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Important Dates
Summer & Fall 2026 courses on Course Explorer: Monday, March 9
Deadline to drop a full-semester course: Friday, March 13
Spring Break: March 14-22
POT B courses begin: Monday, March 23
Deadline to add a POT B course: Friday, March 27
Registration time tickets viewable on Self-Service: Monday, March 30
Resource of the Week: Registration Tools
Priority registration begins April 6, and it pays to be ready when your time ticket opens up! There’s a lot you can do in advance, including using the “Plan Ahead” function in the registration system. Start here to get a refresher on how to navigate the system, with step-by-step instructions.
Other things you can do to prepare include:
- Reviewing your degree audit
- Meeting with a departmental advisor
- Checking to make sure you don’t have any holds that would prevent registration
- Browsing the schedule in Course Explorer (the spring schedule goes live March 9)
Summer Job Opportunity (Campus-Based)
The Division of Exploratory Studies (EXP) is hiring Summer Peer Advisors to support our New Student Registration program, where they’ll help guide nearly 1,000 incoming first-year and transfer students through course registration and prepping for their first semester at Illinois.
Pay: $15/hr, ~20–25 hrs/week
Dates: Training May 18–20; Work June 1–25 (fully in-person)
Great for students looking to build leadership and presentation skills
Open to all current Illinois undergraduates in good academic standing
Application deadline: March 11, 2026
Learn more & apply: https://explore.illinois.edu/summer-peer-advisors/
Voice Reading
March 11, 7pm
Gallery Art Bar, 119 W. Main St. Urbana
Join us for a reading of creative work by MFA students from the Department of English. This month’s reading will feature: Garrett Stack, Emory Vens and Samuel Cearlock.
Reminder to Submit Proposal
Submit a proposal to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium by Friday, March 13 at 11:59pm.
Wolff Internship
The Charles P. Wolff Internship at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs is a paid public policy and communications internship. Wolff Interns will gain exposure to public policy research, public engagement, event management, and our network of scholars across the University of Illinois System. Interns will be assigned to work with the Senior Coordinators at IGPA to help with programming, event planning, newsletters, podcasting, website updates, scholar relations, legislative relations, and more. The Wolff Internship prepares undergraduates for careers in public service, policy, and government relations. Throughout the year, interns collaborate with the IGPA team, top UI System scholars, and government officials. Past interns have gone on to work in major law firms, serve in the State Department, become Rhodes Scholars, and work at the White House. Competitive candidates will have a strong interest in public policy, demonstrated engagement on campus, aptitude for research and communications, and a desire to contribute to ongoing policy conversations. To learn more about the Wolff Internship and to read about our current Wolffs: https://igpa.uillinois.edu/programs/the-charles-p-wolff-internship
Available Summer 2026 – May 2027. Hours expectation is around 20 per week during the summer semester, and around 15 per week in the fall and spring semester. Paid hourly position. This opportunity is open to undergraduate students (incoming Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors) at UIC, UIS and UIUC, interested in public policy, communications, public service, government, and journalism. This will be an in-person internship. Office space is available.
Apply by Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 11:59pm. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews shortly after the due date.
Email mcama6@illinois.edu and nyeager2@illinois.edu with any questions.
Summer Internship Program
Midstory’s 2026 summer ThinkLab internship program is for the next generation of thinkers who believe in shaping the post-industrial story through a multidisciplinary framework. Students work closely with our team to produce and share hidden stories through research, solutions-oriented projects and multimedia production — with such topics as demography, the environment, culture, arts, education and more. Opportunities for engaging in projects throughout the Midwest include ongoing water-related research, a look at cities across the region through data and more. The nine-week program operates from mid June to mid August.
The program is designed for students to pursue meaningful writing, media production and research in a nonprofit thinkhub setting. Students…
- Obtain experience in a creative, multidisciplinary, team-focused environment
- Connect with professionals, graduate-level researchers and fellow students from all over the country
- Learn multimedia and design skills
- Pitch and publish stories and projects
- Improve interviewing and writing skills
- Have the potential to join future funded projects with Midstory
- Have fun with activities like trips to amusement parks and weekly intern social hours
Application Deadline:
Sunday, March 8, 2026 11:59pm (ET)
Apply now at www.midstory.org/internships
Law Degree for Non-Lawyers
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is designed for individuals who want to increase their legal knowledge in order to further their careers. This degree builds foundational skills in law and legal analysis and can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. Successful MSL candidates come from backgrounds in liberal arts, business administration, education, information science, technology, and more, and the program may be an ideal next step for graduating students looking to expand their skillset before pursuing a career. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but those received before June 1 will receive fullest consideration for a fall semester start.
