For the past 36 years and counting, The Jeffries Center has welcomed and cared for all students at the U. of I. “Our constant legacy is that we want to provide the space for students from all economic backgrounds to know that Illinois is a place that they can come and see themselves,” said Kimberly Alexander-Brown, J.D., Acting Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging. Read the Student Affairs News feature on The Jeffries Center—covering the people, the work they do, and how their team makes an indelible impact on student life at Illinois.

Student Affairs is looking for 5-8 staff members, representing various units and levels of experience, to join the Student Affairs Strategic Planning Steering Team. The current Student Affairs Strategic Plan will be ending in 2026, and this steering team will guide the implementation of a new plan aligned with the Boldy Illinois framework. Estimated time commitment is 3-4 hours/month beginning in January 2026. If you are interested, complete the following information form by October 8th: https://go.illinois.edu/StratPlanningCommittee.

Know a student leader who needs recognition for their work and efforts? The Student Leadership Awards and Scholarships are now accepting nominations from October 1 through October 16, 2025. There is over $17,000 available to students of all class years. For questions, please contact the Illinois Leadership Center. 

Please share with your students! Building Connections: An Interactive Networking Event on Thurs., Oct. 2, 2025, 2025, at 5 p.m.—a fun, friendly speed networking event especially for students with an international background. They'll meet peers, share experiences, and grow their network! At the event they will learn networking tips, participate in speed networking rotations, and a closing game with a prize. Food provided! Space is limited, so registration on Handshake is encouraged. 

Join us online on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 12 p.m., for the  Global Professional Spotlight Series. Meet Feilan Wang, Software Engineer at Meta, who builds iOS apps for WhatsApp, Instagram, and MetaAI. Hear her story and insights on transitioning from an international student to a professional in the U.S. workforce. Visit Handshake for more details.

Students are invited to join us online for Mom's the Word on October 2, 2025, at 7 p.m., hosted by the Illini Moms Association. This I-Explore Week event features leaders who are not only moms but also trusted voices with inspiring professional experiences to share. Through their career stories, advice, practical tips, and an open Q&A, they will  gain insights in an engaging, supportive setting. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more details and the Zoom link, visit Handshake.

Please join us for our fall 2025 signature event: Conscious Leadership in Turbulent Times, featuring guest speaker and facilitator, Annice E. Fisher, Ph.D. The landscape of campus housing and student affairs is shifting rapidly, requiring leaders to navigate an evolving mix of demographic shifts, social justice challenges, financial constraints and political pressures. This keynote will provide Student Affairs staff with the strategic tools and mindset to uphold our core principles while fostering sustainable, inclusive communities in turbulent times.

Celebrate Latine Heritage Month at an Evening with José Hernández, former NASA astronaut and engineer. He will share his story of breaking barriers, defying expectations, and the power of education. Submit a question for the Q&A and be entered into a drawing to attend the meet-and-greet following the event. On Tuesday, September 30 at 7pm, stop by the Courtyard Café for a movie screening of "A Million Miles Away," a film based on his story of overcoming immense obstacles to reach the stars. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn about and hear from a true trailblazer!

The Illinois Leadership Center is seeking faculty and staff to serve as Cluster Facilitators for the 2026 LeaderShape Institute. Cluster Facilitators have a unique opportunity to mentor and support students during the retreat, helping guide their leadership development journey through coaching and critical reflection. The Institute™ will take place from January 12-15, 2026, at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL. Facilitators are required to stay on-site with lodging and meals provided and may receive a $500 stipend for their time, pending department and HR approval. 

Through the implementation of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus (MHEAC) grant, Student Affairs implemented student suicide prevention training, increased mental health service capacity, trained over 600 employees on Mental Health First Aid, and worked with campus partners to expand mental health awareness curriculum in first-year education classes.