Leadership Speaker Series: Robert F Kennedy Jr

A flyer is available here.

The Illinois Leadership® Center and Illini Union Board presents…
A Leadership Speakers Series Featuring ROBERT F KENNEDY JR.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr - Passionate leader, visionary, businessman and author. 
Robert Kennedy Jr. will speak about how he has led change and inspired a shared vision in his role as an environmental advocate.
Weds, November 2nd at 7pm
Foellinger Auditorium
Admission: Free

Registering for 200-Level Spanish Courses

I received news about registering for Spanish courses above the basic language-level (so, any Spanish course numbered 200 or higher):

All seats restricted during the early registration period. This restriction will be lifted on November 30, 2011 by 9:00 a.m. Students must meet the prerequisite requirements for this course (found in the Catalog Entry) or will be told to drop on the first day of classes. Non-registered students are not allowed to sit in or audit.

If you've been thinking of declaring a Spanish minor but just haven't done it yet, this might be your incentive to do so. Start the minor declaration process by attending the next (and this semester's last) minor info session on Nov 7 - details can be found here. The Spanish advisor will want you to bring a copy of the minor declaration form to this meeting - you can get that here.

Mock Interviews

The Career Center wants to invite all students to participate in this opportunity and spread the news. This is a great service for students to practice their interviewing skills before doing the real thing! The sessions include:
• 30 minute ‘practice’ interview with 30 minutes of feedback
• Webcam video available for feedback and review
• Interview slots available Monday through Friday 9am-4pm 
Interview Types 
• Job interviews 
• Health interviews
• Graduate/Professional interviews
• Phone interviews
Sign up on the website http://careercenter.illinois.edu/interview/mockinterview 
or call (217) 333-0395 to ask about making an appointment!

International Students: Learn How to Get a Job in the US

A flyer is available here.
Interested in getting a job in the US?  Then attend the special international student presentation "What Every International Student Needs to Know to Find U.S Employment".


Join Dan Beaudry, expert author of "Power Ties: The International Student's Guide to Finding a Job in the United States" and former campus recruiter for Monster.com, as he shares the most effective ways international students can find U.S. opportunities. Learn how to best invest your time in the job search, the surprising ways to obtain H1-B sponsorship and how to find positions before anyone else!   


When: Tuesday, November 1st - 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Mumford Hall, Room 103 


This event is sponsored by The Career Center, Engineering Career Services, Business Career Services, and International Students and Scholars Services. 


Learn about Dan Beaudry's experience and book at http://www.powerties.net/index.php/about/


If you have any questions, please contact Un-Yeong Park at park351 -at- illinois.edu or Tori Spring at vspring -at- illinois.edu

Spring Gen Ed Course Options: Media & Cinema Studies

Here are some courses in Media & Cinema Studies being offered in the spring, along with the general education categories each fulfills, if any:

• Survey of World Cinema II (MACS 262): Literature & the Arts (LA)
• Introduction to Popular TV & Movies (MACS 100): Literature & the Arts (LA), & Western Cultures (W)
• Introduction to Digital Media or Watching the Environment (MACS 199): Discovery Courses
• Media Literacy (MACS 166): Social Sciences (SS)
• Introduction to African American Film (MACS 211): US Minorities Cultures (US)
• Introduction to Media (MACS 101): Advanced Composition

Note that Discovery Courses do NOT fulfill any gen eds, however they are often great ways to explore topics, learn in a small class setting, and be taught by a professor in his/her area of expertise.

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Competition Needs Readers

Want to give back to the community from the comfort of your home and earn community service hours? Then sign up to be a reader for the 2012 MLK Jr. Essay Contest. The writing contest is an annual celebration of the life and legacy of one of America's greatest equality activists. Email ash2 -at- illinois.edu to sign up.

Leadership Studies Minor Informational Session for DGS students

The Leadership Studies Minor advisor, Lisa Burgoon will be at DGS on Monday, November 7^th, 2011 from 4-5pm in room 514 Illini Union Bookstore discussing the new minor. Comes hear all about the requirements for the Leadership Studies minor, how to declare, and the benefits of the minor. This session is open to all DGS students.

