Follow the department on social media

Happy Reading Day!

We know this is a busy time and many of you are under a lot of pressure, so please be good to yourselves and ask for help if you need it. You’re welcome to reach out to us in the advising office; please see the end of this post for a list of additional support resources.

Convocation Tickets and Senior Survey

Congratulations to all who are graduating soon! Convocation participants, you can pick up your tickets in the English advising office (EB 200) through May 15 (pick-up times are between 9-noon and 1-4). Allow at least ten minutes because you’ll need to fill out your reader card at the same time. If you haven’t yet completed the senior survey please do so now! It only takes a few minutes and it helps the department in our ongoing self-assessment. Complete the survey by May 15 to be entered into a prize drawing. We have separate surveys for English and Creative Writing majors; if you are a double major you may do both surveys but will only be entered into the prize drawing once.

English Senior Survey
Creative Writing Senior Survey

Thank you so much for your feedback!

Montage Reading–TODAY, May 8

Come celebrate the artists and writers who have contributed to the newest issue of Montage! If you’d like to pre-order your copy please use this form.

Heads-Up for the Humanities Video Challenge!

The University Library, the Humanities Research Institute, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are hosting the first-ever Humanities Open House on October 4, 2025.
Come and see all that the Humanities at Illinois has to offer! In connection with the upcoming open house, we are eager to show off what’s going on with students and faculty across all the departments doing the work of the humanities on campus.

The Challenge
To help us broadcast all the amazing things humanists are doing—and why they matter—we are sponsoring a video contest for humanities majors and minors. We invite you to submit an up to 90-second video that answers your choice of ONE of the following questions:

–What draws you to the humanities as a major or a minor?
–What’s your most memorable experience in a humanities course or a humanities event at Illinois?
–Why are the humanities needed more than ever in 2025?
–What do the humanities look like to you?

Who’s Eligible
To participate, you must be an actively enrolled University of Illinois undergraduate in FA25 with a declared College of Liberal Arts and Sciences humanities major or minor.

The Winners
The winners (first, second and third place) will be notified one week prior to the Humanities Open House, with the winning videos publicly announced and prizes awarded at the Humanities Open House on October 4. First Prize will receive $500; Second Prize, $250; and Third prize, $125, deposited to the winner’s student account.

Deadline
Due date: mid-September 2025 (specific date TBD). Competition will open at the start of the 25–26 academic year. Visit go.illinois.edu/HumOpenHouse for updates/competition details.

Summer Courses of Interest

CW 100: Intro to Creative Writing
ENGL 117: Shakespeare on Film
ENGL 206: Enlightenment Lit & Culture
ENGL 360: Environmental Writing
ENGL 378: Fairy Tales and Gender Formation

Fall Courses of Interest (a somewhat random selection!)

ENGL 120: Science Fiction
ENGL 220: Literature & Science
ENGL 222: Jewish American and US Minority Lit in Dialogue
ENGL 455, Section 1U: Major Authors (Topic: Henry James)
SOCW 220: Technology & Social Issues
AIS 459: “Stories Are Law”: The Legal Reasonings of Indigenous Literatures

We also have a couple of BTW courses for you to check out. Don’t forget the Certificate in Business & Technical Writing (with BTW 250 or 261 plus just two additional BTW courses such as those listed here, you could claim your certificate)!

BTW 263: Writing in the Disciplines (Topic: Game Writing & Design)
BTW 380: Global Business Communication

Graduating? Career Guidance is Available

Don’t Forget These!

Job Opportunity

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) is recruiting the first cohort of EcoReps for AY 2025-2026 to promote sustainability on campus and serve as a resource to connect students to different campus sustainability initiatives. Approximately ten positions are open, and 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. Further details of the position can be found here.

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged!

Did you know?

The English department website includes an advising section with lots of useful links. Check out Campus Resources for Undergrads if you’re wondering how to run an audit, connect with a college advisor, declare a second major, find a counselor, order a transcript, borrow a laptop, etc. You’re always welcome to ask us for information but when time is of the essence remember that you might find what you’re looking for right on that page.

