Season tickets for the 2025 Eastern Illinois football season are now on sale.   Tickets for Eastern Illinois Faculty & Staff members may be purchased for the season.  The cost is $90 per person for the season.  Apply Code: EIUSTAFF when at the checkout page.

To purchase simply click on this link - https://gf1.glitnirticketing.com/gfticket/webplan/webplanstadiumg.php?event_id=234 and you can select tickets.  Reserved tickets are in Sections D & E.   General admission season tickets may be purchased in sections F & G.

Once you complete the order tickets will be emailed to you as digital tickets and it will give you a way to log into the system and download them to your phone.

2025 EIU Football Season Dates / Opponents / Times

August 28 vs. Dayton at 6 pm

September 13 vs Illinois State at 2 pm

October 4 vs Tennessee State at 2 pm

October 11 vs Gardner-Webb at 2 pm (Homecoming)

November 1 vs UT Martin at 2 pm (Family Weekend)

November 8 vs Tennessee Tech at 12 pm (Senior Day)

You can also renew or purchase season tickets through the EIU website by selecting the ticket link and then either renew season tickets (returning faculty/staff with previous season tickets) or purchase new season tickets.

Season tickets will be on sale until Thursday, September 11 for the 2025 season.

With the renewal of our tax exempt status with the State of Illinois, Walmart has updated our Customer ID number for tax-exempt transactions.  An email is being sent to all Cardholders with a link to a document you can download and print with the new Customer ID number.  You may also collect a new Walmart Identification Card from the Business Office at 1135 Old Main.

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 covers prescriptions prescribed by SBL-EIU Student Medical Clinic Providers that are provided by Prairie Medical 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 2 short videos on the website that do a nice job of explaining all about the Plan.

The Fall 2025 Student Insurance fee will be automatically assessed to students enrolled in an on-campus program taking 9 or more hours; graduate assistants under contract to the University; and international students enrolled in an on-campus program taking 3 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 Fall 2025 semester is September 08, 2025.

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 covers prescriptions prescribed by SBL-EIU Student Medical Clinic Providers that are provided by Prairie Medical 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 2 short videos on the website that do a nice job of explaining all about the Plan.

Fall 2025 semester students enrolled in 5 or more hours (any program format), are eligible for coverage. Please note, students enrolled in an on-campus program taking 9 or more 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 September 08, 2025. The cost of the coverage is $120.00.

As per EPA and other guidelines, please see the following:

• EIU Water Report 2025
• City of Charleston Water Report 2025

This news item will remain active until August 15, 2025. The links to the reports will remain on appropriate areas of the EIU website until the 2026 reports replace them next year.

Civil Service Performance Appraisals: 

It’s time to begin the annual performance appraisal process for Civil Service employees. Performance appraisals are a critical tool for aligning individual performance and goals with the university’s mission, helping to foster an engaged and purpose-driven campus community.

Performance evaluations should reflect employee contributions between July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025. After a meaningful discussion with the employee, the completed form must be signed by the employee, their supervisor, and the department head or director. Please send the original, signed evaluation to the Human Resources department by end of day, July 18, 2025.

You can find more information about the performance appraisal process by visiting: EIU Performance Appraisal Process. For detailed guidance, please review the Performance Appraisal Handbook.

Access the current Civil Service Performance Appraisal form here: EIU Civil Service Performance Appraisal Form.

Why Performance Feedback, Coaching, and Recognition Matter

The performance appraisal process is a powerful opportunity to support employee development and reinforce our shared mission at Eastern Illinois University. Providing clear, constructive feedback helps individuals understand their strengths and growth areas, while coaching fosters skill-building, critical thinking, and resilience in a dynamic academic environment.

Recognition, whether formal or informal, validates employee contributions and boosts morale, engagement, and retention. When supervisors invest time in these practices, they not only promote career development and personal fulfillment but also align individual goals with the university’s strategic priorities. This alignment is essential for sustaining a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and service.

If you would like guidance or support in writing or delivering appraisals, please reach out to Fantasy Sharrett, Director of Human Resources, at fdsharrett@eiu.edu. 

