Weekly Round-Up

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Departmental Scholarships INFO Session:

Following is the zoom info for the upcoming informational session about this year’s undergrad scholarship competition for English and Creative Writing majors. Any and all are welcome (you will need to determine whether you are eligible to apply, so check out the requirements, but even if you are not currently eligible you might want to learn more about the scholarship process now in case you become eligible later on); if you need to miss it and have questions, you can email Professor Andrea Stevens at arstev@illinois.edu.

Time: Mar 4, 2021 04:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81154279166?pwd=L2dmd0dTazJmV1pYdXAxbk9lTnorQT09

Meeting ID: 811 5427 9166

Password: 622300

Join Us for ESC:

If you are interested in reading, writing, leadership positions, and more, join the ESC’s weekly meetings.

When: Every Tuesday 7:00-7:30 p.m CST

Zoom Meeting ID: 7763187140

Contact: ssadler3@illinois.edu

Summer 2021 Research Opportunities:

Have you thought about your summer plans yet? There are many things that you can do this summer, but there are very few activities more rewarding and beneficial than participating in a formal summer research program. For a list of summer research opportunities for undergraduate students, visit https://go.illinois.edu/UndergraduateSummerResearch

2021 Undergraduate Creative Writing Awards:

The English Department is pleased to announce its annual undergraduate literary competitions in Short Fiction and Poetry. Depending on available funding, there will be 2-3 prizes in Fiction and 2-3 in Poetry this year. Past prizes have ranged from $100 to $1000.

Deadline: Noon, Sunday, February 28, 2021

Contest rules are as follows:
Short Fiction: Submit no more than one unpublished story (7500 words, maximum length)
Poetry: Submit up to 200 lines, as a single unpublished poem or a group of unpublished poems

Only University of Illinois undergraduate students are eligible. To be considered for a prize, submissions must adhere to the following rules:

  • All submissions must be sent via email as an attachment to: jdudek4@illinois.edu.
  • The subject line of your email message must read as follows: “UNDERGRAD POETRY: Last name” or “UNDERGRAD FICTION: Last name”
    • If you enter in both categories (poetry and fiction), you will need to send separate emails.
  • In the body of your email, please include:
    • Your name
    • address
    • phone number
    • e-mail address
    • status (undergraduate student)
    • UIN
  • Your entry is to be contained in one attached .docx file. The name of this file must be the contest category followed by your last name, such as “FICTION JONES.docx” or “POETRY JONES.docx” Your name should not appear within the document itself.

Please direct any questions to John Dudek, Associate Director of Creative Writing at Jdudek4@illinois.edu

Counseling Center Clinical Services for Spring 2021:

For Spring 2021, the Counseling Center are offering telehealth (online) counseling and virtual outreach and educational programming. For specifics of how this works, please view this blog post.

For after-hours emergencies, students who remain in the Champaign-Urbana area can reach out the Champaign County Crisis Line staffed by Rosecrance at 217-359-4141. We also have an extensive list of resources available on our website, including a listing of crisis lines throughout the United States.

Tuesday @ 7:

Led by Counseling Center Paraprofessionals, Tuesday @ 7 workshops focus on topics that are often growth areas for students. All students are welcome. Upcoming workshops include:

Tuesday, March 2: Building Alcohol Safety Awareness

Tuesday, March 9: #IWD2021: Promoting Women’s Mental Well-Being

To attend a Tuesday @ 7 workshop, please use Zoom ID 844 1537 2453 (Password: tue7)

The complete list of topics for this semester can be found here.

Perfectionism Workshops:

Many students are told that perfectionism is a good thing and necessary for success. However, studies actually show that perfectionistic attitudes can actually interfere with success. The desire to be perfect can both rob you of a sense of personal satisfaction and cause you to fail to achieve as much as people with more realistic expectations. This 3-part series helps students realize when perfectionism is more harmful than good and develop more realistic expectations.

The next series will be offered Tuesday, March 16, March 23, and March 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. To register for this series, please submit this form.

RIO Online:

RIO, which is led by Counseling Center clinicians, provides an interactive experience that helps you:

-Learn mindfulness skills to identify why you’re feeling the emotions you are and accept them.

-Manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions productively.

-Identify what’s most important to you and prioritize accordingly.

This series is open to all Illinois students—you do not need to be a current client of the Counseling Center. You are strongly encouraged to attend both online sessions. RIO is not considered counseling and is not confidential. Please register on their website.

In Focus Workshops:

In Focus workshops are designed to address concerns students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms commonly have. This series is typically offered once in the fall and once in the spring semesters.

