This initiative highlights the importance of community and activism. The MLK Champions recognition program honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by acknowledging the contributions of local partners, students, faculty and staff who are committed to promoting justice, equity and dignity. The MLK 2026 Commemorative Planning Committee sponsors this program.

Are you looking to hire student employees for the spring, summer or fall 2026? Register for the Illinois Spring Part-Time Job Fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29, at the Illini Union. In the past, this event has attracted 1,000+ students, making this the perfect place to connect with bright, hardworking students eager to gain experience, earn money and contribute their talents on campus. Registration is FREE for campus units. Space is limited. Register today before spots are filled.

In Episode 6, we sit down with Amy Malone, a high school counselor from Monticello High School, to discuss the guidance she offers students as they prepare for and navigate the college application process. Amy shares practical advice, common challenges she sees and key steps students can take to feel confident and supported from start to finish.

The Mental Health and Wellness Winter Break Resources webpage is now live. Please direct students who are staying in the area and need help during winter break to the information listed on the page for hours and availability of respective departments on campus, as many units will be closed and/or have limited hours.

All campus libraries will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, for an all-employee event. Library digital resources will remain available during this closure and may be accessed through the Library Gateway. Please arrange your study or research schedule accordingly.

Make a big impact on digital accessibility in a short time with Quick Start Accessibility Workshops. Designed for instructors and staff, these sessions teach you how to create digital materials and course materials that are accessible to all. Topics for the week of Dec. 16 include Checking Documents for Accessibility, Make your PDF Documents Accessible (Part 2) and Make Your PowerPoint Documents Accessible.

As you plan programs for your graduate students and postdocs for next semester, keep in mind that many Graduate College professional development workshops can be requested by departments, faculty and student groups. These workshops address a variety of topics related to academic success, external fellowships and career development.

This event will bring together community members, students and individuals who have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to reflect and honor the collective experience of Champaign-Urbana residents. This symposium will serve as a space for conversation, learning and healing. It will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Gallery at Siebel Center of Design, 1208 S. 4th St., Champaign. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

The Illinois Science Explorers (I-Sci Explorers) Designing and Delivering STEM Outreach workshop helps graduate students build science communication, outreach and leadership skills. Participants learn to simplify complex ideas, design engaging STEM activities for youth, and support inclusive learning. Open to all disciplines. Registration closes Jan. 23. Please share this opportunity to help students gain experience while supporting STEM learning in our community.

The NAPRRS/NC229: International Conference of Swine Viral Diseases brings together members of the swine disease community, including researchers, industry professionals and field practitioners. This year’s meeting will include six plenary scientific sessions, a translational workshop, poster session, banquet and more. Register by Dec. 31.

Join us on March 9, for the CDA Conference at the Illinois Conference Center! This year’s theme, Generative Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, highlights how emerging AI tools are transforming farming, sustainability and digital innovation. Connect with researchers, students, industry leaders and producers to explore real-world applications and future opportunities. Early Bird registration is now open!

Join us for the World Meditation Day Celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dec. 21! The UN has invited internationally renowned meditation teacher, humanitarian and peace ambassador, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, to guide an online meditation to celebrate World Meditation Day. Join us for an uplifting celebration of life, with meditation, music, food and community at the Illini Union Ballroom from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dec. 21! Attendance is FREE. RSVP at tiny.cc/ChampaignWMD.

Registration is now open for the third annual Gies Business Supply Chain Management Conference. The conference will take place on March 6-7, and centers around exploring how organizations can minimize environmental impact and make ethical, socially responsible decisions that create long-term value. Register now!

January Dance continues the Dance at Illinois production season, "Black on Black; A Celebration of Black Dance." The concert is directed by professor Alexandra Barbier, who will also be premiering a new characteristically humorous and experimental theatrical work. MFA candidate Nik Owens premieres his thesis work, an athletic, probing romp into black queerness. Dance at Illinois distinguished alumni guest artists Laina Reese Werner-Powell and Ty Lewis round out this show, premiering new group works.

Join us for a free conference and help shape the next generation of privacy practices in a world where change is the only constant. Privacy Everywhere: Privacy in a Changing World brings together thought leaders, practitioners and policymakers to explore the future of data protection. Examine how individuals and organizations can adapt privacy strategies to meet emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence, global data flows and evolving societal expectations. You'll gain actionable insights into balancing compliance, ethical responsibility and operational agility.

The next Online Student Service Watercooler Group meeting is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, via Zoom. During the first half of the meeting, the Office of Online Learning will join us to share updates on their current initiatives. We will then give time for general updates and questions from the group.

Advocates for Aging Care, a community group, is working to address the critical shortage of skilled nursing facilities in Champaign County. The proposed solution is to create a new skilled nursing facility in the Champaign County limits. This facility will be a flagship model for the state and nation by providing an innovative approach to skilled nursing care through research opportunities to embed new technologies and educational opportunities for students. Researchers are encouraged to attend a short informational online session with AAC key organizers to learn more about the project.

Join two Quick Start Workshops this week (Dec. 16 and18) to learn how make your digital materials accessible. This week, you'll find workshops to explore key accessibility tips, including how to check documents for accessibility and make your PowerPoints accessible. Additional workshops on document and course accessibility are scheduled throughout the rest of December. Sign up and expand your accessibility skills!

Help make the Next Alcohol Fitbit! The Alcohol Research Lab is looking for participants for a validation study of transdermal biosensing bracelets. Participation involves attending three laboratory sessions, wearing at least two transdermal bracelets (on your non-dominant hand) and filling out surveys for two weeks. Up to $400 in compensation for participation.

Seeking participants (21-64 y/o) who had a sleeve gastrectomy 1-5 years ago or have not had any bariatric surgeries (control group). Participants must not smoke and drink alcohol at least once a month. There will be blood draws, body composition assessments, alcohol challenge tests and questionnaires. Compensation will be provided (up to $850 upon completion of four visits and free parking). Please fill out our online prescreening form if you're interested, using the following link: https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7R2VUEoOuh2cTXw or contact ornella2@illinois.edu.

Are you a college or university student diagnosed with dyslexia? We are conducting a research study to learn more about the experiences of students like you and how dyslexia shapes life in higher education. Participation involves a 1-hour interview and a 30-minute follow-up (in person or via Zoom); all information is voluntary and confidential, and you will receive a $25 gift card as a thank you for your time. If you are interested in sharing your story or would like to learn more, please visit https://redcap.link/dyslexia_study or contact Emese Poszet at eposzet@illinois.edu (IRB25-0999).

The Nutrition and Exercise Performance Research Group is looking for participants to partake in a 2-day study to establish the utility of the indicator amino acid oxidation method in adults. Participation in this study involves 2-day habituation lead in with all meals provided, muscle biopsies and blood, breath and urine sampling during two all-day trials. Upon completion, you will receive $150 and information about your body composition and caloric needs. Contact our lab (NEPRESEARCH@illinois.edu) for more information! Male participants are strongly encouraged!