IBC Recruiting

Illinois Business Consulting welcomes learners from all majors and academic levels—from first-year undergrads to PhD candidates. IBC gives students the chance to work on real consulting projects with real clients—building skills, confidence, and connections along the way. Apply here.

Summer Language Learning

•  June 16th – August 8th, 2025  •

Session includes
• Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, and Wolof courses
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty and staff
• Immersive experience, complete with instruction
• Cultural activities, opportunities for language practice, conversation tables,
cooking classes, movie nights, and more!

Program registration timeline
April 24th – May 12th, 2025
Application & Registration

For more information contact silmw@illinois.edu

A New Way to Share Good News

Do you have good news to share? Have you published something? Won an award? Taken on a new role or had an adventure? If so, please let us feature you and your news on the department’s website and/or social media. Just send a message to engl-news@illinois.edu with whatever information you’d like to share. This is a great way for other students to learn about opportunities so please don’t be shy!

Confidential Advising Resources

The Women’s Resources Center (WRC) is the designated confidential campus resource related to sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment, stalking and abuse within a relationship (sometimes called dating or domestic violence). That means when we talk with students, staff, and faculty who have experienced harm, we make sure you get what you need and on your terms! There are several Confidential Advisors at the WRC who can provide you – or someone looking to support you – with support and advocacy services.

STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES

Counseling Center
2nd Floor, Turner Student Services Building
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 217-333-3704
counselingcenter.illinois.edu

McKinley Health Center, Mental Health Unit
313 McKinley Health Center
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 217-333-2700

WellTrack Interactive Self-Help
WellTrack is an app that allows users to track their moods and learn about how they can better control conditions like anxiety and depression. It is available to all Illinois students, faculty, and staff—you do not need to be a client of the Counseling Center to access it.
counselingcenter.illinois.edu/WellTrack

Togetherall
Togetherall provides students with free, online peer-to-peer mental health support that’s available 24/7 through thier computer or phone. Students may sign up by creating an account with their Illinois email address. If students have questions, they should call the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 during business hours.
togetherall.com/register/student 

Counseling Center Skill-Building Programming
This hub of resources includes information to aid students in coping with the stress and challenges of college life and beyond.
counselingcenter.illinois.edu/workshops

McKinley Health Center, Main Lobby
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
mckinley.illinois.edu

McKinley Online Relaxation Exercises
Take a break to engage in relaxation through guided imagery, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises.
mckinley.illinois.edu/relaxation-techniques

McKinley Self-Care Station Vending Machines
Free, over-the-counter self-care supplies for students. I-Card required.

• Illini Union, First Floor (Southeast)
• Student Dining & Residential Programs Building (SDRP), Mail Room
• Grainger Library, Main Level
• ACES Library, Main Level

McKinley’s Health Education unit has staff who provide one-on-one consultations in nutrition, sexual health and stress management to students. Students should call McKinley at 217-333-2700 to schedule an appointment.

OPEN LEARNING – SOS for Higher Ed: Suicide Prevention for Students
Encourage students to take a quick screening to see 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.
canvas.illinois.edu/enroll/NNYEC8

University Wellness Resources Portal
Students, faculty and staff can get connected to services for mental health, wellness, access and accommodation all in one place.
wellness.illinois.edu

After-Hours Psychological Emergencies and Other Critical Problems
The Counseling Center and McKinley Health Center collaborate with Rosecrance Central Illinois to provide students with Psychological Emergency Services, which are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, and focus on problems that need to be addressed immediately (e.g., serious illness, death in the family, severe anxiety, suicidal crisis).

For a consultation with a mental health professional after office hours, students should call the Crisis Line at 217-359-4141. The student, together with a mental health professional, will strategize the best way to make certain help is received.

For immediate life-safety issues, always call 911. 

