Every year, as we prepare for the annual Image of Research exhibition, we are amazed at the diversity and beauty of graduate student research on our campus. We invite you to explore the online exhibition and vote for your three favorites. Your votes will determine the People's Choice winner. The exhibition will also be on display on the second floor of the Graduate College during Graduate Student Appreciation Week (April 7-11). Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during the week to see them in person.

The final version of the Fall 2024 List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students is now available at go.illinois.edu/lotrae.

The Federal Updates Steering Group launched a weekly newsletter to provide updated news and information regarding the impact of federal changes on the university. In addition, the federal updates website houses information, resources and answers to frequently asked questions related to new federal directives. For additional questions, please contact federalupdates@illinois.edu.

April 11 is the last day the last day for doctoral students to complete their Final Examination (thesis defense) for May 2025 degree conferral. Students should request their Final Exam Committee via Graduate College Student Portal at least one week prior to the date of the exam. Have questions about final doctoral examinations? Click here for an advising appointment!

April 6 is the last day to apply for May 2025 graduation via Self-Service. Have questions about adding yourself to the degree list? Click here for an advising appointment!

April 4 is the last day to change your curriculum for the current term. This includes adding or dropping a campus approved minor or concentration. Please check your student program information in Self-Service to verify your program information is listed correctly. Information on how to change your curriculum is available online.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for fieldwork, lab research, arts training, & English teaching in over 140 countries. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, may be at any stage of graduate study, & may come from any discipline. To learn more, join us for an overview of the program’s mission, eligibility criteria, benefits, application components, and selection process. We will also explain the protocol for campus interviews and the one-on-one advising services we offer. The virtual info session will be held twice; please register for the April 4 or April 10 session. 

The International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) offers $15,000 Graduate Fellowships to support projects that advance the development, validation, or implementation of human-relevant, non-animal methodologies in research, testing, or education. Both Master's and doctoral students in relevant fields are eligible to apply. Applications are due April 30, 2025.   

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 grant writing proficiency. In this workshop from the Grad College's Office of External Fellowships, designed for students in science, technology, engineering, & math, you will learn how to identify funding opportunities, strategize the components of an effective proposal, and think like a grant writer. Come with questions about this mysterious genre; leave with a template you can adapt to become a competitive applicant for prestigious awards. Register here.

Calling all graduate students, how fast can you present your research? Join this event to meet other Illinois graduate students and share your research in 3 minutes or less. Two people will pair up and hear about each others research and then switch to new teams every 7 minutes. Light lunch available for all registered participants. Registration is Required at https://go.illinois.edu/LightningTalk25

Spring into action and make progress on current projects or jumpstart something new! 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 with your U of I email once per semester.

If you are planning to deposit your thesis this semester, here are a few tips to get a head start! 1) Review our Deposit Checklist, which outlines the steps you need to take in order to deposit. 2) Doctoral students: complete your required surveys! 3) Make sure to add your name to the degree list through Self-Service (the deadline to do this is April 6!).

Whether you're just starting a job search, or hoping to refine your strategy, we've got you covered. This workshop will provide an overview of the entire job search process including tips for networking effectively, writing application materials that get noticed, navigating the interview process, evaluating and negotiating an offer, and more. No registration required. This session will be broadcast online at https://go.grad.illinois.edu/eventspace

Are you preparing to go on the academic job market? The Writers Workshop will review genre expectations for statements of teaching philosophy and provide examples from a range of disciplines. We will share strategies for brainstorming and drafting your own statement. This event is open to current University of Illinois affiliates (students, faculty, and staff). Please register with your University of Illinois email account by April 2, and we will send a reminder email with the Zoom meeting invitation on the morning of the event.

Stand out from the applicant pool! Join We CU Community Engaged Scholars & the Career Center on April 8 and learn how you can translate service and volunteer experience into a powerful resume or CV. Upon completion of this workshop, you will be able to draft an effective resume that describes the qualifications, skills, and experience you have gained through service and volunteering as an Illinois student. This event will be held on April 8 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm in the LAS Hub in Lincoln Hall. Space is limited. Register today to make sure you don't miss this opportunity!

Are you ready to enhance your intercultural skills? Join us for Exploring Intercultural Communication Styles, an interactive training session designed to help faculty, staff, scholars, and graduate teaching assistants navigate various intercultural communication skills. This session explores key communication styles, including: direct vs. indirect, linear vs. nonlinear, affective vs. neutral, and more. Participants will learn how adapting to different communication approaches can lead to more effective interactions. Registration is required.

Join GradSWE in an open and engaging discussion on inclusivity and empowerment in our academic and professional spaces. This event will explore ways to create welcoming environment, address challenges and celebrate diversity. What to expect - A two-way interactive format with video reviews, group discussions and more! Lunch will be provided, bring your own beverage. Scheduled to occur on Monday, April 14th from 12 to 1pm at 3100 Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building. See you there! 

