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

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. 

This semester we're taking the program to you! Learn about tips to becoming accustomed to college life! We'll see you at the MLK Jr Student Union Food court tabling from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. January 23!

Join us as we celebrate Mark Hudson's 25 years of service to EIU and incredible 40+ year career in Higher Education.  We will host a Retirement Reception in his honor on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the 1895 Room in the MLK Jr. University Union.

Join us as we celebrate Jody Stone and his 31+ years of loyal service here at EIU.  A Retirement Reception will be held on Friday, January 23, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the University Ballroom in the MLK Jr. University Union.

Don't stop stressing! Stress is a part of our everyday lives. Come learn skills and strategies to help you manage your stress levels. We'll chat about time management, self-care, mindfulness, and much more! We'll be in the MLK Jr. Student Union's Effingham room starting at 4 p.m. January 21!

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.

Information from the Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University

Tickets for all performances available HERE.

• Immunity by Joshua Roman
  The Doudna Fine Arts Center begins its spring season Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. with renowned cellist Joshua Roman's performance of Immunity. Immunity explores the impact of Roman's struggles with Long COVID that nearly ended his career, and how he was able to break through to discover a profound acceptance and deeper connection to what’s most important in life.

"Occasionally I get to meet an extraordinary young musician. Such is the case with Joshua Roman … To me, Joshua is one of the great exemplars of the ideal 21st-century musician. He is deeply grounded in a classical tradition and he is a fearless explorer of our world.” – Cellist Yo-Yo Ma

February Preview

• John Clayton
  66th Annual Jazz Festival
  February 6 @ 7:30 p.m 
  Dvorak Concert Hall
  See John Clayton, Grammy winning bassist, composer, arranger, and producer at the 66th Annual Jazz Festival. Clayton has worked with countless artists, including arranging  Whitney Houston’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 1990 Super Bowl performance.
  Tickets: $25/$20/$15/$10 for festival attendees 

• EagleMania
  February 14 @ 7:30 p.m.
  Dvorak Concert Hall
  Experience The Eagles’ greatest hits with EagleMania this Valentine’s Day. With their uncanny ability to emulate the distinct sound of The Eagles, they’ll perform their hits along with select Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh solo efforts.
  Tickets: $30/$15
  • Special Valentines Date Night Package Available
    For $100 for general public and $75 for EIU students the Doudna "Date Night Package" includes dinner, drinks, and show tickets for 2!
     
• Bright Star
  February 27, 28 & March 6, 7 @ 7:30 p.m.
  March 1 & 8 @ 2 p.m. 
  The Theatre 
  Featuring a score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickel, Bright Star tells the true heartwarming story of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. Follow literary editor Alice Murphy as she sets out on a journey to understand her past, meeting a young soldier home from World War II and finding something that will transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerful characters, this uplifting theatrical journey will leave you feeling daringly hopeful. 
  Tickets: $25/$20/ $15 

Doudna Fine Arts Center 2026 Spring Calendar Brochure
 

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.

Booth Library's public hours have been posted for Spring.

Please visit eiu.edu/booth/hours for the hours for each day, including holiday-related closures.

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. 

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
• Wed., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union, Arcola/Tuscola Room
• Fri., Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. | MLK Jr. Union, Arcola/Tuscola 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.

Student Insurance provides the student worldwide protection, 24 hours a day. The Plan has a $100 deductible per diagnosis and pays up to 70% of eligible expenses for physician and hospital expenses, lab and x-ray, surgery, ambulance transport, physical therapy, maternity expenses, mental health, and substance abuse issues. The Student Insurance plan also covers prescriptions at the Medical Clinic, from SBL Prairie Pharmacy.                                     

Unlike an HMO or PPO, the Plan does not have a network, giving students a choice in their care and provides coverage for treatment the student receives while they are at home, at school, and wherever they may travel. When you have other insurance, the Plan coordinates with the primary carrier. Student Insurance is an economical way to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses when family health plans do not cover 100% of medical costs because of deductibles, co-payment amounts, limitations on specific benefits, and out-of-network penalties. The Student Insurance Plan complements the family health plan. Most students find it beneficial to carry both, particularly if the family plan has a deductible and/or coinsurance.

You can find more information about the Plan at www.eiu.edu/studentinsurance or by contacting our office at 217-581-5290. There are two short videos on the website that do a nice job of explaining all about the Plan.

The Spring 2026 Student Insurance fee will be automatically assessed to students enrolled in an on-campus program taking nine or more hours; graduate assistants under contract to the University; and international students enrolled in an on-campus program taking three or more hours.

Students wishing to waive the Student Insurance Plan must complete the Waiver Form available under the “My Health” tab in the students PAWS account. Student athletes and members of the Cheer Team are not allowed to waive the Student insurance. The deadline to waive coverage for the Spring 2026 semester is January 26, 2026.

Student Insurance provides the student worldwide protection 24 hours a day. The Plan has a $100 deductible per diagnosis and pays up to 70% of eligible expenses for physician and hospital expenses, lab and x-ray, surgery, ambulance transport, physical therapy, maternity expenses, mental health and substance abuse issues. The Student Insurance Plan also reduces copays for prescription medications at the Medical Clinic, from SBL Prairie Pharmacy. 

Unlike an HMO or PPO, the Plan does not have a network, giving students a choice in their care and provides coverage for treatment the student receives while they are at home, at school, and wherever they may travel. 

Student Insurance is an economical way to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses when family health plans do not cover 100% of medical costs because of deductibles, co-payment amounts, limitations on specific benefits, and out-of network penalties.  The Student Insurance Plan complements the family health plan.  Most students find it beneficial to carry both, particularly if the family plan has a deductible and/or coinsurance.

You can find more information about the Plan at www.eiu.edu/studentinsurance or by contacting our office at 217-581-5290. There are two short videos on the website that do a nice job of explaining all about the Plan.

Spring 2026 semester students enrolled in five or more hours (any program format), are eligible for coverage. Please note, students enrolled in an on-campus program taking nine or more hours, Graduate Assistants, and international students enrolled in an on-campus program with a minimum of three hours are automatically billed for coverage.

Students wishing to enroll in the Student Insurance Plan must complete the Enrollment Form, available under the “My Health” tab in the students PAWS account. The deadline to enroll in the Plan is January 26, 2026. The cost of the coverage is $120.00.