Information Session for Boren Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship

Thursday, November 3, 3-3:45pm & Friday, December 2, 3-3:45pm, 807 S. Wright Street, Room 514
The National and International Scholarships Program will provide information about the National Security Education Program (NSEP) Boren undergraduate study abroad scholarships and tips on filling out competitive applications. The Boren provides $6,000-$20,000 for a full academic year or $4,000-$10,000 for a semester. Scholarships may be used for U.S. citizens to study abroad outside Western Europe. Award winners must work for one year with the federal government in an area related to national security.

Study Abroad in Greece this Summer

This is a study abroad opportunity focusing on renewable energy - the info session is TOMORROW (details below). A brochure is available here. 


Amp up your Summer 2012 plans by applying for the 4 week "Renewable Energy Concepts" Study and Cultural Tour in the "Cradle of Democracy" – Athens, Greece! Embark on the international experience of a lifetime that will not only give you practical and hands on experience in agricultural and biological engineering, but will also give you a lens into the culture of Greece. You will be exposed to the process of identifying and solving a real world engineering problem while working in collaboration with Greek university students and faculty, all while earning Illinois credit hours.
Be sure to attend the information session on Tuesday, November 1, 5:00-7:00 pm in Lucy Ellis Lounge (1080 Foreign Languages Building) to learn more and have your questions answered. The application deadline is February 1, 2012 – space is limited!
See the attached brochure for more information. Also, be sure to check out the EUC blog where you can read about the experience of the Summer 2011 group.  
If you have any questions the contacts for this program are Stephen Zahos, zahos -at- illinois.edu, and Meredith Blumthal, mblumtha -at- illinois.edu

Spring Discovery Course: Wild Animal Planet

NRES199, check out the poster here. Learn about wild animals, and explore the NRES (Natural Resources and Environmental Studies) major.

ACE 199SC, Agribusiness Leadership & Policy, Spring 2012
CRN 44953
2 hrs
MW 3:00-4:20pm


A unique experience for undergraduate students to learn firsthand about the
issues facing the agriculture sector.
ACE 199SC, Agribusiness Policy & Leadership is designed to provide students with a well-rounded immersion
in the complex issues and constraints involved in policy making and implementation. The course analyzes the entire policy making process; exploring the complex linkages and relationships between Who is involved in policy making; What are the current topics; Where does it occur, Why policy is important & How is it implemented. The policy issues presented in this course are those that are currently impacting the Agriculture Industry and complimented by a field trip to Washington D.C.


DC Trip: Spring Break March 2012
Students will head to Washington DC over spring break and will be provided with an opportunity to see where and how policy happens, while at the same time providing the rare opportunity to interact with those engaged in Food & Agriculture Policy-Legislators, Federal Agencies, and Representatives of the International Community. Other visits typically include American Farmland Trust, American Farm Bureau, Crop Life America, EPA, USDA.


Course Format: Meets January to Early April with Trip to Washington DC over Spring Break.
Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays 3:00 p.m.-4:20 p.m.


Course Fee: Please note there is a course fee estimated at $950 for the Washington D.C. Field trip.
Preference will be given to junior and seniors


For More Information Contact:
Ron Warfield, Instructor,  rwarfiel -at -illinois.edu

Test Anxiety? Workshops Are Available to Help

Wednesday @ Noon Drop-In Workshops*
Test Anxiety: 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12-1 pm, 212 Counseling Center
Managing Moods: 12/14, 12-1pm, 212 Counseling Center
*Workshops are free, but please call the Counseling Center (217-333-3704) to sign up

Spring Course Option: Intro to Digital Media ADV/JOUR/MACS199

Exciting new class "Intro to Digital Media"


YOU SAY: "I know all about the Internet."


The O RLY owl says: "O RLY?"


Take this quiz, then...