Part of a party's responsibility in driving a university-owned vehicle is to report any accidents involving that vehicle to Mike Hutchinson, the University Risk Manager. You will need to come to Old Main - Room 1140 within 48 hours to fill out a claim report. If there is a police report, please bring it with you. Incidents involving damage to university property must also be reported. If you are unable to come into the office, call 217-581-2921.

Get your 2025-2026 tickets now at our new ticket site! 2025/2026 Tickets Now Available Take a look at our upcoming season at the Doudna Fine Arts Center!

I'M NOT A COMEDIAN..... I'M LENNY BRUCE

August 30th @ 7:30pm 

The Theatre

THIS IS INTENDED FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE 

Many believe that Lenny Bruce was The Godfather of Comedy, who influenced such greats as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Sarah Silverman, and Bill Maher to name just a few. What drew me to him on a personal level is that Lenny died for the very freedom of speech that so many are still struggling with today.

During the 1960s, Lenny Bruce exposed many of the “untouchable” subjects that are in the news again now: religion, racism, immigration, xenophobia, gender inequality, sexual identity, the criminal justice system, capital punishment, bail reform, government aid, police brutality, corrupt capitalism, the opiate epidemic, marijuana legalization, censorship, and on and on. Over 50 years later, all of the issues Lenny was fighting for are still so relevant. In many ways, we’ve progressed since Lenny was with us, and in many, we have regressed.

lennybruceonstage.com 

Tickets
$25/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

Get Tickets

CULTURAL CROSSROADS: DVOŘÁK IN AMERICA

September 12th @ 7:30pm

Dvorak Concert Hall 

Featuring: 

• The Ciompi Quartet 
• Kenneth Kellogg, bass 
• R. Carlos Nakai, Native flute 
• Will Clipman, world percussion
• Pamela Freund-Striplen,  curator/narrator/violist

Cultural Crossroads: Dvořák in America is a live concert experience that explores the Black and Indigenous influences on Dvořák during his time in America. The program weaves original Native American melodies and moving African American Spirituals along with Dvořák’s most beloved chamber music. Short videos and imagery add to this powerful multimedia experience. Cultural Crossroads: Dvořák in America with its stellar and diverse cast of musicians is a catalyst for audience engagement as it entertains, educates, and inspires - drawn from the curiosity of a Czech composer a century ago. 

Tickets
$25/$20/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

Get Tickets

SIX APPEAL

September 20th @ 7:30pm

Dvorak Concert Hall 

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2ND ANNUAL ACA FESTIVAL

Six Appeal is a world-class vocal ensemble whose vibrant energy and dynamic blend bring a cappella to the forefront of live performance. They are two-time global champions of the genre after competing against nearly 200 groups from 26 different countries. Over their decade in the industry, Six Appeal has collaborated with notable artists Andy Grammer, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Thundercat. For multiple years in a row, the group has been featured at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party singing on the red carpet. Whether on the stage, sharing their knowledge with future musicians, or serenading the stars, Six Appeal continues to evolve, elevating classic songs to appeal across generations. 

Tickets
$25/$20/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

Get Tickets

SHAUN BOOTHE: UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY SERIES

October 16th @ 7:30pm 

The Theatre

The Unauthorized Biography Series is a celebration of greatness. As a youth speaker, Shaun Boothe has created this series not just to entertain and inform but to awaken the greatness within us all. The series is a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs. Shaun’s work repackages historical figures through the lens of Hip-Hop. Half TED Talk, half live concert, Shaun uses music, multimedia, and motivation to deliver powerful and transformative messaging in a way that truly resonates with audiences.

Tickets
$25/$20/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

Get Tickets

 SCHOOL PERFORMANCE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025 @ 10 AM

A special daytime performance will take place for school-aged children and their teachers and staff. For details and tickets, please contact the Box Office at (217) 581-3110 or doudnatix@eiu.edu. 

