Retention and Student Success is looking for energetic and driven students to serve as New Student Orientation leaders. Applications can be found at www.llcc.edu/orientation-leaders. New Student Orientations leaders assist with orientations, conduct tours, support and welcome new students. If you know a student who would make a good orientation leader, encourage them to apply! See the flier for more information: Now Hiring Student Orientation Leaders.

Throughout the month of January, advocates for victims and survivors focus on spreading awareness of the issue, as well as provide local and national resources for victims of stalking. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to heighten awareness of this issue and show their solidarity and support by wearing a silver ribbon, available for free in Advising, Counseling & Career Services as well as Student Life. According to The National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center, the silver ribbon’s “reflective, colorless surface illustrates not only the invisibility of the crime (to everyone except the victim), but also mirrors what stalking victims often report they experience: the need to constantly check over their shoulder for the stalker,” (National Center for Victims of Crime, 2016).

Anyone experiencing stalking should reach out to the LLCC Police Department (217.786.2278) or their local police department. Guidelines as to what constitutes stalking, fact sheets and victim resources can be found at the Stalking Resource Center’s website under “Resources.” If you wish to help promote Stalking Awareness Month at LLCC, contact Leslie Johnson, AVP, Student Success.

The LLCC Foundation invites students, faculty, staff, alums and retirees to nominate an outstanding full-time, tenured faculty member for the 2016 Drs. Raymond and Ann Pearson Master Teacher Award.  This award annually recognizes an exceptional faculty member for his or her professional contributions to LLCC.  A faculty member may receive the award one-time only.

Online nominations are now being accepted.  Simply click here for the nomination form or log into Blackboard.  Nominations must be submitted to the Foundation by Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

For more information stop by the LLCC Foundation, Level one, Menard Hall room 1214, call 786-2217 or e-mail LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

Dave Pietrzak, director of the Aviation program, was interviewed by the Springfield Business Journal for a story in the February edition about the program and upcoming expansion.

LLCC will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. No classes are being held and all administrative offices at the Springfield campus and outlying locations will be closed. Classes and regular business hours resume at all locations Tuesday, Jan. 19

The American Cancer Society – Relay for Life recently awarded LLCC a plaque recognizing our support and dedication to their “mission of HOPE” for those in our community. The Relay for Life has been held on campus for the past three years. LLCC staff and personnel have worked closely with the committee to ensure a safe and successful event. Pictured are L to R: LLCC Police Sergeant Mike Hanson, Community Manager for the Relay For Life, Rachel Ray, and LLCC Facilities Reservations Technician Julie McKinney.

We encourage instructors to encourage their students to submit their best work in academic and creative writing and digital and fine art to the Lincoln Land Review. Of course, we are also interested in any other work students are proud of that they would like to submit. Students do not have to be currently enrolled in an English or Art class to submit; our last publication actually includes academic writing from a number of disciplines and personal work that students have created on their own!

Submissions will automatically be entered into the 2015-2016 LLCC Writing and Art Contest for a $50 prize in each category. Furthermore, publication in a campus literary journal looks great on a resume or college transfer application, while showcasing student work to the campus community and beyond.

Students can go to the Lincoln Land Review website to use our submission form: lincolnlandreview.org They can also submit to us or send specific questions directly to LincolnLandReview@llcc.edu.

Thanks for your support of student writing and art!​

Cara Swafford, Associate Professor of English, 217-786-2398

The spring 2016 Instructional Technology and Distance Education department’s workshop schedule has been announced. There is a large number of workshops this semester, covering a variety of teaching and learning topics. We ask that you register in advance for each session you would like to attend.  Please feel free to contact Becky Parton if you have any questions regarding these sessions.

Also, don’t forget to mark your calendars now for Professional Development day this semester –  Tuesday, March 29.  ITDE will be hosting the Innovation Celebration again this year on Professional Development Day. Information on how to participate will be coming soon.

Kevin Lust, director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC, discussed how to start a business in Illinois on Sports Radio 1450’s AM Springfield program Jan. 11, and will appear on Good Day Marketplace on FOX 55 this morning at 8:20.

Jamie Stout, director of Community Education, (and her dog!) are featured in an article in the current SO (Springfield’s Own) magazine.

Lisa Collier, associate vice president, enrollment services, was interviewed by WSMI Jan. 8 on the FAFSA and various forms of financial aid and scholarships.