Deadline to add a POT A (first 8 weeks) course: Friday, Aug. 28 New Student English Department Orientation: Monday, Aug. 31 Deadline to Nominate an Instructor: Tuesday, August 1 Advising Office Open House: Wednesday, Sept. 2 Deadline to add a full-semester course: Friday, Sept.4 English Teaching Social: Thursday, Sept. 24
Share Your News!
As a reminder, if you have an award, a publication, or some other form of success (as defined by you!) to report please send news to engl-news@illinois.edu so the social media interns can celebrate you and your accomplishment. Also, if you are a member of a student group affiliated with the English department and you would like an upcoming event posted on our undergraduate calendar (now available at the bottom of the advising page) please send that info to the same address. Thanks!
Resource of the Week: Self-Care Stations
Need some supplies? McKinley Self-Care Stations provide over-the-counter self-care supplies. Funded by your health service fee, these are provided at no extra cost to you. You will need to present your student i-card before you can receive any items.
Items available include supplies for cold care (nasal spray, lozenges, pain relievers, saline), wound care (band-aids, gauze, ointment), allergy care, and much more!
Book Recommendation of the Week: The Wolf Border by Sarah Hall
Recommended by Anna Ivy
“For almost a decade Rachel Caine has turned her back on home and worked in Idaho at a reservation for wolves. As one of the few experts in her field she is summoned back to England by the eccentric Earl of Annerdale to help with his plan for re-wilding wolves on his estate in the Lake District.
As Rachel attempts a gradual reconciliation with her estranged family, her work with the Earl begins to generate public outrage and the threat of sabotage. Set against a backdrop of Scottish independence and tumultuous power struggles both locally and nationally, The Wolf Border is a novel steeped in wilderness and wildness, both animal and human.” (https://www.sarahhallauthor.com/the-wolf-border)
Do you have any books that you would like to recommend? Share your book recommendations here and we will try to get your recommendation in the Round-Up!
A Note on I-Promise
If you are an I-Promise scholar (i.e. a recipient of the Illinois Promise scholarship), check out this page for information about resources available to you through Scholar Support Programs. Note that there is a consent form that you will need to sign if you want to receive regular communications from SSP notifying you of upcoming opportunities and resources.
Skeuomorph Press
Skeuomorph Press and Undead Media Lab offers hands-on experiences with historical book and information technologies from the 18th to the 20th centuries—including letterpress, book binding, typewriters, risography, and vintage computing—and sponsors creative activities such as poster or zine making.
The English department will be hosting the mandatory New Student Orientation for new creative writing and English majors on Monday, August 31 at 5:30pm in Room 160 of the English Building. At the orientation the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Andrea Stevens, will be sharing crucial information about the English department that you do not want to miss! Afterwards, the department will be providing free pizza and department T-shirts for new students in the Mary Kay Peer Lounge (located in the lower level of the English building).
Upcoming Lectures
Submit Your Work
ESA Welcomes You!
Advising Office Open House
Nomination Deadline Approaching
If you found one of your past English department instructors to be especially skilled, inspiring, or responsive to your needs as a student, we’d like to know about it!
You can nominate any professor, lecturer, or instructor (that includes graduate TAs), who has taught any English department course (BTW, CW, ENGL, RHET) on any topic in the last year, and you are welcome to nominate more than one person. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the Teaching Award Nomination Form.
The deadline for nominations for the next awards cycle is September 1, 2026. Thanks in advance for your help!
English Teaching Social Event
Are you an English Teaching student or interested in studying to become a high school English teacher? In an effort to create a stronger sense of community amongst English Teaching students, some of our upperclassmen are hosting a casual, social event on Thursday, September 24th in Room 200 of the English Building from 5-6pm. Feel free to come and go anytime within the hour. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other students interested in teaching and get to know upperclassmen who can give you some insight to the program! All English Teaching and pre-English Teaching students are invited to join!
Mary Helen Specht is the author of the forthcoming novel Mudlark (July 2026) and the novel Migratory Animals, a New York Times Editors’ Choice and winner of the Texas Institute of Letters Best First Fiction Award and the Writers’ League of Texas Fiction Prize. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Prairie Schooner, and numerous other publications. A Fulbright Scholar to Nigeria and Dobie-Paisano Writing Fellow, Specht currently teaches creative writing at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her family. She was recently inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters.
Don’t Forget These!
PaidCommunication Internship
Apply by August 31!
