The Writers Workshop will be closed from 3/15-3/23 for Spring Break. We will re-open on 3/24. You can book consultations up to 10 days in advance, so plan ahead for appointments before and after spring break!

U. of I. students now have free access to Kaplan’s industry-leading test prep for graduate school, career credentials, licensure exams and skills development courses. The new program called “Prepare for Illinois’ Future Powered by Kaplan’s All Access License™, is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Get free access to 40+ courses such as the GRE®, GMAT®, MCAT®, LSAT®, and more. Learn more at https://careercenter.illinois.edu/services/kaplantestprep.

The University of Illinois 2025 Homecoming Week festivities are set for September 21–27, and now we need your help selecting a theme! With over 600 ideas submitted, the list has been narrowed down to the top 6 choices: (1) It's an Illini Thing; (2) Illinois: Where Legends Begin; (3) Live. Love. Laugh. ILLINI.; (4) You + I = Illini; (5) Welcome Home with Open Arms (Think Alma Mater); and (6) Make some IlliNOISE. Pick your favorite and cast your vote at https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_86ApZqtHALHGWDs.

The Office for Student Conflict Resolution is inviting all faculty, staff and students to apply to any of the various subcommittees (Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct, Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct, Subcommittee on SexualMisconduct). More information can be found at: http://www.conflictresolution.illinois.edu/get-involved/subcommittees/  Application review will begin March 15, 2025.  Please sumbit any questions to conflictresolution@illinois.edu

Interested in coffee and café culture? This interactive event is for you! The AACC pro-staff and intern share the unique Vietnamese coffee and explore the health benefits and cultural significance of East Asian cafe drinks, while an IE intern leads a trivia of coffee around the world. Peer educators at the McKinley Health Center discuss the effects of caffeine and compare different caffeinated beverages with recommended amounts of consumption. Dinner is provided, with coffee, of course! 

DRES is providing a short, anonymous survey for graduate students with disabilities to learn about their needs; you do not need to be registered with DRES to participate. Disabilities may include (but are not limited to) learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health disabilities, such as anxiety disorders or depression, autism spectrum disorder, physical or sensory disabilities. Participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of eight $25 Amazon gift cards.

Join Grainger Alumna, Daryl Varney, for a session on personal finance and take control of your financial future with greater confidence. This session will equip you with essential financial planning tools, insights into different investment accounts, and strategies to enhance your financial literacy. Discover practical steps to set and achieve your financial goals, ensuring a more secure and informed financial journey.

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) invites applications for the Arnold Ventures Criminal Justice Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct policy-relevant causal research to advance the efficacy and equity of criminal justice practices in the United States. Applicants must receive their PhD by the start of the fellowship in September 2025. 

What are the five most common formatting errors we see in theses? What are release options? How do I deposit my thesis? We've answered these questions and more in our Thesis Format and Deposit webinar. Watch the video and download the slides in our Box folder. Still have questions? Reach out to us at thesis@illinois.edu.

Join a collaborative group that will help you figure out what matters to you and offer support as you explore new paths that align with your values, skills, and interests. This 3-week group will involve hands-on exercises and rich conversation designed to guide you in claiming agency in your next steps. Open to grad students and postdocs in any field whose work involves social science inquiry. Learn more and register here.

Join us for a special Names of Kazakhstan training! This session will introduce the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds that shape names in Kazakhstan. Learn key pronunciation techniques, name structures, and cultural insights to help you confidently say names correctly and respectfully. Registration is required. Questions? Contact ISSS Training and Programs at isss-programs@illinois.edu.

In this session, we will discuss AI applications and how they can help with dissertation research. This session is open to all doctoral students. Please complete the form to register for the workshop. It will be conducted through Zoom. We look forward to working with you! 

The Doctoral Research Support Program and the Writers Workshop are hosting Writing in the Disciplines, an online series that connects doctoral students with faculty, journal editors, and publishers to discuss writing styles and skills in specific disciplines.  It complements existing services offered by the Writers Workshop as well as resources at the departmental level. These events are open to all current doctoral students. 

