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Important Dates
VOICE Graduate Student Reading: Wednesday, Nov. 12
Deadline to drop a POT B course without a ‘W’: Friday, Nov. 14
Advising Office Open House + ESA Bake Sale: Thursday, Nov. 20
Thanksgiving Break: November 22-November 30
Last Day of Instruction: Wednesday, Dec. 10
Final Exams: Friday, Dec. 10 – Thursday, Dec. 18
Resource of the Week – Registration Tips & Resources
- Consult the Major Requirement Cheat Sheet to find courses offered in the Spring 2026 semester that satisfy certain English and Creative Writing degree requirements. You will need to set up your UI Box account to access the Cheat Sheet if you haven’t already. You can also find major and minor checklists and more on the academic advising webpage.
- Make sure you choose the correct section! If you are signing up for a 400-level course there will often be a graduate section and an undergraduate section. You can tell which is which by looking at the section code (the undergraduate section will usually have a U in it as opposed to a G). In English courses the undergraduate section will be 3 credit hours, the graduate section 4 credit hours. All of this is MUCH easier to see in Course Explorer.
- When registering or creating a plan, always make sure you look at section restrictions! Some courses may have special restrictions on individual sections that may restrict you from registering. The easiest way to view course restrictions, prerequisites, and more is on Course Explorer.
- One of the quickest and easiest ways to register for courses in by registering from a plan you create in the Plan Ahead feature. This will allow you to register for all of your planned courses at once in mere seconds instead of having to look them up one by one.
- Is a course section you would like to take currently full? You can “favorite” a course section on Course Explorer and opt in to receive email updates once a seat opens up.
For more tips for registering, makes sure you visit the academic advising webpage.
VOICE: Graduate Student Reading
Join us for a reading of creative work my MFA students from the Department of English. This month’s reading will feature: Tyler Moore, Callan Latham, and David Foley
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7:00pm
Where: Gallery Art Bar | 119 W Main St, Urbana, IL 61801
Rare Book & Manuscript Library Talks
The Wake of HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Oceans’ Decline with Gillen D’Arcy Wood — Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025, 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the RBML
The RBML is thrilled to host Gillen D’Arcy Wood, who will speak about his new book, The Wake of HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Oceans’ Decline. In December 1872, HMS Challenger embarked on the first round-the-world oceanographic expedition, and for the next four years, Challenger’s naturalists explored the oceans, encountering never-before-seen marvels of marine life. They identified major ocean currents and defining features of the seafloor; they measured worldwide sea temperatures and chemistry, creating baseline data for all ocean research since. And, most spectacularly of all, they collected nearly five thousand sea creatures and plants new to science. They had no way of knowing that the incredible undersea aquarium they were documenting was on the verge of catastrophic change. Wood looks afresh at this legendary scientific odyssey and shows why, 150 years later, its legacy looms larger than ever. His book offers a stunning before-and-after picture of our global oceans — a reminder of what we have lost since the Victorian age and an urgent call to preserve what remains of the diverse life and wild beauty of our planet’s final frontier. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.
Finding the Female Voice in the Ancient World with Dr. Emily Hauser — Monday, Nov 17, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Spurlock Museum
In this talk, award-winning classicist and Times bestselling author Dr. Emily Hauser explores the many different ways in which we can start to uncover the women of the ancient world. Dealing with the silences of the archive – the voices and identities written out of history – requires new and innovative tools, and in this talk she surveys the many different approaches she has taken across her fiction and non-fiction writing to recover women: from deep analysis of Greek texts to popular contemporary myth retellings to innovative takes on history that mix fact and fiction to uncover new ways of knowing. Join her on an adventure across time and the tools of history to re-discover the women of the ancient world. Copies of Hauser’s recent books Penelope’s Bones: A New History of Homer’s World through the Women Written Out of It and How Women Became Poets: A Gender History of Greek Literature will be available onsite for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public.
What You Will Theatre Company Presents: The Tragedy of King Lear
LAS Wellness Check-In
Education Justice Project For-Credit Internship
This internship course allows undergraduate and graduate students at Illinois to gain critical perspectives on the criminal legal system, especially in Illinois, while providing EJP valuable assistance. Each intern will be connected to a specific EJP focus area–including prison education, prison reentry, deportation, policy, prison-to-gown pathway, media and communications, and director’s office. You’ll gain hands-on workplace experience within a non-profit-like environment, engage with formerly incarcerated individuals, and be invited to participate regularly in active reflection about what you’re learning and experiencing.