LAS Career Services seeks to hire a Communication Intern for the Fall 2026 semester, with the potential for continued employment into Spring 2027 based on mutual interest.
This is a great opportunity for students who would like to explore their interests and skills in writing, creativity, communication, social media, and customer service in a professional setting. Communication Interns create student-friendly messaging for digital displays, weekly e-newsletters, blogs, flyers, photography, and Instagram posts. Opportunities also exist to draft messaging for campus and external audiences (e.g., faculty, university administrators, employers, and alumni).
The Departments of English and Romance and Classical Studies at Michigan State University are delighted to announce the 6th Annual MUSE Scholars Program, which will be held this fall in East Lansing, from October 14-17th.
The MUSE Scholars Program is intended for any prospective graduate students interested in issues of access and equal opportunity in academia, and concerned about the challenges of first-generation students and low-income students in higher education. It aims to introduce students to a robust culture of mentoring essential for a rewarding graduate school experience, and a thriving life in academia. All prospective graduate students in English, Spanish, or related fields who are interested in these questions are welcome to apply! You can read more about our recent cohorts of MUSE scholars here.
The all-expenses paid workshop will allow students to learn more about the departments of English and Romance and Classical Studies in the College of Arts and Letters. Students will visit graduate classes, meet faculty and graduate students, receive feedback on their application materials for graduate school, and present their research to faculty.
Open Houses for the Fall 2026 Semester – Mark Your Calendar!
Fall 2026 Proud to Be A First-Gen Series & Study Abroad Opportunity
How to Connect with LAS Career Services
Mondays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Tuesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Wednesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Handshake Appointments (in-person or virtual) are 30 minutes during available staff times. We have an energetic team to help you. Reach out to connect. Having trouble? Reach out to us at las-careerservices@illinois.edu.
Free Little Library
Check out the ESA Free Little Library outside EB 200. We have a rotating stock of donated books (thanks to all our anonymous donors) and you’re always welcome to stop by and pick something up. If you want to leave a book as well of course you can, but it’s not expected. If you feel like it, you can sign the sheet on the top shelf and tell us what you picked and why!
Sharing News
As a reminder, if you have an award, a publication, or some other triumph to report please send news to engl-news@illinois.edu so the social media interns can celebrate you and your accomplishment. Also, if you are a member of a student group affiliated with the English department and you would like an upcoming event posted on our undergraduate calendar (now available at the bottom of the advising page) please send that info to the same address. Thanks.
English & Creative Writing Convocation: Saturday, May 16 Grades available to view in Self-Service: Saturday, May 23
Congratulations on making it through finals! This is the final Round-Up of the semester, but we’ll be here throughout the summer months and are happy to help in any way we can. Feel free to email us at englishadvising@illinois.edu with any questions, or schedule a virtual appointment if you need to talk about your plans for the fall.
Internships
SAB MAG, an artistic lifestyle magazine, is looking to hire a social media content, editorial, and brand and page design intern. You can apply using this form.
APPLICATION DUE MAY 20 11:59PM CENTRAL TIME
Illinois Student Council Academic Advisor Feedback Survey
Courses to Consider for Fall 2026
EPSY 218: College Student Mental Health Social & Behavioral Science Gen Ed Interested in understanding why mental health challenges are so common during the college years and what science tells us about them? Curious how stress, relationships, identity, and culture shape psychological wellbeing? Join us next semester and register for EPSY 218: College Student Mental Health. We will explore topics such as anxiety, depression, substance use, relationships, and resilience in college students through the lens of behavioral science. You’ll learn how researchers study mental health and, importantly, how to apply that knowledge, whether it’s recognizing patterns in yourself or others, understanding when and how to seek help, or making informed decisions that support wellbeing in everyday life.
DTX 180: Exercising Empathy Social & Behavioral Science Gen Ed Emphasizes the role that empathy can play in everything we do. Understanding empathy throughout our lives enables us to live a full and intentional life. How do we become compassionate people? When we approach trying to solve problems in our world, how do we ensure that we consider others, their perspectives and their needs? This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of empathy and engage them in empathic practices such as observation, interaction, and perspective taking. This course builds one of the most essential career skills: understanding people. Practical, relevant, and impactful across any field.