1. How do I make my own Web site ?
2. What news source produced the most retweeted tweet in 2010?
3. How much money did YouTube user David Devore Sr. make from his home video upload "David After Dentist"?  (100m views)
4. What's a "PUI"?
5. What key Internet technology was invented by a UI undergrad?
6. What modern programming language was designed for 8-year-olds but is used by Computer Scientists?
7. What is the world's priciest Internet address?
8. What's the most popular Web browser in Zimbabwe?
9. The work of what singer was used to calibrate the sound of the mp3?
10. What kind of Web site is most likely to be censored?
11. Why does that one ad keep following me around the Internet?
12. Which two words impelled 78% of people to click them (on one of the Web's first banner ads)?


(scroll down for the answer key. no cheating.)


Missed any?  Enroll in...


INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MEDIA
ADV / JOURN / MACS 199 AL1: Lectures MW 3 p.m., Discussion Sections R
11 a.m., R 12 p.m., F 9 a.m., or F 10 a.m.


Intro to Digital Media PDF flyer: http://go.illinois.edu/digital 
The O RLY owl: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/o-rly


Answer Key:
1. Take the class. We'll show you how.
2. Stephen Colbert. We'll talk about it.
3. $100,000 (in the first two years). We'll talk about it.
4. Short for "PARC User Interface," it's a slur against the GUI (pronounced "gooey") or "Graphical User Interface," the set of user interface metaphors for almost all modern computers developed originally at Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center). PUI is pronounced "pooey" because, as computing pioneer Ted Nelson put it, the PUI is like "a poo" compared to the alternatives. We'll talk about the alternatives.
5. The first popular graphical Web browser. We'll talk about it.
6. Scratch. We'll learn it.
7. insure.com, which sold for US$16 million in 2009. We'll talk about domain names and addressing.
8. A GPRS Feature Phone. We'll talk about mobile phones.
9. Suzanne Vega. Ever heard of her? We'll talk multimedia.
10. Web sites that describe how to get around Web site censorship.
We'll explain.
11. You left your cookies lying around. We'll talk about cookies.
12. "you will" (full text: "Have you ever clicked your mouse right here? - you will").

Native Speakers of Spanish Needed for Language Study

Native speakers of Spanish who also speak English are needed for a study on word production. Participants will complete a written English proficiency test and will memorize words in Spanish and English and then produce them. Compensation is $10 for study completion (50 to 60 minutes). E-mail Rebecca Foote at rfoote -at - illinois.edu

Spring Physical Science Gen Ed Option: CHEM108 Chemistry of Everyday Phenomena

Are you still in need of a physical science general education course?


Have you…
• any interest in forensics like you see in the TV show CSI?
• ever wondered how we know the values on food labels?
• ever wanted to make soap?
• ever curious as to why disposable diapers are so effective?


Announcing for the Spring of 2012:


Chemistry 108 - The Chemistry of Everyday Phenomena

• This is a laboratory-based course in which you take part in learning about and doing chemistry.
• You need not have any chemistry background at all to take this course.
• There are NO EXAMS in this course (including no final exam), only written assignments are required.
• Lecture is only once a week and lab is only once a week.
• Chemistry 108 is designed to be fun and interesting!
• Former students gave the course a 4.9/5.0 on the ICES evaluations for the overall quality of Enrollment is limited, so register before it is too late!

What some former students said about Chemistry 108:

• “It was a great course for me; I have little to no experience in chemistry and this course was fun and a good introduction.”
• “It’s always nice to see the use of chemistry in everyday life. You learn the material but never really get to use it. It was nice to finally learn where they are used.”
• Provided a way to experience chemistry in a fun atmosphere and learn at the same time.”
• “I loved this class. I’m recommending it to everyone!”
• “Very enjoyable course, well taught and organized.”

Contact Gretchen Adams at gadams4 -at- illinois.edu if you have any questions.