Religious Support
Religious organizations in our community support various faith traditions. See odos.illinois.edu/resources/rwa for links to specific groups.

Cultural & Resource Center Support
For a complete listing of cultural and resource centers visit ssib.illinois.edu/units.

College Offices & Academic Deans
College offices and the academic deans can also provide assistance for challenges impacting students’ academics. Find a college or school contact.

Office of the Dean of Students
Should your students have any questions regarding how to access any of the above resources, how their concerns might impact their academics, or how best to support a friend in need, know, too, that the Connie Frank CARE Center (CARE Center) in the Office of the Dean of Students is here to help. Staff in the Connie Frank CARE Center are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the Emergency Dean Program provides a university administrator who is on-call to assist should students experience a crisis that requires an immediate university response after business hours To reach the Connie Frank CARE Center or the Emergency Dean, please call 217-333-0050. You can find additional information about these programs at odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care.

Follow the department on social media

May 7: Last Day of Classes
May 8: Reading Day

Did you know?

The English department website includes an advising section with lots of useful links. Check out Campus Resources for Undergrads if you’re wondering how to run an audit, connect with a college advisor, declare a second major, find a counselor, order a transcript, borrow a laptop, etc. You’re always welcome to ask us for information but when time is of the essence remember that you might find what you’re looking for right on that page.

Late Drops

If you are thinking of petitioning to late drop a course, note that you need to do that before the end of the day on May 7. Now is the time to take stock and consider what is reasonable to expect of yourself by the end of the semester, and if you do want to submit a late drop petition you will need to consult a college advisor (see LAS Student Academic Affairs).

Graduate Reading

Our graduating MFA students will be giving a reading on Saturday, May 3 at 1:00. Illini Union Author’s Corner. The graduates include: Mattie Fash, David Miller, Justine Mercado, Jason Pfister, Erin Stoodley, Hannah Thorpe. Come out to hear them read and wish them well!

Building a Better Book

On Tuesday, May 6^th undergrad and grad students from ENGL475: Building a Better Book will be presenting their final book projects, which they have been developing over the second half of the semester. Their projects range widely in form, medium, and content, but all evidence their thinking about our class’ core questions: what was a book, what is a book, and what will a book be in the future? And finally, how do books relate to and evolve alongside other information media? 

We will devote our final class day to a “science fair” style exhibit where you can see what the students have made, chat about their work, and celebrate their accomplishments. We would for love members of the English Department community to join us during that time!

When: Tuesday, May 6 9:30-10:45am
Where: CU Community FabLab, 1301 S. Goodwin, Urbana 

Montage Reading

Come celebrate the artists and writers who have contributed to the newest issue of Montage! If you’d like to pre-order your copy please use this form.

Prestigious Scholarships Info Sessions

Job Opportunity

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) is recruiting the first cohort of EcoReps for AY 2025-2026 to promote sustainability on campus and serve as a resource to connect students to different campus sustainability initiatives. Approximately ten positions are open, and 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. Further details of the position can be found here.

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged!

IBC Recruiting

Illinois Business Consulting welcomes learners from all majors and academic levels—from first-year undergrads to PhD candidates. IBC gives students the chance to work on real consulting projects with real clients—building skills, confidence, and connections along the way. Apply here.

Summer Courses of Interest

CW 100: Intro to Creative Writing
ENGL 117: Shakespeare on Film
ENGL 206: Enlightenment Lit & Culture
ENGL 360: Environmental Writing
ENGL 378: Fairy Tales and Gender Formation