DTX 495: Special Topics in Design Thinking – Student-Centered App Design Student-Centered App Design is an 8-week, project-based course that focuses on using Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to examine the needs of students at the University of Illinois and reimagine a student-centered app experience. During this course, you will work in teams to identify opportunities, brainstorm ideas, create wireframes, test prototypes, and refine your app concepts. By the end of the course, you will develop a more thorough understanding of HCD methodologies and gain iterative experience in app design, preparing you for future projects in the field. Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to enroll, as no prior programming or design experience is required
CW 202: Topics in Creative Writing, Section R – Screenwriting Workshop Back by popular demand this fall is this great screenwriting workshop! Explore the art of visual storytelling for the silver screen. This course guides you through traditional screenwriting techniques while applying the fundamentals of narrative to the craft of the short film script. You will develop an original concept, participate in collaborative workshops, and learn how to pitch your project to meet industry standards. By the end of the semester, you will have a completed script and a plan for festival submission.
CW 208: Creative Nonfiction Workshop Introduction to a variety of types of nonfiction prose, including the personal essay, memoir, literary journalism, and historical writing. Relocated! This may now be more convenient so take another look and see if it works in your schedule.
ATLAS Internships for Summer and Fall!
Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk is a program offered by embedded clinical counselors. It is not a counseling appointment, but a conversation about Counseling Center services available to students. Conversations with Let’s Talk counselors are private, informal consultations. Let’s Talk appointments are 15 minutes long, and there is no fee.
To schedule a Let’s Talk appointment, please schedule an appointment online.
Don’t Forget These!
Part-Time Job on Campus: Social Media Student Worker
The Communications Office at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is seeking a social media student worker to assist in writing, editing and posting social media posts to promote Beckman research and events. The intern will work with communications team members to create and implement social media strategies, brainstorm engaging campaigns for our various audiences develop and post content and collect analytics. A major part of this position will be to build up the Beckman Institute’s presence on BlueSky and Threads. If you’re a detail-oriented and thoughtful communicator who wants to use your talents in various mediums, this will be a great employment opportunity for you.
Primary duties:
Draft content for social media, including reels, stories and posts for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky and Threads.
Maintain social media engagement on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and build up the Beckman Institute’s social media presence on BlueSky and Threads.
Collect and compile social media analytics that generate insights to improve our social media strategy.
Other duties as assigned.
Preferred skills:
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Knowledge of the different social media platforms and the audiences they cater to.
Experience with/interest in graphic design platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
Experience managing professional social media accounts (preferably for an organization or institution).
Capable of generating creative, innovative and engaging ideas to enhance social media content.
Well-organized and detail oriented.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently toward set goals and deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively, thoughtfully and efficiently with team members.
Hours This is a paid position requiring 10 hours of work per week at $15/hour, with a set schedule that can be flexible to accommodate coursework. The work will often require in-person presence to document events and engage with researchers, as well as attend in-person meetings, but hours are flexible. The position begins no later than summer 2026 (preferably June, though the start date is flexible) with the possible opportunity for renewal into the fall 2026 semester. While this is a student worker position, it can be converted into an internship.
To apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letterand two to three samples of professional social media posts (preferably illustrating how to engage with audiences on different platforms) to Alejandra Pires at pires2@illinois.edu. The deadline is 11:59 PM on May 15.
Part-Time Job on Campus: Student Science Writer
The Communications Office at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is seeking a student writer to cover news, research and announcements for the Beckman website and other media as necessary.
Job description The primary duties for the student science writer position include:
Writing news stories, press releases and features about peer-reviewed research, grant awards, Beckman faculty members and additional topics as assigned, with the goal of making complex scientific concepts understandable to lay audiences. (65%)
Collaborating with editorial team to proofread, edit and rewrite content. (10%)
Conducting interviews with faculty members and asking questions to understand the main ideas and significance of their work. (5%)
Assisting with story promotion, including uploading stories to Sitefinity, Beckman’s web content management platform, as well as drafting social media copy. (5%)
Acquiring a working knowledge of Associated Press style, Beckman’s style guide and editorial best practices. (5%)
Identifying and pitching relevant, recent and compelling content using databases like PubMed. (5%)
Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Skills The ideal candidate is a reliable, proficient writer who adheres closely to deadlines, values accuracy and detail and maintains professionalism when acting on behalf of the Beckman Institute Communications Office. Candidates should be motivated, organized, able to work independently and comfortable managing multiple assignments simultaneously. Candidates must be able to arrange, conduct and record interviews with Beckman Institute students, faculty members and staff so as write articles about their research. Clear and effective communication with colleagues and supervisors is a must.
