Page 2 - Demo

ILLINI UNION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2014-2015 LOWA MWILAMBWE, ILLINI UNION DIRECTOR
THIS ANNUAL REPORT PROVIDES
a glimpse of Illini Union activities and its continued progress towards achieving established priorities for the 2014-2015 academic year. The Illini Union’s overall goal is to serve as the community center of the campus and to complement the aca- demic mission of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign by providing programs and services that are daily necessities to students, faculty, staff, and guests. The Illini Union’s new mission, vision, values, and goals have focused the department’s work and priorities, especially during a challeng- ing economic climate for the state and the university. In keeping with tradition, strong governance and values underpin our excel- lent performance.
The Illini Union partners and volunteers who serve on affiliated committees or groups such as the Illini Union Board, Volunteer Illini Projects, SORF Board, Illini Union Bookstore Faculty Liaison Committee, and Moms and Dads Associations, contribute to the culture of excellence and success. Their support al- lows us to serve students and their families, the campus, registered organizations, and the Urbana-Champaign community. The Illi- ni Union greatly appreciates the willingness of these volunteers to give their personal time and expertise year after year.
While the Illini Union remains an iconic centerpiece of the campus, students and staff inside the building, and other related facilities, continue to innovate and embrace change to meet the ever-evolving needs
of the university community. This past year, the programming unit reached another milestone by co-sponsoring the first-ever outdoor concert on the Quad, which was attended by nearly 5,000 students. The Office of Registered Organizations offered workshops for registered student organiza- tions to ensure efficient transitions from one academic year to the next. The Office of Volunteer Programs celebrated 25 years of existence and introduced Weekend Service Trips to Chicago, Cincinnati and St Louis
for students.
The Illini Union experienced growth by wel- coming new members to its organizational structure with the opening of Starbucks in the Illini Union Bookstore and the transi- tion of Campus Mail Distribution from Facilities and Services. Qdoba Mexican Grill opened its doors in the food court and has exceeded expectations for a new restaurant. While the function of the Illini Union Parent Programs Office didn’t change, its name
did to the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office in recognition of the roles all family members play in student success.
The Shared Service Center concept was ex- panded to better serve various departments in Student Affairs and auxiliary services.
Through each of its programs and services, the Illini Union seeks to provide students with a co-curricular experience that will help them thrive during their college years and beyond. As we enter the second year of our three-year strategic plan, we remain com- mitted to being a smart organization focused on our priority: Illinois students.
Finally, we are conducting a facilities audit to maintain the Illini Union’s landmark status and ensure we provide a state-of-the-art building. We plan to engage our student body and other stakeholders as we develop plans to renovate our facility to ensure it remains an iconic fixture of our campus for years to come. We will use data collected during our continuous assessment efforts
to implement new programs and services, as well as innovate in order to ensure that we meet the campus community’s wants and needs.
Sincerely,
Lowa Mwilambwe, Illini Union Director
Through each of its programs and services, the Illini Union seeks to provide students with a co-curricular experience that will help them thrive during their college years and beyond.
1