IMMUNITY

JOSHUA ROMAN 

January 24th @ 7:30pm

The Theatre

Immunity is an intimate musical exploration of cellist Joshua Roman’s life-altering, inspiring experience of ongoing long COVID, with music ranging from J.S. Bach to George Crumb to Caroline Shaw, as well as Roman’s own compositions. The program combines performance and storytelling into an emotional journey, as the cellist confronts the impact of the illness and the limitations that nearly ended his career, before progressing through a period of doubt, struggle, refocus, and renewal, culminating in a profound acceptance of self and a 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

Tickets
$25/$20/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

Get Tickets

JOHN CLAYTON

66th Annual Jazz Festival

February 6th @ 7:30pm

Dvorak Concert Hall

Bassist, composer, arranger and producer John Clayton is a busy man. He is a Grammy winner with nine additional nominations and has written and/or recorded with artists such as Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, McCoy Tyner, Yo–Yo Ma, and Charles Aznavour, to name only a few.

It is John’s arrangement of the “Star Spangled Banner” that helped propel Whitney Houston in her 1990 performance at the Super Bowl (the recording went platinum). His recordings with the Clayton Brothers, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Count Basie and others are plentiful. John feels, “I’ve been guided by a village of musicians who helped me understand the humility that goes along with playing music at the highest level you can. Ray Brown used to tell me to ‘Learn how to play the bass!!’ Just take care of the music and it will take care of you.” 

Tickets
$25/$20/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

Get Tickets

EAGLEMANIA

Valentine's Date Night Special

February 14th @ 7:30pm

Dvorak Concert Hall

EagleMania has been dazzling audiences for over a decade by spectacularly reproducing the music of The Eagles. EagleMania thrills internationally sold-out audiences with their stunning five-part harmony, virtuoso guitar work and uncanny ability to emulate the distinct sound of The Eagles. The EagleMania show consists of the Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as select Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh solo efforts.

Bring your loved one for our special date night offer! This will include a three-course dinner at the MLK Jr. University Union, two tickets to the performance at the Doudna, and two Doudna drink vouchers.

Tickets
$30/$15 

(Groups of 4+ save $5 per ticket) 

VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT SPECIAL PACKAGES:

DATE NIGHT SPECIAL FOR TWO*: $100
STUDENT DATE NIGHT SPECIAL FOR TWO*: $75

*Sale ends Friday, February 6, 2026 

Date Night Packages Excluded from group savings

Get Tickets

BRIGHT STAR

February 27th @ 7:30pm 

February 28th @ 7:30pm 

March 1st @ 2:00pm

March 6th @ 7:30pm

March 7th @ 7:30pm 

March 8th @ 2:00pm

As outlined in IGP #52 [https://www.eiu.edu/auditing/igp/52], nominations for honorary degrees are welcome and should be submitted in writing with appropriate supporting materials via an email to cmhutchison@eiu.edu. The criteria for nomination and selection requires nominees/recipients to “…have achieved a record of major distinction at the state or national level in such areas as education, public service, research, humanities, business, or the professions. In exceptional circumstances, honorary degrees may be awarded to persons who, though they have not achieved national or statewide recognition, have made an especially outstanding and significant contribution to the University or higher education.” The deadline for email submission is Monday, September 1.

For more information, visit the IGP or email Cindy Hutchison at cmhutchison@eiu.edu. 

Let the Writing Center help you with your papers, discussion posts, and other writing assignments this summer!

Online Writing Center appointments are available June 1–July 26. We offer appointments most Sundays–Fridays. To find available times and book an appointment, go to www.eiu.edu/writing and click "Schedule an Appointment." If you have questions about the Writing Center or our summer services, reach out to us at writingcenter@eiu.edu. 

Note: The walk-in center is not available during the summer semester.

Online ticket sales are now available! Go to go.eiu.edu/doudnatix to check out our season teaser and then secure your seats!

A reminder that this summer from May 12 through July 21, the Gregg Technology Center will be closed for some minor reorganization, time for the technicians to do lab and classroom maintenance, inventory, and continuing the refresh cycle project. 

To schedule a time to meet with a technician either call the Helpdesk (217-581- 4357), reach out via support@eiu.edu, to create a proper ticket as the best way to create an appointment. 

Good luck, have a great week, and it was wonderful to work beside you all semester.

Chad Elliott ~ ITS @ Gregg Technology Center

University Food Court – Summer Hours Starting May 14

Beginning May 14, the University Food Court will operate on summer hours:

• Open Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

• Closed Friday–Sunday

Please note: The Food Court will also be closed on Memorial Day.