Category: Weekly round-ups

HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE scholarship is designed to help students who are unable to apply for federal financial aid. The scholarship also includes an emergency fund for international students who have faced financial barriers to their education due to unforeseen circumstances. The aim of this scholarship is to equip students with the resources to pursue a higher education at Illinois. Each scholarship recipient may be awarded up to $10,000 in aid. The inaugural year for this scholarship’s application period is currently open and closes Friday, May 1^st.

The application can be found here . For questions, contact Arnoldo Ayala (arnoldo2@illinois.edu)

Active Minds UIUC

Active Minds is a national mental wellness organization with a branch here at UIUC. Active Minds UIUC’s mission is to improve student wellbeing on campus by addressing mental health. Its main goals are to change the conversation around mental health and advocate for student mental health needs. Currently it is conducting a survey to understand what mental health resources are most beneficial to the student body, and whether there is a need for improvements to those resources. Students are asked to participate in the survey at bit.ly/activemindssurvey. For more information you can visit Active Minds National https://www.activeminds.org/ and Active Minds UIUC https://www.facebook.com/ActiveMindsUIUC/ .

Janelle Joseph Prize for Environmental Writing:

If you are a writer interested in the environment, this is a good chance to win a cash prize by submitting your best work. You will also have the opportunity to have your work published in Q Magazine.

Grand Prize: $1,000 + publication in Q Magazine

Category Prizes: $500 + publication in Q Magazine

You can submit your paper to the following categories:

• Op-ed: Your research-backed take on a current environmental issue
• Q&A: Interview an environmental researcher or activist
• Memoir: Write about an experience that you had with nature, and what it meant to you
• Feature: In-depth, research-based piece on a topic of your choice

The writing competition is open to all Illinois undergraduates. The writing should be 1,000 to 2,000 words long. Entries are accepted July 1 through September 30, 2020. Email submissions and any questions to qmagazineillinois@gmail.com

2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS):

The 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) is going virtual! Over 350 students will present their work in an asynchronous format, with the opportunity for viewers to engage in conversation with the presenters through a forum. It will be a multi-day event, running from Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 1. The symposium will kick off on the 27^th at noon (CDT) with live (Zoom) featured student presentations. [Zoom link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/96284074411?pwd=L0ZiV1BaOFZiTDFDckt2T0pKdmxzQT09; Meeting ID: 962 8407 4411; Password: URS2020]. You are invited to drop in, engage with them, and be inspired by their innovation and ingenuity.

Directions for accessing the Symposium are below, but if you have comments or concerns (including problems with access), you can email at ugresearch@illinois.edu.

Accessing the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium:

The Symposium is available only for those with a University of Illinois NetID. Campus community members wishing to view the Symposium will first need to enroll to view student presentations and interact with our presenters.

• Log into Compass2g.
• Go to: https://go.illinois.edu/URS_enroll and click the “down arrow” next to “provost_pvcaa_open_189752” and select “enroll”. On the next page, hit “submit” and you will be enrolled.
• You should now be able to view the Symposium at: https://go.illinois.edu/URS2020

Focus group on undergraduate engagement and humanities research opportunities:

Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH) is inviting undergraduate students to register for a focus group on undergraduate engagement and humanities research opportunities. IPRH is the humanities research institute on campus. It would like to expand its outreach to undergraduates interested in the humanities and to do so it needs to know what kinds of events and research activities students would like to see it offer. By participating, students will play a direct role in shaping opportunities for themselves and future students. The link for registration is https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/8096463 .

It will be holding a series of small focus groups next week. Students do not need to be declared humanities majors or minors to participate in a focus group. So long as they’re interested in the humanities—books, TV and film, history, culture, philosophy, politics, religion, arts, theatre, and similar topics—we want to hear from them.

If the focus groups fill before an interested student can register, IPRH will also be sending out a follow-up survey they can complete.

Focus group dates:

• Wednesday, April 22nd, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
• Thursday, April 23rd, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
• Thursday, April 23rd, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

The day prior to their focus group, students will receive a link and password to the Zoom meeting for their group.

LAS 199: Professional Development Seminar
If you are doing an internship or part-time job, or volunteering somewhere and want to earn credit, you can register for this course. You will earn 1 credit hour. If you are interested, you can contact Brian Neighbors to enroll.

