The University Police Department is hosting A.L.I.C.E. training sessions to provide information and offer learning tips about the actions that everyday people can take to survive a dangerous encounter with a violent intruder.

These sessions will include instruction and scenario-based training.

A.L.I.C.E. is a simple acronym for the following basic life-saving strategies:
• Alert - Notify the people within the danger zone about the life-threatening risk
• Lockdown - Barricade your area and prepare to evacuate or counter if needed
• Inform - Relay continuous, accurate information to responders about the incident
• Counter – Challenge the attacker and regain control (this is the last resort)
• Evacuate - Remove yourself from the area of the threat as soon as it is safe to do so

Please click on the link to register: A.L.I.C.E. Training Registration Spring Sessions

If you are interested in a dedicated training session for your department/class/group, please contact the EIUPD at police@eiu.edu or 217-581-3213.

SURS representatives will be on campus Marh 3 to discuss retirment options with eligible employees. To schedule a retirement counseling appointment or request a written estimate, members in the Traditional or Portable plan should be eligible to retire within five years, and members in the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) should be eligible to retire within four years, based on the following criteria:

Online Benefit Estimator:

An online benefit estimator is available on the member website, at www.surs.org. The estimator is a helpful tool that can be used by members in the Traditional and Portable Plans when they do not meet the criteria for a counseling appointment. However, please keep in mind that the online estimator has limitations. Therefore, please contact our office if you have service as police officer or firefighter, or if you have reciprocal service and SURS is the most recent system with which you’re employed.

Scheduling an Appointment:

Eligible members who are in the Traditional and Portable plans must complete a retirement estimate request form prior to scheduling an appointment or requesting a written estimate.

To access the retirement, estimate request form:

1. Visit www.surs.org and click on Member Login to gain access to your member webpage. After logging in to your secure member webpage, click on Retirement Counseling on the left menu and complete the retirement estimate request form for either a written estimate or a retirement counseling appointment. Once this form is completed and submitted electronically, you will be prompted to follow a link to schedule an appointment. Currently, we are offering Virtual (via Microsoft Teams), Office, or Telephone Appointments. Alternatively,

2. Call SURS at (800) 275-7877 to request a form. SURS will send a retirement estimate request form via U.S. Mail to the member’s home address or fax. Once the completed form is returned, SURS will immediately notify you via U.S. mail or electronic notification on your member web page that you can contact SURS to schedule an appointment.

3. IMPORTANT: The accuracy of your estimate(s) is only as good as the information provided to SURS. SURS does not have access to your current salary, vacation, or sick leave balances. Therefore, please collect the following information prior to logging in to complete the electronic form (or completing the paper version):

        o Anticipated retirement dates (you may choose 2 dates, not further out than 5 years)

        o If academic: length of base contract

        o Salary: if academic, base salary, plus summer or any overloads, if applicable

        o Salary: if staff, salary plus expected overtime

        o Percentage of anticipated salary increases

        o Sick leave balances (unused/unpaid sick leave earned prior to 01/01/84 or after 01/01/98)

        o Vacation balance

        o Information on other service such as eligible purchases or reciprocal service

4. Once a counseling appointment has been scheduled, you should receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email confirmation that day, please contact SURS to confirm that the appointment was scheduled correctly. The confirmation email includes a link to the scheduling site. If it is necessary to cancel or reschedule, this link can be used up until 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. If the appointment needs to be rescheduled or cancelled within 48 hours prior to the appointment, you will need to contact a SURS representative at (800) 275-7877.

5. In a counseling appointment, you will receive benefit estimates based on information you provided. In addition. In addition, information will be provided on any eligible purchases, reciprocal service, the retirement application process, death and survivor benefits, insurance benefits and post-retirement employment restrictions. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

6. If you requested a written estimate, you should receive your estimates within 45-60 days of your request. If you do not receive them within this timeframe, contact a SURS representative at (800) 275-7877.

Please keep in mind that while SURS members are limited to only one counseling appointment or written estimates every 12 months, we are always happy to assist you! If after your appointment or written estimate, you still have questions, please feel free to call (800) 275-7877 to speak with a Member Service Representative. SURS hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

www.surs.org

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 a.m. to noon January 30!

Bystander Intervention is recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. Come to our presentation to learn more about how you can be an active bystander and help your fellow Panthers! We will be in the MLK Jr Union's Charleston/Mattoon Room (3rd floor) on January 29 at 5 p.m.!

Please join HERC staff in the MLK Jr. Student Union's Arcola/Tuscola Room from 5 to 6 p.m. January 29 for our mindfulness program. Learn tips and tricks to be more mindful and improve your mental health when stressed.

Date:             1/28/26                               
Time:             5 p.m.
Location:       Klehm Hall 2309                             

Sign up here!

