blog posts

• Why Business Grad School is a Good Investment for a Recent Undergrad

  Jan 13, 2021 10:30 am10 views

  One of the questions that advisors in Gies College of Business often get from parents is, “Would business grad school be a good investment for a recent undergraduate?” Based on the experience of Gies students, the answer is yes. We have many alumni who came to our programs with undergraduate degrees in areas such as psychology, political science, and biology who are now working in a variety of fields in major companies across the country. And you don’t need to have a business undergraduate degree to look to Gies Business for graduate school. In fact, for students from non-business degree programs who are unsure of what they want to do – or if they want to switch careers – business programs can provide options.

• Moms Association Award Winners for Spring 2020

  Jan 13, 2021 10:30 am2 views

  Every Moms Weekend, the University of Illinois’ Moms Association awards scholarships and grants to Illinois students and organizations. This past year, due to COVID-19 the award ceremony wasn’t held, but the Moms Association still wishes to acknowledge the recipients. 

• Dads Association Award Winners for Fall 2020

  Jan 13, 2021 10:30 am0 views

  The Dads Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign named Matthew Toole of Elmhurst, IL King Dad 2020 during the Virtual Dads Weekend on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Matthew was nominated by his daughter Regan Toole, a freshman studying Community Health. She describes her dad as her “biggest hero” and even though he has been living with ALS for the past 11 years, her father was always present at every event, no matter how small. He is a patient man who is always there to inspire his daughter and to just listen when she needs someone to talk to.  In her nomination, she writes, “All in all, my dad is my hero because of how much of an inspiration he is, and he teaches me that me that every day is a gift."

• University of Illinois Dads Association Announces 2020 Grant Recipients

  Jan 13, 2021 10:30 am4 views

  A total of $7,000 in grant money distributed to ten RSOs (Champaign, IL - November 16, 2020) The Illinois Dads Association at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign announced ten 2020 grant recipients totaling $7,000 in grant awards.

   

• Why Your Student Should Return to University Housing for 2021-2022

  Jan 13, 2021 10:15 am2 views

  Many students choose to live in the residence halls for a second year. In fact, 29% of residents live with University Housing for more than one year.

  Convenient and accommodating, University Housing has room options all over campus including suites and singles, communities that are exclusively for students who are sophomores and above, halls with kitchens that don’t require a meal plan, and even apartments. Studying abroad or student teaching? Students who live with us can be released from their housing contract after one semester without worrying about subletting.

• Spring and Summer Career Fair Opportunities

  Jan 13, 2021 10:15 am0 views

  Navigating the internship process and the job market is terrifying. With all of the uncertainties, pressure, and confusion, it is normal for any student to experience increased stress. On its own, securing a summer internship or post-graduate employment is scary—with the COVID-19 pandemic, securing integral opportunities for success has become increasingly more difficult. However, despite the unpredictable nature of the current job market, the University of Illinois has opportunities to ensure the career success of the Illini Family.

   

• Campus Safety Notices Keep Your Student Informed

  Jan 12, 2021 4:45 pm0 views

  The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a very safe campus. However, no community is completely immune from crime. Incidents which may pose an ongoing public safety risk will happen from time to time.

  It is our philosophy that an informed campus is a safer campus, which is why the University Police Department is committed to keeping community members updated on public safety issues so they can take actions that can help keep themselves or others safe. We call these notifications Campus Safety Notices.

   

• Senior Year During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Jan 12, 2021 4:45 pm2 views

  Hear from Parent and Family Programs Office Student Employee, Tara Sohns, on the ins and outs of Senior Year during COVID-19 and her journey of adaptability.

  *photo taken prior to COVID-19

• The Office of Volunteer Programs in a Time of COVID-19

  Jan 12, 2021 4:45 pm0 views

  Like most people and organizations in the world, the Office of Volunteer Programs (OVP) at Illinois is navigating a new normal in pandemic. Most of our contact with students, university members, and community groups is virtual, our annual Volunteer Fair was transformed into a Zoom conference with a smaller number of community agencies, our donation drives are virtual, and we are focused on virtual service education with students, scholarship groups, and registered student organizations. Many local agencies remain closed to volunteers or may entertain a very small number of them, so there is no better time like the present to focus on strengthening student competency and application of sustainable volunteerism, volunteer etiquette, and cultural awareness.

• Financial Wellness for College Students

  Jan 12, 2021 4:45 pm0 views

  Financial Wellness for College Students focuses on practical money management skills and strategies to help college students plan spending, save money, use credit wisely, and build a solid financial foundation for long-term goals. This program is unique because it connects college students with peers who have been trained by Extension Educators and other professionals to provide financial education outreach.

