This year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee will convene to recognize the power of community action to honor local partners, students, faculty, and staff who have dedicated their talents to enhancing a movement of justice, equity, and dignity. The deadline for submission is December 11. For additional information please contact Medra Roberts-Southerland, mrs@illinois.edu.

When students are facing obstacles that affect their wellness, including unplanned emergencies, health challenges, & more, academic success can feel unattainable. On November 28, this year's campaign will provide support for students’ wellness & well-being. Learn more about the campaign at go.illinois.edu/givingtuesday2023. If you are in need of assistance, visit https://wellness.illinois.edu/.

IHSI's NIH Grant Writing Series prepares junior faculty to submit their first R01 or other individual investigator proposals to the NIH. Selected participants will get to draft an NIH proposal with feedback from their peers and a faculty mentor. Nomination by a department head, dean, or director is required before applying. Nominations are due Dec. 1 and applications are due Dec. 8.

Departments, faculty, and staff can enjoy an early Black Friday deal, and take advantage of special pricing on all 13", 14", and 16" MacBook Pros with M2 Chip from the Illini Union Tech Zone. You will receive 20% OFF retail pricing - giving you a savings of $250-$650, depending on the MacBook. This is only good for in-stock devices and only while supplies last.

Create community-engaged learning experiences for students! Community Engaged Scholars helps instructors create and implement service learning experiences for students. We offer project matching, instructor consultation, student trainings, and more! If you are looking for support in any of these areas or want to learn more, fill out our online form or email us at We-CU@illinois.edu.

Experience the magic of the Allerton Mansion in a quieter environment at Sensory Sweets With Santa presented by Lighthouse Autism Center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 in the Mansion. Children can get their picture with Santa and hear a story from Mrs. Claus, create crafts and nibble on festive treats. $10/person (ages 2 & under free but still need to be registered). Register here.

Enjoy a Full Moon Hike celebrating the ‘Beaver Moon’ at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, starting from the Lost Garden/McDonald Family Trails Parking Lot. Enjoy a walk on the McDonald Family Trails and listen to owls under a bright full moon. Enjoy the hike on its own or add a beer to enjoy while you walk. 21 and older only. $10/person, $20/person includes a beer with the hike. Register here by Nov. 25.

The Sky Happiness Retreat is an internationally acclaimed life-skills program that helps participants develop relaxed, stress-free mind and energetic, healthy body through evidence-based meditation, yoga, breathwork in a fun and an experiential format. The retreat is fully funded for all UIUC students, partial scholarships available for staff and faculty. Sign up link: tiny.cc/skyretreatdec2023

Help spread holiday cheer with University Housing’s longest-standing tradition, Dial-A-Carol. Starting on December 7 at 12:01 a.m. and going until December 13 at 11:59 p.m. people from around the world will call and you will sing. As Buddy the Elf once said, “the best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” The best part? You can sign up with friends! Sign up today!

Dance at Illinois presents the culminating concert of the BFA Class of 2024, featuring works by 5 senior choreographers; Drina Canjura-Kaufmann, Genesis Medious, Haley Krause, Juliann Craft and Natalie Kunsemiller. Admission is free, but ticketsare required.

The 3rd annual Holiday Maker Market takes place on November 25th & 26th from 2-8pm at the CUC Fab Lab and directly supports the Fab Lab Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. All proceeds generated from Fab Lab goods will directly support local youth and families. This Market will also host several local makers with one-of-a-kind gifts, customizable ornaments, and kid friendly items.

Well-designed presentations are about balance. The problem? Balance is a hard thing to find. How much text is too much? How do I decide on a color palette? How do I craft a coherent visual narrative? Join the Speaking Center for this workshop to learn practical skills for creating a standout slide deck and more. Pre-registration is required and can be completed here.

Sinfonia da Camera presents an evening of intimate and adventurous 20th-century chamber music featuring their illustrious principal musicians. Program includes Scaramouche, Op. 165 by Milhaud, Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion by Bartók, Incantation and Dance by Grant Still, and the charming and exuberant Sextet by Poulenc. Tickets at KrannertCenter.com; student tickets $10. 

How do students feel about the writing tasks we give? How can we use that info to support their growth as writers? A workshop led by Siebel Center for Design and the Program in Professional Writing responds to these questions, showing how empathic teaching, emotion and learning connect. Practice taking the perspective of students and proactively design learning experiences. Open to all.

"Untimely Infrastructure" examines the 2010 Marshall, Michigan oil spill - just one iteration of a brutal history - and addresses some of the paradoxes of our current global energy infrastructure impasse. 

"The Brain’s Remarkable GABAergic Interneurons and Their Roles in Adult Neurogenesis, Cognition, and Epilepsy," by Janice R. Naegele, PhD, Neuroscience & Behavior, Wesleyan University – In this seminar, I will discuss work from my laboratory and other groups that has led to new insights into the roles of hippocampal GABAergic interneurons in adult neurogenesis, cognition, and epilepsy.

How have Sino-US tensions affected collaboration/engagement in higher education?Scholars and administrators from universities will share their views on the role of international collaborations with China and global education in their own work or/and in their specialty field.

Mark your calendars for the ASAP Fall Meeting to learn more about the center’s status, hear updates on research for the funded projects, and discuss cutting-edge semiconductors and microelectronics research at Illinois.This will be a two-day virtual event, held via Zoom on December 5th and 6th. Register for the event at this link. It is free to register.

We are looking for kids ages 6-11 and a parent/guardian for a study of diet quality, air pollution, and children's health. During a study week, you'll be asked to provide urine and saliva samples, record your child's diet, and complete questionnaires while we collect indoor air samples. Participants will receive up to $100 in Amazon e-codes ($50/week). To learn more, please complete this form.

Participants needed for a study on health technology that supports BP medication adherence. Participants must be 65 years of age or older, take at least 1 medication for high BP, and use an iPhone. Participants will receive compensation. Please spread the word to family and friends. (Study in partnership with the University of Arizona). Email bp-system@pharmacy.arizona.edu or call (217) 300-5445