Illinois Computes strives to enable both research utilizing AI and research on AI. Campus researchers can utilize multiple offerings related to AI, including DeltaAI, Illinois Chat, the Illinois Campus Cluster and more! Check out this month's issue of Illinois Computes Connections for a comprehensive list of AI research tools and make sure to subscribe!

The Graduate College invites applications from graduate students and postdocs interested in serving as URAP Mentors in the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) during 2025-26. URAP is a valuable professional development opportunity during which you will gain hands-on experience mentoring undergraduate researchers. Graduate students and postdocs in any field are welcome to apply. Applications are due June 22. Join us for an info session on May 15. Learn more about the program at https://grad.illinois.edu/grad-student-life/mentoring/urap.

Our office will be open the following hours during final exam week for processing exams administered using Scantrons:  Friday, May 9, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; Monday, May 12, through Thursday, May 15, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.  We will remain open during lunch from noon to 1 pm.

Starbucks at the Illini Union will be closed for renovation starting May 19, reopening for the start of Fall 2025. The renovation will bring a new layout, new menu options, and mobile ordering to the Illini Union Starbucks location. During the renovation, you can still enjoy your Starbucks from the Illini Union Bookstore, or grab coffee, drinks, and snacks from the Illini Union Quad Shop.

May 16 is the last business day to cancel summer registration and receive a 100% refund (Withdrawal/Cancellation Form required); May 18 is the last day to cancel registration via Self-Service and receive a 100% refund. The refund schedule for Summer 2025 can be found on the Registrar's website. Students enrolled in non-standard part of term courses should refer to their graduate program for deadline information. Have questions about registration deadlines or submitting a Withdrawal/Cancellation form? Click here for an advising appointment!

May 8 is the last day to add or drop (with a "W") a Semester or Part of Term B course (Late Registration Change via the Graduate College Student Portal). May 8 is also the last day to withdraw from ALL semester courses with "W's" recorded (Withdrawal Form and dept approval required; and approval from ISSS for International Students). All forms must be submitted to the Grad College before 5pm on Reading Day, May 8. Students in non-standard courses should see their program for deadlines. Questions about deadlines or forms? Click here for an advising appointment!

Friday, May 9, at 5:00pm, is the deadline for masters students to complete their thesis deposit, if required, for Spring 2025 degree conferral. This deadline is firm and cannot be waived. Because all corrections and all required deposit materials must be received no later than 5:00pm, the Thesis Office strongly encourages students to submit the thesis for review one week prior to the deadline. For further information about the process visit the Thesis Office website.

You’ve got this! Finish the semester strong with some international snacks and drinks. 

Many funding agencies require a personal statement in addition to an applicant’s research proposal. Why?! What on earth are you supposed to talk about? If these questions have induced writer’s block, this workshop is for you. We will assess the range of personal statement prompts you may encounter and distill their shared essence. Participants will learn the qualities of a compelling statement and practice writing techniques to arrive at a complete first draft. Please register at the link below for this online workshop. 

Join us for the final proposal-writing and personal statement workshops of the semester! The ability to craft an effective funding proposal is a skill that can reap a lifetime of rewards. As a graduate student, now is the time to hone your grantwriting proficiency. In this workshop, tailored for graduate students in the humanities and social sciences, you will learn how to identify funding opportunities, strategize the components of an effective proposal, and think like a grantwriter. Please register at the link below for this online workshop. 

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships support "New Americans," i.e., green card holders, naturalized citizens, DACA recipients, asylees, refugees, or the children of immigrants, in any field and in any advanced degree-granting full-time program in the United States. Graduate students may apply in their first or second year of study. Applications are due October 30. Potential applicants to this prestigious program are invited to learn more at a virtual information session hosted this month by Paul & Daisy Soros.

This presentation will focus on practical strategies for writing and publishing journal articles, with a focus on revising a seminar paper or course project for publication. This workshop will review general expectations of academic publishing and will be most useful for early-stage graduate students. Writers from all disciplines are welcome. It is open to current University of Illinois affiliates (students, faculty, and staff). Please register with your U of I email account by May 11 to receive the Zoom invitation.

It's never too late to participate! 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.

Please join Quantinuum for a webinar - Simulating Magnetism at the Classical Limits with a Digital Quantum Computer - where you'll explore a recent study in which researchers from Quantinuum, Caltech, Fermioniq, EPFL, and TUM, used Quantinuum’s System Model H2, the world’s highest performing quantum computer, to simulate quantum magnetism at a scale that rivals the best classical methods. 

Join us for a special Names Training focused on Moroccan names. This interactive session will explore the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that shape Moroccan names, including Arabic and French traditions. You’ll gain insight into name structures, pronunciation tips, and cultural context—guided by our presenter with lived experience and knowledge of Moroccan naming customs. This session will be a valuable opportunity to grow your intercultural communication skills. Registration is required. 

