Join us November 3rd-8th for a week of celebratory events! Under the theme #ProudToBeFirstGen these events will include Donuts on the Quad, First Gen Serves, a FAFSA and Alternative Application Workshop, FGSI Brunch and Letter Writing, a dance class, and a National First-Generation College Student Day Celebration. Open to all students. See full details! 

International Education Week at Illinois will run November 17-21, highlighting the breadth of international education, global exchange and campus resources through events co-hosted by student groups, centers, colleges, units and local partners. Please explore the IEW calendar for events: go.illinois.edu/IEWevents. Units, RSOs and community partners are additionally encouraged to host internationally focused activities themselves and submit them to the IEW calendar: anyone on campus may request to add an event! For questions, contact isss-programs@illinois.edu

The University of Illinois is excited to announce the Basic Needs Advisory Board, dedicated to ensuring all students have equitable access to essential resources like food, housing, healthcare, and financial support. Members will strengthen resources, secure funding, and raise awareness of campus support. Apply now to join the Spring 2026 Board! Applications close Friday, November 14, at 11:59 PM. 

Plan ahead for upcoming deadlines - book your appointments now! The Writers Workshop will be closed 11/22-11/30 for Fall Break. We will resume our regular hours Monday, 12/1. Satellite locations will all close by 12/12. For finals period, the Main Library will be open on Saturday (12/13) from 1-5, Sunday-Tuesday from 1-9pm, and Wednesday (12/17) from 1-5pm before closing for the semester. Drop-ins will be available on Zoom and at the Main Library Sun-Tue from 4-9pm and from 1-5pm on Wednesday.

November 14 is the last day to change a course to the credit/no-credit grading option for a semester course via the Graduate College Student Portal, or to change from the credit/no-credit grading option to a standard grade. Please consult with your program if you are considering this option, because course and department restrictions may apply. 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 Credit/No Credit form? Click here for an advising appointment!

November 14 is the last day to drop a semester course without a grade of W. To drop a course, students must submit a Late Registration Change request to the Graduate College Student Portal. Students are encouraged to discuss these decisions with their adviser and/or program. 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 Late Registration Change? Click here for an advising appointment!

November 14 is also the last day to withdraw from ALL semester courses without a grade of W. To withdraw from the term, students need to complete a Withdrawal/Cancellation Form and obtain their department's signature. International students must obtain a signature from ISSS. Students are encouraged to discuss these decisions with their adviser and/or program. 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 Withdrawal form? Click here for an advising appointment!

November 14 is the last day the last day for doctoral students to complete their Final Examination (thesis defense) for December 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!

November 2 is the last day to apply for December 2025 graduation via Self-Service. Students earning multiple degrees (including graduate Certificates) must be on the degree list for each degree. Have questions about adding yourself to the degree list? Click here for an advising appointment!

There are several resources available to assist you in securing food on and around campus based on your needs and comfort level. 

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 U of I students. Apply here.

Boren Awards enable undergrad and grad students who are U.S. citizens to study languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Grad students from any field may apply for Boren Fellowships to combine language study with research, if desired. Boren awardees agree to seek national security employment in the federal government for at least one year upon graduation. Interested students are invited to join an info session hosted by the National & International Scholarships Program featuring Michael Saffle, Outreach & Recruitment Specialist for the Boren Awards. Registration is not required. 

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 in advance for this online workshop. 

The Center for Writing Studies will be offering an online, two-day introductory Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) seminar on January 12-13 from 1:00 to 4:00pm CT. This professional development seminar is a great way for TAs from all departments to learn more about teaching writing, responding to writing, and using writing to support learning. Participants will receive a small stipend for participating. Space is limited; apply early and no later than December 1.

You’ve put in tons of work this semester, and it’s almost time to present your research. Showcase your findings in a visually memorable way with Illinois-branded research poster and PowerPoint presentation templates. The Downloads page of the brand website provides a comprehensive resource to any visual Illinois template you’ll need to make your project pop. 

In this virtual session hosted by the Speakers Workshop, learn about basic design principles, effective visual aids, and data visualization. We will also offer practical tips for designing and presenting with research posters. 

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 Illinois email account by November 4, and we will send the Zoom invitation on the morning of the event.

Winter holidays are fast approaching! The spacious atrium at NCSA provides a bright and warm space for your celebration. Celebrate your team’s accomplishments with a presentation simulcast on 4 large screens. Schedule your event today on the NCSA Events Scheduler or stop by the NCSA Virtual Lobby and the NCSA Events team can discuss your plans.