LAS 289: Internship Experience
International students conducting a summer internship and needing a course to connect to the CPT application can enroll in LAS 289. This 0 credit hour course is approved for reduced summer tuition. For questions and information on enrollment, contact Brian Neighbors.

Weekly Tech Tidbit
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the university has listed special software offerings accessible to students, such as temporary free or discounted access to applications. The currently available software includes Adobe Creative Cloud for Students, MATLAB, SAS, Simulink, and more. Read through the list compiled by Technology Services in order to access these programs.

Virtual Leadership Training:

The Illinois Leadership Center (https://leadership.illinois.edu/onlinetraining ) is offering leadership training online. These programs are built with learning outcomes focused on addressing the competencies from the Illinois Model of Leadership. As you practice social distancing to help end this pandemic, take advantage of this time to enhance your leadership skills.

Fred S. Bailey Internship Scholarship Program for Cause-Driven Leaders 

The Fred S. Bailey Internship Scholarship Program for Cause-Driven Leaders offers academic scholarship to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who will complete an unpaid internship with a public service agency or not-for profit organization. Awards are $1,000 for a part-time internship or $2,500 for a full-time internship and are given directly to the student. All undergraduate students regardless of academic program or citizenship status are encouraged to apply. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Summer 2020/Fall 2020 Extended Deadline: April 30 (For internships that occur between May 16, 2020- December 31, 2020)

SILMW Language Program:

The Summer Institute for Languages of the Muslim World (SILMW) will be offering classes on five languages—Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, and Wolof—this summer.  The institute will be held from June 15 to August 8, 2020.  The program is 8 weeks and is divided into two, 4-week semesters. The institute will be offered in an online format, consisting of activities such as language practice, conversation tables, movie nights, and more. When you complete the program, not only will you be able to hold a conversation in a new language and have earned up to 10 credits, you will have had fun!

For more information, click here . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact at silmw@illinois.edu.

Schedule Virtual Appointments:

Until further notice, students can schedule an appointment with a college-level advisor or admissions and records officer (ARO) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. The meeting will be virtually either by appointment or virtual advising queue, a modified drop-in meeting. You can still complete online forms for program change requests and email the Student Academic Affairs Offices if you have questions.

LAS Scholarship Application:

LAS scholarship application is Open through Friday, May 15. Using this one application, you will be considered for more than 25 different scholarships that will be awarded for the 2020-2021 school year. The application asks you to answer a few questions, upload a resume, and submit a couple short essays. Additional scholarships are also available to students who meet additional criteria found here.

Life + Career Design Scholarships:

Life + Career Design Scholarships  support students’ living, transportation, and/or other expenses related to engaging in unpaid or underpaid work in an actual work environment. Students are invited to apply for these scholarships by April 15 for spring/summer scholarships, and by August 15 for fall scholarships. More information about eligibility and other requirements are available here https://las.illinois.edu/lifecareerdesign/scholarships .

Life + Career Design Lab:

If you need to have your resume reviewed to apply for an internship, job, or scholarship, submit it to las-lifecareerdesign@illinois.edu, and they will provide feedback. If you have questions about using Handshake, LinkedIn, or if you need to talk about potential career paths and ways to engage during college, contact Life + Career Design Lab virtual appointments. Peer mentors are available for virtual appointments Monday through Friday to help you find the answers and support your need. To schedule an appointment in Handshake click here and select the Life + Career Design Lab.

Helpful Resources for Online Learning:

As you engage in online learning (perhaps for the first time), the following resources may be helpful to you. Access to resources and tools to stay connected online. Learn to use video technologies like Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype. Instructions to access Creative Cloud apps from home.

For students who are suddenly entering the world of online learning for the first time, this webpage offers some helpful tips you should know and advice on how to be successful. Check-out the pages prior topics like “10 common misconceptions about online courses,” “Apps every student should have,” and “Ways to connect with your online classmates during a time of social distancing.”

Library Resources:

Even though the university library system may be closed, you can still access digital content online! The university library system will assist students with virtual resources. Take advantage of the Ask a Librarian service, online databases, reference resources, and more by clicking here.