For Spring 2021, In Focus will meet on Monday March 1,8, 15, 22, and 29 from 3-4:30 p.m. To register for In Focus, please complete this form.

Drop-In Mindfulness Workshops:

The Counseling Center are now offering daily mindfulness drop-in workshops on Zoom. The 30-minute workshops will be held each weekday at 4:15 p.m. starting on March 1. Each day has a theme.

-Mindfulness Mondays

-Intuitive Eating Tuesdays

-Body Awareness Wednesdays

-Thoughtful Thursdays

-Forget-it Fridays

These workshops are not therapy. They are available to any student and are not confidential. To join, please use Zoom Meeting ID: 922 2891 7050 and Password: CCMind.

Art Space:

On Monday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m., the Counseling Center offers an Art Space Workshop via Zoom. The workshop is open to all students. It is not counseling and participants will not be asked to share their reflections.

Meeting ID: 828 4384 2873

Password: 266674

Cafecito with the Counseling Center’s Latinx Outreach Team:

Join the Counseling Center’s Latinx Outreach Team every Tuesday at 4 p.m. to discuss communal experiences, mental health, and resources. Drop in whenever you are free. All are welcome!

Meeting ID: 831 0750 3371

Password: Cafecito

Sit with Sankofa Consultation Hours:

Need a safe space to discuss how you feel about everything that’s going on? Join us and Sit with Sankofa Black Student Outreach Team on Thursdays at 4 p.m. on Zoom!

Meeting ID: 926 0208 7456

Password: 276763

Latinx Healing Collective Workshops:

The Latinx Healing Collective will examine the social injustices that Latinx students face. Drawing from the psychological framework of radical healing (see French, Lewis, Mosley, Adames, Chavez-Dueñas, Chen, & Neville, 2019), this workshop provides information and tools that may facilitate Latinx students’ own individual and collective healing, and may aid their psychological well-being. While the content of this workshop is geared toward Latinx students, other Students of Color may benefit from the workshops. The workshop series starts February 23, and will meet Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m. throughout the semester.

All students are welcome to attend and do not need to be clients of the Counseling Center. This is not designed to be a therapy group and it is not confidential.

Zoom ID: 835 1115 1750   Password: 814408

If you have any questions, please contact Silvia Salas or Marisela Lopez.

WellTrack Available for Students:

WellTrack, an app that offers a suite of online tools and courses to help students identify, understand and address mental health issues is now available.

Students can access the WellTrack app by downloading from Google Play or the App Store and then logging in with your Illinois email address and password.  WellTrack can also be accessed via the web at Illinois.WellTrack.com with your Illinois email and password.

Mindwise Mental Health Screenings Provide Quick, Confidential Check-Ups:

The Counseling Center offers Mindwise mental health screenings through its website. These quick, confidential assessments allow you to understand if feelings like prolonged sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of pleasure, and/or hopelessness might actually be related to depression.

Other screenings for generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol misuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are also available. Participants will receive immediate results at the end of each screening to print and bring to a counselor for further discussion and evaluation if indicated. Please note that these screenings are to help you have an informed conversation with your counselor. They are not intended to be a clinical diagnosis.

To access the screenings, please visit our website.

Start Strong:

You could benefit from The Counseling Center’s RECORDED WORKSHOPS & TIPS series around:

SKY Happiness Retreat:

SKY Happiness Retreat is a 9-hour total well-being training offered to thousands of university students, faculty, and staff across the country. Participants gain foundational stress-management skills, develop a personal evidence-based breathing and meditation practice, learn a short personal yoga practice, and increase social connection and leadership skills. The SKY Happiness Retreat introduces SKY Meditation, an evidence-based meditation practice integrated with breath work that can significantly increase one’s well-being and calmness, and significantly reduces anxiety and stress markers. The course features interactive group processes, experiential learning, emotional intelligence training, breath-work, yoga, and evidence-based meditation. It’s one of the coolest places to connect with yourself, make awesome friends, and, most importantly, have fun!

The SKY Happiness Retreat is offered with a full scholarship for students. There are limited spots available for this retreat. Availability is first-come-first-serve, by registration only and requires attendance to all sessions. Please contact skyatuiuc@gmail.com for any questions.

Location: Online via Zoom
Timing:  March 5th (Fri): 6 pm – 9 pm cst;   March 6th & 7th (Sat & Sun): 3 pm – 6 pm cst
Apply here: bit.ly/skyhappinessmarch

Online Summer Teaching Positions Available:

The Institute of Reading Development is now hiring summer teachers for their live online reading skills programs for students of all ages. Their programs provide students with the skills, books, and experiences they need to achieve greater success in school and beyond.  You must have a BA, so this is an opportunity for students graduating in May. 