Positions Available: Undergraduate Admissions Illinois Student Admissions Representative (I-STAR)

Deadline: Thursday. November 3, 2011. 5 pm
All I-STAR positions will involve giving tours of campus to prospective students and families.  Summer I-STAR positions will also include assisting with Summer Registration for new students.  This includes assisting with check-in, course registration, speaking with new students and parents/guest, and other tasks associated with the registration program. General office duties will also be assigned as needed, these duties will include preparations for new students/guests and clerical duties.  Students will have the option to apply for I-STAR positions for the (a) academic school year or (b) academic school year and summer months.  
Pick up an application at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 901 West Illinois Street.
Questions? Contact Amber Kramme 217.333.7779 or kramme@illinois.edu 

Leadership Presentation

What Does Leadership Mean?
Wednesday. November 2, 2011. 6 pm
Arcade Building
Presented by: New Student Programs

Psychology Course Restrictions

Many/most/all Psychology courses are currently restricted to psychology majors, but these restrictions will be lifted on November 18, and remaining seats will become available to the general public. Mark your calendar & plan to try again on that date if you were initially unable to get into the psych course(s) you wanted.

Actuarial Science Students - MATH210 Update

If you're a student pursuing the Actuarial Science major and are on track to take MATH210 Theory of Interest in the Spring (contact me if you're not sure whether this applies to you or not) then take note of this update I just received from the Math Dept: This course will become available for you to register on Nov 28 - plan on registering for it THAT DAY to be confident of getting a seat. A grade of B- or better will be required for you to get into the major.

Today's Secondary Ed Meeting has been Cancelled

We just received word that the secondary education advisor is ill and so cannot present at the meeting which was scheduled for later today. Once I hear about a possible rescheduling, I will post that information in this blog and on my calendar.

DGSociety: A Student Group for DGS Students

The purpose of this student group is, to paraphrase its mission statement, to provide DGS students with an opportunity to interact with other DGS students while providing with one another assistance in this process. In the past we've put on events that allow students to hear about others' experiences in getting to their majors. Former DGS students work with current ones, so freshmen & sophomores have the opportunity to gain from membership now, then give back later. DGSociety is also a great way to be in on the formation of a group, and influence its direction, create new traditions, and engage in some real teamwork and LEADERSHIP. The next meeting - intended to explain the goals of the group and solicit ideas - is scheduled for Nov 15 at 3PM in Gregory Hall room 311. We have a flyer. You are very welcome to attend, to listen, to speak up, and to lead.

Tutoring Option: Many Courses Supported

I received word about this tutoring option:



To Whom it May Concern,
My name is Matthew Graziano.  I am the tutoring coordinator for Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.  I wanted to make you aware of a free tutoring program I run on campus that many members of your organization will be able to utilize.  Tutoring is a great way to increase academic success, as well as meet new people.  
Below, I have more information about my tutoring program available, and I ask that you please pass this information onto your members
Where: 215 and 217 Gregory Hall
When: Every Tuesday and Wednesday
What Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Courses Offered:  
Math: 221. 231, 241, 285
Physics: 101, 102, 211, 212
Chemistry: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105
Political Science: 100, 101, 240, 280
History: 100, 141, 142
Econ: 102, 103
Psychology: 100
Sociology: 100
IB: 104, 150
MCB: 150, 250, 251, 252 
Spanish, French, and Chinese
Paper Editing for any subject
I hope that many of your members take advantage of this great opportunity.

Study Abroad Info Session for DGS Students

Good news! The Study Abroad Office is hosting an informational meeting for DGS students only.
When? Thursday, October 20th from 4 to 5 p.m. 
Where? The Division of General Studies, Room 514, Illini Union Bookstore Building
Information will be presented by Bridget Doyle, Outreach Coordinator for Study Abroad.  Hope to see you there!

Free Lunch & Talk w Someone in Your Career

This new series provides students with a free pizza lunch while giving them an opportunity to talk with professionals in their intended fields. Two dates are upcoming: On Wednesday Oct 26 talk with professionals in education and social services. On Wednesday Nov 30, talk with professionals in science & technology. Both dates are noon to 1PM in room 143 of the Career Center. A joint effort by The Career Center, Weston Exploration, and The Division of General Studies. A flyer can be found here.

New Western & Social Science Option: MUSE250 The World Through Museums

Here's a new gen ed option for the spring that fulfills a Western culture (W) and a Social Science (SS) gen ed. Added bonus: No textbook required.