Virtual Illini Recruiting Week:

Virtual Illini Recruiting Week will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 10. Attend virtual information sessions to connect with employers who want to hire Illinois students. Login to Handshake this week to explore the 20+ employers and to register for their virtual information sessions. More information about this event can be found at here https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/event/virtual-illini-recruiting-week .

Free e-books offered by the Illini Union Bookstore:

The Illini Union Bookstore has worked with suppliers, RedShelf and VitalSource, to furnish free e-book versions of textbooks until May 25. This is beneficial if you had to leave your textbook on campus or as you start a new eight-week course. Click here for RedShelf e-books or click here for VitalSource e-books.

Some Important Deadlines:

Last day to drop or C/NC full semester or second eight-week course: Thursday, April 30

Last day of class: Wednesday, May 6

Reading Day (no classes, no final exams): Thursday, May 7

Final exams: Friday, May 8 to Wednesday, May 15

RIO Mindfulness Workshops:

RIO Mindfulness Workshops that are designed to help students manage stress, anxiety, and emotions productively, to learn mindfulness skills that can have a positive impact in the classroom and in relationships, and to identify what’s most important and to prioritize accordingly will be held on:

Thursday, April 2 & 9, 2020, 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8 & 15, 4-5 p.m.

Sessions will be held online. To register, visit http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/RIO . After you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with a link to attend and get your materials.

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

The following link offers some resources to deal with present pandemic: https://psychology.illinois.edu/news/2020-03-17/covid-19-mental-health-resources-updated-331

Resources for Student Internet ServicesCOVID-19 Spring 2020

The following companies are offering free or discounted expanded internet access:

Charter / Spectrum: The company is offering 60 days of free broadband and Wi-Fi access to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a subscription. Call 844-488-8395 to enroll. For more information click here.

Comcast Xfinity: The company is opening their Xfinity WiFi network and providing unlimited data, including:

• Hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-subscribers. You can find a map of hot spots here . Just use “xfinitywifi” network name and launch a browser.
• Data plans will be paused for 60 days, which will give all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.
• No late disconnects or late fees for those who contact the company about not being able to pay their bill.
• Internet Essentials, their broadband adoption program, is freeto new customers.

For more information click HERE .

AT&T: For the next 60 days, AT&T will not terminate service for any wireless, home phone, or broadband residential or small bus customer due to inability to pay. They will also do the following:

• Waive late payment fees.
• Keep their public Wi-Fi hotspots open for anyone who needs them.
• The service will also be offering unlimited internet data and offer internet access for limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T  program.

For more details, click HERE .

Sprint: Sprint has joined the Keep Americans Connected Pledge and is opening up their network to their customers and:

• Won’t terminate service if customers are unable to pay due to coronavirus issues
• Waive late fees caused by economic disturbances related to the coronavirus pandemic
• By 3/17: Customers with international long-distance plans will get complimentary international calling rates from the U.S. to countries defined by the CDC as Level 3.
• By 3/19: Customers with metered data plans will have unlimited data per month for 60 days at no extra cost
• Customers will get an extra 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days.
• Coming soon: Customers with mobile hotspot-capable handsets without a hotspot will get 20GB per month for 60 days at no extra cost.

For more information, click HERE .

Verizon Free WiFi: Verizon also took the pledge and is offering similar services:

• The company will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus.
• Waiving late fees for those impacted by COVID-19
• Tripling data allowance for Verizon Innovative Learning schools

For more information, click HERE .

T-Mobile: The wireless provider already has a majority of customers with unlimited talk, text, and data, but they’re doubling down on their effort to keep their customers connected.

• All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have data plans will have unlimited smartphone data, excluding roaming.
• T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers will get an additional 20GB of mobile hotspots/tethering service for the next 60 days. The company says this feature will be coming soon.
• Work with Lifeline partners to get customers extra free data up to 5GB per month over the next two months
• Increase data allowance for free to schools and students for the next 60 days, which means at least 20GB of data per month for each participant.

For more information, click HERE.

Move Out Information (University Housing)

The Move-Out process has been suspended until further notice in response to Governor Pritzker’s stay-at-home order for the state of Illinois. More information can be found here https://housing.illinois.edu/News/Coronavirus .

Career:

Handshake: Handshake at Illinois  is an excellent online resource for seeking full-time employment and internship opportunities, as well as engaging with employers in virtual events.