• 7 Tips for Success When Taking Online Courses

  Jan 12, 2021 4:30 pm2 views

  Taking an online course gives you a lot of flexibility in where and when you do your coursework. That flexibility, however, means you have to take some extra steps to be successful. You have to be proactive about creating some of the structure you get naturally in a face-to-face course. Here are seven tips to help you stay successful once you are in an online course.

• Supporting Students During The COVID-19 Pandemic

  Jan 7, 2021 6:30 pm4 views

  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives, and college looks much different for your student than it did a year ago. As most courses have moved online, masks and twice-weekly COVID-19 tests are required, and large gatherings are prohibited, many students report feeling isolated and lonely on top of the normal stresses of college. It’s natural to want to support your student through difficult times. Following are some tips to consider when your student may need some assistance navigating the challenges of college.

  Become familiar with resources. Illinois has several offices designed to assist students with difficulties they may encounter as a student. For mental health challenges, there are several options available.

  The Counseling Center offers same-day appointments so that students can be seen when their need is the most urgent. For this school year, we are doing online telehealth appointments. We offer time-limited individual and couples counseling and longer-term group counseling for students seeking support for ongoing issues. Students can schedule a first appointment by calling us at 217-333-3704. We’re open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The earlier in the day they call, the more likely it is that they will get an appointment. If appointments have filled for the day, they will be asked if you want to speak to a triage counselor who can help them with their most pressing needs. McKinley Mental Health unit offers the option of scheduling in advance with a staff of mental health professionals and has psychiatrists available to oversee medication management. In addition to assisting with obtaining necessary accommodation, Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) provides mental health counseling for students who have registered with their office. CONTINUED

• Making the Most of Career Fairs

  Aug 18, 2020 10:30 am962 views

  Tackling a career can be daunting, intimidating, nerve-wracking, and everything and anything in between; but it doesn’t have to be for your student. Your student may find it stressful when it feels like all of their peers have an idea of what they want to do and have secured jobs and internships. Fortunately, one of the best parts of the University of Illinois is that your student is never alone in making advancements in their career. The University of Illinois offers a multitude of resources and provides various opportunities for your student to figure out the next step in preparation for post-grad life. One of the best ways your student can seize a new opportunity is by engaging with one or more of the Virtual Career Fairs this fall. CONTINUED

• Graduates, Dean's List and Bronze Tablet Honorees Named for Spring Semester

  Aug 18, 2020 10:30 am72 views

  The University of Illinois has announced 13,183 Dean’s List and 238 Bronze Tablet honorees and more than 9,000 graduates for the 2020 spring semester. CONTINUED

• Deciding or Changing a Major: A Sophomore Student’s Perspective

  Aug 18, 2020 10:30 am597 views

  Going into college, there’s one question everyone will immediately ask your student—what’s your major? The one flaw in this is that not every student knows what their major is or, quite frankly, likes their major. CONTINUED

• Professor Reveals Secret to Doing Well in Online Classes: Sit in the “Front Row”

  Aug 18, 2020 10:30 am2173 views

  I’m often asked for advice about helping students manage the new school formats that are coming in Fall 2020. I know why: As a professor of educational psychology and as an academic life coach, I do carry a few insights about what makes or breaks a student’s experience with online and/or hybrid courses. I’ve worked with hundreds of college-age and college-bound students over the past 20 years and I’ve seen the full range of successes and struggles.

  There’s a nice list of tangible steps each student could and should take to learn at their best–which means with the least amount of overwhelm and the most amount of comprehension. I can sum up the secrets to success in just one statement: Sit in the front row. CONTINUED

• The Atkins Group Gifts Stone Creek Golf Club to Illinois Athletics

  Aug 18, 2020 10:30 am205 views

  The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced that The Atkins Group (TAG) has donated more than 300 acres of real estate in southeast Urbana, highlighted by Stone Creek Golf Club and its associated buildings and equipment, to the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois Foundation. The DIA will own and operate the golf club, which will remain closed for the 2020 season while undergoing improvements, as a championship-caliber public course and the home of the Fighting Illini Division I men's and women's golf programs. The total value of the gift exceeds $15 million. In recognition of TAG's generosity, the golf course will be renamed The Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois, pending Board of Trustees approval. CONTINUED

• UIPD Welcome Back

  Aug 18, 2020 9:30 am147 views

  The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its campus community, and public safety officials are providing a number of tools to make sure students and others have all the information and resources they need to take control of their personal safety. CONTINUED

• COVID-19 and its Impact at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Aug 18, 2020 9:15 am533 views

  The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic continues to create unprecedented challenges both globally and here in our community. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign continues to monitor developments and to take any new actions that are warranted as information emerges in this rapidly changing situation. The campus medical staff is in constant contact with local, state, and national public health officials to take necessary precautions and to share critical and accurate new information as the university learns of it. The university is also working closely with local and regional emergency planners to ensure we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively until the spread of the COVID-19 is controlled. We are continually developing plans and taking actions to both protect the safety and health of our campus community as well as to ensure continuity of our student services and academic operations.

