Project by Lieke van Heumen selected for the UIC Student Affairs Faculty Fellows program
Introduction
Lieke van Heumen has been selected as the 2025-26 UIC Student Affairs Faculty Fellow, a year-long fellowship for faculty to conduct research on questions relevant to UIC Student Affairs, funded by a grant of up to $25,000.
Her project explores how plain language, a communication style that prioritizes clarity and accessibility, can be applied within UIC Student Affairs to enhance equity and engagement among diverse student populations. Recognizing that UIC Student Affairs often serves as students’ first point of contact with the university, the project aims to reduce cognitive barriers by auditing existing materials, conducting focus groups, and co-designing revised content with students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the initiative will develop a plain language toolkit and provide staff training to support the sustainable implementation. Ultimately, the project aims to foster inclusive communication, enhance access to services, and inform broader institutional practices that promote equity across the campus.
Now in its sixth funding cycle, the Student Affairs Faculty Research Fellows Program empowers faculty to conduct research projects that address important questions in the realm of student affairs at UIC.