The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) offers a wide range of events each week, providing students with opportunities to engage in campus life, explore their interests, and discover new passions. These events, often promoted on the UIS Connections platform, aim to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community. However, for some students, the excitement of attending these events has turned into frustration due to last-minute cancellations without notification.
One such instance involved Ruthvik Boggavarapu, a UIS student who had registered for a kickboxing event advertised on UIS Connections. Like many others, he arrived at the designated location—The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC)—only to find that the event had been cancelled without any prior notice.
“I had no clue it was cancelled, and when I asked others, they didn’t know either,” Boggavarapu shared.
He and other students waited at TRAC for nearly half an hour, expecting the instructor to arrive. “I saw some students waiting for almost 30 minutes, which shows how excited they were. It was disappointing because we registered and went there, only to find out it was cancelled.”
Boggavarapu eventually learned of the cancellation after speaking with the receptionist at TRAC. The lack of communication left him, and others in attendance, feeling frustrated and disappointed.
While event cancellations can be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, failing to inform students in advance, especially when they’ve registered, can be seen as disrespectful to their time and effort. Boggavarapu, who lives off-campus, noted the inconvenience. “It’s a 15-minute drive to the college, and to find out that the event was cancelled only after arriving is frustrating,” he said.
This situation isn’t unique, as other students have experienced similar issues. Many are now calling on UIS Connections to improve communication, particularly when it comes to event cancellations. They suggest that timely notifications—via email, text, or app alert—be sent to those registered for events, ensuring students are informed well in advance.
Ultimately, students want their time and enthusiasm to be valued. With better communication, UIS can ensure that the campus community continues to feel connected and appreciated, even when unexpected changes arise.
