eligible to apply. Applications are due by noon, Friday, September 12, 2025. The API application, program details and application submission instructions can be found at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) API Website.

The EIU Student Impact Grant for Faculty Mentors supports faculty who engage in high impact student practices. Student Impact Grants must be used to support both students and faculty members. Full time faculty (Unit A or B) who will be interacting with or mentoring at least one undergraduate or graduate student during the academic year are eligible. The submission deadline is noon, Monday, October 6, 2025. Program details, including application submission instructions can be found at the ORSP Student Impact Grant Website.

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 3, 2025. Program details, including application submission instructions can be found at the ORSP Early Career Grant Website.