University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS, UIS) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The University of Illinois at Springfield is one of three campuses of the world-class University of Illinois system. Each year, approximately 4,900 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students attend classes. UIS believes in small class sizes where professors get to personally know their students and support them as they pursue their college degrees. Initially established as Sangamon State University in 1969, UIS became a University of Illinois campus in 1995. The 746-acre campus is located on the southeast side of Springfield, the state’s capital.

Over the years, UIS has gained national recognition for their research excellence, graduate success, and a very strong government / political science program.

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Information Summary

Ranks 13th in Illinois and 417th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	88.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$25,473
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	27 / 1218
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	12 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	77% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,575

Academics

At the University of Illinois-Springfield, students are able to choose from 44 degree-granting programs. In order to cater to individual student needs, classes are offered during the day, in the evenings, on weekends, and online. There are 23 bachelor’s degree programs, 20 master’s degree programs, and one doctoral program.

In addition to the myriad of courses available, students can also take advantage of campus-wide wireless access, “smart” classrooms, PC and Mac computer labs, a television studio, and email accounts for all students.

Four colleges make up the academic program at UIS. They include:

Business and Management

The College of Business and Management offers a number of programs for students. College officials are committed to meeting the needs of both traditional and non-traditional learners as they seek knowledge and hone skills. Students may earn undergraduate degrees in accountancy, business administration, economics, and management. Master’s degrees can be earned in accountancy, business administration, and management information systems.

Education and Human Services

Within the College of Education and Human Services, students are able to earn degrees in elementary and secondary education, school counseling, and educational leadership. Within the realm of human services, students are able to explore such areas as alcoholism and substance abuse, child and family services, and gerontology social services administration. Due to the close proximity to state governmental agencies, UIS students are able to partner with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

The largest college at UIS, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers a variety of programs ranging from the humanities and computer science to natural sciences and physics. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences strives to prepare students for the future “by providing a broad educaiton for success.” There is a huge focus on critical thinking, appreciation of the humanities, and scientific logic as part of human development.

Public Affairs and Administration

The College of Public Affairs and Administration at UIS provides students with programs surrounding public affairs education and active service to the community. The College offers the only doctoral program in the University, namely a doctorate of Public Administration. With its location near the state’s capital, UIS students can benefit from their local community members by partnering with practitioners from the field. The programs offered include, but are not limited to criminal justice, global studies, political studies, public health, and legal studies.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Financial Aid

University of Illinois at Springfield students are able to gain financial assistance for their studies in multiple ways. They can apply for grants, loans, and scholarships as well as earn money through the Federal Work Study Program. Students must apply for assistance by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

There are several deadlines that students need to be aware of if they are interested in applying for financial aid. Students wishing to attend UIS beginning in the fall semester must apply by mid-November. The spring semester deadline is mid-April with the summer deadline falling in mid-June. Prospective students need to check on the University’s website for more specific dates.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4889th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Illinois.

Students

Housing

The University of Illinois, Springfield, is a residential University offering housing to their undergraduate and graduate students alike. A wide variety of housing options are available, including residence halls, family housing, apartments, and townhouses.

Freshmen and Sophomores generally reside in one of two residence halls on campus. The three-story buildings are structured so that four students live together in a cluster consisting of two double rooms and a shared bath. Residence halls are equipped with lounges and laundry facilities. Specialty wings are available for students to select from as well, including a healthy lifestyles community, international house, and leadership for life wing, to name a few.

Family housing is available to students who will be living with their legal spouse or domestic partner. Children are also allowed in the one or two bedroom apartments. Family housing comes both furnished and unfurnished. Conveniently, child care is also available on campus for those with young children.

Apartments and townhomes are typically options for upperclassmen and graduate students. These apartments and townhomes are between one and four bedrooms and offer open floor plans, spacious living areas, and kitchen facilities including a microwave and dishwasher.

Office of Student Life

The Office of Student Life at UIS helps build and maintain a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating campus community. Students are encouraged to join extracurricular activities including clubs and organizations. Opportunities are a plenty for students, including social, professional, and service opportunities. Students are also encouraged to start their own clubs and organizations.

Annual Events

Some traditional annual events at UIS include Welcome Week, Siblings Weekend, Springfest, and Homecoming. There are student calendars specifically published with all the events listed for convenience. Facilities on campus provide students with opportunities to participate in special lectures, arts performances, and athletic events.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The UIS Prairie Stars compete in the NCAA Division II league, the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and . The Prairie Stars play in some of the best facilities in the Midwest, including a classic soccer stadium, an Olympic softball complex, and a state-of-the-art basketball and volleyball arena.

The men at UIS are able to compete in:

Basketball
Baseball
Golf
Soccer
Tennis

The women at UIS are able to compete in:

Basketball
Softball
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Volleyball

Bibliography

Fiske, Edward. Fiske Guide to Colleges, 27th Edition. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc, 2011. Print.

UIS Prairie Stars. UIS Prairie Stars. n.d. web. 6 August 2011.

University of Illinois – Springfield. University of Illinois – Springfield. n.d. web. 6 August, 2011.

University of Illinois at Springfield