Fall Courses of Interest

Take advantage of the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the life and work of a single author with this course on Henry James!
ENGL 455: Major Authors
The world of Henry James’s fiction is a complex, subtle, often foreign, sometimes alienating literary atmosphere for contemporary readers. As a key figure in the change from realism to modern, James demands a lively, persistent engagement with his singular prose style. He can be an incredibly challenging writer, thinker, and social observer, but by following the evolution of his art from his early fiction in the 1870s through the work of the first decade of the twentieth century, we will find ways of approaching and appreciating its psychological profundity, moral perplexities, and extravagant pleasures—of language and ideas and the senses. To do so, we will examine some of James’s most famous achievements, like The Portrait of a Lady and The Ambassadors, to learn how James continually reinvents—as no other writer before him had done so consistently—the rewards of reading fiction. Yet even if he had never written any novels, we would still read James’s tales and novellas, including masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” or “The Turn of the Screw.” And if he had never written any stories, we would still study James as one of the most instructive literary critics of his time as well as the premier nineteenth-century theorist of fiction. And that’s before we try selections from his travel writing, autobiography, and meditations on an America in the process of being modern.

SOCW 200: Technology & Social Issues
How is technology shaping our world — and who is left behind? In SOCW 220, you’ll critically explore the intersection of technology, social justice, and society. Using real-world examples, ethical frameworks, and emerging tech tools like AI, VR, and social media, you’ll investigate how things such as social justice, diversity and mental health are important intersections of technology use. Through hands-on projects, guest speakers, and lively discussions, students will build skills to advocate for ethical innovation and challenge inequities in the digital world. Prepare to ask hard questions, learn 21st-century skills, and become a changemaker in the tech-driven future.

AIS/ENG 459: “Stories Are Law”: The Legal Reasonings of Indigenous Literatures
This course examines what Indigenous literatures—from creation stories and legal memorials to poems, podcasts, and novels—reveal about Indigenous legal frameworks and ways of ordering the world. Where Euro-American law has long cast Indigenous/Native American people as lawless, this course reveals the historical importance and ongoing significance of Indigenous legal reasoning and forms of governance, law, and order. The course also delves into how Native authors and legal scholars have responded to and analyzed US law. As Heidi Stark (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe) puts it, Indigenous writings “dispel the sanctity of law, demonstrating that law is a set of stories.” We will approach law as story and story as law by studying literature from multiple tribal-national contexts and historical time periods.

ENGL 222 satisfies the Difference & Diaspora requirement in the English major and CW majors!

Don’t Forget These!

Curious about Careers in HR?

The School of Labor & Employment Relations will be offering LER 199: Introduction to Human Resources again this Fall 2025 semester.  During this pilot year, the course has received positive student feedback and high engagement with the material.  The course helps students explore the various functions of Human Resources and how HR professionals lead people within an organization.  The course is interactive and will include around 3-4 HR professionals to speak on their experiences and how the topics apply to their everyday work.  If you’re interested, check out LER 199, Section HR in Course Explorer!

New Certificate Programs

There are two new certificate programs you might be interested in, one in Business & Technical Writing, and one in Interactive & Immersive Storytelling. Check them both out to see if you might be interested.

Summer Language Learning

•  June 16th – August 8th, 2025  •

Session includes
• Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, and Wolof courses
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty and staff
• Immersive experience, complete with instruction
• Cultural activities, opportunities for language practice, conversation tables,
cooking classes, movie nights, and more!

Program registration timeline
April 24th – May 12th, 2025
Application & Registration

For more information contact silmw@illinois.edu

A New Way to Share Good News

Do you have good news to share? Have you published something? Won an award? Taken on a new role or had an adventure? If so, please let us feature you and your news on the department’s website and/or social media. Just send a message to engl-news@illinois.edu with whatever information you’d like to share. This is a great way for other students to learn about opportunities so please don’t be shy!

Tuesday @7 Workshops with the Counseling Center

Confidential Advising Resources

The Women’s Resources Center (WRC) is the designated confidential campus resource related to sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment, stalking and abuse within a relationship (sometimes called dating or domestic violence). That means when we talk with students, staff, and faculty who have experienced harm, we make sure you get what you need and on your terms! There are several Confidential Advisors at the WRC who can provide you – or someone looking to support you – with support and advocacy services.