Students must apply to enroll in this internship course and are welcome to repeat it in future semesters.
Apply by November 15, 2025!
Seeds Communications Paid Internship Opportunity
Check out this fantastic opportunity if you are a student interested in scientific communication! Apply by November 28, 2025 at 4:49pm.
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities.
Role Purpose:
•Build communications initiatives & tactical content for the Global and NA US Seeds business.
•Learn communications fundamentals and best practices.
•Learn technology to support communications execution.
•Training is provided in-house, and guidance is provided by management
•Develop skills and experience to further your career.
Accountabilities:
•Assist in execution of communications initiatives as assigned.
•Support the digital marketing effort for North America Communications, including e-newsletters, social media and event support.
•Assist with asset management, content audit and content creation.
•Learn digital technologies to support the execution and measurement of communications plan.
•Develop and execute social content calendar for Seeds leaders.
•Support summer events as needed.
•Develop basic knowledge of the Seeds business.
Boren Scholarship Info Session
Spring Courses to Consider
Earn a Certificate in Intercultural Competence!
The Certificate in Intercultural Competence offers undergraduate students the chance to show future employers and potential graduate programs that they have the global and intercultural skills needed to succeed in and out of the classroom. Courses on the approved list for the Certificate include an introduction to the concept of intercultural competence, as well as elective courses that cover a wide variety of topics, from the study of ancient traditions to contemporary culture, the study of myths and fairy tales to modern literature, and more. Although the certificate will not appear on a student’s transcript, students completing the certificate should include this credential on a resume or application for advanced study.
What is intercultural competence?
Intercultural competence refers to the ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, interact, and collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, while navigating and appreciating cultural differences.
Why pursue a Certificate in Intercultural Competence?
This certificate serves as a vital asset to students across diverse majors, addressing the universal need for individuals equipped with intercultural skills in our globalized society. Research shows that employers and graduate programs are actively looking for graduates with these skills.
- In a recent publication of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “global/multi-cultural fluency” was listed in the top 10 “career readiness competencies” (2020).
- Similarly, the Association of American Colleges and Universities ranks the “ability to work well in teams—especially with people different from yourself” as the number one key attribute employers look for in college graduates.
- In 2008, the Council of Europe declared intercultural education as a strategic area for the safeguard and promotion of democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law (“Living as Equals in Dignity”).
Who can earn the certificate?
The certificate is designed for undergraduate students from a broad range of majors across colleges, acknowledging that intercultural competence is a valuable asset in every field. Any undergraduate student can pursue the certificate, providing flexibility for those who wish to enhance their intercultural competence regardless of their major. While there is no major restriction, students pursuing majors with strong ties to community and global engagement may find the certificate particularly relevant to their goals.
If you are interested in learning more about the certificate, or are ready to register, please visit our website: https://slcl.illinois.edu/graduate/intercultural-competence
Check Out These Minors!
Be a Part of iSuceed!
iSucceed is an academic accountability group with The Jeffries Center Advising g& Mentoring Program. It is for scholars to work together to build community, support one another’s academic development and understand how and why to engage in academic spaces. Students in iSucceed gain a strong network of peer and staff support each week, helping them stay motivated, connected, and focused on their goals.
iSuceed Meeting Details:
When: Every Monday from 3:300-5:30pm
Where: BNAACC Multipurpose Room
Announcement from LAS Honors Office
This email is announcing official changes to the LAS College Latin Honors graduation distinction. Previously students needed to meet the GPA requirement AND one of four additional requirements. The additional requirements have officially been removed. Students graduating as early as this fall will only need to meet the GPA requirement to graduate with College Latin Honors distinction.
The GPA requirements are found here, reviewed and updated every August: https://las.illinois.edu/academics/distinctions
Don’t Forget About These Opportunities and Resources!
Submit Your Work for Publication
ILSURJ stands as a beacon of the diverse and dynamic undergraduate research landscape on our campus. Our mission is to bridge connections between undergraduate and graduate students, faculty from various disciplines, and the wider public. Through our annual publications, available in versatile electronic formats, we strive to spotlight the exceptional research achievements of our talented undergraduate community. Our peer-edited, faculty-reviewed, open-access approach sets the stage for sharing these endeavors and advancing the journey toward professional research. Our collaborations with prestigious University of Illinois partners like the University Library, the Office of Undergraduate Research, and our esteemed Faculty Advisory Board further solidify our commitment to excellence. It’s important to emphasize that contributing to ILSURJ does not preclude you from submitting your work to other journals – we encourage multidimensional research engagement.