Junior Quinn Award
The Junior Quinn Award recognizes achievement and potential in Creative Writing majors or minors with junior class standing by awarding one or more recipients with financial support to attend a writing workshop or conference. This year’s prize will be issued as a scholarship of $1000.
We recognize that it is not always easy to determine eligibility. If you are not technically a Junior this academic year but plan to graduate no earlier than December 2026 and no later than December 2027, you may be eligible. If you have any questions about your eligibility, check with our wonderful Undergraduate Advisors at englishadvising@illinois.edu. You may apply for the Junior Quinn only once. If you have eligibility questions, email John Dudek, Associate Director of Creative Writing, at jdudek4@illinois.edu. If you are eligible, we want to see a sample of your unpublished prose OR poetry:
· Prose submissions can be either fiction or creative nonfiction. Limit your submission to 1-2 pieces, no more than 15 pages total.
· Poetry submissions should contain 3-5 poems, no more than 7 pages total.
The first page of your submission (not included in page count) should be a statement of purpose explaining how attending a writing conference or other professional development opportunity would impact your writing. This statement should be no more than 250 words. A few conferences you might consider are listed below. Though feel free to find other opportunities that interest you more!
· AWP Conference
· Juniper Summer Writing Institute
· Kenyon Review Writers’ Workshop
· Port Townsend Writer’s Conference
Submit your statement of purpose and creative work in one file (.docx only) to John Dudek at jdudek4@illinois.edu by noon, March 27. To make sure your submission does not get lost, the subject line of the email should be ALL CAPS and either JUNIOR QUINN POETRY or JUNIOR QUINN PROSE. The body of this email should include: Your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and UIN.
Writers Workshop Update
The Writers Workshop provides free, individualized writing feedback for any type of writing and at any stage of the writing process. This includes course, papers, senior capstone, personal statements, intercollegiate transfer application essays, resumes and cover letters, group writing projects, theses and dissertations, and manuscripts for publication. They have appointments and drop-in hours; they’re available in-person and online; and they have multiple locations across campus. Check out upcoming presentations and events.
You’re Invited to the Spring Sonnet Soiree!
In order to fundraise for What You Will’s spring show, they will be hosting a Spring Sonnet Soiree! This will be a spring regency tea ball complete with dancing, a raffle, and sonnet recital ! The soiree will be Saturday, March 7th from 7-10pm in the Illini Union. Tickets to the soiree can be purchased at this link: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/spring-sonnet-soiree-tickets.
Black, Jewish, and Beautiful: Contemporary Blewish Voices
“Signs of the Material World: Dostoevsky, Science and the 19th Century Novel” with Melissa Frazier
When: Tuesday, March 10 from 5:00-6:00pm
Where: Lucy Elllis Lounge in the Literature, Culture, & Linguistics Building
Who: Melissa Frazier, Ilja Wachs Chair in Outstanding Teaching and Donning at Sarah Lawrence College
Drawing on Dostoevsky’s relationship with science, Signs of the Material World explores the literary impacts of nineteenth-century materialism. Dostoevsky’s scientific interlocutors range from Auguste Comte and the “vulgar” materialists to Charles Darwin, James Clerk Maxwell, George Henry Lewes, Charles Sanders Peirce, and the Russian Nikolai Strakhov; in literary terms, Dostoevsky writes in conversation with a wide range of contemporary writers across Europe and the United States, including Lev Tolstoy, Nikolai Chernyshevsky, Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Friedrich Schiller. This talk will sketch the broad contours of Dostoevsky’s combined literary and scientific practice before turning to explore one aspect of that practice in particular: Dostoevsky’s recourse, like Dickens, to an “indexical” allegory that lends itself to the more contingent and relational kind of materiality that Dostoevsky calls “living life.”