  The covid19.illinois.edu website is intended to be a central starting point for information and updates about the impact of the COVID-19 virus on our university. We hope this website will provide resources and links that will answer questions you might have and connect you to the departments and units where you will find more detailed information about any specific concerns you might have.

• Understanding the COVID-19 Language of Personal Safety

  Aug 18, 2020 9:15 am348 views

  Always practice Social Distancing and Clean after yourself: Maintain a 6-foot distance between you and others when possible. Because this is not possible in all cases, be selective and avoid anyone who may appear or are clearly ill. Also be aware of the space you are in and carry some disinfectant wipes when possible to wipe your chair and table surfaces. This will reduce disease spread.

  Recent contact with others within 6 feet for 10 minutes or longer: Identify yourself as “at risk” and become more self-aware. This means you begin self-observation. Close contact is defined as: Being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case. CONTINUED

• Fall Semester

  Aug 18, 2020 9:15 am525 views

  The start of the fall semester is a time of energy and excitement. Students will make new friends and welcome the arrival of their old friends as a new semester begins. Fall semester is going to look a little different this year at Illinois, but the Illinois spirit is alive and well. Students will be adjusting to different living situations and class structure. Social distancing makes connecting with others a little more of a challenge, but nothing impossible. Remind your student they are not just thinking about their health and safety, but about others they come in contact with as well. Illinois will do all it can to bring that energy and excitement to events, athletics, academics, and in the residence halls to make your student feel a part of the Illinois Family. CONTINUED

• Welcome Back!

  Aug 17, 2020 10:30 am252 views

  As we begin another year here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign during this unprecedented time, we are grateful to be welcoming our returning students and their families back both in person and virtually. While we know this academic year will look very different than those of the past, we want to reassure you that the Office Parent and Family Programs Office is committed to providing guidance and resources for parents and families during this time. For example, our annual Illini Family Resource Guide and Calendar can be found online. We publish an updated version of the guide and calendar every summer with parents and families in mind, and we encourage you to read both and keep them handy. Also, visit our website, we continually revise the information on our website with updates and other resources, and to follow us via social media on Facebook and Twitter. CONTINUED

• Illini Union is Here for You

  Jun 22, 2020 3:15 pm321 views

  ILLINI UNION
  Our office is a proud member of the Illini Union family. Since it opened its doors in 1941, the Illini Union has been a resource to the entire campus community. The mission of the Illini Union is to enrich the academic experience of students by building an inclusive community and providing growth and development opportunities through engaging programs, outstanding services, purposeful employment and state-of-the-art facilities.

• 10 Conversations Parents and Students Should Have Before First Year of College

  Jun 22, 2020 12:45 pm1859 views

  The summer before your student heads off to college is exciting, busy, and stressful. There’s lots to do: forms to complete, finances to consider, orientations to attend, shopping to do. Your student may have a job and is also busy trying to spend time with his friends. Communication with your student may have its wonderful moments, and may also be strained. Be prepared. You feel it is your last chance to impart your wisdom, and he is increasingly anxious to be independent.

  The process of heading off to college – for both your student and for you – is filled with expectations. However, your expectations and your student’s expectations may not be the same. Use the summer months to talk about those expectations. Clear the air – and avoid difficult situations later when you realize that you, or he, made some assumptions. Good communication now will lay the foundation for quality communication later.

  Here are ten conversations to consider before your student leaves for school. Don’t try to cover them all at once, but touch on some of these topics.

• Important Dates

  Jun 17, 2020 11:15 am2309 views

  Important dates for the upcoming year.

• Student Health Insurance Information

  Jun 16, 2020 11:00 am662 views

  As a parent to an Illinois student, we recognize the importance of providing accurate and thorough information about the many ways in which we can support your student. Health Insurance can be daunting, very confusing, and scary at times. We are here to help each and every student feel knowledgeable, comfortable, and empowered with their UIUC coverage.  

  Our staff is dedicated to ensuring your student knows exactly what their Student Health Insurance is, how it works and the many ways in which it benefits them. We serve as their on-campus advocates for their healthcare needs, outside of what McKinley Health Center is able to provide. 

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  New Student Public Safety Welcome

  Jun 12, 2020 11:30 am253 views

  A lot has changed during the past few months, but at least one thing has remained exactly the same: Student safety is and will always be our top priority.

  As they arrive in Champaign-Urbana, members of our new class of students will become a crucial part of our cam­pus commu­nity, and public safety officials want new students to be aware of the re­sources available to them as they em­bark on their new journey.