Join us for an interactive workshop on Microsoft Copilot AI, a university-approved tool designed to enhance your research, writing, and presentations. Copilot can also assist with lesson planning, note-taking, and organizing information efficiently. Whether you need to find peer-reviewed articles, proofread your work, summarize meetings, create PowerPoint presentations, or manage data in spreadsheets, Copilot AI provides the support you need to work smarter and more effectively. 

Systematic reviews require a rigorous and systematic approach to reviewing existing literature and discovering new knowledge. With the rapid expansion of literature across nearly all disciplines, AI-based tools can significantly enhance researchers’ efforts and efficiency. While not all self-proclaimed research assistant AI tools are adaptively useful, carefully selecting and integrating the right tools at the appropriate stages can advance knowledge discovery. This presentation aims to provide a basic understanding of AI tools for systematic reviews and their proper use.

Are you having trouble organizing all of your sources but don’t know where to start? A citation manager can help you store your files, create citations, and insert formatted citations into papers. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to three popular citation managers—Mendeley, Zotero, and Endnote. We will go over pros and cons of each one and give you a preview of how they work to help you choose the best fit for your citation needs.

This Illinois REDCap workshop will focus on advanced ways Illinois REDCap can be used to collect research data, including how to build or edit projects with a Data Dictionary, collecting data with repeatable instruments, and collecting longitudinal data with defined events. It is recommended (but not required) that you have a REDCap account prior to attending the workshop. Information about accessing Illinois REDCap is available here: https://healthinstitute.illinois.edu/redcap. Attending the “Introduction to Illinois REDCap” or having a working knowledge of REDCap is recommended.

Are you overwhelmed by organizing your sources? Zotero is a free, open-source citation manager that helps you store and organize your files and insert formatted citations into papers. You will leave this hands-on workshop with a Zotero library set up and ready to use!

QualCoder is a free and open-source tool for analyzing qualitative data, including text, PDFs, and audio visual data. In this workshop, we’ll talk about installing QualCoder, setting up a coding system for text data, and viewing reports of coded data. 

Looking for a new way to conduct your research? Tired of getting zero results in your database searches? This workshop will break down how to identify resources, and search for articles, books, and other scholarly works. We’ll cover chasing citations, creating optimal keyword searches, using built-in database functions to improve your searches, and other strategies to make you a more efficient researcher.

Need support for your oral defense or conference preparation? Enroll in ESL 593 Academic Presentation Skills, a 7-week course, to receive personalized feedback on presentation style during authentic practice opportunities. Develop skills in explaining research, adapting to various audiences, and giving/receiving feedback. Class sessions start March 25, 2025. Limited seats available—register now!

In this online workshop, students will learn some effective strategies for clear and effective data presentation in the context of journal articles, research posters and PowerPoint presentations. Topics discussed will include methods for analyzing figure and table design, how to write with figures, and how to apply these lessons to a variety of contexts. Register by March 9. You can also review our science writing resources here and read more about our consultants here.

Looking to find your flow? Join us to learn how to enhance the structure and cohesion of your writing, including tips for assessing your structure and argumentation and using signposting and stance-taking language. Advanced undergraduates and grad students are encouraged to attend; please bring a draft to work with! This event will be held through Zoom. Please register with your University of Illinois email account by March 4, and we will send an email with the Zoom meeting invitation on the morning of the event. 

Join us to work on your writing projects! Our biweekly 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! 

In this session, new podcasters learn how to create an intentional, personalized brand to really make their show their own. We cover promoting and marketing podcasts through social media and other ways to get word out!

Infographics can be an effective way to convey small bits of information very quickly, while drawing viewers in due to their visual appeal. In this workshop students will learn about best practices for creating infographics and be introduced to several free online tools that allow users to create their own infographics, including Infogram and Visme. The session will end with a practice activity where participants are encouraged to use the webtool of their choice. 