MUSE 250: The World through Museums Course Description
Although many scholars trace their origin to the European Renaissance, public museums are now a worldwide phenomenon.  And while most of us conjure up specific images (that we assume are shared) when we hear the term museum, museums across the globe are incredibly diverse in what they present and how they operate.  This course examines contemporary museums around the world, evaluating their roles as social institutions and communicators of heritage in global contexts.  In the first half of the course we develop a framework for museum literacy (how to read museums) based on anthropological, globalization, media and critical theories.  Museums are seen not just as representations of the world but as evolving mediators in social, political and economic contexts.  During the second half of the course we will virtually tour and evaluate museums using this analytical skill set.  The class is taught as combined lecture-discussions, with online collaborative work during the second half of the semester.  Students virtually visit six museums outside class time, and contribute their results and analysis to class-wide projects using Moodle.  There will be no Friday classroom meetings during the eighth to thirteenth weeks in order to provide students with a scheduled time for online and collaborative work.   Readings for the course are posted on E-Reserve (no required textbook).

Physical Science (PS) Gen Ed Option: PHYS150

A physical science gen ed option for students who are nervous about science, or just don't need alot of science for their majors, is PHYS150 Physics of Societal Issues. Here's a flyer I received: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/Spring%20Courses/Phys_150_flyer_S12.pdf and here's a blurb: 

Physics of Societal Issues (PHYS 150). A background in science and math is not needed for this course. It satisfies the Physical Science requirement for the Natural Science and Technology general education requirement. It also satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning II requirement.
PHYS 150 (3 credit hours) Meets Tu/Th form 2:00-3:20. 

New Zealand Study Abroad Opportunity

Have you ever thought about studying abroad?  Concerned about cost, credits, etc?  Well this is the perfect opportunity for you!  This class is a short term experiential recreation/tourism course.  This course is taught and led by University of Illinois RST faculty. You would register this spring and travel May 14-June 8th – 6 Credit Hours.  
For more information on this exciting opportunity: Visit www.illinoisabroad.org or contact Dr. Bill Stewart at wstewart -at - @illinois.edu.  
To apply:  http://www.auip.com/illinois/programs/apply.php
Financial Aid and Scholarships available for this program:  http://www.auip.com/illinois/students/faqs.php#aid

Study Abroad: Summer 2012 in Sweden

Friday, October 21 – Interest Meeting for Summer 2012 Course in Sweden
“Environment and Society in a Changing Arctic”
12:00-1:00 PM  (Brown bag lunch)
International Studies Building room 200
“Environment and Society in a Changing Arctic” is a 6 credit course that will be offered between June 11-July 25, 2012.  Students from the University of Illinois and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm) will spend 5 weeks together in Stockholm taking an interdisciplinary course on issues related to climate change and the Arctic, as well as a 10 day excursion to conduct field research on location north of the Arctic Circle.  Open to students of all majors and fields.  For an informational flier, contact Mark Safstrom in the Scandinavian Studies Program safstrom -at- illinois.edu
http://www.las.illinois.edu/students/international/coursesabroad/summer/sweden/index.html

Leadership Minor

A new leadership minor has just been approved - you can check out the details here: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/Leadership%20Minor/LeadershipStudiesMinorHandout.pdf
Also, a couple of events related to the minor have been scheduled:
Leadership Studies Minor Information Session

Wednesday, October 26th 4:00-5:00pm
290 Illini Union-Illinois Leadership® Center
Geared toward students-will discuss curriculum, pre-requisites, course scheduling etc.

Leadership Studies Minor Reception
Monday, October 31st  
3:30-5:00pm
Illini Union General Lounge, room 210
Join us as we celebrate and kick-off this new minor. Refreshments served.  Drop in when you can. Brief comments at 4:15pm

Spanish Study Abroad Fair

Are you thinking about a Spanish major or minor? Studying abroad is valuable way to immerse yourself in the language and the culture. Check out the (Spanish) Study Abroad Fair, October 12, 11-4 in the Illini Union. You can also read up on some travel options and other details here: http://www.sip.illinois.edu/spanish/advising/abroad/

