Welcome (Back) to a new academic year at the University of Illinois. We want to help connect you with university resources, communities, programs, and opportunities available to graduate students. Keep an eye out for emails next Tuesday - Friday highlighting events and resources and check out our website for the full schedule of Welcome (Back) events. Most importantly, be sure to mark your calendar for the Graduate College's Welcome Reception! Join us at the Illini Union on Wednesday, September 4 between 3 and 5 PM for snacks, door prizes, conversation, and more.

The Illini-Alert emergency notification system will be tested at 10:05 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Visit go.illinois.edu/illinialert for additional information and technical support. To receive prompt emergency notifications, add or update your cellphone numbers and email addresses at emergency.illinois.edu.

Facilities & Services impounded 262 abandoned bicycles on campus this summer. If your bike is one of those and you want it back, email bike@illinois.edu and include where it was located, the make/model, color, and serial number, if possible. Bike registration information or other documentation will be needed to prove ownership (e.g., pictures). Retrieving a bicycle will require an active bike registration per the University Bicycle Ordinance. There is also a $40 retrieval fee that supports bike collection efforts. This year's reclaim deadline is Monday, Sept. 30. 

Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College, this employee orientation provides information for teaching, research, pre-professional, and graduate assistants regarding appointments and benefits. The same session is offered twice by Zoom: Tuesday, September 3, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (Join) and Thursday, September 5, 9:00  – 10:30 a.m. (Join).

International students on F-1 and J-1 student visas must be enrolled full time in the Fall and Spring terms to maintain their status. When finalizing your registration for the upcoming Fall 2024 term, international students should remember that while they may enroll in online courses, only one online course (up to a maximum of three credit hours) may count towards this full-time requirement. It is important that you finalize your full-time registration prior to the 10th day of classes (September 9) to maintain your status.

Students, faculty & staff who test positive for COVID-19 may return to normal activities when they have been fever free for 24hrs without the use of fever reducing medications and/or their symptoms are improving for the past 24hrs. It is recommended that you wear a mask for 5 days when around others, practice good hand hygiene, and disinfect your environments. For more information visit CDC.

The Harm Reduction Peers and Counseling Center staff are partnering with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to provide supplies like Narcan and drug testing kits to the campus community. Find us at our rotating location, ask us about how to help in an emergency or refer a friend for services, and learn how to use these important tools. The first event will be Friday, Sept. 6 from 11:30am-1:30pm at the ARC Wellbeing Lounge (main entrance). See complete dates and details at the link above.

RECHARGE is IE's newest program, offering students a chance to rest and connect during the busy week. We have hot tea, international snacks, and a place to charge your devices. Bring a friend or meet someone new! We look forward to seeing you!

Ready to save more and spend smarter? Join us on Zoom September 12, 2024, at 12 PM CT for Budget Hacks! Discover practical tips and tricks to make your money go further and achieve your financial goals. Register for this webinar and see the full list of Student Money Management webinars this semester at the link above.

Ready to save more and spend smarter? Join us on September 12, 2024, at 12 PM CT for Budget Hacks! Discover practical tips and tricks to make your money go further and achieve your financial goals. Registration required.

The ability to craft an effective funding proposal can reap a lifetime of rewards. As a graduate student, now is the time to hone your grantwriting proficiency. In this workshop, you will learn how to identify funding opportunities, strategize the components of an effective proposal, and think like a grantwriter. STEM students can attend the online workshop this week on Thursday from 2-4:30 (register) while students in the social sciences and humanities can attend on Friday from 2-4 (register). Please register in advance. 

We want to support you throughout the thesis process, so we have created a Canvas workspace just for you! Our Thesis Workspace is broken into several modules that are designed to help you navigate the process of writing your thesis and learn more about available campus resources. We've included space for you to record your thoughts and created handouts to help you plan and prioritize. The thesis process can sometimes feel challenging or lonely, so this workspace has discussion boards where you can connect with a community of graduate students. Visit our website to learn more!