Graduating in May? Recently graduated? Still searching for your next job?  Join us online or in person this summer for the Career Job Search Work Group—a casual drop-in group offering job search support. It's designed for recent grads to stop by and ask questions, build community with peers, share challenges, connect with career staff, and get support with your job search process. Whether you want to learn about finding job leads, prepare for interviews, curate your personal narrative or navigate offer negotiations, we’re here to help. No appointment needed—just drop-in!

Alumni have access to Graduate College Career Development advising for several years after graduation, including over the summer. We specialize in the needs of grad students and postdocs. and can meet one-on-one to revise application documents, prepare for interviews, get ready to negotiate, explore new career paths, develop a job search strategy, and more. We work with students/postdocs on any kind of job search, including industry, nonprofit, faculty, and government. Appointments are available in person or on Zoom. 

Earn graduate credit as you learn about Advanced Creativity (TE 510), High-Tech Venture Marketing (TE 466), Technology Innovation and Strategy (TE 565), Venture-Funded Startups (TE 567), and more. TE courses and certificates are available to grad students in any college or major! Most Master of Engineering (MEng) grad students have the option to pursue the Graduate Concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation – concentration application deadline is June 1!

This workshop offers hands-on experience in accelerating Python codes with NVIDIA GPUs. You'll explore two main categories: drop-in replacements for SciPy and NumPy using CuPy, and GPU acceleration for data science workloads with NVIDIA RAPIDS. Finally, we will over Warp for differentiable simulation codes. By the end, you'll be equipped to accelerate your Python codes with NVIDIA GPUs!

Adam Beaty will share his experience as an MSLIS student leading two LGBTQ-focused archival projects: the digital collection Queer Nightlife in Champaign-Urbana, IL: 1973–2000 and the exhibit LGBTQ Spaces in Champaign County. He’ll discuss archival research, community outreach, reformatting materials, inclusive metadata, and building accessible collections with limited resources. Pat Cain, Archives Manager at the Champaign County Historical Archives, will discuss supporting student-led work. Co-sponsored by the University Library, School of Information Sciences and CCHA. 

Please join us for the University Archives' monthly Women in Science Lecture Series, May 6 from 12 -1 pm. Jennifer Teper, Head of Preservation Services at the University of Illinois Library, will discuss how she uses science in her work to conserve library collections and special collections. This is a hybrid event and will take place in the University Archives, Main Library 146 or you can register for the zoom link.

Join Illinois Extension for Walk & Talks—fun, interactive sessions featuring a short lesson followed by a walk on paved park paths. The next walk is May 8 from 12–1 PM at Kaufman Lake (2702 W Springfield Ave, Champaign), led by Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen. Enjoy the fresh spring air, a chance to win a giveaway, and connect with your community!  In case of bad weather, we'll meet at First Christian Church (3601 S Staley Rd, Champaign). Registration is required to receive the meet-up details. Register at: go.illinois.edu/SpringWalks

Online Registration for Study with the Television ON! at Funk ACES Library is closing! This year for Reading Day, May 8th from 2 pm - 4 pm, Funk Library is offering a new way to study. At this event, in Room 509, the library will be showing the documentary film, Rachel Carson: The Woman Who Launched the Modern Environmental Movement. Students are encouraged to bring homework to Study with the Television ON, or just enjoy the film for DeStress Fest! Sign up through libcal with your Net ID to secure a spot for the show! 

On Reading Day, take a study break to relax and refresh at the library's end-of-semester tradition, De-Stress Fest! From animals, crafts, a film screening, music, VR, snacks, academic support, and more (while supplies last). There is something for everyone! Locations include: Funk ACES Library, Grainger Engineering Library, Main Library & Music & Performing Arts Library. See our calendar post for each location's unique schedule of events. We hope to see you there! 

Join us for Coffee Across Cultures, a monthly coffee hour that allows you to discover new flavors, learn about diverse customs, and connect with people from all corners of the world. This month’s theme is centered around stress relief and self-care as we wrap up the semester. Take a well-deserved break as we head into finals, and join us at Coffee Across Cultures for relaxing crafts, cozy conversations, and a calming space to recharge with free coffee, tea, and pastries. Open to everyone!

Take a study break and get creative with the Library’s Government Information Services! Drop by the Illini Union's Anniversary Plaza on Tuesday, May 6 from 12–4pm to decorate your own pocket Constitution or pick up some non-partisan U.S. government-themed coloring pages. Whether you stay and craft or take materials to-go, we’ve got you covered with free pocket constitutions, stickers, coloring pages, and other fun supplies. Celebrate civic life in your own way!

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.