Hours This position begins in summer 2026, preferably in June, with a possible option to continue through fall 2026. This is a paid, mostly remote, position requiring 10 hours of work per week and in-person check-ins every other week. Work schedules are flexible and may vary depending on story assignments. Deadlines are flexible to fit the worker’s schedule.
To apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, and two to three personally generated (non-AI) writing samples to Alejandra Pires at pires2@illinois.edu. (Scientific manuscripts and long seminar papers are not acceptable writing samples.) Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 15.
How to Connect with LAS Career Services
Mondays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Tuesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Wednesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Handshake Appointments (in-person or virtual) are 30 minutes during available staff times. We have an energetic team to help you. Reach out to connect. Having trouble? Reach out to us at las-careerservices@illinois.edu.
Free Little Library
Check out the ESA Free Little Library outside EB 200. We have a rotating stock of donated books (thanks to all our anonymous donors) and you’re always welcome to stop by and pick something up. If you want to leave a book as well of course you can, but it’s not expected. If you feel like it, you can sign the sheet on the top shelf and tell us what you picked and why!
Sharing News
As a reminder, if you have an award, a publication, or some other triumph to report please send news to engl-news@illinois.edu so the social media interns can celebrate you and your accomplishment. Also, if you are a member of a student group affiliated with the English department and you would like an upcoming event posted on our undergraduate calendar (now available at the bottom of the advising page) please send that info to the same address. Thanks!
Advising Office Open House: Tuesday, May 5 Last day of instruction: Wednesday, May 6 Final exams: May 8-14 English & Creative Writing Convocation: Saturday, May 16
Resource of the Week: Convocation & Ticketing Info
Are you graduating this May or August and planning to participate in a ceremony? Check out the English Department Convocation site and the Commencement website for information, useful links, and contact information.
Those of you who are registered for the English & Creative Writing Convocation ceremony should have received our recent email about ticket collection, reproduced here:
Ticketing Information Please complete a short exit survey about your experiences in the department BEFORE you pick up your tickets. Only the aggregate results will be distributed to the department for assessment purposes; individual participants will not be identified. Each undergraduate who completes the survey before May 14 (and chooses to share their netID) will be entered into a random prize drawing, and five lucky winners will be chosen to receive a $10 gift card. If you are a double major, you may complete both surveys but will only be entered into the drawing once.
Pick up your tickets in Room 200 of the English Building between May 4 and May 14 (hours for pick-up are 9 to noon and 1 to 4). Please budget at least 10 minutes for the pick-up because you will need to fill out your reader card at the same time (this card ensures that your name is read correctly as you cross the stage).
If you are out of town or cannot come to the office in person for any reason, then your guests may pick up their tickets at the Will Call booth in Smith Hall when they arrive for the ceremony (doors open at 4pm). In that case you will fill out your reader card when you check in for the ceremony at 4pm but we will be reaching out ahead of time to get clarification about pronunciation of your name (we give our readers an annotated guide ahead of time to minimize the chance of mistakes).
Social Media Internships, Ninth Letter (AY 2026-2027)
For the 26-27 academic year, Ninth Letter, the literary magazine produced by the Creative Writing Program, is looking to hire two Social Media Interns (one Social Media Management and one Social Media Content Creator) from any major in the English Department. This is a great opportunity for students to apply their love of writing and literature while gaining valuable media-writing experience.
Eligibility: Undergraduate in the Department of English with at least Sophomore standing for AY26-27
Position Responsibilities (both positions will have some overlap):
Develop creative thematic post series for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bluesky
Design and produce engaging multimedia content (graphics, stories, short videos), memes, and captions for the literary community
Attend weekly meetings for brainstorming, task assignments, and collaboration
Collaborate with editors to adapt published content for different social media platforms
Conduct and publish interviews with former Ninth Letter contributors and current staff
Assist in creating content calendars that highlight print issues, online publications, submission calls, and events
Help design and maintain brand voice, tone, and visual identity, remaining cohesive across platforms
Interact with followers, contributors, and the literary community through comments, messages, and shares
Average hours worked per week: 5 (about 75 hours each semester) Position Wage: $15/hour Position Starts: August 22
Recommended Skills and Experience:
Concise and catchy writing
Writing for social media
Develop and follow-through on creative ideas
Tailor message and style to genre and audience
Visual design
Work independently
Interpersonal communication
Collaboration
Reliability
Word, Adobe Express or Creative Suite, photo & video editing
Photography, video, and editing skills a plus
To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter, which should also indicate your preferred position, or if you would like to be considered for both. Application materials can be addressed to Liz Harms, Sr. Managing Editor of Ninth Letter, and sent as email attachments to ejharms2@illinois.edu by no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
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Social Media Management Internship, Department of English (2026-2027)
For the 26-27 academic year, the Department of English is looking to hire a Social Media Management Intern from any major in the English Department. This is a great opportunity for students to apply their love of writing and literature while gaining valuable media-writing experience.