This Wednesday, January 28 HERC presentation focuses on sleep habits including tips and tricks for a good night's rest. Meet at the MLK Jr. Student Union's Charleston/Mattoon room (3rd floor) from 4 to 5 p.m.!

Warm up with a classic comfort meal. Learn how to make a flavorful tomato soup and crisp grilled cheese using simple, wholesome ingredients—perfect for chilly winter days.
Additional notes: Vegetarian Recipes. January 28 at 5 p.m. in Klehm Hall 2309. Sign up form available here.

This presentation focuses on sleep habits including tips and tricks for a good night's rest. Meet at the First Gen Hub (McAfee 2611) from 4 to 5 p.m. January 28!

Come table with us to learn about our first Healthy Cooking event titled Cold Weather Comfort Cooking! Warm up with a classic comfort meal. Learn how to make a flavorful tomato soup and crisp grilled cheese using simple, wholesome ingredients—perfect for chilly winter days. We'll be in the MLK Jr Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 28.

Bystander Intervention is recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. Come talk to HERC staff during our tabling event to learn more about how you can be an active bystander and help your fellow panthers! Come see us on January 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the MLK Jr Student Union Food Court table!

Join the HERC to talk about sleep habits including tips and tricks for a good night's rest. We'll be at the MLK Jr. Student Union Food Court table Tusday, January 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

This fun session provides tips, tricks, and activities that allow us to find what's best for our personal self-care. Prioritizing ourselves and continuously taking care of our well-being will set students up for success! We'll be located in the MLK Jr Student Union's Arcola/Tuscola Room (3rd floor) January 27 from 5 to 6 p.m.!

EIU President Jay Gatrell will host the University's Spring Update Tuesday, January 27. Coffee and donuts will be served in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Concourse between 8 and 8:30 a.m. with the update beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Dvorak Concert Hall.

WEIU will broadcast the event on its YouTube live streaming page for those unable to attend in person. 

Please join us in celebrating Jonathan McKenzie’s 22+ years of service to Eastern Illinois University at a retirement reception in his honor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28 in the Harry L. Crisp Conference Room at the Neal Welcome Center.

The Doudna Fine Arts Center is preparing for EAGLEMANIA on Valentine's Day Saturday, February 14. With this exciting show being on such a special day, we have a date night package that you can share with that special person in your life. This will include two tickets to the concert, a dinner for two in the MLK  Union University Grand Ball Room from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. There you can choose chicken, beef, or a vegetarian options for the meal, and finally the package also includes two Doudna drink vouchers that can be used at the dinner or the show.

Seating is limited and sales for the package close on Friday, February 6. The "Dinner for Two" package is $100 for general audiences, which includes the dinner, drinks, and the show. We also have a discounted price ($75) for EIU Students.

You can get your reservation online at www.eiu.edu/doudnatix anytime, or in person at our box office (1860 S. 9th Street) and over the phone (217) 581-3110 during our Box Office hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays).

Position

The Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) at Eastern Illinois University is seeking applications from innovative and student-centered candidates for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Exercise Science position. Primary responsibilities include teaching a broad tenet of classes in the undergraduate Exercise Science and graduate Exercise Physiology programs. The start date is August 16, 2026. Housed in the College of Health and Human Services, the department strives to be prospective students' first choice in the Midwest to earn a degree in the undergraduate fields of Exercise Science, Physical Education Teacher Education, Sport & Recreation Management and the graduate fields of Exercise Physiology and Sport Administration.

Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or closely related field is required. Qualified candidates who are ABD by the start date of August 16, 2026 will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction. The ideal candidate will have experience utilizing innovative and collaborative teaching methods, including active learning strategies and current technologies, to promote critical thinking and communication competency. NSCA/CSCS certification is preferred as well as demonstrated interest in exercise psychology. Research and scholarly activities will be part of the well-rounded professional experience. The successful candidate will be expected to network with community, regional and state-level practitioners, alumni, and prospective students to maintain program alignment with current and anticipated industry trends and workforce needs.

The College and Department

The College of Health and Human Services was created in 2018 as a hub for health and human services-related programs at Eastern Illinois University. The College fosters academic rigor and experiential learning, preparing students to become critical thinkers and leaders who advance the health and well-being of the communities they serve as professional practitioners and private citizens. 

The Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation is the largest of the academic units in the College with a combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment of more than 300 students and plays a critical role in fulfilling the interprofessional goals of the college through industry-driven degree options. The Department is located in the Lantz building, a high-volume recreation center and athletics venue, on the west side of EIU’s beautiful campus and benefits from strong relationships with EIU Campus Recreation and the EIU Athletics Department. The Department houses 15 faculty and staff, along with ten classrooms and two labs all in Lantz. The Department offers rewarding undergraduate degree programs in Sport & Recreation Management, Exercise Science, and Physical Education Teacher Education. Graduate programs include degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sport Administration. Program alumni are engaged in meaningful careers across the U.S. and are critical to successfully connecting current students with practicing professionals. 

