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.

Follow the department on social media

Important Dates

April 14: Deadline to order academic regalia (for graduates participating in convocation ceremonies)
April 18: Deadline to drop a 2nd-8-week course

Schedule Your Pre-registration Appointment!

Registration has begun! Log in to Student Self-Service to view your time ticket if you don’t already know when to register. When you are ready 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”).

From LAS Career Services

Career Workshop Resume Critique by HRPO and Research Park: Join us Tuesday, April 15, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for an informative presentation followed by personalized resume and LinkedIn profile reviews. Gain valuable feedback and learn how to showcase your skills effectively in today’s competitive job market. This is a collaborative session, hosted by HRPO and Research Park. Learn more and register on the Research Park calendar. 

Resources to Combat Stress

Pre-Law? Check Out These Pop-Ups

Public Reading | Ross Gay

The Humanities Research Institute is hosting a public reading and book signing with award-winning poet and essayist Ross Gay, a New York Times bestselling author whose work embraces an exploration and celebration of the human need for joy and delight. This year marks the tenth anniversary of his collection Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude!

April 16, 7:30pm
Alice Campbell Alumni Center Ballroom

Books will be available for purchasing and signing at the event. Please note: per the author’s request, we ask that attendees refrain from taking photos (including selfies), audio, or video during the event and book signing. Thank you in advance for respecting the author’s wishes! 

Ross Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; Be Holding, winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. In addition to his poetry, Ross has released three collections of essays—The Book of Delights was released in 2019 and was a New York Times bestseller; Inciting Joy was released in 2022, and his newest collection, The Book of (More) Delights was released in September of 2023. 

A Gathering of Poets: Angie Estes and Janice N. Harrington

Thursday, April 17, 2025
7:00 pm–9:00 pm (CDT)
Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL

Poets Angie Estes and Janice N. Harrington will present an evening of imagery and word art. Join us for the premier reading of Estes’ Last Day on Earth in the Eternal City and for poems celebrating a lifetime of writing by Janice N. Harrington. This poetry celebration is sponsored by the Spurlock Museum and the UIUC Creative Writing Program.

Renee Hudson Lecture

Take Care of Yourself!

Two Events Featuring Poet Richard Blanco

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 General Information Sessions:
In Person – Friday, April 11, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – IUB Rm. 514

Fulbright Short Essays Workshops: Your Path and the Fulbright Mission
Online –Tuesday, April 15, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Register HERE
In Person – Wednesday, April 16, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.– IUB Rm. 514

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

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!

Recognition of Community Engaged Scholars

Every year, through our Scholar Recognition Program, We CU Community Engaged Scholars seeks to recognize students for their community-based work and their commitment to service. Through the Recognition Program, students can also access benefits such as receiving mini-grants up to $199, which are designed to offset the expenses that come up during their service work. Recognized Scholars are invited to our Annual Recognition Reception on April 22nd, where we celebrate the impact made by students, instructors, and community partners in Champaign County.

Becoming a We CU Recognized Scholar is really simple: you just need to complete our Student Recognition Form before April 16. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at we-cu@illinois.edu.

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

Women’s Resources Center Book Club–April

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.

Don’t Forget These!

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.

Follow the department on social media

Important Dates

April 7: Priority registration begins
April 18: Deadline to drop a 2nd 8-week course

Schedule Your Pre-registration Appointment!

Registration will start April 7. Students are assigned a time on or after that day according to the schedule found here. Time tickets (which tell you when you can register for Summer and/or Fall 2025 classes) should be visible to you starting March 24. Log in to Student Self-Service to view your time ticket. When you are ready to schedule your appointment call 217-333-4346 during the hours 8:30-noon or 1:00-4:30. You may request an in-person or a virtual appointment, whichever suits you. Remember that we are very busy during the registration period so please don’t wait until your time ticket opens up and then send an email demanding an immediate reply. Plan ahead!

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”).

RBML Event TODAY

Play Through History: A Hands-On Board Game Adventure — Friday, April 4, from 3-5pm in 346 Main Library

Join the RBML for a hands-on journey through history! Play historical board games that bring the past to life as you roll the dice, make your moves, and uncover the stories behind them. Perfect for all ages, this interactive in-person event invites families, students, and community members to connect, learn, and have fun. Don’t just study history—experience it through play! This event is free and refreshments will be served.

VOICE: MFA student reading

Wednesday, April 9
Gallery Art Bar | 119 W Main St, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us for a reading by Graduate students in the MFA program in Creative Writing. This event will feature: 

• Hannah Thorpe
• Mason McVeigh 
• Justine Mercado
• Steven Bergmark

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 General Information Sessions:

Online – Monday, April 7, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Register HERE
Online – Wednesday, April 9, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Register HERE
In Person – Friday, April 11, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – IUB Rm. 514

Fulbright Short Essays Workshops: Your Path and the Fulbright Mission

Online –Tuesday, April 15, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Register HERE
In Person – Wednesday, April 16, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.– IUB Rm. 514

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

Major Exploration Workshop

While we would like to think that you are all totally in love with your English or creative writing major, we know that sometimes it takes a while to find your major home here, and being able to talk openly about your uncertainties is important. If you’re not sure you’re in the right major, check out this upcoming event:

Carr Visiting Author Series: Dante Micheaux

Dante Micheaux is author of Circus (Indolent Books, 2018), which won the Four Quartets Prize from the Poetry Society of America and the T. S. Eliot Foundation, and Amorous Shepherd (Syracuse University Press, 2010).

Micheaux’s other honors include the 2020 Ambit Poetry Prize and fellowships from the Cave Canem Foundation and the New York Times Foundation. 

Student Gala–Come One, Come All!

Recognition of Community Engaged Scholars

Every year, through our Scholar Recognition Program, We CU Community Engaged Scholars seeks to recognize students for their community-based work and their commitment to service. Through the Recognition Program, students can also access benefits such as receiving mini-grants up to $199, which are designed to offset the expenses that come up during their service work. Recognized Scholars are invited to our Annual Recognition Reception on April 22nd, where we celebrate the impact made by students, instructors, and community partners in Champaign County.

Becoming a We CU Recognized Scholar is really simple: you just need to complete our Student Recognition Form before April 16. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at we-cu@illinois.edu.

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

Women’s Resources Center Book Club–April

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.

Don’t Forget These!

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

Remaining Spring 2025 Creative Writing Events

We’ll advertise these individually as they approach (with location info) but now would be a great time to get them in your calendar.

Poetry Reading by Janice Harrington and Angie Estes
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 6:00

MFA Public Reading
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 1:00

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.