Latest news with #UniversityofIllinoisSpringfield
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
UIS hosting stargazing events for National Astronomy Day
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — National Astronomy Day is quickly approaching, and to celebrate, the University of Illinois Springfield will host two events, giving the public the opportunity to explore the night sky. The Astronomy-Physics Program at UIS will host the events May 3-4. How basalt could help farmers with carbon capture, mitigate climate change The first event, in partnership with the Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society, will take place from 8:30-10 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial Garden. It's located at 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive in Springfield. Telescopes will be available, allowing attendees views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects. Constellation tours will also be provided. UIS said attendees should park off of E. Lake Shore Drive. And, the university suggests that those planning to attend bring bug repellent, lawn chairs or blankets, and wear weather-appropriate clothing. If the sky is cloudy, the event may be canceled. For updates, call 217-206-8342 after 7 p.m. on May 3. Urbana high schoolers take part in Earth Day cleanup The next day, UIS will host an accessible star party at the campus observatory, located on the roof of Brookens. It's designed for those who cannot navigate the stairs required for the star party on May 3. The UIS accessible telescope has a fixed eyepiece, which allows guests to view the night sky while sitting down. The May 4 sky party is reserved for individuals who need accommodations, along with their family and friends. You can reserve a spot by contacting John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy and physics, at jmart5@ or 217-206-8342. Once you make a reservation, Martin will send out additional information about the event. Click here for more information about the University of Illinois Springfield's accessible star parties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UIS faculty, admin reach tentative agreement; temporarily avert strike
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Non-tenure track faculty at the University of Illinois Springfield have reached a tentative deal with the university administration, temporarily averting a strike that could have started this week. The Illinois Federation of Teachers announced Thursday morning that the two parties agreed upon a tentative contract the previous night. It happened after two full days of bargaining on Tuesday and Wednesday. UPDATE: Illinois homeschool bill passes; hundreds gather at State Capitol in protest 'Our union negotiating team is glad to announce that we were able to reach a tentative contract agreement with Chancellor Gooch and her team,' said Scott Fenton, an English instructor and a member of the union negotiating team. 'It has been a long and challenging road to secure this first agreement, but we are pleased that they worked with us in the end so we can stay in the classroom with our students. That is where we want to be.' Details of the agreement will not be released until union members and UIS leaders approve it. However, the union did say it will be in effect for three years. 'Though it does not go far enough in some important areas, this tentative agreement includes basic improvements in workload and salary that better align our faculty's working conditions with those of our colleagues on other U of I campuses,' Fenton added. 'We see it is a stepping stone to critical future improvements for our members and the students we are so proud to teach. We are grateful to them both for their incredible support throughout the process.' The agreement at least delays a strike that the union filed notice for on March 7. WCIA previously reported that negotiations on a new contract have been going on for the last year, with 20 previous meetings and 11 tentative agreements on approximately 20 contract articles being negotiated. The strike could have begun on Monday, but two days later, the parties have come to an agreement. Union members are expected to vote on the proposed contract by the end of the month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