Follow the department on social media

May 7: Last Day of Classes
May 8: Reading Day

If you are thinking of petitioning to late drop a course, note that you need to do that before the end of the day on May 7. Now is the time to take stock and consider what is reasonable to expect of yourself by the end of the semester, and if you do want to submit a late drop petition you will need to consult a college advisor (see LAS Student Academic Affairs).

Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative

The Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI) is now receiving applications for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. INI offers support for academic achievement, social connection, mental health, and employment readiness and opportunities. We are also offering a short-term study abroad program in January 2026 to Rovereto, Italy. If you identify with being neurodivergent and want to find out more, contact ini@illinois.edu. Applications can be found on the website and are due before May 1.

Careers in Government

The State of Illinois offers a wide range of meaningful careers that make a difference—many in communities across the state, not just in Springfield. This interactive event is designed for soon-to-be graduates seeking full-time positions, as well as students of all class levels who are curious about public service as a long-term career path.

Meet with recruitment and career counseling team from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to learn how to navigate the application process, get tips during a resume and application workshop, and receive personalized feedback to help you stand out.
 
Morning Session (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) 

• 10:00 am – 10:40 am — Drop-in Q&A with CMS Team (career advising, application procedures, and more)
• 10:40 am – 11:20 am — Resume and application workshop
• 11:20 am – 12:00 pm — Drop-in resume reviews

Afternoon Session (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm) 

• 1:30 pm – 2:10 pm — Drop-in Q&A with CMS Team (career advising, application procedures, and more)
• 2:10 pm – 2:50 pm — Resume and application workshop
• 2:50 pm – 3:30 pm — Drop-in resume reviews

Registration is recommended but not required:
https://illinois.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1743644

Pre-Law? Check Out These Pop-Ups—Last Session 4/29

Speaking of Law . . .

AIS/ENG 459: “Stories Are Law”: The Legal Reasonings of Indigenous Literatures

This course examines what Indigenous literatures—from creation stories and legal memorials to poems, podcasts, and novels—reveal about Indigenous legal frameworks and ways of ordering the world. Where Euro-American law has long cast Indigenous/Native American people as lawless, this course reveals the historical importance and ongoing significance of Indigenous legal reasoning and forms of governance, law, and order. The course also delves into how Native authors and legal scholars have responded to and analyzed US law. As Heidi Stark (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe) puts it, Indigenous writings “dispel the sanctity of law, demonstrating that law is a set of stories.” We will approach law as story and story as law by studying literature from multiple tribal-national contexts and historical time periods.

Readings will include:

• Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Peacemaker Epic and Great Law of Peace (14^th century)
• William Apess (Pequot), Indian Nullification of the Unconstitutional Laws of Massachusetts (1835)
• D’Arcy McNickle (Salish), The Surrounded (1936)
• Louise Erdrich (Ojibwe), The Round House (2012)
• Layli Long Soldier (Oglala Lakota), Whereas (2017)
• Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee), “This Land” podcast (2021)

Another Great Fall Course!

This course satisfies the “Difference & Diaspora” requirement for English and Creative Writing majors.

Book Launch at The Literary

Featuring The Time-Jinx Twins by UIUC alum Carol Fisher Saller, a middle-grade time-travel novel set largely on the UIUC campus. Primarily an adventure and sibling-relationship story, along the way it celebrates physics, technology, invention, women in science, logical thinking, and information science. Kirkus Reviews calls it “an endearing and engaging middle-grade adventure.” Publisher’s Weekly Booklife calls it “clever, captivating time travel.” (Ages 8-12)

The Literary Bookbar
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
122 N Neil St., Champaign IL, 61820

Help from the Writers Workshop

First-Gen Event

Resources to Combat Stress–Last Session Coming Up 5/1

Auditions for Fall Theater

Learn About Fulbright Scholarship Opportunities

Interested in research, teaching, or graduate study abroad? The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards 2,000 scholarships annually for students to conduct research, teach English, or pursue graduate study in 140 countries. Apply to be a 2026 awardee! 

