Lieke van Heumen awarded research fellowship from Student Affairs
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Clinical associate professor in DHD Lieke van Heumen ’15 PhD DIS is this year’s recipient of the Student Affairs Faculty Research Fellowship for her work to advance equity on campus by using plain language in materials and communications. She and a group of DHD student researchers will begin the project in January 2026.
“Being able to conduct this project is very meaningful to me because it brings together two areas I care deeply about: equity in higher education and accessible communication,” said van Heumen. “Plain language is more than a writing technique, it is a way of honoring students’ diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and ways of knowing.”
Now in its sixth funding cycle, the fellowship offers a year-long grant of up to $25,000 to conduct research on questions relevant to UIC Student Affairs.
This 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.
“Plain language makes information easier to understand the first time they read it. When materials from Student Affairs are clearer — whether about financial aid, wellness resources, campus involvement or academic support — students can more confidently make decisions and get the help they need,” van Heumen said.
Student Affairs is often students’ first point of contact with the university. The project aims to make those crucial contacts more productive and accessible by auditing existing materials, conducting focus groups and co-designing revised content with students. The work also directly supports first-generation students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities or anyone who faces additional barriers to university systems.
“By simplifying language, organizing information more clearly and reducing cognitive load, we aim to create communication that works better for everyone,” van Heumen said.