The Food Assistance and Well-being Program is an emergency resource for Illinois students who are facing financial challenges and need short-term food and basic needs support. Our pantry offers a variety of items such as protein, dairy, fresh produce, canned goods, grains, and limited personal care items. Every week, students can choose to either make an appointment at the ARC Instructional Kitchen, schedule a pick-up at CRCE lockers, or visit a Wesley Food Pantry. During Hunger Action Month this September, create awareness about food insecurity and share this resource with students you serve.

Illinois provides students with numerous online wellness apps and tools from mental health screening, wellness articles, videos, and podcasts, and online peer support. Additionally, the Student Wellness Guidebook shares definitions around wellness, well-being, mental health, and related topics, as well as highlights the many resources available to students at Illinois. This e-book is available on Canvas and eText at Illinois. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share these resources with the students you serve.

Pre-Health at Illinois is hosting Pre-Health Kick-Off 2026 for first-year and transfer pre-health students on Sept. 9, 5–6:30 p.m., in the Illini Union Ballroom (2nd floor). Students will have the opportunity to meet the Pre-Health Advising team, connect with fellow pre-health students, explore health-related RSOs and community organizations, and learn about resources and opportunities to support their pre-health journey. Food will be provided. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, visit Handshake. 

Not Your Mascot: The Impact of (Mis)Representation: This year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day explores the ongoing struggle for Indigenous peoples to be represented on their own terms. Through programs and dialogue, we will examine how Native mascots, logos, and stereotypical imagery perpetuate colonial narratives, obscure the diversity and contemporary presence of Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations, and cause documented harm. Together, we will challenge notions of “honor” and consider how Indigenous self-representation creates possibilities for greater understanding, respect, and justice.

The Jeffries Center First-Generation Student Initiatives unit would love to invite everyone to our Proud to be First-Gen Fall 2026 events! Our programs cover a variety of topics and modes focused on promoting first-gen experiences. All events are open to all students, staff, and faculty! Save the date for First-Gen Week @ Illinois, held November 2nd - 8th, with our larger first-gen dinner party on November 6th. 

Dating, friendships, roomies, and everything in between navigating relationships in college can be complicated. Join Nora Peterson (Women's Resource Center) for an open, interactive session where we break down what healthy connections look like. We’ll discuss spotting green flags, setting boundaries, and keeping your self-worth front and center. Come as you are, leave with practical tools for every relationship in your life.

Faculty, staff, and campus partners, please join Career Connections, The Career Center’s biweekly e-newsletter. Keep up with our latest career readiness services, programs, workshops, events, and resources for students of all majors and class levels, with information to help you support and guide your students and enhance their Illini experience. 

Congratulations go out to Janett Matthews, Courtyard Café Program Coordinator. She has been selected to receive the 2026 Larine Y. Cowan Make a Difference Award for Leadership in Building Inclusive Communities. This is in recognition of her tireless efforts in advocating for inclusion and access at Illinois. She will be acknowledged at the 41st Celebration of Diversity on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The University of Illinois System's Mental Health Awareness and Support website promotes mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and connects members of our university communities with available mental health resources and support. The site includes info about the importance of mental health & well-being for students, faculty, & staff. As well as resources to help employees better recognize concerns, understand available support options, & connect individuals with appropriate services. Plus, mental health training materials & resources. See https://uillinois.edu/mentalhealth to learn more.