VMock Resume Reviews: VMock  can help you receive Receive customized suggestions for your résumé, from anywhere, at any time of day. Simply create an account with your Illinois email address and upload your résumé to receive line-by-line suggestions to improve your content based on your major and level of experience.

Big Interview-Interview Practice: Big Interview allows you to practice your interview skills anywhere, anytime In person, over the phone, or via Skype, and this is a great tool to get your reach for your interview, no matter the medium.

Vault: Explore possible career paths in Vault’s  comprehensive guides to internships, full-time positions, companies, and career advice.

Humanities Professional Resource Center: Email humanitiesprc@illinois.edu for virtual career advising, resume reviews, interview practice.

The Career Center:

• Career Coaching and Health Advising Appointments of 30-minutes are available through virtual meetings –via phone or online. You can schedule appointments here  or call the office at 217-333-0820.
• Career Drop-in Advising will be available at regularly scheduled times. However, students will be asked to use the online Zoom platform, rather than in-person meetings. Check The Career Center Websit for more details.
• All resume, cover letter, and personal statement reviews will be conducted via virtual services. More details about online resume and cover letter reviews can be found here . More details about personal statement reviews can be found here .
• Mock Interviews will be available at regularly scheduled times and will be conducted virtually via phone or online. Schedule a mock interview here.
• Up-to-date information about the programs and workshops of the Career Center is available here .

The Career Center will be offering the Virtual Illini Career and Internship Recruiting Week for students. Employers will host virtual information sessions for students April 6-10. Students are encouraged to go to Handshake  to indicate interest and view sessions.

EPICS (Exploring Pathways in Career Success):  This resource provides you with tools to help you explore your own interests, skills, values and career decision-making style. At the end of each activity, you receive personalized tips on additional resources specifically tailored to Illinois to assist in your career choices. Check it out at https://epics.illinois.edu/ .

Online cover letter & resume reviews: The Life + Career Design Lab will review your documents and provide feedback to tailor your application to the position and help you stand out.  Email your documents to las-lifecareerdesign@illinois.edu, along with any questions about the application process.

ATLAS Internship Program
Looking to make plans for a 2020 summer internship? Consider joining the ATLAS Internship Program, where LAS students can learn how to integrate knowledge in their course of study with technology, in order to gain a unique and versatile skill set. Summer internships will take place from June 15 to August 9. Fill out an application today, in order to be considered for a placement.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program:

The National and International Scholarship Program will be hosting information sessions and workshops (starting April 7th) for undergraduate students and recent alumni to provide an overview of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, including eligibility, grant types, and application advice.  Sessions are targeted to juniors, seniors, and recent alumni who wish to apply for the Fulbright Priority Deadline of June 22, 2020.

Information sessions (all online):

Tuesday, April 7^th, 3:30-5:00 pm (Link to attend:  https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/f117ab1184ce4156b97c82d9fd707148 )

Tuesday, April 14^th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (Link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/bba01c86a52049c69a53620d24e24cb9 )

Wednesday, April 22^nd, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (Link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/13f844849f614b3da199b5d48808aff1 )

Writing Workshops (all online):

Fulbright Personal Statement Workshop: Thursday, April 16^th, 3:30-5:00pm (link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/748156743 )

English Teaching Assistant Application Workshop: Thursday, April 24th, 3:00 pm -4:00 pm (link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/febe420cbd2647d0b8740e81d70da0b7 )

Fulbright Research Proposal Writing Workshop: Thursday, May 1^st, 3:00-4:00 pm (link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/8e675c937c0147f0b21c27d5b5297af7 )

Some Important Deadlines:

Registration time tickets for Summer and Fall 2020: Monday, April 6

Priority Registration Begins: Monday, April 20

Last day to drop or C/NC a  course: Thursday, April 30

Last day of class: Wednesday, May 6

Illini Union Bookstore offering FREE e-books:

The Illini Union Bookstore has worked with suppliers, RedShelf and VitalSource, to furnish FREE e-book versions of textbooks until May 25 at no charge. This is beneficial if you had to leave your textbook on campus or as you start a new 8-week course. Click here for RedShelf e-books or click here for VitalSource e-books.