Eligibility
Current juniors, seniors, and recent alumni in all academic disciplines, who are U.S. citizens, are eligible to apply. 

Application Preparation
If you are interested in applying, please attend our information sessions:   

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Workshops:
In Person – Friday, April 25, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – IUB Rm. 514

Fulbright Research & Graduate Study Workshops:
In Person – Thursday, May 1, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – IUB Rm. 514 
Online – Friday, May 2, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Register HERE

Don’t Forget These!

Curious about Careers in HR?

The School of Labor & Employment Relations will be offering LER 199: Introduction to Human Resources again this Fall 2025 semester.  During this pilot year, the course has received positive student feedback and high engagement with the material.  The course helps students explore the various functions of Human Resources and how HR professionals lead people within an organization.  The course is interactive and will include around 3-4 HR professionals to speak on their experiences and how the topics apply to their everyday work.  If you’re interested, check out LER 199, Section HR in Course Explorer!

Summer Courses

If you’re looking for a summer course to satisfy a requirement in English or creative writing, check these out!

CW 100: Intro to Creative Writing
ENGL 117: Shakespeare on Film
ENGL 206: Enlightenment Lit & Culture
ENGL 360: Environmental Writing
ENGL 378: Fairy Tales and Gender Formation

Chancellor’s Senior Survey

All students graduating in May 2025 are invited to take the Chancellor’s Senior Survey, which prompts students to reflect on their Illinois experience by answering questions about participation in activities and services, perceived gains in abilities linked to the Illinois (campus-wide) student learning outcomes, campus climate, disability support services, attributions of success, barriers to success, and overall satisfaction with the Illinois experience.

New Certificate Programs

There are two new certificate programs you might be interested in, one in Business & Technical Writing, and one in Interactive & Immersive Storytelling. Check them both out to see if you might be interested.

Summer Language Learning

•  June 16th – August 8th, 2025  •

Session includes
• Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, and Wolof courses
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty and staff
• Immersive experience, complete with instruction
• Cultural activities, opportunities for language practice, conversation tables,
cooking classes, movie nights, and more!

Program registration timeline
April 24th – May 12th, 2025
Application & Registration

For more information contact silmw@illinois.edu

A New Way to Share Good News

Do you have good news to share? Have you published something? Won an award? Taken on a new role or had an adventure? If so, please let us feature you and your news on the department’s website and/or social media. Just send a message to engl-news@illinois.edu with whatever information you’d like to share. This is a great way for other students to learn about opportunities so please don’t be shy!

Tuesday @7 Workshops with the Counseling Center

Confidential Advising Resources

The Women’s Resources Center (WRC) is the designated confidential campus resource related to sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment, stalking and abuse within a relationship (sometimes called dating or domestic violence). That means when we talk with students, staff, and faculty who have experienced harm, we make sure you get what you need and on your terms! There are several Confidential Advisors at the WRC who can provide you – or someone looking to support you – with support and advocacy services.

Follow the department on social media

April 18: Deadline to drop a 2nd-8-week course

Schedule Your Pre-registration Appointment!

Registration is underway! If you still need to schedule your appointment call 217-333-4346 during the hours 8:30-noon or 1:00-4:30.

Need to find a course that satisfies a particular requirement in the major?
Consult the resources available on the Planning Coursework section of the advising site.  You’ll find checklists of major requirements and a “cheat sheet” that tells you which variable topics courses satisfy which requirements in the coming semester.  To access the sheet you’ll need to have your UI Box account set up; instructions are available on this page (scroll down to “Instructions for using Box”).

Creative Writing Awards Ceremony and Reading

Join us in hearing the work of students who have won and award or scholarship through our annual Spring Creative Writing Contests. Congratulations to all the winners!

April 24, 4:30pm
Illini Union Bookstore, Authors Corner

Resources to Combat Stress

Pre-Law? Check Out These Pop-Ups

Interested in Coaching HS Sports?

This is an event that may be of particular interest to our English Teaching concentrators who have thought about coaching!

