blog posts

• Campus Employment

  Aug 27, 2021 12:00 pm323 views

  No matter what your student’s major is, there are dozens of employment opportunities available to them across the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Each employment opportunity will prepare them for their future careers in the professional workforce. Student employment is the perfect job opportunity to coordinate with their school schedule. On-campus employment specifically tailors their hours to coincide with their academic workload. Therefore, students can gain value professional experience without having to sacrifice their grades.

• The New Siebel Center of Design is Complete

  Aug 27, 2021 11:45 am99 views

  The new Siebel Center for Design sets the bar globally for design thinking in education, says Thomas Siebel, the three-time Illinois alumnus who provided a $25 million lead gift to establish the center.

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Largest Geothermal System Goes Online

  Aug 27, 2021 11:45 am60 views

  The largest geothermal energy system implemented at the university so far went online in April, at the Campus Instructional Facility (CIF) ahead of its opening this coming fall. The CIF system is the fifth geothermal installation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and can provide 135 tons of heating and/or cooling, twice as much as the next most recent geothermal installation on campus property.

• Making the Most of Career Fairs

  Aug 27, 2021 11:45 am538 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 Career Fairs this fall.

• Student Health Insurance

  Aug 27, 2021 11:00 am2 views

  All enrolled students must come to campus with health care insurance to cover untoward medical events at off-campus hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, physician offices, etc. While many students may have insurance through the parent plan, many parent plans may have only coverage of emergency services off campus and this is often inadequate for supporting your student’s success. For these reasons, about half of the enrolled student body has student health insurance through United Healthcare, the currently contracted payer with the University of Illinois.

• The Family Transition

  Aug 25, 2021 2:45 pm14 views

  The experience of sending a student off to college can be daunting.  While it is certainly an exciting and joyous occasion, it can also be filled with anxiety and trepidation.  That is why it is important for parents and family members to focus on their own transition as much as their students’.  With that in mind, here are some tips, hints, and suggestions to help parents and family members as they make their way through their own college transition.

• THE BIG PICTURE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEALTHCARE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

  Aug 25, 2021 2:45 pm10 views

  Whether your student is a first-year student or nearing the end of a graduate degree, their health and wellness is important. Understanding how McKinley Health Center can support your student’s wellbeing can help them maximize their University of Illinois experience academically, socially, personally and professionally. McKinley provides both medical services and health education to ensure each student receives the care they need.

• WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST SIX WEEKS OF COLLEGE

  Aug 25, 2021 2:30 pm18 views

  Source: Marjorie Savage -You're on your own: mentoring your child during the college years

  Week 1

  Students establish routines as a way to adapt to change. Social acceptance is usually their first priority. Students react strongly to disappointments or problems. This may be the first time they have had to identify problems and find solutions entirely on their own. They will complain, but they usually manage to adjust. Every accomplishment feels like a significant victory.

  Advice for families: talk to your student at least once during the first week; enjoy the excitement and acknowledge the disappointments.

• New Student Financial To-Do List

  Aug 25, 2021 2:30 pm6 views

  Check out the University Bursar’s New Student To-Do List in the New Students section of the website at www.paymybill.uillinois.edu/ to learn all about your student’s account at the University of Illinois.

  Have your student set you up as an Authorized Payer so you will have access to your student’s billing information, make online payments, and enroll in an optional Payment Plan. Read up on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Have your student enroll in Direct Deposit for any student account refunds. Write down the fall, spring, and summer payment due dates on your calendar. Tuition and fee charges for fall and spring terms are due on the 28th of September, February, and June If you don’t plan on paying tuition in full by the due date, enroll in an optional Payment Plan.  Put a reminder on your calendar to check your student’s account balance each month. Have your student contact their financial aid counselor to make sure that their financial aid file is complete. Register for an “Online Orientation Webinar” or watch our “Paying Your Bill” video series in the New Students section of our website. Subscribe to our Student Money Management Center’s monthly e-newsletter (studentmoney.uillinois.edu/Contact) for tips and tricks to keep your finances on track. And last, but not least, introduce yourself to the office staff while on campus! They love to meet the customers they serve!

• Welcome from the Parent Family Programs Office!

  Aug 25, 2021 2:30 pm78 views

  As we begin another year here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign we are grateful to be welcoming our returning students and their families back both in person. This year the Parent and Family Programs Office will continue to provide information and resources for parents and families throughout your student’s time here at Illinois. 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.

• University of Illinois Police Department

  Aug 25, 2021 2:30 pm6 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.

  UIPD heads into the school year with new programming efforts taking shape. A dedicated Campus Outreach and Support Team (COAST) is engaging with the campus and the greater community to build trust through establishing personal relationships, improving communications, operating transparently, and demonstrating a commitment to serving all people. Additionally, the Response, Evaluation, and Crisis Help (REACH) initiative is the department’s new mental health support resource. REACH pairs social workers with police officers to respond to mental health emergencies so that students and community members get the best help they can in times of crisis.

• Parent Family Programs Events: 

  Aug 25, 2021 2:00 pm126 views

  Dads Weekend
  October 29-31, 2021
  go.illinois.edu/dadsweekend

  Moms Weekend
  April 1-3, 2022
  go.illinois.edu/momsweekend

• Make Move-In Easier

  May 27, 2021 3:45 pm769 views

  Make Move-In Easier

  Is your Illini returning to University Housing this fall?  

  Avoid overpacking AND overspending with OCM and Bedloft – two preferred partners of University Housing. 

  OCM: Get all the room essentials – bedding, shower packs, decorative rugs, efficient storage options, and stylized décor – to make their space cozy, comfortable and uniquely personalized for them!

