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Feb. 15, 2018

The Update is a student newsletter for undergraduate
majors and minors in the College of Education at Illinois.

 
 
Student Spotlight
 
 
View blog posts by Rachel Hernandez 
 

Education Sophomore Providing Valuable
Blog Thoughts

For the past two years, Rachel Hernandez has maintained a blog through Illinois Admissions. Her topics have been wide ranging and have covered areas such as what it takes to have a good work ethic, her impressions of local coffee shops, and how students can make the most of their free time. As a sophomore in the middle-grades program, Rachel has also shared her thoughts on different areas of the College of Education such as why she's studying education, the success of a College of Education open house she assisted with, and the benefits of becoming a James Scholar in the College. Rachel has published many more blog posts on a variety of student-life topics and has even started a personal blog titled That Military Girlfriend. Learn more about Rachel and check out her writings.               

Do you want to be featured in our Student Spotlight? Go here to submit your information! 

 
 
 

News to Use: Make an Effort to Connect with Alumni

 
Scholarships and Awards
 
 

Horizon Fellowship Ideal for Students Interested in Technology
The Horizons Fellowship supports hundreds of university students nationwide who want to become multidisciplinary leaders using technology. The fully funded program provides real-world technology courses geared toward high-achieving students. Recipients of the fellowship have gone on to work for high-profile companies such as Google, Facebook, Visa, Yelp, and Amazon. Learn more and begin the application process.

English Department Offering Creative Writing Awards
Application Deadline: Feb. 26
Students are eligible to compete for Undergraduate Creative Writing Awards given by the English Department. The department will offer two or three prizes in short fiction and poetry this year. Past prizes have ranged from $100 to $1,000. Learn more and email Stephen Davenport at sdavenpo@illinois.edu for inquiries.

Apply for IRTA Foundation Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 7
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation will be awarding a scholarship to one full-time student each academic year. All applications must be postmarked on or before March 7, prior to the applicant's junior or senior year of college. The student must be accepted into the Teacher Certification Program in order to receive the funding, and she or he must be a resident of Illinois or have graduated from an Illinois high school. Learn more and contact Susan Goetz at susan@irtaonline.org for inquiries.  

College of Education Undergraduate Scholarships Available
Application Deadline: April 6
The College of Education offers scholarships for undergraduate students who meet certain criteria. Awards are given on a competitive basis to students who acknowledge excellent academic achievement, display a commitment to their future profession, and participate in professional and service activities. Learn more...

 
Events
 
 

Science for All Talk with Education Scholar Robb Lindgren
Feb. 19; 7-8:30 p.m.
Orpheum Children's Science Museum (346 N. Neil St., Champaign)

Associate Professor Robb Lindgren of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction will be giving a "Science for All" talk this Monday. During the free event in downtown Champaign, Lindgren will delve into how people can discover more about science through body movement and new technologies. Learn more...

YESPlus Retreat for Stress Management, Anxiety Control
Feb. 23-25
6-10 p.m. (Feb. 23)
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Feb. 24 and 25)

The YESPlus Retreat is an immersive program that offers innovative life skills and self-development practices to students. Participants will gain foundational stress-management and leadership skills, develop a daily breathing practice, engage in peer-driven service initiatives, and develop strategies to engage in social connections. Learn more...

In Focus Series Designed for Those With AD/HD
Wednesdays During Semester; 1-2:30 p.m.
These sessions will offer education and support for students who commonly experience difficulties associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The series is interactive and designed to help participants improve their focus in the classroom and help them in their relationships and careers. Students do not have to have an official diagnosis to get involved. Topics covered include goal setting, procrastination, managing moods, and self-care. Registration is limited, so contact Tzu-An Hu at thu@illinois.edu or 217-333-3704 to be a part of the group.

 
Career and Professional Development
 
 

Job Opening at Champaign Church Will Offer Child-Care Tasks
First United Methodist Church (210 W. Church St., Champaign) is looking to fill several vacancies as soon as possible for its Accepting Responsibility for Kids ministry staff. The duties for the $9-per-hour jobs include providing child care for preschool through elementary-age children; leading or assisting staff in activities for children; attending worship services with children; and contributing age-appropriate activities for children. Email a cover letter, résumé, and three references with contact information to meredith@champaignfumc.org for consideration or inquiries.    

Discover Available Internships in Research Park
Feb. 16; Noon-1 p.m.
The Career Center Interview Suite (616 E. Green St., Champaign), Room 213
This Pizza & Professionals Panel Discussion Lunch Series event will feature individuals who are working in spaces in Research Park. The panelists will talk about their experiences and how to break into various career fields. Representatives from Synchrony Financial, the Caterpillar Data Innovations Lab, the Graybar Innovation Lab, and the AGCO Acceleration Center will speak at the event. View all of the participating panelists.

Women's Career Institute Will Help Prepare Women for Workforce
Feb. 24; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Women's Resource Center (616 E. Green St., Suite 202; Champaign)
The Women's Career Institute is a career and leadership program that will offer a range of workshops and panel discussions designed to prepare women for the workforce. This year's event will cover topics such as landing a job, communication and leadership, discrimination and harassment, and salary negotiation. Learn more and register.

Educators' Job Fair to Offer Networking, Interviewing Opportunities
March 5
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Networking)
1-3 p.m. (On-Site Interviewing)
Activities and Recreation Center, Gym 1

The 2018 Educators' Job Fair will be an opportunity for students to network and possibly interview with school districts and organizations that are looking for teacher candidates, education students, and school personnel positions. Learn more...

Volunteers Needed for Educators' Job Fair
March 5
Activities and Recreation Center

Student volunteers are needed for the upcoming Educators' Job Fair being held at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). The experience will provide a great way to see what the event is like, and it could possibly lead to connecting with school-district representatives. Volunteer drivers are needed to transport attendees from parking lot E-14 to ARC. Assistance is also needed for printing name badges. Sign up or contact Tori Spring at 217-333-0820 for inquiries.

 
Study Abroad
 
 
 Study abroad in Spain this spring break
 

Spots Still Open to Study Abroad in Spain During Spring Break
The College of Education has a few available openings left for students who want to study abroad in Spain during spring break. Participants will experience working in Catalonian schools, living with host families, and participating in cultural activities, which will include a weekend trip to Barcelona. Education students are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship toward the program. Learn more and contact Allison Witt at awitt1@illinois.edu for inquiries.

 
Happenings and Deadlines
 
 

New Tool for Students Designed to Build Optimal Class Schedules
Schedule Generator is a new tool that allows students to build their optimal class schedules based on course preferences and time for breaks during the week. Students can create their ideal schedule and then send it to Plan Ahead in Enhanced Registration, where they'll be able to complete registration when their time ticket opens. Seat availability, registration restrictions, and holds will be checked when students register, not when generating a schedule. Learn more...

Deadline Extended for Campus Symposium Research Projects
Application Deadline Extension: Feb. 16
The Office of Undergraduate Research is still accepting submissions for this year's Undergraduate Research Symposium, which will take place April 19. This is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week on campus, which will take place April 15 through 21 and bring together students, faculty members, and staff from all disciplines. Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Symposium and submit an application to participate.     

Enter TechSAge Design Competition to Help Improve Lives
The TechSAge Design Competition is designed to inspire college students worldwide to develop innovative, technology-enabled design solutions for aging populations. This encompasses supporting people with chronic conditions and long-term impairments, as well as empowering them to have independence, maintain their health, and engage safely in activities. Learn more and enter the contest by March 25.   

 
 
 

The Student Academic Affairs Office welcomes student input for issues of The Update.
Please submit your events, announcements, and comments via the links below.

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