You’re invited to help shape how Illinois supports computing and data technologies in research. We’re exploring ways to better understand and strengthen the Research Technology Support community. Join us to review a preliminary visualization and share your feedback—does it reflect your needs? Which ideas resonate? What else would help you get the support you need? Your valuable input will help guide the future of research support at Illinois. Thank you!

The Title Page! In years of reviewing theses, we've noticed that the title page is where mistakes often slip in. Download a title page template and view our examples on the Graduate College website. We'll even do a pre-check of your title page if you submit it through the title page submission system. This can save a lot of time as you prepare to deposit your thesis.

Your job's value is more than your salary! Explore with us how job benefits can add up to big dollars. Find out what questions to ask when negotiating job offers and leveraging employment benefits. Make informed choices that can significantly increase your net worth. Registration required.

How can you highlight your service experience in your resume? Through service work, you get to make a positive impact in your community, but you are also gaining valuable skills and experience that will stay with you long after your project ends. Join We CU and the Career Center in Creating Your Powerful Resume on Thursday, November 6, at 5:30 pm. In this workshop you will learn to draft an effective resume that describes the qualifications, skills, and experience you have gained from your service experience. Dinner will be served, but space is limited. Register today!

This presentation will provide tips for writing concise and professional resumes and cover letters. You’ll review common structure, purpose, audience expectations, and strategies for creating a set of application materials that complement each other. We encourage you to bring a current job ad and questions about your current in-progress materials! Register with your UofI email by 11/5, and we will send the Zoom link on the morning of the event.

Are you thinking about taking your advanced scientific skills to industry? This informal Q&A session will feature recent industry hires, and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) postdoctoral alums, sharing their experiences, insights, and advice on navigating the industry job application process. Industry positions discussed will be related to life science/sustainability science. Registration required: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/glGbzvAKSVmK68uLdOKxQA

Dining Services is expanding our food insecurity program and is seeking volunteers to help package food. This effort will start on Saturday 11/1 and continue daily. To review the details and sign up to help, please use the link above. This sign up is for 11/1 through 11/7. The sign up link will be updated to redirect to the following week’s sign-up sheet on Wednesday. Thank you all for your help and support, and for making sure our Illini community is fed.

As the colder months approach, many students on our campus are facing the season without essential winter gear or basic hygiene products. The Basic Needs Drive is an opportunity for those who are able to donate new or gently used scarves, hats, gloves and coats as well as unopened hygiene products like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and more. Drop-off location: First Floor Lobby Donation Box at Turner Student Services, 610 E. John St. Donation drive runs through Nov. 7. 

Join F&S and volunteer to count parked bicycles on campus Tuesday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. The collected census data will help update the campus bike parking map and be used to make future decisions about bicycle infrastructure and programs. Onsite training will begin at 10 a.m., with the bike counting to occur immediately thereafter. Learn more about census efforts here.

The 17th Annual College of Education Graduate Student Conference is an opportunity to explore diverse perspectives and connect with researchers committed to advancing equitable, compassionate, and culturally relevant educational practices. The conference will take place March 5-6, 2026, at U of I. This year’s theme, The Learning Community: Education as a Force for Change, focuses on fostering interdisciplinary innovation in education to address complex global challenges. Submit a Proposal.

Two courses are open to all grad students as part of the new MS in Global Studies (MSGS): GLBL 500: Global Society: Examines global society and its institutional flaws - state, markets, democracy - through critical policy analysis and policy brief writing. Considers whether global society is at risk without reform. GLBL 501: Perspectives on Global Studies: Introduces epistemology and Global Studies methods through key concepts, transnational frameworks, and research proposal development. Both are fully online; GLBL 500 is also offered on campus. 

The registration deadline to share your culture and connect with the campus community at the 14th annual Travel Around the World event during International Education Week has been extended! You now have until November 6 to register - don't miss your chance! We’re seeking individuals and RSOs to represent countries and cultures from around the globe through engaging table displays, traditional games, crafts, photo exhibits, calligraphy, or other interactive activities. Performers are also welcome.

Calling all health researchers! The Healthy Regions & Policies Lab is launching the JCOIN Geospatial Consortium & Community of Practice (GCCP)—a network exploring how geospatial methods can help address the opioid epidemic. Join quarterly virtual meetings with discussions, workshops, and research presentations on topics like treatment access modeling, spatial epidemiology, and policy mapping. Sign up to share ideas and learn more about upcoming sessions. Visit the project site for details.

