HR news and notes for June 2025
Personal plus time wraps up year two
Personal Plus Time for faculty and staff will soon enter the third pre-loading in July. Last month, a survey was sent out for the some 2,200+ individuals who used this benefit to tell us how it has helped to “lighten the load” and add to work-life balance/integration. Individuals surveyed indicated that time was again used for routine maintenance (home repair/car repair appointments), civic engagement (volunteering for programs at and outside the University), professional and personal development (attending courses and growth opportunities normally during the workday), child care and children’s activities (including the ability to help with late-starts and early releases) and more. This benefit will zero out at the end of the fiscal year in June and refresh for employees in July (this will happen after a review of FY25 reported leave time). Visit the HR website to learn more about Personal Plus Time.
Dependent tuition waivers currently being accepted
New and continuing dependents of Illinois State University employees who are attending Illinois State University (or another state school) in summer 2025, fall 2025, or spring 2026 should review the tuition waiver forms for submission to Human Resources June 1, 2025. The office will begin to accept and process these waivers at that time. More information on dependent waivers, qualifying, and where to locate and submit forms is available online.
Benefits choice elections take effect July 1, 2025
Following your open enrollment selections, benefits for the 2026 fiscal year will be in effect on July 1, 2025. Insurance cards and other vendor materials should be arriving to your address on file through Central Management Services and with the specific vendor. If you have not received materials from vendors including insurance and prescription cards, you should reach out directly to the specific vendor to inquire about delivery. Vendor contact information can be found on Pg. 14 of the current benefits choice book.
For an archive of news and notes articles, past posts are available on our website.
Latest Publications
- 2025 Researchers to Know: ISU professors recognized for innovative researchThe Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) has named three Illinois State University professors as Researchers to Know. Researchers to Know is an annual recognition from the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) that honors faculty from Illinois universities and research institutions whose work is driving discovery, solving real-world problems, and creating inclusive opportunities for innovation.
- Research and Honors, July 2025Presentations and publications by Illinois State University faculty and staff members.
- Dr. Ashley Waring-Sparks named interim director of CeMaSTIllinois State University (ISU) has named Dr. Ashley Waring-Sparks as the new Interim Director of the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CeMaST). Waring-Sparks brings a strong background in STEM education and leadership, along with deep institutional knowledge and experience within CeMaST.
- Illinois State University – In the News, July 2025This is a new monthly column featuring the latest Illinois State University media coverage.
- MacPhee elected to the International Literacy Association Board of DirectorsDr. Deborah MacPhee, professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, was elected to the board of directors for the International Literacy Association (ILA) effective July 1, 2025.
- Governor Pritzker signs FY26 state budgetIllinois State's operating funds will increase by 1% in FY26, with an additional increase of 2% at the discretion of Governor JB Pritzker, who signed the budget on Monday, June 16, 2025.