Director of Illinois Computes Chuck Thompson is seeking researchers' feedback to help further shape what the program can do to support the campus research community! The Illinois Computes mission is described by two phrases: "computing for all" and "democratizing access." To achieve this, we must be able to provide every researcher on campus with computing technology resources and support that are meaningful to them. Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of computing resources that support research at Illinois. Read more from Chuck here and sign up for Illinois Computes Connections!

Be heard! Enjoy light refreshments and share comments, concerns, and feedback directly with the ADA Coordinator. What are your campus experiences as a student with disabilities? How do you think the university can increase accessibility and inclusion for students with disabilities? In-Person Graduate and Professional Student Session, April 9, 12pm. Virtual All-Student Session, April 10, 12pm. Register for Zoom link. Each session will include live captioning. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please email the ADA Coordinator: adacoordinator@illinois.edu.

Felicidades on your Graduation! Registration is open to celebrate our graduates at the 46th Annual Latinx Congratulatory! Latinx Congratulatory is a bilingual ceremony that celebrates Latinx graduates earning their Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral Degrees.  This year's ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 7PM at the State Farm Center. Registration is available for the first 500 graduating students who complete both registration and payment of $85, or by April 1st, 2025, whichever comes first. Register and learn more at https://lacasa.illinois.edu/congrats

The Illinois Science Olympiad is actively seeking volunteers to assist at the State Tournament hosted at the University of Illinois on Saturday, Apr 12th. Be a part of this exciting tournament as schools compete for the bragging rights of Illinois State Champion. No experience necessary. Many shifts available. Sign up HERE. Questions? Contact donna.brayfield@illinoisolympiad.org. 

Have you participated in service or volunteered at a community organization? We CU Community Engaged Scholars is proud to recognize students for their commitment to service. Fill out our Student Recognition Form by April 16 and you will be considered for this year's award. Recognized Scholars also gain access to our mini-grants! After completing the form, don't forget to confirm your attendance at our April 22 Spring Reception. We will have refreshments, We CU swag, certificates, and enamel pins for recognized students. We look forward to celebrating your positive impact within the community!

Are you earning your online degree? The University Library is interested in hearing about your experiences as an online student to learn how we can support you in your different needs. Register for an online discussion to converse with librarians and share your thoughts! Event is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Registration is required: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1164510700  

Join CDA and National Taiwan University for the free "Smart Agriculture in Animals" webinar at 7 p.m. on April 9. This session is part of our "Global Perspectives on Digital/Smart Agriculture" joint seminar series. Attend to learn about lameness detection in gilts and sows using kinetic and kinematic analyses, machine vision application in animal husbandry, precision animal management, and more.

In an increasingly tense political landscape, book bans have become a topic of conversation across the country. This talk discusses the history of book bans, why they happen, and what people can do to prevent them.

Thomas R. Cech, PhD, Nobel Laureate and Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder will give the IGB Distinguished Public Lecture in Genomics "The Magic of RNA: New Medicines, Immortality, and the Power to Control Evolution" at 3:30 p.m. on April 1st, 2025 at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center. Reception and book signing to follow.

This will be a conversation with Tobias Brinkmann about his recent book, Between Borders: The Great Jewish Migration from Eastern Europe. It tells and contextualizes the stories of Jewish migrants and refugees from Eastern and Central Europe before and after the First World War. It explains how immigration laws in countries such as the United States influenced migration routes around the world. 

Between the late 1920s and mid-1960s, several Jewish social scientists and humanities scholars laid the theoretical groundwork for ethnic and immigration studies in the United States. They came to the United States at a young age or were children of immigrants from Eastern Europe who later obtained positions at research universities. The concepts these scholars developed – terms such as acculturation, urbanism, assimilation, and cultural pluralism – reshaped the understanding of America as a pluralist society of immigrants.

Calvin Mackie, founder of STEM NOLA, will give a lecture titled, "Hope in the 21st Century." A kid-friendly reception will follow, as will a preview of the Beckman Institute Open House from 4-6 p.m. For more information, visit the SmithGroup Lecture web page.

The speaker for the India Studies Lecture for 2025 is Vasudha Narayanan, and the special topic is "Tamil Culture: More sweet than celestial nectar, more precious than one’s breath." Vasudha Narayanan is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Florida and a past President of the American Academy of Religion. The lecture will be held at Spurlock Museum on April 3 at 8 PM. A reception with mini desserts and fruits will follow the talk.

The Cancer Center at Illinois is excited to present "Extracting Mechanisms of Cell Cross Talk in Pancreatic Cancer Using Big Data," presented by Dr. Nina Steele, Assistant Scientist at Henry Ford Hospital, as part of the Cancer Center at Illinois Seminar Series. Find the seminar abstract and Dr. Steele's bio at this official announcement. REGISTER HERE to attend in person or online.

