Today, May 11, we experienced a 12-minute internet outage at 2:50 p.m. due to another DDoS attack. Our ISP informed us that DDoS attacks have not ceased since Monday. Fortunately they are being successfully mitigated for the most part to ensure our internet connectivity is minimally affected. However, as long as DDoS attacks continue there is a chance for future short internet outages. During an internet outage web resources like Blackboard are accessible on campus only, but not offsite.  For example a student taking a test on Blackboard on campus would not be affected, but a student taking a test from home would. Again, ITS is continuing to monitor the situation and work with our ISP to ensure services remain available.

Esteban Cruz, Chief Information Officer

LLCC will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. All faculty and administrators should arrive by 7 p.m. to be assembled in the line of march. There will be signs directing you. Please note: the Komen Race for the Cure will also be held Friday night in downtown Springfield so plan to allow for additional traffic and limited parking. Also, due to liability issues, there will NOT be a place to check your personal belongings. A coat rack will be available but will not be supervised. Please leave anything you do not wish to carry in your vehicle.

PLEASE READ COMPLETE DIRECTIONS AND LINE OF MARCH LINKED BELOW PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY.

Faculty and Administrator Commencement Directions

Line of March

Congratulations to the LLCC Chemistry Club, advised by Dr. Michael Ramm and Jennifer Ramm, professors of chemistry, which was the recent recipient of a national award for its work during the 2014-2015 academic year!

The club is officially a Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Each year, a report is submitted to the ACS that describes the club’s activities for the year. Chapters can receive Outstanding, Commendable or Honorable Mention awards, or none at all. For the first time ever, the LLCC Chemistry Club earned a Commendable Award for the 2014-15 year. (There were 55 Outstanding chapters, 99 Commendable and 160 Honorable Mention awards presented.) The awards were announced in In Chemistry, the national ACS magazine for undergraduate students, and were presented at a national ACS conference this spring. The plaque recently arrived on campus.

2014-15 Chemistry Club President Lenny Smith and Vice President Tim Webb, now both students at Northern Illinois University, also had their names published in the magazine.

Craig Findley (left), chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees, surprised LLCC President Charlotte Warren with a recognition of her 10-year anniversary as LLCC’s president during the Foundation Gala “The Great Gala” May 7.  He was introduced by LLCC Foundation Board Chair Jason Barth (middle).

Findley also wrote the LLCC essay in the State Journal-Register May 8 entitled, “Dr. Charlotte Warren – a decade of progress and leadership.”

Check back for a photo album of the Gala, coming soon!

To all full-time employees who plan on using the employee tuition waiver for themselves or their qualified dependents for Summer 2016: Please complete and submit your tuition waiver application to Human Resources no later than Monday, May 16, 2016. That will ensure the waiver will be noted on your account, which will prevent your classes from being dropped. If you anticipate registering on or after Wednesday, May 18, please submit your tuition waiver to application to Human Resources either before or the day of your registration so your account can be notated in a timely manner. If you have any questions, please contact Libby Elder at ext 6.2254 or Robin Ackman at  6.2762. Thank you.

Spring semester, Mod IV and Short Semester grades are due  Monday, May 16 at noon. Check your LLCC email for details. Online Grading Notices are distributed via faculty email.

Jane Hartman, professor of music, led the LLCC Big Band in a concert last night at Pleasant Hill Village, an assisted care facility. Residents danced to standards such as “My Funny Valentine” and “In the Mood.” The State Journal-Register photographed the event, featured on today’s City/State page.

PRM student workers Taylor Ley and Lizzie Roehrs, along with Lynn Whalen, executive director, were interviewed for an SJ-R story May 8 regarding the enrollment management process including class scheduling and cancellations.

A retirement reception is being held for Linda Chriswell, accessibility services professional, Friday, May 13 from 2-4 p.m. in the Stephens Room. Please join us in honoring her service to the college and wishing her farewell!

Dr. Jason Dockter, professor of English, was named the 2016 Drs. Raymond and Ann Pearson Master Teacher at yesterday’s Employee Recognition Ceremony. Congratulations Jason! Finalists for the prestigious honor included Janice Badgett, Deborah Brothers, Mary Goldstein and Ryan Roberts.

Distinguished Service Award winners were administrator: Ron Riggle, athletic director; professional: Lee Boblitt, student development professional; classified: Donald Loftis, general maintenance technician, CCTC; faculty: Jennifer Ramm, assistant professor of chemistry.

Recipients of the NISOD Excellence Awards are faculty: David Leitner, assistant professor of English, and staff: Robin Ackman, student accounts manager.

Congratulations also to all LLCC employees honored for service anniversaries this year.  Check the LLCC Facebook page later today for a photo album of the event!