For International Students Needing Writing Help

The Writers Workshop is planning four-week writing group sessions for ESL undergraduate students starting Oct.19, 2011. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays in the Writers Workshop, 251 Undergraduate Library from 10:30 to 11:50am. The groups will discuss challenges of American academic writing for English as a Second Language students and review their writing projects. For more information, see www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop

Secondary Education Informational Meetings

Are you a sophomore or junior who has ever considered teaching high school or middle school?  If you are interested in teaching Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Social Sciences, Physics, Math, English or foreign languages, then you should definitely come to an informational meeting to learn more about these programs!  The earlier you learn about the programs in secondary education, the better off you will be!  These meetings are informational and you are not committing to teaching if you show up, you are only learning about the possibilities! Please see below for the details:


Introduction to Secondary Education Meeting – intended for Sophomores and Juniors
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
Davenport Hall Room 329
4-5pm
or
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
Education Building, Room 2
4-5pm

TEC Charm School: Interview & Network Better

Saturday, October 29, 8:15am-4:30pm, Activities and Recreation Center
Want to learn how to get a job? Impress an employer? Become a great networker? TEC's Charm School can teach you everything you need to know to make it in the business world. You will learn the finer points of: networking, business communication, searching for and landing a job, business etiquette, and more. Cost is $25 per student and a business lunch and networking reception is included. Space is limited so register today.

2011 Illinois Medical School Admissions Seminar

Saturday, October 29th, 2011 8:00am-3:30pm, Illini Union
The Illinois Medical Schools Association is hosting their 2011 Illinois Medical School Admissions Seminar. The seminar will feature breakout sessions on various aspects of applying to medical school, the interview process, financing a medical education, and more. The day will also include a student panel featuring medical students from various Illinois medical schools and an Illinois medical school fair. Registration is free for both students and advisors but may be limited due to space so register fast! Visit their website, to register, and to get directions.

Multi-Cultural Career Fair

Monday, October 17, 11am-4pm, Illini Union Rooms A, B, C
There is something for everyone at the annual Multicultural Career Fair, and all students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Even students who are not yet thinking about a job should take this opportunity to meet with recruiters. The event offers fulltime jobs, internships, and the chance to gain experience speaking with professional recruiters and/or exploring a diverse group of companies, universities and organizations that are all committed to diversifying their workforces.

Pre-Health Wednesdays: Women in Health

Wednesday, October 12, 6pm, Career Center Conference Room 143
Once a month join us for Pre-Health Wednesdays as we discuss opportunities to gain experience in health care and network with current health professionals in the Urbana Champaign community. This month practice informational interviews by meeting with women in a variety of health professions. Hear their stories and learn from their experiences.

Mindfulness Meditation Training

Stressed? Overwhelmed? If so, you may be eligible to join a mindfulness meditation group that can help you become more aware and accepting of your experiences. The group will be offered free of charge, in exchange for taking part in research examining its effects. For more info, email kbstudy054 - at - yahoo.com

Upcoming English Department Events

Please join us every Thursday in October to discuss how to become (and remain) a successful English/Rhetoric/Teaching of English major and begin making your career path:

October 13: English Department Career Event: "What can I do with my English/Rhetoric degree?" with guest speakers Rm. 104 English Bldg., 4:00-5:30 p.m. Panel Featuring Alums and Other Guest Speakers: Lynn Davenport (English/Philosophy), editor & director of product development Julie Glassman (English/Rhetoric), copywriter Ellen Dahlke (Teaching of English), high school teacher & Education graduate student Ryan Ross (English), archivist & librarian Jamie Thomas-Ward (English/Political Science), lawyer & director of Pre-Law Advising Seth Fein (Rhetoric), founder and publisher of an online magazine, owner of a booking agency

October 27: English and Rhetoric Alumni Mentoring Meeting with advisors Anna Ivy and Adrienne Johnson Rm. 150 English Bldg., 4:00-5:00 p.m. We have brought back the mentoring program that matches English and Rhetoric majors with alums working in their field of interest. Come join us to learn more.

