Welcome (Back), Illini!

We're glad you are here. Welcome/Welcome Back events are opportunities for new and returning students to connect with the university resources, communities, programs, and opportunities available to them as graduate students at Illinois.

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Grad Student Day at Women’s Soccer

1:00 PM Tailgate, 2:00 PM Kickoff at Demirjian Park (606 St. Mary's Road)

Cheer on the women's soccer team with fellow grad students. Come early to grab a sticker and a pom pom!

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

AFRICAN STUDENTS' ORGANIZATION WELCOME MIXER

5:00 - 7:00 PM Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center AACC (1212 W. Nevada St)

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

GRADUATE STUDENT LUNCH MEET-UP

12:00 - 1:00 PM at South Quad Bell Tower - Sponsored by Graduate Student Association of Animal Scientists

Chez Veterans Center Military Connected Graduate Student Open House

12:00 - 1:00 PM at Chez Veterans Center (908 W Nevada St)

This is your chance to meet our staff, connect with fellow students, and learn about the resources available to support you through your graduate journey. Can't make it? No worries! You can always schedule an appointment with us to access the support services designed just for you.

RECHARGE: Rest, Enjoy Conversation, Have A Really Great Experience with IE @ the Y

1:00 - 3:00 PM at University YMCA room 228 - SSIB Conference Room (1001 S. Wright St)

A chance to rest and connect during the busy week. We have hot tea, international snacks, and a place to charge your devices. Bring a friend or meet someone new! We look forward to seeing you!

GRADUATE ASSISTANT EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION (FOR tas, RAS, GAS, AND PGAS)

3:00 - 4:30 PM on Zoom - Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College

Get to Know International Education at University YMCA's Open House

3:30 - 5:30 PM at University YMCA (1001 S. Wright St)

Stop by for international snacks, DIY crafts, and prizes!

Thriving in Graduate School | Student-Led Workshop

5:00 PM at IGB Array Cafe Conference Room 612 - Sponsored by IGB Initiative for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Student-led workshop for first-year graduate students with free food and networking. 

Girl Krush Kickoff: Volleyball vs Illinois State

6:30 PM meet on the west side of Huff Hall at the Illinois Ticket Office, 7:00 PM game time - Sponsored by Women's Resources Center - RSVP is strongly encouraged - More information.

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Grainger Grad Welcome

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM between Engineering Hall and Everitt Lab - For all NEW graduate students in engineering programs. 

queers on the quad

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Anniversary Plaza on the quad side of the Illini Union

GSRC's 2024 Welcome Back event, Queers on the Quad! Come by to learn more about the queer/LGBTQIA+ RSOs on campus, enjoy some treats and refreshments, and check out our really cool new merch.

Graduate College Welcome Reception

3:00 - 5:00 PM at Illini Union, Illini Room C and South Lounge 

Graduate students, join us at this informal event to Welcome (Back) a new academic year with door prizes, conversation, and cake!

International Student and Visiting Scholar Research Connection

3:30 - 5:30 PM at Room 2039 in the Campus Instructional Facility (1405 W Springfield Ave) - More information and registration.

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

GRADUATE ASSISTANT EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION (FOR tas, RAS, GAS, AND PGAS)

9:00 - 10:30 AM on Zoom - Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College

Health, Wellness, and Well-being - A conversation about Managing Stress on Campus

10:00 AM on Zoom - Sponsored by McKinley Health Education

Let’s talk about recognizing and addressing physical/mental health needs for yourself and others we support in the academic community. We will talk about the importance of self-care and the link between connectedness/belonging and student success as we explore campus/community resources. 

MAin Library Tour

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library (1408 Gregory Drive)

Meet in the Library Gallery (East Entrance of the Main Library, with the statues and ramps). Please register ahead.

SPURLOCK MUSEUM SELF-GUIDED TOUR AND INFORMATION SESSION

5:00 - 7:30 PM at Spurlock Musuem (606 S. Gregory St) 

Engage the museum’s collection, and learn about opportunities for research, and for instructors or TAs to bring their classes to Spurlock.

Reseach Park Block Party

5:00 - 6:30 PM at Atkins Patio & Lawn (1800 S Oak St)

Join us for an evening of mingling, free food, and learning more about what Research Park has to offer! This event is free, but registration in advance is required on Handshake.

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

graduate writing groups kick-off

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Main Library's Orange Room or via Zoom.

Our writing group provides graduate students with dedicated time to make progress on writing in a supportive atmosphere. The writing group provides structured writing, break, and discussion time, with each meeting consisting of a short goal-setting conversation, quiet writing time, and a concluding reflection and wrap-up. You will be working on your own current writing (e.g., thesis, dissertation, manuscript). These groups are ideal for graduate students who are seeking to create or return to a writing routine, make progress and meet deadlines on long-term projects, or jump-start a new writing project. More information and link to registration.

Welcome (Back) grad dei community mixer

12:00 - 2:00 PM at Illini Union Room 210

Connect with staff and student leaders from cultural houses, resource centers, and grad student organizations! Stop by Illini Union Room 210 from 12pm-2pm to catch up and make new connections. Alumni and affiliates of Aspire, COS, SROP, SPI and Sloan UCEM are invited!

Introduction to Library Resources for Online Students

1:00 PM on Zoom with Evie Cordell, eLearning Librarian

Welcome to the University Library! Join our online session for graduate students to learn about the library’s various resources.  Learn how to access discipline-specific databases, use advanced search tools, and get personalized support from our librarians. Whether you need help with literature reviews, citation management, or finding rare materials, the library can help.

Krannert Center Opening Night Party

5:15 PM at Main Quad then moving to Krannert Amphitheater 

The season kicks off with the Opening Night Party featuring Cyro Baptista, Squonk, and hip-hop dance and music with nationally acclaimed artists Versa-Style, Ladies of Hip-Hop, and Era Footwork Crew with special guest DJ Spinn, followed by the evening’s headliner, reggae band Soja.
 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Graduate Orientation for Women and Gender Minorities (GrOW)

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Illini Union Ballroom
GrOW (Graduate Orientation for Women and Gender Minorities) is an orientation program for new graduate students identifying as women and gender minorities in engineering. Our activities aim to create an increased sense of belonging and confidence. Lunch will be provided to all participants. Please be sure to complete this RSVP form by 9/4/24 so we can plan accordingly. Feel free to reach out to gradswe.uiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Student Parent Playdate and Connections 

2:00 PM at Orchard Downs Community Center and playground - Co-sponsored by Family & Graduate Housing and the Graduate College

Student parents are an integral part of the Illinois family, and we want to connect with you! There will be opportunities for parents to connect with other parents and connect to campus resources who support student parents.  Activities for children and snacks will be provided during the event.