This workshop will cover the purpose, structure, and content of research statements. What are the expectations for research statements on the faculty job market? What can make your statement stand out, and what are some common mistakes? What does a research statement even look like? You can join in person (Graduate College, 507 E. Green St., Champaign) or on Zoom.

Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, Commander of US Naval Submarine Forces, will present an unclassified informational brief on the status and recent developments of US Submarine Forces. He will also highlight opportunities within the force, including officer accession programs and service programs for continued education. All are invited and welcome to attend! 

The University Library's Savvy Researcher workshops provide students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to learn a variety of foundational research skills including citation management, data collection and analysis, digital humanities, preserving and disseminating scholarly work, presenting skills, media and technology, and much more! Join us in-person, online. or check out our online guides to work at your own pace. You can also schedule a session for your study group, faculty meeting, or professional development. 

Researchers and scholars in training, do you have what it takes to get started? A growing number of funding agencies, publishers, and professional associations around the world are requesting an ORCID iD at grant application, manuscript submission, and membership renewal. ORCID@Illinois provides an easy way to obtain this unique, persistent identifier and to link it to your Illinois identity. Get connected at ORCID@Illinois!

Drop-in for a writing consultation at the Main Library and online (Sun-Thu eve) or at the LAS Hub in Lincoln Hall (Tu-Thu early afternoon). These 15-30 min sessions are held on a first-come, first-served basis. Receive actionable advice on shorter documents (1-3pg papers, application materials, etc.), ask specific questions, or brainstorm your next project!

Start the semester the "write" way! Our hybrid writing group provides grad students with dedicated time to make progress on any writing project in a supportive atmosphere. Each meeting consists of a short goal-setting conversation, quiet writing time, and a concluding reflection and wrap-up. You only need to register once with your U of I email to receive weekly email reminders all semester! 

The Office of the Provost at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI) and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications are creating a new Office of Data Science Research (ODSR) to build stronger connections and advance the innovative and lasting work being done by the data science research community on campus. ODSR will organize the considerable assets across campus and strategically align communication, community-building resources and research opportunities for faculty, staff, postdocs and students. Read more.

Help your students understand appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI in your class with the updated "AI in This Course" Canvas module from the University Library. It includes a beginner-friendly summary of how AI works, a customizable AI policy, and guidelines for citing AI. You can find this module in the Canvas Commons by searching for "University Library."  

This hybrid workshop offers a beginner-friendly introduction to how tools like ChatGPT generate text. We'll explore best practices for using AI in your scholarship, creative practice, and work. There will be plenty of room for experimentation and questions!

The SKY Happiness Retreat is an internationally acclaimed life-skills program that helps participants develop a relaxed, stress-free mind and an energetic, healthy body. The retreat teaches tools such as evidence-based meditation, yoga, breathwork, and self-exploration in a fun and experiential format. Join us on campus for a detox-weekend! The retreat is fully funded for all Illinois students. Interested students can sign up using the link: linktr.ee/skyatuiuc

Turn the pages of these human books and 'read' or hear about different countries represented in our community. Each station will feature a specific country where you can read or interact with the "book" (a person) and learn about different aspects of a country such as culture, language, or history. If you are interested in volunteering at this event please sign up here.

GrOW (Graduate Orientation for Women and Gender Minorities) is an orientation program for new graduate students identifying as women and gender minorities in engineering. Our activities aim to create an increased sense of belonging and confidence. GrOW will be on 9/7/24 from 11 am to 2 pm. The orientation will be located in the Illini Union Ballroom. Lunch will be provided to all participants. Please be sure to complete this RSVP form by 9/4/24 so we can plan accordingly. Feel free to reach out to gradswe.uiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

The Senate of the Urbana-Champaign Campus is a legislative body composed of about 200 faculty, 50 students, and ten academic professional members. Duties of Senate committees are specified in the Senate Bylaws. Serving on a Senate committee is your voice in shared governance. To serve on a Senate committee, submit your interest by clicking on the student interest form at the page linked in the title.

More than 14 million pounds campus waste is processed each year at our Waste Transfer Station. Ever wonder what happens after you put something in the bin? Students, faculty, staff, classes, and community members are encouraged to request tours of the facility. Learn how your recyclables are sorted, and how you can help support the university in achieving its zero waste goals.