Deadline for submission is Nov. 30. Submit your work for consideration here.
MUSE: An Undergraduate Humanities+ Conference
The Illinois Wesleyan Center for the Humanities invites students at other institutions to join us for MUSE: An Undergraduate Humanities+ Conference.
We cordially invite undergraduates to present on topics in the humanities at our day-long conference here at Illinois Wesleyan University on Saturday, February 7, 2026. We share our definition of the humanities with the National Endowment for the Humanities, but we also welcome presentations on creative writing, theater history, art history, music history, and the history of science. In addition to sessions of student presentations throughout the day, the conference will feature a keynote address from Professor Steve Mentz and panels of professionals addressing topics of interest to students in the humanities.
Each session will contain three presentations. Each presenter will have twenty minutes to speak, and there will be fifteen minutes for a combined Q&A at the end of each session.
To participate in the conference, please submit an abstract to humanities@iwu.edu by 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Abstracts should be approximately 150-200 words long. An abstract for a scholarly presentation should make clear the critical conversation the paper engages and summarize the paper’s thesis and main points. An abstract for a presentation of creative writing should describe the work mainly in terms of its genre and aesthetics / stylistic features. (There should be very little plot summary.)
Along with your abstract, please include your name, email address, phone number, current address, year in school, working title for your presentation, and any audio/visual needs you may have. You will be notified of your abstract’s final status by Wednesday, December 10, 2025. You will then be asked to confirm your attendance, and we will send along further details.
For more information, please email questions to humanities@iwu.edu. We look forward to learning about your ideas and creative work.
Copy Writer Internship Opportunity with Nintendo
As a Nintendo of America Intern, you will actively contribute to meaningful projects, and gain valuable hands-on work experience with a leading company in the entertainment industry. During the program from June through August, your work experience will be enhanced with mentoring, networking opportunities and exposure to industry leaders from across the company! Whether you are in a technical or non-technical role, you will be a part of a team committed to putting smiles on faces of millions around the world.
For more information about this internship opportunity and to apply, CLICK HERE.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
How to Enroll in an English Honors Seminar
If you would like to sign up for an English honors course in the spring, please email Nancy at nrahn@illinois.edu (include your full name and UIN) and tell her which seminar you hope to take this spring, including the title/topic and the CRN. You’ll find descriptions of the courses and the CRN in Course Explorer. Please allow one week to get a response. Once Nancy has given you permission to take the course, you must still go into the registration system and add it to your schedule. Nancy cannot actually enroll you in the class; she is simply giving you the override that will allow you to enroll yourself!
For more details about the honors program check our English department website: https://english.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/honors-research/honors-research.
If you would like to take two seminars at the same time, then you may, but you must receive approval for the first before you can request a second. If you are approaching graduation and need a particular seminar in order to complete the honors program, please get your request in right away! Permission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be an Exploratory Studies Ambassador!
Exploratory Studies is excited to announce that our Ambassador Program application is now open!
The EXP Ambassador Program is a volunteer opportunity for current and former Exploratory Studies students to get involved as student leaders on campus. Ambassadors assist with events, workshops, EXP 101 classes, and outreach efforts- using their own exploration experiences to help guide other students through the process of finding their path at Illinois.
Application Form: EXP Ambassador Application
Program Information: EXP Ambassador Program Website
Applications are open until November 17.
Admissions Open for the TRIO McNair Scholars Program
The Jeffries Center is pleased to announce we are now accepting student applications for the TRIO McNair Scholars Program! This program supports first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in preparing for graduate studies. For more information, please email triomcnair@illinois.edu. Apply now!
Library Research Consultations
Scholarship Opportunity
The LAS Get Experience Scholarship is designed to support students with financial need in hands-on learning experiences that enhance and complement their academic coursework (such as unpaid and underpaid internships). Click the link above to find out more.
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.
Montage – Call for Submissions!
Montage publishes art and literary work by undergraduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Submissions are now open! For more information and to submit your work, please visit: https://www.montageartsjournal.com/submit
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!
Boost Your Speaking Skills
We offer a friendly, low-stakes space for students from any major or discipline to practice and work on oral communication with a peer-consultant, including using visual aids such as powerpoint and research posters. Our main location is in the Armory, with satellite hours in the Main Library, Grainger Library, ACES/Funk Library, and the LAS Hub. We also offer synchronous online appointments.
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!
WRC Fall Hours