Eligibility: Undergraduate in the Department of English with at least Sophomore standing for AY26-27
Position Responsibilities: ● Develop creative thematic post series for Facebook and Instagram ● Promote, attend, and create social media posts about department events when safety allows ● Design flyers, memes, and other posts for informing and entertaining students ● Develop creative semester-long multimodal projects ● Attend weekly meetings for brainstorming, task assignments, and collaboration ● Edit videos and design flyers or posts ● Collaborate with Advising Office in creating content ● Conduct and publish interviews with faculty, alumni, students, and visiting speakers
Average hours worked per week: 5 (about 75 hours over a semester) Position Wage: $15/hour. Position Starts: Aug. 16
Recommended Skills and Experience: ● Concise and catchy writing ● Writing for social media ● Develop and follow-through on creative ideas ● Tailor message and style to genre and audience ● Visual design ● Work independently ● Interpersonal communication ● Collaboration ● Reliability ● Word, Publisher, Adobe, photo & video editing ● Photography, video, and editing skills a plus
To Apply: Please use the online application form to submit a resume, cover letter, and 2-3 samples of work, which can be writing, social media graphics, or other creative works or class materials. Application materials can be addressed to Felipe De La Guerra, Communications Coordinator, Department of English. Applications should be submitted no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6. Please email fdlg@illinois.edu with any questions.
ATLAS Internships for Summer and Fall!
W H A T I S A C A M P U S ?: A Historical Walking Tour
1:00pm Thursday, May 7, 2026 Meet at Mumford House (or, in case of rain, Temple Hoyne Buell Hall atrium) Led by Dr. Kathryn Holliday (School of Architecture) Public space and free speech are bound together as foundations for the modern university campus. Contests of ideas, cultures, and values can be seen in our buildings and landscapes but too often we walk past them without paying much attention. How can we read our own campus as a reflection of competing narratives and hierarchies of power? Can we aspire to a campus that more fully embodies a culture of care, maintenance, and repair both for the environment and for each other?
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr. Holliday is an architecture and landscape historian with a strong commitment to community-engaged, place-based historic preservation. Creating connections between the university, faculty, and students in the pursuit of projects that promote a fuller, more equitable narrative of American history is central to her work. As a scholar and teacher, she draws on her interdisciplinary training in architecture, art history, environmental studies, and museum work to bridge the specialized internal questions of the design disciplines with public narratives. She is driven by a core interest in authorship and storytelling, and the ways that buildings and landscapes intertwine stories of labor, technology, capital, gender, and race to shape the world around us. She joined the faculty at Illinois in Fall 2023 and is completing the book Telephone City: Architecture and the Rise and Fall of the Bell Monopoly, supported by a Mellon Fellowship in Urban Landscape Studies from Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC (2022-23).
Scholarship Info Sessions
If you are interested in applying, please attend one of our upcoming workshops:
Back by popular demand, the Gies Business Minor (GBM) is hosting another GBM Mixer this spring on Monday, May 4th, 2026 from 6-8 pm in the Business Instructional Facility (BIF). There will have GBM faculty with in attendance, refreshments, giveaways, information about the GBM and the Business Fundamental Microcredential and the opportunity to meet the new GBM Ambassadors! No RSVP or registration is needed.
Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk is a program offered by embedded clinical counselors. It is not a counseling appointment, but a conversation about Counseling Center services available to students. Conversations with Let’s Talk counselors are private, informal consultations. Let’s Talk appointments are 15 minutes long, and there is no fee.
To schedule a Let’s Talk appointment, please schedule an appointment online.
Don’t Forget These!