Join us with your loved ones for Long-Distance Love, a virtual museum tour across time and space! Taking inspiration from artworks at Krannert Art Museum, this interactive tour will explore themes of migration, love, loneliness, longing, and belonging. Dates: Sept 13 –  22,  2024. Ten days, one tour every day! Check the website for timings in multiple time zones, and click on the image to read more about the tours. Register here! (Registration is required to attend the tours.)

Flatlands Dance Film Festival presents BAD LIKE BROOKLYN DANCEHALL. The documentary film features an entrancing cast of Jamaican and New York luminaries who share their community story of building a cultural bridge between Jamaica and New York through dancehall.

Explore the art of cooking with us and embark on a culinary journey filled with creativity and delicious discoveries! You will work in groups to make a dish together with the recipes provided. Upon the conclusion of the class, all the dishes will be shared, similar to a family dining experience. Receive 10% off if you sign up for a class by 9/1/2024! Student cost: $15.

Please join us for Introducing ARPA-H: A New Era in Health Research and Innovation on Sept. 12 from 1-2 p.m. at the Beckman Institute (Room 2269), presented by ARPA-H Program Manager Paul Sheehan. The funding agency supports impactful biomedical and health research that can deliver transformative health solutions for everyone. Registration is not required but appreciated.

Join for the Illini Swing Society’s FREE Fall Kickoff Swing Dance Event on Saturday, Sept 7! Free Drop-in beginning swing class (7-8pm), then free live band social dance directly after (8-10:30pm). PLUS we’ll hold a raffle, 2 people will win swing classes! Kickoff held in the Ballroom (2nd Floor) of the Illini Union. No partner or special shoes needed. We welcome students and community members! 

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is preparing to kick off their 2024-25 season in style with an Opening Weekend Party September 6-7. The festivities will include two days of free live performances from artists including SOJA, Cyro Baptista, DJ Spinn, Squonk, Ladies of Hip-Hop, Era Footwork Crew, Versa-Style Street Dance Company, and Chad Lawson—plus food, workshops, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities.

Japan House will be featuring Japanese artist Seiran Chiba for a large-scale calligraphy execution of the character for peace. Following that is a live raking of the dry rock garden to showcase the character as a raked pattern. Afterward, there will be an origami crane foldraiser to support the Seattle Peace Garden. Guests can also visit the matcha cafe! This free event will occur outside in the gardens. Please prepare accordingly.

Join us at the ARC to make your own candle while learning about the benefits of soy wax and scent logic for your wellness. You get to take home an 8 oz jar of candle with your own curated scent. Cost: $30 for students; $35 for non-students. 

Calling all military-connected graduate students! Join us at the Chez Veterans Center for our Graduate Student Open House on September 3rd from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This event offers a great opportunity to meet our staff, connect with fellow students, and learn about the various resources available to support you throughout your graduate journey. If you can't attend, don’t worry—our support services are always available, and you can schedule an appointment at your convenience. Let’s make this year a success together!

This symposium will explore nuclear receptor actions in health and disease. This is a great venue for trainees to network and establish potential connections for future postdoc opportunities. Register here.

Join the Cancer Center at Illinois for a lecture from Dr. John Wong, a professor and director of medical physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Wong is currently seeking collaborators, especially in the biological effects of radiation. No registration is required.

The Education Justice Project's Policy & Research Team is hosting a research group meeting on Sept. 9th from 3:00-4:00pm CT on Zoom. All are welcome! Presenters: April N. Hackert, Global Psychiatric Culinary Medicine Research Dietitian, "Improving the Nutritional Status of Humans Experiencing Incarceration." Kaitlyn J. Selman, Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University, "Razing the 'House of Screams': Teaching, Learning, and Living the Reparations Won Curriculum."

The University of Illinois Counseling Center provides mental health counseling and well-being education for students. 

McKinley Health Center serves on-campus students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

If you or a student you know may need support with their basic needs or financial stressors, please reach out.