As an Institute teacher you will:

  • Earn between $600-$700 per week.
  • Improve your teaching skills and confidence during our comprehensive, paid training program.
  • Gain valuable teaching experience with a variety of age groups from 4-year-olds to high school students.
  • Help your students become successful readers with a love of great books.

The Institute of Reading Development provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for its teachers; so it does not require teaching certification or experience to apply. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and must be available to teach classes five days a week, including both weekend days. We are looking for full-time teachers with availability to work 37-40 hours per week during the summer. There will be some opportunities for continued employment with the Institute after the summer.

Successful Institute teachers:

  • Have strong reading skills and read for pleasure.
  • Are responsible and hard-working, with strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Are comfortable and confident with technology.

Are patient and supportive with students and parents.

Learn more about Institute of Reading Development and its reading programs at https://readingprograms.org/about-us/.

Undergraduate Research Symposium:

The Office of Undergraduate Research is now accepting submissions for the 2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set to be on display April 26 – 30, 2021. Over the course of the week, students will present their work through prerecorded oral presentations, poster presentations, and creative performances through our online symposium platform. Presenters will have the opportunity to engage with the campus community to discuss their findings through a built-in forum.

All undergraduate students currently involved with research are eligible to present.

For more information and to apply to the URS, please visit: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/symposium.html

The deadline to submit an application to present at the 2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium is March 19, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. 

Image of Research Competition:

The Image of Research is a multidisciplinary competition celebrating the diversity and breadth of undergraduate student research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Students are invited to submit entries consisting of an image and brief text that articulates how the image relates to the research. First prize: $300, Second prize: $200.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://go.library.illinois.edu/image

The deadline to submit is: March 19, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

Getting Started in Research Workshop:

By attending this workshop, you will have (1) a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, (2) increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and (3) a list of faculty mentors to contact.

Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. Several dates are available; students should only register for one date.

Details and registration link can be found at http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html

Poster Presentation and Design Workshop:

This workshop will give you tools for communicating your research for academic conferences and professional meetings in a concise and visually effective poster presentation. Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. Several dates are available; students should only register for one date. Details and registration link can be found at:  http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html

Giving Undergraduate Research Presentations Workshop (Oral Presentations):

If you’re preparing an oral research presentation for a class, conference, or the Undergraduate Research Symposium, this workshop is for you! During this workshop, you will learn strategies for overcoming speaking anxiety, designing effective slides and handouts, and delivering your research for an academic audience. Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. Several dates are available; students should only register for one date.

Details and registration link can be found at:  http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html

Research Support Grants:

This grant provides students from all disciplines with the funds necessary to conduct research or creative projects during the academic year both on and off-campus (including summer terms). Awards will be up to $2,000 and are meant to cover research travel costs, living expenses incurred during academic breaks (i.e., winter break and summer terms, NOT regular semester living expenses), and materials or other ancillary costs. We hope that this competition will both broaden and deepen the types of research being conducted by undergraduate students on campus, and that the recipients are able to use this opportunity as a way of engaging with their fields.

For details, eligibility requirements, and link to the application please visit: http://go.illinois.edu/OUR_RSG

Travel during COVID-19 pandemic must be in accordance with University and State of Illinois guidelines. The deadline for applications is March 17, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

Conference Travel Grant:

This grant provides awards of up to $350 for undergraduate students to travel to professional conferences to present their research posters, papers, or creative works. Please note, the Office of Undergraduate Research does not provide funds for conference travel for attendance only; grants are meant for students who will present their work. Travel during COVID-19 pandemic must be in accordance with University and State of Illinois guidelines.

For details, eligibility requirements, and link to the application please visit: http://go.illinois.edu/OUR_CTG

Travel during COVID-19 pandemic must be in accordance with University and State of Illinois guidelines. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

Undergraduate Research Certificate:

The Undergraduate Research Certificate provides an added credential to present to employers and graduate schools. The certificate requires you to satisfy specific criteria across your research experience(s) here at Illinois.

Students are encouraged to start the application early in their research journey; the application can be saved and re-opened, allowing students to continue the application where they left off.

For more information, please visit: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/students/research-certificate.html

Meet with the Office of Undergraduate Research Team:

The Office of Undergraduate Research is available for one-on-one virtual meetings to support you along your research journey. During these meetings, students have the opportunity to talk with office staff and student ambassadors about any and all questions pertaining to undergraduate research on the U of I campus.

Schedule an appointment today at: http://go.illinois.edu/AskOUR

Choose your own adventure!