TRIO Upward Bound Is Hiring
Anticipated Dates: Staff training dates: May 18-22, 2026 Staff program dates: June 27- July 31, 2026 Program dates: June 28-July 31, 2026
Part-Time Job on Campus: Social Media Student Worker
The Communications Office at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is seeking a social media student worker to assist in writing, editing and posting social media posts to promote Beckman research and events. The intern will work with communications team members to create and implement social media strategies, brainstorm engaging campaigns for our various audiences develop and post content and collect analytics. A major part of this position will be to build up the Beckman Institute’s presence on BlueSky and Threads. If you’re a detail-oriented and thoughtful communicator who wants to use your talents in various mediums, this will be a great employment opportunity for you.
Primary duties:
Draft content for social media, including reels, stories and posts for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky and Threads.
Maintain social media engagement on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and build up the Beckman Institute’s social media presence on BlueSky and Threads.
Collect and compile social media analytics that generate insights to improve our social media strategy.
Other duties as assigned.
Preferred skills:
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Knowledge of the different social media platforms and the audiences they cater to.
Experience with/interest in graphic design platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
Experience managing professional social media accounts (preferably for an organization or institution).
Capable of generating creative, innovative and engaging ideas to enhance social media content.
Well-organized and detail oriented.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently toward set goals and deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively, thoughtfully and efficiently with team members.
Hours This is a paid position requiring 10 hours of work per week at $15/hour, with a set schedule that can be flexible to accommodate coursework. The work will often require in-person presence to document events and engage with researchers, as well as attend in-person meetings, but hours are flexible. The position begins no later than summer 2026 (preferably June, though the start date is flexible) with the possible opportunity for renewal into the fall 2026 semester. While this is a student worker position, it can be converted into an internship.
To apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letterand two to three samples of professional social media posts (preferably illustrating how to engage with audiences on different platforms) to Alejandra Pires at pires2@illinois.edu. The deadline is 11:59 PM on May 15.
Part-Time Job on Campus: Student Science Writer
The Communications Office at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is seeking a student writer to cover news, research and announcements for the Beckman website and other media as necessary.
Job description The primary duties for the student science writer position include:
Writing news stories, press releases and features about peer-reviewed research, grant awards, Beckman faculty members and additional topics as assigned, with the goal of making complex scientific concepts understandable to lay audiences. (65%)
Collaborating with editorial team to proofread, edit and rewrite content. (10%)
Conducting interviews with faculty members and asking questions to understand the main ideas and significance of their work. (5%)
Assisting with story promotion, including uploading stories to Sitefinity, Beckman’s web content management platform, as well as drafting social media copy. (5%)
Acquiring a working knowledge of Associated Press style, Beckman’s style guide and editorial best practices. (5%)
Identifying and pitching relevant, recent and compelling content using databases like PubMed. (5%)
Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Skills The ideal candidate is a reliable, proficient writer who adheres closely to deadlines, values accuracy and detail and maintains professionalism when acting on behalf of the Beckman Institute Communications Office. Candidates should be motivated, organized, able to work independently and comfortable managing multiple assignments simultaneously. Candidates must be able to arrange, conduct and record interviews with Beckman Institute students, faculty members and staff so as write articles about their research. Clear and effective communication with colleagues and supervisors is a must.
Hours This position begins in summer 2026, preferably in June, with a possible option to continue through fall 2026. This is a paid, mostly remote, position requiring 10 hours of work per week and in-person check-ins every other week. Work schedules are flexible and may vary depending on story assignments. Deadlines are flexible to fit the worker’s schedule.
To apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, and two to three personally generated (non-AI) writing samples to Alejandra Pires at pires2@illinois.edu. (Scientific manuscripts and long seminar papers are not acceptable writing samples.) Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 15.
Sustainability Exhibition
English Department Summer Courses
ENGL 206: Enlightenment Literature & Culture While many of you are probably familiar with key texts and figures of the American Enlightenment, this course focuses on the European, and especially, the British Enlightenment, which preceded the founding of the United States. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Europe witnessed unprecedented social, economic, political, and cultural changes that collectively produced a giant leap toward the world we inhabit today. It was an age of revolution and newfound faith in the rights of the individual, though these rights were by no means extended to all. It was an age of reason, of tremendous advances in science and technology, though reason was by no means the only altar at which so-called enlightened individuals worshipped: God and sentiment remained powerful forces throughout the long eighteenth century. We will consider how the individualistic mindset that is associated with the Enlightenment was developed by some of the most significant texts of the period, and how it challenged traditional understandings of duty and humanity’s place in the world.