EVENT PREVIEW:
Visit with a Literary Agent: Rayhané Sanders
Mar 27, 2026 4:30 pm
Gregory Hall room 223
Join us for a professional development presentation from a visiting literary agent! Rayhané Sanders will give a glimpse at the nuts and bolts of publishing, working in publishing, query letters, and other aspects of the literary trade. This will include some do’s and don’ts and plenty of time for questions and answers.
Rayhané Sanders is a literary agent and independent book editor with over 16-years experience in book publishing. She began her career at Newsweek Magazine, before moving to book publishing, holding positions at Dutton and Gotham Books (imprints of Penguin Group USA, now Penguin Random House) and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Moving from the publisher to the agency side of the business, she worked at William Morris Endeavor and boutique firm WSK Management, where she had the privilege of working with such bestselling and award-winning authors as Amor Towles, Jennifer Haigh, Daniel James Brown, Kate Jacobs, Kitty Kelley, Jane Pauley, Bob Dotson, and many more.
Looking for a Second 8-Week (POT B) Course? Check These Out!
GWS 317/AIS 490: Gender and Human Rights
Examines the complex relationship between culture, gender roles, and gender-based human rights and violations. Addresses topics such as the evolution of the human rights framework, strategies and ethical dilemmas of human rights work, and transnational feminist activism. Students will discuss case studies of rights violations and local change-making strategies and will construct a human rights campaign on a gender-based issue.
GER 205: Germany and Europe: Europe in Trouble?
Gen Ed: Humanities & the Arts and Western/Comparative Cultures
It may seem like Europe is in trouble all the time, and yet the European Union has proven to be more relevant and resilient than ever. The course’s central theme concerns Europe’s “struggle for identity” in relation to other global powers that underlies many of the controversies surrounding Europe’s global role today. Course material includes a historical overview, in-class screenings of several films, and we will read one novel. No prerequisites or prior knowledge necessary; taught in English.
JS 399: Special Topics – American Jewish History
This course offers an opportunity to learn the nuances of archival work using the collections available locally—the University of Illinois Library! While learning the broader context of the American Jewish experience, enrolled students will apply this knowledge right away to reconstruct the development of Jewish communities in Central Illinois based on the university’s archival holdings. Meets in English room 109.
ANTH 102: Human Origins and Culture
Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences
This course explores the origin and evolution of humans with an emphasis on reconstructing and interpreting fossil evidence. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of biological anthropology and draws on a diverse range of other disciplines that contribute to the study of human evolution – evolutionary biology, population genetics, comparative anatomy, primatology, archaeology, geology and paleoecology. We examine the fossil and artifact record of the last several million years in order to develop an understanding of why we are interesting animals and a somewhat unique species.
RST 226: Esports Foundations
This course introduces the study of the role of video games and esports in society. It explores how the design, implementation, and culture of esports connects with themes related to health, socialization, community development, economic development, and nationhood. Specific focus will be placed on the esports industry broadly defined, including individual stakeholders, game developers and publishers, communication and distribution platforms, live events and venues, and the broader cultural impact of esports.
GEOL 118: Natural Disasters
Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology
Introduces the nature, causes, risks, effects, and prediction of natural disasters including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, subsidence, global climate change, severe weather, coastal erosion, floods, mass extinctions, and meteorite impacts; covers scientific principles and case histories of natural disasters as well as human responses (societal impact, mitigation strategies, and public policy).
IB 108: The Biology of Dinosaurs
Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology
The origin, diversity, and extinction of dinosaurs will serve as a conceptual framework to explore fundamental principles of biology. We will consider dinosaurs as animals, examining evidence for their physiology and behavior, and how evolution and speciation produced the diversity of dinosaurs. We will relate the influence of Earth’s changing environments on dinosaurs to environmental change on human timescales. We will emphasize how scientists collect and evaluate fossil data through an understanding of living organisms.
RUSS 122: Russia and Black America
Gen Ed: US Minority Cultures
A survey of the interactions and intersections between key African American figures and cultural practices, and Russian imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet culture, in a historical, social, and political context, with emphasis on Russian-sourced cultural transfers that influenced and sometimes shaped the Black American experience and which functioned as the currency and medium of the African American–Russian connection.
Don’t Forget These!