Join the IDEA Lab in this informational session through the basics of 3D printing, best practices, and resources on campus as well as digital resources.

Learn how to use NCSA's Delta supercomputer. In this virtual workshop, you will learn about Delta's advanced architecture that supports a wide range of scientific domains, particularly those that benefit from GPU acceleration such as machine learning. Hands-on exercises will teach how to access Delta, manage the user environment, and run jobs and software. Registration required by March 13.

This workshop will provide the opportunity to learn about the use of extracellular vesicles as markers of disease progression from Mayo Clinic faculty, as well as become acquainted with newly emerging technologies to capture and detect EVs by faculty at Illinois. The poster session will provide an informal venue for exploring new collaborations. The full agenda includes campus and external speakers, a poster session and boxed lunches. Register by April 9. 

The University of Illinois will host the 2025 Illinois Academy of Science State Exposition on May 2-3, 2025. This is the premiere statewide science research competition for grades 7-12. We are seeking volunteer judges for the exposition. All levels of expertise are welcome. All volunteer judges must have completed high school. Please click HERE to learn more about volunteer shift opportunities and HERE to learn about judging. Additional information, training, and example rubrics will be sent in early April 2025, along with a final volunteer confirmation.

Campus will be replacing the old Instructor and Course Evaluation System (ICES) with a new survey on the student learning experience. We hope that this new system will provide better information to instructors and students on how courses are taught. We need your input to shape the new student feedback form! Join us for one of several 1-hour conversation to help us shape this new survey. Participants will receive a $15 Amazon gift card for their time. Undergraduate AND graduate students are welcome to participate! Please sign up here using your U of I email address. 

Experience the vibrant culture of India at Discover India, hosted by IGSA at Foellinger Auditorium! The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with an engaging exhibition showcasing India’s rich heritage, followed by captivating performances that bring music and dance to life. To wrap up the night, groove to energetic beats at our DJ party! Entry is free and open to all—come explore, celebrate, and immerse yourself in the culture of India. Don't miss this incredible journey through India's traditions, flavors, and rhythms! 

Join us for a film discussion on "Funmilayo Ransome Kuti" which is a powerful movie tell the story of a fearless female leader who sparks a revolution against colonialism and patriarchy in Nigeria.  The film is based on the renowned Nigerian activiist Fela Kuti. Watch the film on Amazon Prime and then join PhD Student Adetutu Faburoso for discussion.

Experience a performance in the galleries by video artist ACVilla and keyboardist/vocalist Thollem McDonas, as part of their national tour. The Sudden Sound Concert Series presented by Krannert Art Museum and Improvisers Exchange features leading artists in avant-garde jazz and music improvisation. Curated by Jason Finkelman, director of Global Arts Performance Initiatives at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It’s an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

Join us as we hear from five graduate students and recipient of fellowships through the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity. This online forum will include student presentations and Illinois faculty discussants. Research talks include discussions from Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, and Senegambia. Full details at https://go.illinois.edu/GraduateForum.

Students who are undocumented, DACA or TPS experience unique challenges in higher education. Join university staff, administration and faculty to learn to better support undocumented students at the University of Illinois. This training is an opportunity to hear from undocumented students and join a network of campus allies. Register to attend at the link above. For more information, visit open.illinois.edu. 

Come see comedian, Mickey Housley, for Friday Funnies series. Originally from Houston, Housley is a fan favorite and a mainstay among college campuses. He started his career as a karaoke star and applied his stage presence, energy, and animation to win Houston's Knockout Competition and place second in the Funniest Person in Houston Contest. Housley has appeared on Comedy Time TV, Comcast Sports Net, FOX's Showtime at the Apollo, and Amazon's best-selling Chronicles of a Stand-Up Guy. Student Organization, Hive Society Improv, will open for Housley for a night of fun and laughter!

With: Rebekah Fitzsimmons (Carnegie Mellon, and iSchool Visiting Research Fellow), Tan Debnath & Glen Layne-Worthey (iSchool). Join our research team to explore data from 78 years of children’s book reviewing in the CCB’s Bulletin! BYOD - Bring Your Own Device. Free donuts will be available.