Applications are now open for TE 598: Accelerating Deep Tech Enterprises, an academic-based startup accelerator for students commercializing university research and deep tech concepts beyond the ideation stage. Selected teams receive over $50,000 in funding to build their ventures, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, access to innovation spaces, research labs, and maker spaces. This spring course guides teams through customer discovery, business model development, IP strategy, fundraising, and more. Apply by December 1, 2025. Apply: https://tec.illinois.edu/academics/deep-tech

We are curious to know how our graduates students are thinking about the role of generative AI in research. Please share your thoughts with us! Comments entered in this short questionnaire may be included anonymously in an upcoming GradLIFE blog post. 

Are you curious about issues of gender, race, and technology inequities? Do you wish you had a platform to share some of your thoughts from reading a book or hear other people's thoughts? Look no further. Join our reading group today. We are looking to form a reading group for Spring Semester 2026 to meet in person every other week for 2 hours.  Each participant will get access to free books. Register.

Seeking apps for student members-at-large to serve on the Student Election Board (SEB). You must: (1) be currently enrolled @ the U. of I., AND (2) be enrolled as a full-time student (making progress toward a degree, as defined by the university. Full-time enrollment may differ for undergrad, grad, and prof students, AND (3) be physically located on the Urbana campus for the term you’re on the Board. No member of SEB may hold or run for any elected position in any body for which the SEB oversees election. Apply by Nov. 14: https://studentelections.illinois.edu/about/join

Please join this two-part seminar. All are welcome to stay after the seminar for informal networking with the XR+AI for Empathy Training center team. Part 1 will focus on MASTERS: Multisensory VR Environments to Train First Responders under Emotional Stress and in part 2 the discussion will cover Emotion Analysis and Empathic Adaptation in Immersive Scenarios: Toward Ethically Informed Human Understanding and Engagement. Registration information, abstracts, and speaker bios can be found at the XR+AI for Empathy Training website linked above. The event is free, but registration is required. 

Join CDA, CROPPS, and NCSA for a seminar featuring Dr. William C. Barley (U. of I. Communication) on how acknowledging the often-unseen labor of collaboration can strengthen interdisciplinary science teams. Drawing from field studies, Dr. Barley reveals how communication, coordination, and organizational design shape scientific success. Free to attend – register here.

Come to the Illini Union as Daisy Kent, finalist from season 28 of The Bachelor and advocate for hearing loss awareness, visits campus for an inspiring speaking event! Daisy will share her journey of resilience, authenticity, and finding confidence through vulnerability. Don’t miss this chance to connect and learn from her story. Submit your questions for the Q&A. Select participants will get to meet Daisy during the exclusive meet & greet after the event!

Please join us for a virtual event with Dr. Se-Mi Oh, a cultural historian of modern and contemporary Korea teaching at the University of Michigan. Her work investigates how history interacts with space in cities, through interdisciplinary approaches to history, visual/media studies, urban humanities, and art and architecture. This talk should appeal to those interested in Korea, urban planning, agriculture, and the arts.

Join us for a lecture and Q&A with Dr. Ehsan Bokhari, U of I Psychology PhD 2014 and current assistant general manager of the Chicago Cubs. 

School of Information Sciences faculty, students, and alumni build and navigate the systems that help society manage increasing amounts of information. Learn about the breadth of their research in a series of presentations and posters addressing interdisciplinary research topics such as LLMs, Responsible AI and cryptocurrency. Kevin Hamilton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation – Humanities, Arts & Related Fields, will be the keynote speaker. The showcase will be held Wednesday, November 5, from 12:00-4:30 p.m., in Illini Rooms B & C of the Illini Union. 

Healthy teeth, healthy body! This session dives into the critical connections between oral care and overall health, showing you why what happens in your mouth matters for your entire body, and how simple steps can make a big difference. Presenter: Prafulla Caringula 

A Special Presentation by Josh Harris, Kim Schmidt, and Abigail Bobrow. At the University of Illinois, writers, archivists, and preservationists collaborate to turn records into lasting stories. Writers capture campus life; archivists and preservationists ensure accuracy and longevity. This session explores how archival materials enrich storytelling, how today’s content is preserved for future use, and how creativity and stewardship work together to build institutional memory. 

Dr. Bryan Berger will present advances in rapid PFAS monitoring and food safety. His team developed protein-based and whole-cell biosensors for detecting PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in soil, water, and crops, validated in field studies against LC/MS-MS. He will also discuss engineered enzymes that disrupt biofilms to improve detection and removal of foodborne pathogens including Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. This work has led to commercialization through Lytos Technologies. 