2026 English & Creative Writing Convocation – Register Now
For those of you who are planning to graduate this spring or summer, you can now register to participate in the 2026 English & Creative Writing Convocation! In addition to our departmental celebration, there will also be a universitywide commencement ceremony; you are welcome to participate in either ceremony or both, but please remember that you must register for each one separately. You will need regalia (cap and gown) to participate in any ceremony, so don’t forget to rent your cap and gown by April 13th.
English & Creative Writing Convocation – REGISTER HERE
When: Saturday, May 16 at 5:00pm
Where: Smith Memorial Hall
Universitywide Commencement – REGISTER HERE
When: Saturday, May 16 at 9:30am
Where: Gies Memorial Stadium
For those of you who we believe to have plans to graduate either this spring or summer, we have invited you to participate in the English & Creative Writing Convocation via email. If you believe that you will be graduating this spring or summer and have not received such an invitation, please contact the advising office immediately at englishadvising@illinois.edu
Participate in a Research Study
Students, faculty, and professionals are invited to participate in a research study on how Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, are used and perceived in writing and work contexts. This study is part of an English Honors thesis conducted by Eleanor Henricksen under the direction of Dr. John R. Gallagher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The anonymous survey takes approximately 8–12 minutes and includes questions about your experiences with GenAI, your writing background, and optional demographic information. Participation is voluntary.
For questions about the study, contact Eleanor Henricksen at eh19@illinois.edu or Dr. John Gallagher at johng@illinois.edu. For questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the University of Illinois Office for the Protection of Human Subjects at irb@illinois.edu or 217‑333‑2670.
Survey link: https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAZXcH7828p7fTM
Career Fairs, Jobs, Internships, and More!
Apply for a Paid Internship with the Odyssey Project
Majors in the humanities, arts, social sciences are invited to apply for a paid internship with the Odyssey Project, a program through the Humanities Research Institute that offers free college courses to qualifying members of the C-U community. Through this work, the intern will help to translate the world of academia—and ease that transition—for those who are new to it. Deadline to apply is March 31 by 11:59PM. To apply, visit https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/174211678
2026 UI Advancement Internship Accepting Applications
This is a highly structured summer opportunity for students to learn about the world of institutional fundraising and make a lot of networking connections. This opportunity is great for students who care deeply about the mission of higher ed but may be having second thoughts about the grad school. Deadline to apply is March 6. For more information, including how to apply, visit https://uif.uillinois.edu/news/217/2026-ui-advancement-internship-accepting-applications
Paid Summer Internship at Hasbro as a Board Game Narrative Design Intern
You will work alongside a talented cross-functional team of Graphic Designers, Game Designers, Engineers, Project Managers, and Product Managers to help bring innovative new games to market. This internship blends creative writing, storytelling, editorial accuracy, and cross-functional collaboration ideal for someone who loves games, worldbuilding, and creating engaging player-facing content. This is a unique opportunity to grow as a narrative designer while helping shape the stories, tone, and thematic identity of Hasbro’s future games. For more information, including how to apply, visit https://jobs.hasbro.com/job/Pawtucket-Intern%2C-Narrative-Design-Rhod-02861/1366304400/
East Anglia Study Abroad Info Sessions
The English Department has a study abroad exchange agreement with the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. They are offering online information sessions for students interested in finding out more about spending a semester or year abroad at UEA:
Monday, March 30 – 17:00 BST – Register here
Thursday April 9 – 8:00 BST – Register here
For more information about a study abroad opportunity at the University of East Anglia, such as how to apply, visit the Illinois My Study Abroad webpage
Senior 100 Honorary – Applications Now Open
The Senior 100 Honorary is one of the Alumni Association’s most prestigious distinctions, recognizing 100 outstanding seniors for their leadership, service, and lasting impact on the campus community. Recipients are selected through an anonymous review process by an impartial panel of judges and will be recognized at a luncheon in May.
Eligibility: Seniors who graduated in December 2025 or are graduating in May 2026
Application Overview:
Opens: January 24, 2026
Closes: March 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Format: Google Form with additional questions
Requirements: 4 short essays reflecting on personal experiences
How to Apply:
Scan the QR code or visit the application link
Download and complete the application
Upload it to the Google Form and submit additional responses
Application Link
Questions may be directed to uiucsenior100@gmail.com.
Google Slides
PowerPoint
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!