The University and Its Community

Eastern Illinois University, located in the east-central Illinois community of Charleston, has a rich tradition of over 120 years of preparing students to accomplish their professional and life goals through a combination of quality academics and personal relationships. The beautiful 320-acre campus is host to approximately 7,000 students and 400 faculty members in a town of approximately 20,000 residents. EIU offers active research opportunities, cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and an engaged student body that is on par with larger universities. Charleston has all the advantages of a small, rural town (e.g., lower cost of living, a safe community, a short commute) within a two-to-three-hour drive of Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Application Instructions

Applications received by February 27, 2026 will receive priority review. The position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit: a) letter of application addressing qualifications, strengths, and experience relative to the responsibilities and desired qualities; b) current CV; c) unofficial transcripts; and d) names and contact information of three professional references who can comment on professional experiences and qualifications of the candidate.

Applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Questions about the search process should be directed to Dr. Stacey Ruholl, search committee chair at slruholl@eiu.edu.

Following the events of November 10 and in an effort to strengthen campus safety and emergency communication, the University is offering campus training opportunities and updating our alert procedures.

Effective immediately, all employees and students who have a cell phone number on record will automatically receive emergency text alerts. This replaces our previous opt-in system. Anyone who does not wish to receive text alerts will now need to opt out. If the University does not have your current cell phone number, you may add it (along with up to three additional numbers) by logging into Alert EIU. 

The campus emergency management team will also offer three upcoming A.L.I.C.E. training sessions. Participants in A.L.I.C.E. sessions learn about the actions that everyday people can take to survive a dangerous encounter with a violent intruder.

Upcoming A.L.I.C.E. Sessions:

• Tues., Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union, Arcola/Tuscola Room (FULL)
• Wed., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union, Arcola/Tuscola Room (FULL)
• Mon., Feb. 16, 3 to 4:30 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union  Greenup Room 
• Fri., Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union, Arcola/Tuscola Room (FULL)
• Tues., Mar. 3, from 2-3:30 pm - MLK Jr. Union  Charleston-Mattoon Room 
• Wed., Mar. 11, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union  Charleston-Mattoon Room 

Register for A.L.I.C.E. sessions here.

If your office, department, or organization would prefer an individualized session, please contact the Eastern Illinois University Police Department at 217-581-3213 or police@eiu.edu to schedule.

IGP #143 - Use of University Facilities and Grounds - Evening and Weekend Use of Buildings and IGP #182.1 - Electronic Communication with Students, Faculty, and Staff were recently updated with approval by the President. Please take time to review the changes to these policies.

IGP #14.1 - Employment of International Faculty and Professionals was recently updated with approval by the President. Please take time to review the changes to this policy.

Join us as we celebrate Ceci Brinker and her 40+ years of service to Eastern Illinois University.  We will be celebrating Ceci Wednesday, January 28 in the 1895 Room of the MLK University Union between 2 and 4 p.m. Come by if you can!

In accordance with the 2022-2026 EIU-UPI Unit A agreement, Summer Research and Creative Activity Awards are available this year. The awards are for research and creative activity projects conducted between the end of the spring semester and August 31, 2026 by tenured/tenure track faculty in Bargaining Unit A. Awards of $5,000 each in the form of personal services payments will be granted. 

Faculty who wish to apply for funding should apply no later than noon on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. To obtain a copy of the application materials, please visit our website: eiu.edu/grants. Applicants should be sure to use the most current application forms. Researchers who have previously received a Summer Research and Creative Activity Award should make sure all reports are on file in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at eiugrants@eiu.edu or (217) 581-2125.

Join us on Tuesdays and Fridays at Noon for Yoga for Every Body!  No experience necessary, all skill levels welcome, just bring a mat.  If you don't have a mat we have some extras to share.  What a a great way to kick off those New Year's resolutions!

Spring permits are available online. Please visit our website at eiuparking.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal and select "Get Permits" to purchase your permit.

• Please note that yearly permits are only offered in the fall semester.  Students, faculty, and staff who plan to park on campus during parking enforcement will be required to display a valid parking permit. If you live on campus (including all Residential Halls, Greek Court, University Apartments, University Court) your vehicle will need a valid parking permit displayed.
  • Faculty/staff permits may be purchased through payroll deduction or credit/debit cards at this link. They will be distributed via campus mail to your campus department address. As stated in the parking rules and regulations, no one is eligible to purchase a permit if they owe parking fines. Please check your EIU email for fine invoices or other communications regarding parking. 
  • Student permits ordered will be mailed to the student’s local or campus address. If you are not living in campus housing, please make sure your local address is updated on PAWS. Students may bill their student account, or credit/debit cards are accepted online.

Parking Lot Map/Information and 2026 Changes may be found by visiting eiu.edu/police/parkingareas.

The regular student lots will not be enforced until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.