The Womxn’s Career Institute is back, and this time we’re going virtual! Join the WRC and the Career Center for a day of virtual workshops and discussions around the topics that matter to you:

–Turning your creative passions and love for your community into a career.
–Telling your story to employers
–Taking care of your finances as a college student and young professional
–Identifying toxic work environments and creating healthy ones
–Navigating a change of major or career

Registration closes March 3, and the first 50 registrants will receive a complimentary swag bag!

Register here: https://go.illinois.edu/WCI2021

Feminist FridayS with GWS:

Join GWS for Feminist Fridays!  The next event is Friday, March 5 at 3pm.

Janel Bailey is a campaigner who has been devoted to organizing
alongside other Black and queer people to protect and improve
their lives. Born and raised in Chicago, Bailey got started in 2009 as
an activist in a queer youth organizing campaign to spread HIV
prevention resources more equitably across the City of Chicago.
Before coming to Los Angeles, to co-direct the LA Black Worker
Center, Bailey supported workers across the Midwest who won
their unions with SEIU and recovered more than $100,000 in
wages stolen from them by their employers. Before the
pandemic, Janel was most likely falling down at the World on
Wheels rink in LA or on the 606 in Chicago. They’ve since been
falling off their skates in Inglewood.

Please register here: https://bit.ly/3qEdMJC

Undergraduate Poets Network:

You are invited to join the Undergraduate Poets Network, an intercollegiate organization dedicated to creating opportunities for undergraduate writers, specifically within the realm of poetry.

It aims to provide undergraduate poets a platform through which to hone their craft, promote their work, and immerse themselves in the poetry community.

Some events and activities it anticipates to hold:

  1. Opt-in workshops in which members can submit their own poems and be matched with a workshop group that will provide feedback on said poems.
  2. Virtual open mic nights for members to share/promote their work and potentially answer questions about said work.
  3. Weekly writing challenges and prompts for members to respond to and share for feedback.

You can follow the Facebook group of the Undergraduate Poets Network here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2023659757933330. 

Weekly Round-Up

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I STAR Position Open:

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is currently seeking to hire current transfer students to serve as I STARs (Illinois Student Admission Representatives) within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions-Campus Visits. The position is currently fully virtual. Details, along with the application, can be found online here: https://enroll.illinois.edu/register/transferistar. The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 21st.

Internships at the MLA:

Want to join the MLA team? View the listings below for our current opportunities. To apply, please use the Web link or e-mail address listed at the end of each job description.

Communications and Outreach Intern: The Modern Language Association (MLA) seeks a communications and outreach intern for summer 2021 to assist with communications, social media, advocacy, and marketing tasks for the MLA’s wide range of outreach and social media programming. The communications and outreach intern will receive a $960 stipend every other week. To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter by 19 March to Outreach2021@mla.org.

Marketing and Design Intern: The Modern Language Association (MLA) seeks a marketing and design intern for summer 2021 to assist with digital marketing tasks for the MLA’s wide range of outreach and social media programming. The marketing and design intern will receive a $960 stipend every other week. To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter to by 19 March to MktDesign2021@mla.org.

Technical Project Management Intern: The Modern Language Association (MLA) seeks a technical project management intern for summer 2021 to assist with project coordination and quality assurance. The technical project management intern will receive a $960 stipend every other week for the ten-week internship. This is a work-from-home position. To apply, please send a letter indicating your interest in and skills for this position along with a résumé by 19 March to wdintern@mla.org.

For more information, visit Employment | Modern Language Association (mla.org)

Internship Opportunity for students interested in public or community service:

The Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) is now accepting applications from students interested in the Charles P. Wolff Internship. This is a paid opportunity for undergraduate students interested in public policy, research, and/or public engagement. The internship begins in June 2021 and continues through the 2021-22 academic year. The Wolff internship prepares undergraduate students for a career in public or community service, and enables them to work closely on events and projects with IGPA staff. Past interns have gone on to work in major law firms, serve as foreign service officers for the State Department, win the Rhodes Scholarship, and work in the White House.

Wolff interns have the opportunity to:

  • Explore public policy issues
  • Learn from professionals with decades of experience
  • Develop skills you will use throughout your career

To apply, visit: go.uillinois.edu/wolffapp. Contact Associate Director Jim Paul (jimpaul@uillinois.edu) with any questions about the application process.

Internships at Research Park:

The Career Center is hosting an event for students on Friday, February 26th, in partnership with Research Park.  It will have a panel discussion with a variety of Research Park employers on how to land an internship and make the most of the opportunities there.  You are encouraged to attend the event.  This event will also be a great way to prepare for the Research Park Career Fair, which will follow on March 2. Students should register at https://go.illinois.edu/ResearchParkPanel. The attached flyer has the pertinent information and may also be useful.  You can also find event details on Handshake.