NCSA will host Anita Chan on Thursday, April 3, as part of the NCSA Colloquium Series. Chan is an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences and Department of Media and Cinema Studies, a faculty affiliate with the Data & Society Research Institute and past Fiddler Faculty Fellow with NCSA. She will present "Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future." More information is available here.

The RBML welcomes Justine Murison, editor of a new critical edition of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel. Murison will discuss the work’s historical and literary contexts, the revolutionary politics with which the novel engages, and the enduring questions it asks about American society. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

The Beckman Institute Open House is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Beckman Institute. Stop by for hands-on scientific demonstrations and debut readings of the book, "Questions Led the Way," a children's book about Beckman and scientific inquiry. The readings are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Friday afternoon's reading will be given in Spanish, then English. See a full exhibit list.

Join us for a special Intercultural Spotlight on Bangladesh! This engaging program, presented in collaboration with the Bangladeshi Student Association, will take you on a journey into the vibrant culture, history, and daily life of Bangladesh. Hear directly from Bangladeshi students as they share personal experiences and insights into their country’s traditions, customs, and identity. Enjoy a lively presentation, enjoy musical performances, see and try on traditional attire, and sample delicious Bangladeshi food! This event is free and open to all. No registration required.

Stop by the Courtyard Café for a Mom's Weekend edition of Friday Funnies featuring Derrick Knopsnyder. Derrick is the youngest comedian to be a regular act at his home club, the Pittsburgh Improv, and has performed on Comedy Central's New Talent Search, in the Oddball Comedy Festival, and won Stand Up to Cancer's Comedy Festival, as well as the Cleveland Comedy Festival.  He connects to audiences through crowdwork to keep them laughing through the night. Opening for Derrick is student org, Spicy Clamato Improv. Don't just see the show, be a part of the show!

Make plans to attend an upcoming Cancer Center at Illinois Seminar titled "Extracting Mechanisms of Cell Cross Talk in Pancreatic Cancer Using Big Data" on Wednesday, April 9, at NCSA 1030 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. This seminar will feature Nina Steele, an assistant professor of cancer biology at Wayne State University. Register here.

Join us on Friday, April 4th for a Graduate Student Lunch & Learn: Publishing on Gender Related Topics. The event will take place from 12-1pm (Lunch available starting at 11:45). Dominque Moore (Illinois Press Acquisitions Editor) and Jeff Mcardle (Illinois Press Journals Manager) will join us for us for a discussion on publishing on gender related topics.  Please rsvp at https://go.illinois.edu/GradLunchLearn

ISSS is excited to host SquILL Game, where you can compete in teams of four to win prizes by playing traditional Korean games as featured in the hit global Netflix show, Squid Game. Join for a fun afternoon of dangerously addictive and outrageously entertaining games on Saturday, April 12 from 2pm-4pm at ARC Gym 3. Registration is required. All current affiliates of UIUC and dependents are welcome to register. Registration costs $20/team. This event is co-sponsored by ISSS, Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Kung Fu Tea, Latea, Kajiken, Kyo Matcha/TE’AMO, and HMart.

The 40th YMCA International Dinner will be held on Friday, April 4 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the University YMCA, featuring lively performances and delicious foods. Celebrate global cultures, connect with our diverse local communities, and enjoy a night of great food and performance! Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased here. Tickets cost $10 and can be picked up at the University YMCA Main Office. This event is open to all campus and community members. 

Join the Student Sustainability Leadership Council and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) at the Green Globes + iCAP Reception on April 17! We will celebrate the sustainability efforts of student organizations across campus at an awards ceremony. This will be followed by a reception with Illinois Climate Action Plan teams, who will share updated objectives for iCAP 2025 and collect feedback about how you want to get involved in reaching our climate goals. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! Student organizations can apply for a Green Globes Award here.

Join Extension Program Coordinator Vanessa Jones at The Windsor of Savoy in the Savoy Room on April 22, from 1–3 PM, for a free, hands-on class on building a beautiful, balanced charcuterie board. Learn to select wholesome ingredients, arrange a nutritious spread, and make your own mini-board to enjoy. Register at https://go.illinois.edu/CharcuterieBoard  by April 16th to secure your spot!

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 an experiential format. Join us on campus for a detox-weekend! Fully funded for all UIUC students. 

Join the RBML for a hands-on journey through history! Play historical board games that bring the past to life as you roll the dice, make your moves, and uncover the stories behind them. Perfect for all ages, this interactive in-person event invites families, students, and community members to connect, learn, and have fun. Don’t just study history—experience it through play! 

The Beckman Institute's Visualization Laboratory has a new location! From 1-3 p.m. Friday, April 18, join us to celebrate with refreshments, remarks and a ribbon cutting in 2203 Beckman. You'll have a chance to meet new Vis Lab Manager Jay Cournoyer and see demonstrations of various services the lab offers from its Graphic Services team. Remarks will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a ribbon cutting. Please RSVP by April 11.

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. 

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