• Student Assistance Center

  Jun 1, 2020 2:45 pm172 views

  I am an Assistant Dean in the Office of the Dean of Students; our office manages the Student Assistance Center (SAC) and the Emergency Dean Program. The role of the SAC is to be a source of information and support to Illinois students. Part of that is doing what we can to ensure that students have the support they need to function well and pursue their academic goals. We work closely with students who may be struggling for a variety of reasons. The SAC helps students understand university policies and procedures, educates them about and connects them to campus and community resources, and supports students in crisis.

• Leveraging Summer Break: Tips to Help Your Student Make the Most of the Summer

  Jun 1, 2020 2:45 pm272 views

  With a bit of planning, you can help your college student leverage his or her time away from school to their economic, academic and physical advantage.

• Discussing Money as a Family During Times of Transition

  Jun 1, 2020 2:45 pm173 views

  It is important to remember money can be a difficult conversation topic any time; however, it can be particularly challenging during times of transition. How you deal with transitions, like a family member going to college, can seriously impact family finances. Regularly talking about money can help ease the transition. 

• Student and Parent Perspective at Illinois: Transitioning from Freshman Year

  Jun 1, 2020 2:45 pm338 views

  Carol Sohns (mother) is a Librarian Assistant at the Mahomet Public Library. She has degrees in business administration and as a ParaLegal. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking and playing Words with Friends. She has been married to her husband, Mark, for the past 31 years.

  Tara Sohns (daughter) is an incoming senior double majoring in Political Science and English. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her best friends, trying out local coffee shops, and listening to too much Harry Styles. Post-graduation, she hopes to attend law school on the east coast.

• Campus Emergency Planning in Action

  Jun 1, 2020 2:30 pm330 views

  As the 2019-2020 school year concluded under very unusual circumstances, the University of Illinois Police Department’s Office of Campus Emergency Planning was hard at work to facilitate a coordinated campus effort to keep our community members safe.

  COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, but it was very much anticipated. UIPD’s emergency planners work throughout the year to detect and prepare for campus emergencies. Our long-standing plans to address infectious disease were put into action, and we started early to facilitate campus discussions about the best approaches to keep our community safe. It is very likely that many people were kept healthy because of this early action.

• Being a senior at Illinois during COVID-19

  Jun 1, 2020 2:30 pm890 views

  I didn’t imagine my senior year ending this way. Spring semester at UIUC has something special about it. Everyone seems to appreciate warm weather and the sun more. I’m going to miss warm sunny days when the Quad is full, and everyone seems to be happier. You can just feel it in the air as you walk to your class on the quad and pass groups playing frisbee or football, eating lunch, or just taking a quick nap between classes in the sun. As you sit on the quad you might be lucky, and someone’s dog will wander over to you.

• COVID-19 and its Impact at Illinois

  Jun 1, 2020 2:30 pm2295 views

  The COVID-19 virus has affected individuals all over the world. Illinois is no exception. Since spring break 2020, college life for students has changed drastically. Students now take classes virtually and are limited to social interactions through technology. It feels like we are all in a tunnel, searching for the light at the end. Your student’s life here at Illinois changed, but not for the worst. COVID-19 created a hurdle to overcome, and your student will come out of this situation better than ever.

• Connect with the Parent and Family Programs Office

  May 26, 2020 11:45 am94 views

  The Parent and Family Programs Office is your liaison to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We want to make sure you are aware of what is happening on campus and the different resources that are available to you and your student.

• Welcome to the Moms Association

  May 26, 2020 11:30 am1100 views

  You are now officially an Illini Mom and you too are now on your own amazing journey! As a mother or mother figure of a student at Illinois, you are an automatic member of the Moms Association at the University of Illinois. This non-profit association supports the university in philanthropic efforts; including raising funds for scholarships, volunteering, and coordinating Moms Weekend events.

• Welcome from the Dads Association

  May 26, 2020 11:30 am472 views

  The University of Illinois Dads Association can help direct you to university resources to assist with almost any question you might have. As the oldest known parents’ association in the nation, we have a lot of experience helping families get acclimated to the university community and student life at Illinois. If this isn’t your first student at Illinois, or you’re an alumnus, you’re probably already familiar with our group.

• Dads Weekend 2020

  May 15, 2020 2:15 pm2665 views

  Each fall, the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office and the Dads Association co-sponsor the Dads Weekend events, with a variety of programming for families. 

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  Welcome from the UIPD

  Apr 29, 2020 7:00 pm28 views

  UIPD is a full-service police department just like any other police department. We have a staff of 65 sworn officers, nearly 2,000 security cameras, and a large contingent of civilian staff, security officers, and supervisors who spend 24 hours a day focusing on one mission: the safety and security of the community they serve.

• Role of the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office

  Apr 24, 2020 9:30 am13 views

  The Parent and Family Programs Office has developed Parent and Family Learning Outcomes that we believe will help you navigate your student’s transition from an adolescent to an independent young adult.