Apply to be an LAS intern:

By serving as an intern for LAS 100, the Life + Career Design Lab, or the Hood Internship you will develop skills in the areas of leadership, collaboration, and social responsibility. You will:

  • develop effective group work and collaboration skills
  • reflect on your own identity, beliefs and how your actions impact others
  • demonstrate empathy and concern for others
  • demonstrate understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that create inclusive environments
  • use leadership skills to manage others toward a shared purpose
  • self-assess and advance your leadership and followership skills

The deadline for internship applications for LAS 100, the Life + Career Design Lab, and the Hood Internship has been extended to March 5, 2021. For more information, visit https://las.illinois.edu/lifecareerdesign/internships.

Loaner Laptops Available for Qualifying Students:

If you need a computer for school, or you have a device, but it is not meeting your needs, the campus Student Technology Program is available to loan you a PC laptop for the duration of your time here on campus. Participation in this program is voluntary and will not impact your financial aid eligibility. If you are interested, please complete the Student Technology Program Request Form.

The program is on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. If you have questions about either the Student Technology Program or your computing needs, please contact Technology Services at consult@illinois.edu or call 217-244-7000.

Eligibility:

FAFSA filers

Illinois Promise

Illinois Commitment

Where to apply: Student Technology Program Request Form

UIUC AnyWare—Software:

UIUC AnyWare is a virtual desktop environment allowing students to access software whether remote, on campus, or in class. Students can access UIUC AnyWare on multiple devices and operating systems including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, iOS, and Android. For more information, visit https://answers.uillinois.edu/105054.

Who is the service for:

  • Undergrad students – Students may use the service at any time
  • Instructors – Instructors are limited to only teaching and class time use

Why use the service:

  • If you need to run software that you do not have access to on your own device
  • You can run class software that your personal device cannot run due to processing power or age of device
  • If you are unable to download large files due to internet bandwidth issues or data caps
  • No need to install software on your personal device
  • No need to update software on your personal device

How to access the service:

  • VPN is NOT required to use UIUC AnyWare
  • Log in to UIUC AnyWare (connecting instructions)
  • You will be logged off when your connection is idle for 2 hours
  • You will be logged off 10 minutes after you are disconnected

Using UIUC AnyWare Applications and Desktop:

Public Health Service Info Session:

Are you interested in public health, federal government careers, and/or opportunities to make a difference providing healthcare in high need areas? If the answer is yes, join the following webinar:

Webinar: Learn about my Path to Federal Service, the National Health Service Corps, HRSA, and more!

Date: Tuesday, February 23 @ 4pm

Register: Meeting Registration – Zoom

Illinois Authors Events; Cris Mazza & Christina Pugh:

Join the Humanities Research Institute, Creative Writing Program, and Department of English this Saturday for the Illinois Authors Events, featuring UIC’s Cris Mazza and Christina Pugh. These events are part of A Year of Creative Writers at Illinois, and will feature a Publication Panel with Cris Mazza and Christine Pugh discussing the ins and outs of the publishing world—from finding agents to sending work out to publishing books—followed by a reading of their own work.

The Illinois Authors Publication Panel will take place Saturday, February 20 at 1:30-3:00 CST.

Join the event at: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/92466661734?pwd=SkZ2WXlmMTlCYmorQXM2cHlISXNRZz09

Meeting ID: 924 6666 1734
Password: YOCW

The Illinois Authors Reading will take place Saturday, February 20 at 5:00 CST.

Join the event at: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/92350869604?pwd=WVE0TFZuaWpPTXRMaDl5VTdyWVd6UT09

Meeting ID: 923 5086 9604
Password: YOCW

February Voices Reading:

The first Voices Reading of the semester will be next Thursday, February 25th at 7:00pm CT. The readers will be M.F.A. candidates Chelsea Hill, Isaac Willis, and Emmilea O’Toole. Find the Zoom invitation below, and click this link to access the Facebook event.

Topic: February Voices Reading

Time: 7:00pm CT

Join Zoom Meeting

https://illinois.zoom.us/j/84435884567?pwd=MnUyTWlmbklqdm00dklrVUQ4dlc4QT09

Meeting ID: 844 3588 4567

Password: 531849

Weekly Round-Up

2021 Undergraduate Creative Writing Awards:

The English Department is pleased to announce its annual undergraduate literary competitions in Short Fiction and Poetry. Depending on available funding, there will be 2-3 prizes in Fiction and 2-3 in Poetry this year. Past prizes have ranged from $100 to $1000.  Submission deadline: February 28.