  Bedloft: Rent a MicroFridge (microwave, freezer and fridge combo). Order by August 1 to receive a discount and have it delivered to their hall before Move-In. That’s less sweat for you and more room in the car for the things they just can’t leave home without!

  Order Now >> 

  Needing a refresher on what to pack? Download the Ultimate Packing Checklist.

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  Part-time On Campus Employment

  May 25, 2021 2:30 pm769 views

  If you are seeking a part-time job while at Illinois, there are many student employment opportunities on campus. 

  Illinois students enjoy working on campus because it provides a foundation for their future success. As they gain leadership, organizational and networking skills, they develop into well-rounded individuals prepared to achieve their dreams upon graduation.

• Illini Union is Here for You

  May 6, 2021 2:45 pm523 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.

• Parent and Family Events - SAVE THE DATES!

  May 6, 2021 2:45 pm2620 views

  Important semester dates and special campus occassions.

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  Student Health Insurance Information

  May 6, 2021 2:30 pm1690 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. 

• Important Dates

  May 6, 2021 2:30 pm5595 views

  Important dates for the upcoming year.

• Welcome to the Moms Association

  May 6, 2021 1:45 pm2583 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 6, 2021 1:30 pm1588 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.

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  Welcome from the UIPD

  May 6, 2021 1:15 pm506 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.

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  What to Bring to Campus

  May 6, 2021 1:00 pm3514 views

  As Move-In Day approaches, the biggest question students ask is, “What do I need to bring?” We’ve provided a complete packing checklist on our website that can help you and your student figure out just what they will need for their first year living on campus. Keep in mind, however, that your student will most likely be sharing the room with someone else. The biggest advice that returning students and parents share is, “Don’t bring too much!” A good rule of thumb is to gather everything you think they will need and then try to cut it in half.  

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

  May 6, 2021 12:45 pm4094 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.

• 2021 Virtual New Student Registration

  May 6, 2021 12:00 pm751 views

  The decision has been made. Your student has chosen Illinois. There are so many things that you and your student will have to do as you prepare for the upcoming school year. Nothing is more important than New Student Registration.

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  Connect with the Parent and Family Programs Office

  May 6, 2021 11:45 am2647 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.

• University of Illinois Police Department

  May 5, 2021 1:15 pm113 views

  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.

• 2021 Moms Association Awards & Scholarship Winners and 50/50 Raffle

  May 5, 2021 1:15 pm210 views

  The Moms Association at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was created in 1923 for the purpose of promoting the welfare and interest of the University and its students through services and open communications on campus and throughout the state. This past April, the Moms Association announced its annual awards and scholarship winners.

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  Local Internships in Champaign-Urbana

  May 5, 2021 1:00 pm1325 views

  The summers after sophomore and junior year are daunting, as the pressure for students to secure summer internships increases. However, there is a misconception concerning internship opportunities as a University of Illinois student. The common belief is that your only internships will occur during the summers in a big city, but many people gloss over the internship opportunities in the Champaign-Urbana community.

• Life as a Freshman During a Global Pandemic

  May 5, 2021 1:00 pm203 views

  Freshmen never know exactly what to expect. No matter how many online blog posts you read, YouTube videos you watch, or times you visit campus, you will most likely have no idea what is going on during your freshman year. However, living through a global pandemic during my freshman year of college was the absolute last thing I expected.

  When the word of Covid-19 began to sweep through campus, it was definitely a joke. No one thought teachers would begin cancelling classes, people would be wearing masks in public, or we would be sent home for the rest of the semester.

  However, that soon became our reality as we were told Spring Break would be extended and classes would be held over Zoom, a platform foreign to most of us but renowned today.

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

  May 5, 2021 1:00 pm295 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.

  When I started college, I was in a major I knew didn’t fit me. During the application process, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for the next four years. One thing I had was that I was in a club in high school which lead me to Journalism, but I soon realized Journalism was never where I belonged. While it remains a fantastic program, my heart wasn’t in the subject. Instead, I found that I belonged elsewhere—Political Science and English.

  Changing majors may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Being in a major you don’t fit or starting in the Division of General Studies has plenty of benefits. In addition, wherever your student is, their advisor is always going to help them transition into that major that does fit them best.

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  COVID-19 and Its Impact at UIUC

  May 5, 2021 12:45 pm945 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 new 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.

• Four Year Career Prep Checklist

  May 5, 2021 12:00 pm366 views

  The Career Center at Illinois provides all Illinois students collaborative and innovative programs, services, and resources focused on career and professional development that educates and empowers them to become thriving professionals in the global community. In addition, career services staff in many colleges and departments serve students enrolled in their programs and majors. This network of Career Services offices actively collaborates to provide the best possible services to all University of Illinois students.

• MTD Service Changes for Spring Semester

  Jan 19, 2021 1:00 pm201 views

  MTD service for campus will have reductions for spring semester that would normally be provided in a pre-pandemic semester. Details of all spring semester service changes are available here. 

• Moms Association Award Winners for Spring 2020

  Jan 13, 2021 10:30 am393 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 am244 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 am12 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 Business Grad School is a Good Investment for a Recent Undergrad

  Jan 13, 2021 10:30 am225 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.

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

  Jan 13, 2021 10:15 am375 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 am1494 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 pm86 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 pm954 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 pm171 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 pm201 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 pm743 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.

• Making the Most of Career Fairs

  Aug 18, 2020 10:30 am988 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 am998 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 am627 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 am2357 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 am226 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 am153 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