Wellness Event TODAY, Friday, April 18

Women’s Resources Center Book Club–TODAY, Friday 18

Join the staff of the Women’s Resources Center as we discuss “Saving Five“, written by Amanda Nguyen. During our conversations, we will examine the complexities of survivor healing and activism in speaking your truth.

Book discussions will take place at the Women’s Resources Center on Friday, April 18 from 4 – 5 PM.  Limited copies of the book may be available to students intending to attend book club.  Sign up to attend book club and request a copy of the book.

This book club is held in collaboration with the Asian American Cultural Center as part of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) programming.

Two Events Featuring Poet Richard Blanco

First-Gen Event

Auditions for Fall Theater

Learn About Fulbright Scholarship Opportunities

Interested in research, teaching, or graduate study abroad? The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards 2,000 scholarships annually for students to conduct research, teach English, or pursue graduate study in 140 countries. Apply to be a 2026 awardee! 

Eligibility
Current juniors, seniors, and recent alumni in all academic disciplines, who are U.S. citizens, are eligible to apply. 

Application Preparation
If you are interested in applying, please attend our information sessions:   

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Workshops:
Online – Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Register HERE
In Person – Friday, April 25, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – IUB Rm. 514

Fulbright Research & Graduate Study Workshops:
In Person – Thursday, May 1, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – IUB Rm. 514 
Online – Friday, May 2, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Register HERE

Don’t Forget These!

Curious about Careers in HR?

The School of Labor & Employment Relations will be offering LER 199: Introduction to Human Resources again this Fall 2025 semester.  During this pilot year, the course has received positive student feedback and high engagement with the material.  The course helps students explore the various functions of Human Resources and how HR professionals lead people within an organization.  The course is interactive and will include around 3-4 HR professionals to speak on their experiences and how the topics apply to their everyday work.  If you’re interested, check out LER 199, Section HR in Course Explorer!

Summer Courses

If you’re looking for a summer course to satisfy a requirement in English or creative writing, check these out!

CW 100: Intro to Creative Writing
ENGL 117: Shakespeare on Film
ENGL 206: Enlightenment Lit & Culture
ENGL 360: Environmental Writing
ENGL 378: Fairy Tales and Gender Formation

Chancellor’s Senior Survey

All students graduating in May 2025 are invited to take the Chancellor’s Senior Survey, which prompts students to reflect on their Illinois experience by answering questions about participation in activities and services, perceived gains in abilities linked to the Illinois (campus-wide) student learning outcomes, campus climate, disability support services, attributions of success, barriers to success, and overall satisfaction with the Illinois experience.

New Certificate Programs

There are two new certificate programs you might be interested in, one in Business & Technical Writing, and one in Interactive & Immersive Storytelling. Check them both out to see if you might be interested.

Summer Language Learning

•  June 16th – August 8th, 2025  •

Session includes
• Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, and Wolof courses
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty and staff
• Immersive experience, complete with instruction
• Cultural activities, opportunities for language practice, conversation tables,
cooking classes, movie nights, and more!

Program registration timeline
April 24th – May 12th, 2025
Application & Registration

For more information contact silmw@illinois.edu

A New Way to Share Good News

Research Workshops

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) announces its Spring 2025 workshop calendar. We are offering a variety of workshops to support you regardless of where you are in your research journey. Information for each workshop, including how you can register, can be found on our website . For all workshops, participation is by advanced registration only; there are a limited number of spots available for each workshop, so please sign up as soon as possible. Workshops will be added throughout the term based on demand.

Tuesday @7 Workshops with the Counseling Center

Confidential Advising Resources

The Women’s Resources Center (WRC) is the designated confidential campus resource related to sexual assault/rape, sexual harassment, stalking and abuse within a relationship (sometimes called dating or domestic violence). That means when we talk with students, staff, and faculty who have experienced harm, we make sure you get what you need and on your terms! There are several Confidential Advisors at the WRC who can provide you – or someone looking to support you – with support and advocacy services.