Contest rules are as follows:
Short Fiction: Submit no more than one unpublished story (7500 words, maximum length)
Poetry: Submit up to 200 lines, as a single unpublished poem or a group of unpublished poems

Only University of Illinois undergraduate students are eligible. To be considered for a prize, submissions must adhere to the following rules:

  • All submissions must be sent via email as an attachment to: jdudek4@illinois.edu.
  • The subject line of your email message must read as follows: “UNDERGRAD POETRY: Last name” or “UNDERGRAD FICTION: Last name”
    • If you enter in both categories (poetry and fiction), you will need to send separate emails.
  • In the body of your email, please include:
    • Your name
    • address
    • phone number
    • e-mail address
    • status (undergraduate student)
    • UIN
  • Your entry is to be contained in one attached .docx file. The name of this file must be the contest category followed by your last name, such as “FICTION JONES.docx” or “POETRY JONES.docx” Your name should not appear within the document itself.

Please direct any questions to John Dudek, Associate Director of Creative Writing at Jdudek4@illinois.edu

ESC Weekly Meetings Every Tuesday at 7:00pm on Zoom

Black Lives Matter: From the Frontlines of Criminal Justice Reform:

Join Center for Advanced Study for a conversation with Los Angeles-based artist, activist, educator, and public speaker Patrisse Cullors. The event will be held on 18 February 2021 at 4:00 pm CST. Register here https://illinois.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tckcSKztRz-BODg602tDDA. Form more information visit http://cas.illinois.edu/node/2413.

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB & AUTHOR EVENT:

Join the WRC, Women & Gender in Global Perspectives, and the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center for a virtual book club! They will be diving into Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by activist, writer, and Illinois alum, Mikki Kendall.

The book club will be held on Monday, February 15 @ 6 p.m. CST. Register now – the first 30 registrants will receive a free copy of the book! Register for the book club here https://illinois.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KoR5hOWTR0y3nrqYbB_I9g.

The author event will be held on Tuesday, March 2 @ 6 p.m. CST. Mikki Kendall herself will join the club for a (virtual) author talk and share what led her to write Hood Feminism and more. For the author even, register here https://illinois.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_apAetqoLT023K4BfEhTEXg.

RBG: FREE VIRTUAL FILM SCREENING AND FILMMAKER CONVERSATION

Women & Gender in Global Perspectives and the Women’s Resources Center will host a virtual screening of the acclaimed documentary, RBG. This film follows the life and legacy of the late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and it will be available for viewing, for free, beginning at 4 p.m. CST on Tuesday, February 16th until 4 p.m. CST Thursday, February 18th.

On Wednesday, February 15th at 4 p.m. CST, there will also be a virtual conversation with the film’s directors, Julie Cohen and Betsy West.

2nd Annual International Women’s Day Photography Contest:

March 8th is International Women’s Day! As part of the annual celebration events, including Women’s History Month throughout March, the Women’s Resources Center, OIIR-International Education and International Student and Scholar Services are hosting the 2nd annual photography contest. The top awards will be given during the Global Engagement Lounge on March 10, 2021. Share your talent and submit an original photo that celebrates women’s achievements, experience, and resilience! Deadline for submissionsFebruary 24, 2021.

Black History Month 2021 Calendar:

Check out this collection of events and programs taking place this month in honor of Black History Month. Shout-out to the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center for compiling this exciting calendar!

February 17, 2021:

CONTRA-TIEMPO: ARTS & SOCIAL ACTION | Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center https://go.illinois.edu/FoodForTheSoul

February 18, 2021:

BLACK LIVES MATTER: FROM THE FRONTLINES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM | Center For Advanced Study https://cas.illinois.edu/node/2413

CONTEMPORARY CONVERSATIONS: BLUE LIGHT BOOGIE­ EXAMINING BLUES DANCE | Spurlock Museum https://go.illinois.edu/Spurlock

February 19, 2021:

NOBCCHE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONFERENCE | National Organization for the Professional Development of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) https://go.illinois.edu/NOBCChE

February 20, 2021:

NOBCCHE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONFERENCE; DAY 2 | National Organization for the Professional Development of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) https://go.illinois.edu/NOBCChE

BLACK SACRED MUSIC SYMPOSIUM XV | University of Illinois Black Chorus https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/959018119

February 21, 2021:

PASSPORTS AND PASTRIES: A VIRTUAL BLOCK PARTY AND PASSPORT INITIATIVE; DAY 1 | #Hei Butterfly The Initiative https://www.facebook.com/HeiButterflyThelnitiative

February 22, 2021:

PASSPORTS AND PASTRIES: A VIRTUAL BLOCK PARTY AND PASSPORT INITIATIVE; DAY 2 | #Hei Butterfly The Initiative https://www.facebook.com/HeiButterflyThelnitiative

SERVICE WITHIN THE BLACK COMMUNITY | Health of the Homeless, Contact: Healthofthehomeless@gmail.com

February 23, 2021:

THE ARTS AS ACTIVISM: A CONVERSATION WITH NIKKI GIOVANNI | Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center  https://diversity.uic.edu/nikki-giovanni-webinar/

COCOA HOUSE | Eusa Nia https://go.illinois.edu/CocoaHouse

February 25, 2021:

ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ANTI-RACISM | Carle Illinois College Of Medicine https://go.illinois.edu/Carle

February 28, 2021:

THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE PROJECT | Illinois Theatre Department https://vimeo.com/488679496

All February:

BLUES DANCING AND ITS AFRICAN AMERICAN ROOTS EXHIBIT | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures at Illinois https://go.illinois.edu/BluesDancing

OFF THE SHELF: REVOLUTIONARY READINGS IN TIMES OF CRISES PODCAST | Humanities Research Institute

FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS:

The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. University of Illinois – Urbana campus undergraduate students in all programs are eligible to apply.

For more information or to apply online, visit: universityymca.org/bailey/undergrad 

Application deadline: February 28.

Zoom Office Hours: 2021-22 Undergraduate Scholarship Application

Tuesday, February 23, 2 PM – 4 PM CST | Register to join | Facebook event

Friday, February 26, 10 AM – 12 PM CST | Register to join | Facebook Event

Counseling Center Clinical Services for Spring 2021:

For Spring 2021, Counseling Center is offering telehealth (online) counseling and virtual outreach and educational programming. For specifics of how this works, please view this blog post.

For after-hours emergencies, students who remain in the Champaign-Urbana area can reach out the Champaign County Crisis Line staffed by Rosecrance at 217-359-4141. We also have an extensive list of resources available on our website, including a listing of crisis lines throughout the United States.

Tuesday @ 7:

Led by Counseling Center Paraprofessionals, Tuesday @ 7 workshops focus on topics that are often growth areas for students. All students are welcome. Upcoming workshops include:

Tuesday, February 16: You’re Not Alone: Coping with Loneliness

Tuesday, February 23: Mental Health 101: Building Awareness and Skills

To attend a Tuesday @ 7 workshop, please use Zoom ID 844 1537 2453 (Password: tue7)

The complete list of topics for this semester can be found here

RIO Online:

These times are not easy. Feeling isolated and lonely is very common, and life is very different than it was before the pandemic. Many people are having strong reactions to these changes. RIO, which is led by Counseling Center clinicians, provides an interactive experience that helps you

-Learn mindfulness skills to identify why you’re feeling the emotions you are and accept them.

-Manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions productively.

-Identify what’s most important to you and prioritize accordingly.

This series is open to all Illinois students—you do not need to be a current client of the Counseling Center. RIO is not considered counseling and is not confidential. It offers courses throughout the semester at different times and days to meet scheduling needs. Please register on its website.

In Focus Workshops:

In Focus workshops are designed to address concerns students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms commonly have. This series is typically offered once in the fall and once in the spring semesters.

For Spring 2021, In Focus will meet on Monday March 1,8, 15, 22, and 29 from 3-4:30 p.m. To register for In Focus, please complete this form.

Rutgers English Diversity Institute (REDI):

The Rutgers English Diversity Institute (REDI) is a one-week summer program at the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University. This year REDI week will be held virtually from June 5 to June 11. REDI is designed for advanced college students and recent graduates whose cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds may contribute to diversity in the fields of English and American literary studies. At REDI, students will learn about traditional and nontraditional subfields and critical approaches in English and American literary studies from Rutgers University faculty. REDI activities will include seminars, lectures, workshops on applying for graduate school and on digital resources in literary studies, a trip to a research library, and a cultural excursion to New York City. Up to fifteen students, chosen from a national pool of applicants, will each receive a $750 stipend for participating in the program. For more information and application visit https://english.rutgers.edu/redi-home.html.

Strengthening and Empowering Educators of Diverse Statuses (SEEDS):

SEEDS, Strengthening and Empowering Educators of Diverse Statuses, is a new student-led organization that focuses on meeting the unique needs of undergraduate students of color in the College of Education. Note: if you are an English major on the Sec Ed track then you are also eligible to participate. 

