Feature
Speakers Workshop
by TLAS Staff
The fall semester brings new friends, experiences, classes…and presentations! You may be comfortable in front of a group of people, or you may experience some anxiety when speaking in front of your class or other larger groups. Either way, you can take advantage of the Speakers Workshop (formerly the Speaking Center). Over the summer, the Speakers Workshop welcomed their first full-time director, Dr. Laura Stengrim. With the new director, this essential service will expand upon the previous services and hours the Speaking Center started, making this valuable campus partner available to more students and their different needs.
When asked what she’s most excited about as the new director, Laura said “I’m very excited to expand the Speakers Workshop so that we can better serve the University of Illinois community. The Speakers Workshop is a great resource for students working on class assignments that require speeches or presentations in any discipline or major. Peer-consultants provide individualized assistance and will soon be available for synchronous online and in-person appointments in a variety of locations across campus. In addition, we look forward to working collaboratively with other campus entities such as the University Libraries to offer workshops and other programming.” In-person and online workshops on different topics such as coping with presentation anxiety and designing effective visual aids will also be offered. While the Armory will serve as the home base for the Speakers Workshop,
satellite locations will also be available at the Main Library, Grainger Engineering Library, and the Funk ACES Library.
The Speakers Workshop offers a variety of ways to support students in their different needs. What should students know about the Speakers Workshop? Laura said “The Speakers Workshop is a friendly, low-stakes, welcoming space for all. We understand that many people experience apprehension around presentations and speaking to groups! We are here to help you feel more comfortable by giving you time to practice and prepare in collaboration with a trained peer-consultant.” The Speakers Workshop is here to help increase your confidence and skills!
Did you Know?
Voter registration time! In Illinois, the deadline for paper voter registration is October 8th, 2024, and online registration is open until October 20th. Election Day is November 5th, so be prepared! For detailed information on how to register—whether you’re a first-time voter, new to Illinois, or updating your address—visit the League of Women Voters of Champaign County’s Information page: https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/register.html
Space Highlight
Food-Friendly Libraries
Does studying make you hungry? Take advantage of some of the food friendly study spaces across our campus libraries. The Orange Room is a food-safe environment where you can also use our microwave to re-heat your favorite left-overs. If you’re looking to stretch your food budget, we also host a food pantry, and there are vending machines outside of classroom 66 in the basement.
Moving up a floor, the Scholarly Commons in Room 220 of the Main Library also allows food, other than their computer lab, scanning stations, and self-use media studio. Food and technology don’t mix!
Heading over to the Urbana side of campus, the Music and Performing Arts Library (MPAL) is food friendly, with the exception of their computer area. Please take advantage of the huge trash cans for your food waste, and follow the signs asking you to take other food trash out of MPAL.
Like your tea to be Earl Grey, and hot? The Grainger Engineering Library and Information Center has an Espresso Royale cafe’ on the first floor, and a food friendly dining space adjacent to it. Other floors of the library allow drinks in spill-proof containers so you can bring your caffeine with you.
Service Highlight
Voter Registration Event
In collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Champaign County, the Library will be hosting a voter registration drive from September 16-18th at the Main Library. Whether you’re a student, staff, faculty, or a community member, stop by to register to vote, ask questions about the upcoming elections, and learn more about the voting process. This is a great opportunity to ensure you’re ready for Election Day. Keep an eye out for other election and voting-related events at the Library as well. For more details, visit the Library’s Event Calendar at: https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/4092
Events
September 9th
1:00pm-3:00pm
Taste of Culture
Enjoy some international snacks and drinks with cross-cultural learning activities. Sponsored by International Education and the University Library.
September 10th
Neurodivergent Hangout
Join RSO’s “Actually Neurodivergent” hangout in a hybrid, laid-back setting with passive activities and quiet stimming tools.
September 16th
7:00pm-8:00pm
Mindful Mondays
Experience tranquility with McKinley SMP’s Meditation/Mindfulness Minute! Join us for a calming guided walk-through meditation