ENGL 360: Environmental Writing Equips students to write about the environment for various audiences, with a focus on specific current efforts to promote sustainability on the Urbana-Champaign campus. We will practice effective techniques for each stage of the writing process-from defining topics, to gathering information, to crafting active, engaging prose. Readings will include models of effective environmental writing and “how to” pieces by experts. Research will include visits to campus sites and student-conducted interviews with subjects.
ENGL 378: Fairy Tales & Gender Formation Discusses how femininity and gender formation are related through fairy tales. As children grow they are taught the difference between male and female roles. One of the main ways this instruction takes place is through the pleasurable media of fairy tales in books, poems, and more recently, films. Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Beauty and the Best, and the Little Mermaid, among others, will be examined to understand how sexual identity is constructed differently in different cultures, and how issues such as rape and incest are addressed within the narratives. The readings explore the ways that fairy tales work to express psychological reactions to maturation while conditioning both characters and readers to adopt specific social roles in adulthood.
Two Great Fall Workshops
CW 202: Topics in Creative Writing, Section R – Screenwriting Workshop Back by popular demand this fall is this great screenwriting workshop! Explore the art of visual storytelling for the silver screen. This course guides you through traditional screenwriting techniques while applying the fundamentals of narrative to the craft of the short film script. You will develop an original concept, participate in collaborative workshops, and learn how to pitch your project to meet industry standards. By the end of the semester, you will have a completed script and a plan for festival submission.
CW 208: Creative Nonfiction Workshop Introduction to a variety of types of nonfiction prose, including the personal essay, memoir, literary journalism, and historical writing. Relocated! This may now be more convenient so take another look and see if it works in your schedule.
Fulbright Workshop
How to Connect with LAS Career Services
Mondays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Tuesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Wednesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Handshake Appointments (in-person or virtual) are 30 minutes during available staff times. We have an energetic team to help you. Reach out to connect. Having trouble? Reach out to us at las-careerservices@illinois.edu.
Free Little Library
Check out the ESA Free Little Library outside EB 200. We have a rotating stock of donated books (thanks to all our anonymous donors) and you’re always welcome to stop by and pick something up. If you want to leave a book as well of course you can, but it’s not expected. If you feel like it, you can sign the sheet on the top shelf and tell us what you picked and why!
Sharing News
As a reminder, if you have an award, a publication, or some other triumph to report please send news to engl-news@illinois.edu so the social media interns can celebrate you and your accomplishment. Also, if you are a member of a student group affiliated with the English department and you would like an upcoming event posted on our undergraduate calendar (now available at the bottom of the advising page) please send that info to the same address. Thanks!
Deadline to drop a POT B course without a “W”: Friday, April 17 Last day of instruction: Wednesday, May 6 Final exams: May 8-14 English & Creative Writing Convocation: Saturday, May 16
Convocation Reminder
Signed up for the English & Creative Writing Convocation and need extra tickets? Be sure to get your request in by Monday, April 20! Email englishadvising@illinois.edu with the TOTAL number of tickets you require. Thanks!
Resource of the Week: Art on Campus
As busy as you all are right now, you may still want to take a break now and then and enjoy some of the amazing art galleries and museums we have on this campus. Check out this site for a list of spaces to visit. In addition to their permanent collections these galleries often display work by our own students and faculty.
Montage Launch
Much Ado About Nothing Performance
Later this month, What You Will presents their spring play Much Ado About Nothing on April 17th and 18th in Illini Union Room 210 at 7:30 PM. Be sure to come out (and invite your friends!) to support this hardworking cast and crew for a dramatic night of Regency gossip.
VOICE: Graduate Student Reading
Apr 22, 2026 7:00 pm Gallery Art Bar | 119 W Main St, Urbana, IL 61801
Join us for a reading of creative work my MFA students from the Department of English. This month’s reading will feature Steven Bergmark, Morgan O’Sullivan, and William O’Brien.
Undergraduate Research Week
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Campus Partners,
We are excited to announce and share the final program of events for 2026 Undergraduate Research Week, now available at: https://go.illinois.edu/URWProgram.
This year’s program features a wide range of events taking place across campus, including the full schedule for the flagship event of the week, the Undergraduate Research Symposium, which will take place all day (9 AM – 5 PM) on Thursday, April 30, in the Illini Union (stop by Rooms ABC, South Lounge to pick up a printed program). We are also pleased to share that this year’s Symposium has reached another record high, with more than 1,400 undergraduate student presenters.
All events are free and open to the public, and no registration is required to attend.