It strives to create a safe haven in which students are welcome to have an open dialogue about struggles, as well as build community through mentorships, strengthening ally relations, and engaging in community outreach. Members of SEEDS will have access to a variety of resources that will help them grow in their professional development journey.

If you are interested, please reach out via email at seedsillinois@gmail.com. Feel free to check out our website as well https://seedsillinois.weebly.com/.

Summer 2021 Virtual Global Experiences:

Virtual Global Experiences provide students the opportunity to work remotely with organizations around the world, collaborate on hands-on projects, and conduct research with international faculty and peers. Students will participate in a 1 credit pre-professional course during the term they conduct the virtual project and are encouraged to investigate additional internship or independent study credit options within their departments.

You can also browse student portfolios from previous terms for a glimpse into their experiences and reflections.

The deadline to apply is March 15, and students can submit applications through the My Study Abroad Portal

For more information visit https://www.studyabroad.illinois.edu/outgoing-students/virtual/ and see the following flyers:

Campus Study Halls:

Beginning Feb. 16, the Wellness Ambassadors program will begin hosting campus study halls. Wellness Ambassadors support the university’s COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The study halls offer students the opportunity to study in select campus classrooms while the ambassadors ensure compliance with testing requirements, face coverings, and adherence to room capacity.

Study halls will be offered as follows:

  • Tuesdays from 5:30-8pm—Everitt Lab 2310
  • Thursdays from 6-9pm—Bevier Hall 108
  • Sundays from 6-9pm—Gregory Hall 100

This information is posted here along with other information on classroom study space options. Please help spread the word!

Expressive Art Drop-In Group:

The Counseling Center will be starting a new workshop titled Art Space: Creative Self Care & Coping. This is a drop-in workshop held on Mondays from 3-4pm, first session is on 2/22.

This workshop is for those who:

  • Enjoy coping through art (e.g. drawing, playing music, dancing, singing, writing)
  • Are looking to learn new coping skills
  • Are struggling to articulate/understand their internal experience
  • Are looking to connect with others.

For the zoom link and meeting ID, see the flyer below:

Spring 2021 Academic Policy Changes: New Drop Deadline and COVID Grades

This massmail: https://massmail.illinois.edu/massmail/918565528.html was sent recently to describe changes to spring semester academic policies.

Here are the TWO big changes for Spring 2021:

1. Drop deadline is the LAST DAY OF THAT CLASS (not finals) for your classes. This is March 19 for first 8-week classes and May 5 for full-semester and 2nd 8-week classes. If you drop a class by this deadline, it is erased from your official transcript (no W).

NOTE: if dropping a class means you would go below full-time status, you need permission from LAS to do that. If you are an international student with a student visa, and you are not in your first or last (last=graduating) semester as a UIUC student, then you cannot be a part-time student unless you have a valid medical reason or you give up your visa/immigration status for now.

NOTE: If you have financial aid, you need to check with the Financial Aid office to see whether you lose (or must repay) some or all of your aid if you go below full-time status (12 credits).

NOTE: The deadline to sign up for grade replacement, if eligible and you are retaking a class, is also the new extended drop deadline.

NOTE: March 26 is the deadline to add a second 8-week class, no extensions.

2. Instead of Credit/No Credit, there is a sign-up for COVID grades after final grades come out:

          • Covid Pass = grades of D- and higher 
          • Covid No Pass = grades of F *that were not a result of a sanction for academic integrity violation*

NOTE: Students who receive an F in a class as a result of an academic integrity sanction will keep the F grade and it will be included in the GPA calculation. So–don’t cheat, plagiarize, or help another student to do so.

NOTE: Sign-up for COVID grades will happen May 22-27 only.

NOTE: Covid Pass grades will count for major, minor, and general education requirements.

Advisor Comments:

This COVID Pass thing looks like an amazing offer–you can pass any class with just a D- grade!! However, keep in mind:

      • you may need mastery of the class in order to succeed in later classes
      • future employers and graduate schools may interpret a COVID pass as being a C or D grade, so that students who keep A, B, and even C grades may be more competitive candidates than you if you choose a COVID grade
      • COVID pass has no effect on GPA, so grades you earn in earlier and later semesters will have a larger impact on your GPA–especially grades that are not good.
      • professional schools (medical/health/law) may not accept courses required/considered for admission which have a COVID pass grade (check with Pre-Law advising or with Career Center for pre-health advising)
      • Finally, Credit/No Credit is GONE this semester. The only choices are the regular course grade or a COVID pass/no pass.

 

This website will be updated soon with more details and an FAQ:

https://provost.illinois.edu/policies/policies/academic-policy-modifications-covid-19/

(Note: as of this writing, it shows Spring 2020 but not Spring 2021.)