Weekly Round-Up

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Departmental Scholarships INFO Session:

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

Time: Mar 4, 2021 04:00 PM

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

Meeting ID: 811 5427 9166

Password: 622300

Join Us for ESC:

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

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

Zoom Meeting ID: 7763187140

Contact: ssadler3@illinois.edu

Summer 2021 Research Opportunities:

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

2021 Undergraduate Creative Writing Awards:

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

Deadline: Noon, Sunday, February 28, 2021

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Short Fiction: Submit no more than one unpublished story (7500 words, maximum length)
Poetry: Submit up to 200 lines, as a single unpublished poem or a group of unpublished poems

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

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

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

Counseling Center Clinical Services for Spring 2021:

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

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

Tuesday @ 7:

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

Tuesday, March 2: Building Alcohol Safety Awareness

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

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

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

Perfectionism Workshops:

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

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

RIO Online:

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

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

-Manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions productively.

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

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

In Focus Workshops:

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

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

Drop-In Mindfulness Workshops:

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

-Mindfulness Mondays

-Intuitive Eating Tuesdays

-Body Awareness Wednesdays

-Thoughtful Thursdays

-Forget-it Fridays

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

Art Space:

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

Meeting ID: 828 4384 2873

Password: 266674

Cafecito with the Counseling Center’s Latinx Outreach Team:

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

Meeting ID: 831 0750 3371

Password: Cafecito

Sit with Sankofa Consultation Hours:

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

Meeting ID: 926 0208 7456

Password: 276763

Latinx Healing Collective Workshops:

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

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

Zoom ID: 835 1115 1750   Password: 814408

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

WellTrack Available for Students:

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

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

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

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

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

To access the screenings, please visit our website.

Start Strong:

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

• Test Anxiety (visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVh1nhvtpiQ&feature=youtu.be)
• Time Management (visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h72kZ5UUQjI&t=280s)
• Wellness Tips (visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccVC_Biscwg)
• Motivation (visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8EpYYPmFMI)

SKY Happiness Retreat:

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

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

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

Online Summer Teaching Positions Available:

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

As an Institute teacher you will:

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

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

Successful Institute teachers:

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

Are patient and supportive with students and parents.

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

Undergraduate Research Symposium:

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

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

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

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

Image of Research Competition:

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

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

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

Getting Started in Research Workshop:

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

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

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

Poster Presentation and Design Workshop:

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

Giving Undergraduate Research Presentations Workshop (Oral Presentations):

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

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

Research Support Grants:

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

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

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

Conference Travel Grant:

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

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

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

Undergraduate Research Certificate:

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

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

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

Meet with the Office of Undergraduate Research Team:

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

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

Choose your own adventure!

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

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

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

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

Feminist FridayS with GWS:

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

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

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

Undergraduate Poets Network:

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

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

Some events and activities it anticipates to hold:

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

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