Roughly three out of every four people face some degree of anxiety when speaking in front of others. In this workshop, learn strategies and mindsets to help cope with these experiences and more related to speech and presentation apprehension. Hosted by the Speakers Workshop (https://speakersworkshop.illinois.edu/).

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to an Open Forum co-sponsored by the Senate Library Committee and the University Library. The Forum will cover a variety of topics (see link above) and include remarks from Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Claire Stewart about the state of the Library and future library initiatives. Attend in person or register here for a Zoom link. 

March is Women's History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.  The Women's Resources Center invites you to join us for open mics, lectures, book clubs, awards and more. See the calendar of events at go.illinois.edu/WHMCalendar

Enjoy some international snacks and drinks with cross-cultural learning activities. Sponsored by International Education and the University Library. 

Join us for a weekly Friday Forum + Conversation Cafe lunch series with local and national speakers tackling some of our most pressing social justice issues. Topics this semester include DEI, democracy, immigration, environmental justice, interfaith, and more. Free lunch provided! This week’s speaker: Diana Rashid, National Immigrant Justice Center, in conversation with la Colectiva students who will provide An Immigrant Advocate’s Perspective.

Join HRI and the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity for International Women's Day 2025! This annual event brings together faculty, staff, students, and community members at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to recognize people who have made a difference in academia. Each speaker will have five minutes to tell the story of the woman in their discipline that changed the field in important ways. 

The Counseling Center will host events for students to learn about safer substance use as they approach Unofficial St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break. Interested students can stop by, take a brief assessment, and talk to a counselor about strategies customized to their personal habits. There will also be prizes, games, and t-shirts!

Please join us for a roundtable discussion featuring distinguished professors Inmaculada Pérez Martín, Agamemnon Tselikas, and George Xenis, who will reflect on their work championing the study of classical and medieval Greek letters and literatures. This discussion will serve as the culmination of our first annual Global Book History at Illinois workshop, and the event is free and open to all.

This talk by Prof. Dr. Dominic Sachsenmaier who holds a chair professorship in “Modern China with a Special Emphasis on Global Historical Perspectives” at the University of Gottingen, reflects upon China as a contested concept in European intellectual and political life. Drawing on contemporary and historical examples, it explores how China figured both as a subject of intellectual curiosity and a globally relevant power. The talk then develops some ideas on the broader social and political environments of China.

Join us for the lecture “Ejercer una Investigación Pasión Implicante (IPI) como estrategia para construir memoria en torno a luchas migrantes transfronterizas” (“Exercising Implicit Passion Research [IPI] as a strategy for building memory around cross-border migrant struggles”). Huerta is a professor and researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México. Note: Lecture will be presented in Spanish with translation provided. 

Join Dr. Emil Annevelink from Physics Inverted Materials as he discusses the approach towards chemical foundation models for digital prediction of experimental measurements. In this talk, he'll discuss scaling data-generation techniques using uncertainty quantification of machine learning models in order to produce rich datasets that can cover and simulate the entire chemical phase space of materials.

Collaborating with National Taiwan University, CDA brings you the "Global Perspectives on Digital/Smart Agriculture" joint seminar series! Join us virtually on March 12 from 7-9 p.m. CT for a session on "Circular Bioeconomy Agriculture." Learn about net-zero transitions, turning food waste into aviation fuels, using biomass as materials for electronics, and more. Free to attend – more info here.

Make plans to attend "Costimulatory Molecules for Immunomodulation to Enhance Immunity" at NCSA 1030 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on March 12, featuring Som Nanjappa, an associate professor of immunology. Register here.

Join Dr. Emil Annevelink as he discusses his post-doc, startup experiences, and how his time at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign prepared him for the future. Dr. Annevelink received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from U. of I. in 2021 studying dislocations in single and multilayer graphene. He is now working on commercializing machine learning methods for building multiscale materials at Physics Inverted Materials.    

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

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

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