Fulbright Workshops
Experiential Learning Abroad
EcoRep Undergrad Position
The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) is recruiting several EcoReps for AY 2026-2027 to promote sustainability on campus and serve as a resource to connect students to different campus sustainability initiatives. Any rising sophomore, junior, or senior interested in sustainability outreach is encouraged to apply, no matter the major! EcoReps will be expected to work 4-5 hours per week throughout the school year and will receive an hourly wage of $15. EcoReps will benefit from building leadership skills and getting involved in a variety of campus sustainability initiatives. Students will enjoy participating in a community of students who are passionate about sustainability.
For a list of responsibilities and desired skills see the posting on the Virtual Job Board.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Miriam Keep, Sustainability Programs Coordinator at iSEE, at keep2@illinois.edu. The cover letter should describe your prior experience related to sustainability and/or peer outreach, and explain your motivation for pursuing a role in outreach for campus sustainability. The position is also posted on the Virtual Job Board.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged!
TRIO Upward Bound Is Hiring
TRIO Upward Bound College Prep Academy is searching for compassionate, outcomes-oriented, student-centered, and innovative individuals for several positions during our summer program. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL ALL POSITIONS ARE FILLED.
TRIO Upward Bound is a college preparatory program housed within the Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. Our goal is to generate the skills and motivation necessary for high school completion, post-secondary enrollment, and completion.
Positions available: —Teachers (Must have a completed BA/BS) –Summer Residential Program Assistant Dayshift and Evening shifts (UG/GRAD)- LIVE-IN RESIDENCE HALL- Still available
Anticipated dates:
Staff training dates: May 18-22, 2026 Staff program dates: June 27- July 31, 2026 Program dates: June 28-July 31, 2026
Back by popular demand this fall is this great screenwriting workshop!
CW 202, Section D Explore the art of visual storytelling for the silver screen. This course guides you through traditional screenwriting techniques while applying the fundamentals of narrative to the craft of the short film script. You will develop an original concept, participate in collaborative workshops, and learn how to pitch your project to meet industry standards. By the end of the semester, you will have a completed script and a plan for festival submission.
Summer and Fall Courses of Interest
Don’t Forget These!
Student Writer – Communications Paid Internship
As an intern, you will be expected to work approximately 15 – 20 hours per week and will be earning $15.00/hour as compensation. This position is remote with required online meetings via Microsoft Teams. If relevant, students are encouraged to apply for credit through CMN 304. If you are interested in applying, please send a resume, cover letter and 2-3 non-academic writing samples roughly between 500-1000 words each to Ruth Kwak at rschung2@illinois.eduby 6:00 p.m. CST onWednesday, April 20, 2026
Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights Exhibit
Where: Spurlock Museum When: March 14-November 8, 2026
Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights explores the bold promises of liberty, equality, and justice the United States was founded on. But the path toward fulfilling those ideals has been anything but straightforward. Our exhibit theme of unfinished revolutions explores the ongoing struggle to define and expand the meaning of freedom in America. From the Revolutionary era to today, individuals and communities have challenged injustice and demanded change—through protest and litigation, war and grassroots organizing, formal politics and everyday resistance.
This exhibit is multivocal. The objects vary, and the people interpreting and reflecting on them are diverse in view, experience, expertise, and background. These ideas will weave through the text created by many different contributors, interpreting objects from Spurlock’s collections and across campus.
How to Connect with LAS Career Services
Mondays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Tuesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Wednesdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 10-3 pm LAS Hub (Lincoln Hall) with peer mentors
Thursdays- 1-3 pm 105 Greg Hall (short chats)
Handshake Appointments (in-person or virtual) are 30 minutes during available staff times. We have an energetic team to help you. Reach out to connect. Having trouble? Reach out to us at las-careerservices@illinois.edu.
Free Little Library
Check out the ESA Free Little Library outside EB 200. We have a rotating stock of donated books (thanks to all our anonymous donors) and you’re always welcome to stop by and pick something up. If you want to leave a book as well of course you can, but it’s not expected. If you feel like it, you can sign the sheet on the top shelf and tell us what you picked and why!
Sharing News
As a reminder, if you have an award, a publication, or some other triumph to report please send news to engl-news@illinois.edu so the social media interns can celebrate you and your accomplishment. Also, if you are a member of a student group affiliated with the English department and you would like an upcoming event posted on our undergraduate calendar (now available at the bottom of the advising page) please send that info to the same address. Thanks!