Trio Bohémo brings electrifying interpretations of Smetana, Martinů, Haydn, and Vičar to Foellinger Great Hall. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns with Riccardo Muti for Dvořák’s New World Symphony. The Freedom Coalition fills Stage 5 with R&B, blues, and jazz. Join Laura Chiaramonte and Kate Insolia for Dance for People with Parkinson’s. Burnout Paradise transforms treadmills into art. Illinois Theatre presents A View from the Bridge. Visit KrannertCenter.com for details.

The Turnaway Play is about what really happens when people are denied access to abortion. Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Justice presents a staged reading of an urgent issue through humor, drama, and audience participation.

Join us to celebrate Rest Lab 8: Greenspace (on view through Jan 31), with curators Kamila Glowacki and Ishita Dharap. The reception will feature live music, cupcakes, and a chance to explore all of Rest Lab’s offerings including sensory tools and a response wall.

AsiaLENS presents a free screening of Echoes of Home followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Mirshad Ghalip. This documentary explores the Uyghur American Cup, the largest event for Uyghur diaspora communities in North America. In the tournament, soccer becomes a medium to foster community, maintain language, and help younger members of the diaspora connect with their heritage. (Directed and Produced by Mirshad Ghalip & David Tobin. 2024. USA. 43 min.)

Learn how to swing dance with the Illini Swing Society! Our 7-week lesson series has begun and registration has closed, but we host free weekly drop-in lessons to get you on the dance floor! No partner or experience necessary. Intermediate lessons are from 6:30-7:30pm, beginner and drop-in lessons are from 7:30-8:30pm, and our social dance is from 8:30-10pm every Thursday at the Illini Union Room 103. ALSO! On November 9th we are headed to Hamilton Walker's, a restaurant in downtown Champaign, to dance the night away! We will be there from 7-9pm on November 9th. Come join us!

Discover the deep cultural and historical ties that bind Iran, Tajikistan, and China—regions once linked by empire, poetry, and the legendary Silk Road. This presentation explores how shared language, art, music, medicine, and seasonal celebrations form a cultural tapestry that stretches across time and geography. Join us for an immersive journey celebrating unity in diversity, and uncovering the surprising, often-overlooked connections between these great civilizations. Open to all. Dinner is provided. 

SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It is 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 for a special Names Training focused on Mandarin names in Taiwan! This session will provide valuable insights into the cultural background and pronunciation of names commonly used in Taiwan. Our presenters from Taiwan will introduce key aspects of Taiwanese naming practices, guiding participants through name examples that highlight their meanings, pronunciation techniques, and cultural significance. Open to faculty, staff, scholars, and students. 

Coffee Across Cultures Hour is a monthly gathering that brings people together over coffee, tea, and pastries to explore global traditions and the diverse ways communities connect through shared rituals. This month's theme invites you to explore food, customs, and culture. We look at how food traditions serve as a bridge between people, communities, and generations. We’ll share stories about meals that bring people together, discuss cultural etiquettes around eating, and reflect on how dining experiences create opportunities for dialogue across borders and identities. Free and open to all!

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl is the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi and is now senior rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York, one of the largest synagogues in the world. The daughter of a Korean Buddhist mother and Jewish American father, Rabbi Buchdahl is a prominent voice in national conversations about antisemitism, interfaith dialogue, and the evolving role of faith communities in public life. Free and Open to All. Registration Required.

Join Athletics, Facilities & Services, and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment for a tailgate recycling event at the Maryland matchup on Saturday, November 15. Tailgaters, do your part by recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans in blue bags and recycling bins located in Lot 31 & Grange Grove. Keep an eye out for an all-new zero waste mobile station weaving through the lots! Volunteers are still needed for this year's effort. Sign up to volunteer >>>

Join the Japan House interns on an interactive exploration of Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) and their history, culture, and preparation methods. During this event, you will learn to make your own onigiri, try out onigiri from different parts of Japan and enjoy some miso soup and tea to pair. Your presence and participation will directly support Onigiri Action, a campaign to give school meals to children in need around the world! Reservations are required for this seated dining event.

Tour for caregivers—plus art activities for kids! Join us for Pause + Play, a new program held in conjunction with Krannert Art Museum’s Rest Lab 8: Greenspace exhibition. Kids (ages 4–8) will dive into playful, drop-off art activities led by museum educators, while their caregivers get a guided tour exploring the museum's galleries and artworks on view. The program balances restorative pause with playful engagement, offering parallel experiences that nurture both adults and children. Parking nearby is free on weekends. Sign up to attend! go.illinois.edu/rest-lab-nov2025 

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.