For more details, please speak to an advisor in 200 English Bldg., or call the advising office at 333-4346

Upcoming Pre-Law Events

Perfecting Your Personal Statement & Resume for Law School Applications—Thurs., October 13 at 12:00 p.m. in Room 514 of the Illini Union Bookstore Building. If you are applying to law school this fall, this workshop is for you. Topics for this workshop include: What the personal statement and resume can do for you; how to begin drafting the personal statement; professional versus law school resumes; and troubleshooting the personal statement and resume for your law school applications. Please register online at http://illinois.edu/calendar/list/2508  to ensure enough seating and materials for everyone.

Inside Law School Admissions—Tues., October 25 at 6:00 p.m. in 166 Wohlers Hall. What happens after the law schools receive your application? If you've ever wondered what law school admissions deans are "really" looking for, or how they decide between candidates, now is your opportunity to find out! This event will feature two presenters: Nicole Vilches, Assistant Dean for Admissions at Chicago-Kent College of Law, and Wayne Hutchison, Director of Admissions at Michigan State University College of Law. Ms. Vilches and Mr. Hutchison will walk participants through their side of the admissions process. They will share what impresses them, what gives them second thoughts, what common errors they see, and what leads them to decide among a sea of highly qualified candidates. Please join us as we get an up-close view of law school admissions--from the inside. No registration required.

Law School Fair—Wed., October 26 from 11:00-3:00 in the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). It's the biggest pre-law event of the year! A RECORD NUMBER of law schools—111, to be exact—are visiting campus to speak to ALL pre-law students about everything you ever wanted to know about law school. Ask questions about specific schools, learn about schools that interest you, collect some fun giveaways and even get a few application fee waivers. ALL students, freshmen through seniors (and alums!), any major, are welcome! This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. This is a do-not-miss event for those considering attending law school! More information is posted on our website at http://www.prelaw.illinois.edu/prelawfair.html
And in our weekly newsletters at http://www.prelaw.illinois.edu/newsletters.html

Study Abroad in Costa Rica this Spring!

Here's a great study abroad opportunity - info below, plus the flyer here.

Be part of a community: Study in Costa Rica this spring 2012!
    -->  Apply by October 20, 2011
    -->  Study abroad for less than the cost of studying at Illinois for a semester
Instituto San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica
* Boost your Spanish and learn about Latin America in a calm and friendly community, minutes away from San José
* Study abroad with other UIUC students on your program and in your classes
* Attend a school with small class sizes, engaged instructors, and a strong support network
* Connect with the San Joaquin community by living with a host family and volunteering
* Estimated total cost of program attendance = $12,700; Illinois in-state cost of attendance = $14,372
* 14 language and culture courses -- All pre-approved for Illinois Spanish credit and easily transfer back to Illinois:
          - Latin American Music and Film, History of Central America, Conservation and Ecotourism
          - Advanced Spanish Grammar, Composition, Cultural Analysis, Linguistics, Business Spanish
          - Conversation: Community-based Learning
                  > Optional course that blends time in class with volunteering in a community organization
Learn more:
* Read about the program online: Instituto San Joaquin de Flores
* View the attached brochure
* Email Brandon, the program coordinator, at lanners - at - illinois.edu
Application requirements for the program:
* Spanish language: completed Illinois SPAN 141 (or equivalent) or 4 high school years prior to start of the program
* One recommendation from a TA, professor, or academic advisor (does not need to be Spanish language)
* Personal essays in English and Spanish
* Official transcript and copy of passport (or passport application)
* Minimum GPA is 2.5

Power Reading Course

The Power Reading Course is designed to help students improve their reading speed, concentration, comprehension and productivity. This is a non-graded, non-credit, twelve session course that meets for 50 minutes on a M-W or T-TH sequence. Books and materials will be provided. A materials fee of $15.00 will be assessed each student.
Second Session:
M&W Sections: October 24 – December 7  at 12 , 1 and 2 pm in 303 English Building
T&TH Sections: October 25 - December 6 at 10 and 11 am and 12 pm in 307 English Building. 
 More information is available online at   http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/powerreading  
To register online www.illinois.edu/goto/powerreadingregistration  Applications are available now.