Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Out of Office through Monday, January 9

As the post title says, I'll be out of the office for a while, and no, I won't be checking my email (I caught up with those sent to me as of now). If you require assistance before the 9th, starting on Tuesday the 2nd you can call the office (217-333-4710) and ask to make an appointment with another DGS advisor. Enjoy your holiday break!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

New Business Major & Minor Webpages

The College of Business has updated their webpages regarding both the Business Minor, as well as the page for students wanting to transfer into a Business major. Here are the new links:




Monday, December 19, 2011

Anthropology Gen Eds for Spring 2012

For freshmen, keep in mind that 200-level courses might have higher expectations (writing, discussion, participation) than you experienced in the fall. That being said, if you're ready for the challenge and are interested in the subject matter, one of these courses could be a great addition to your spring schedule. Be sure to observe all pre-requisite instructions - just because the system will let you register for a course doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea for you, at least not right now. Feel free to consult with me if you're unsure whether a course is a good idea for you or not - dmurph -at - illinois.edu. For more information including times, locations, and section availability, go to the new & improved campus course schedule at http://go.illinois.edu/CourseExplorer 


There are still some seats available in Anthropology Classes that fulfill GenEd Requirements:


ANTH 270 and 271: Linguistic Anthropology   Taught by Prof Adrienne Lo


**Why can't my TA speak English right?
**Is it okay to fire someone for speaking with the right accent?
**Is it better to call people "undocumented" rather than "illegal"?


Come to Anthropology 270/271, Linguistic Anthropology, to find out!  MW 2:00-2:50 Room 213 Gregory Hall.
NO PREREQUISITES. Register for 271 for Advanced Composition GenEd


                                                                    ***


ANTH 286: Southeast Asian Civilizations  Taught by Prof Helaine Silverman


Beginning with  prehistory, to the great precolonial kingdoms and empires, to the era of European colonialism and ultimately independence and contemporary times, this class will provide an anthropological, archaeological, art historical and historical overview of mainland Southeast Asia (Myanmar/Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam). The course ends with consideration of tourism and its relation to economic development. NO PREREQUISITES.


The course fulfills Humanities & Arts (HP Historical & Philosophical Perspectives), Non-Western Cultures.
                                                                      ***
ANTH 249:   Evolution and Human Disease  Taught by Prof Kate Clancy


This course examines health issues such as how reduction of infectious diseases has increased autoimmune disease, what constitutes a "normal" menstrual cycle, and how how obesity may impact reproductive maturation and childhood socialization.  PREREQUISITES ANTH 143 or ANTH 240 or Instructor permission.


This course fulfills Life Sciences GenEd

Bridges

Bridges is a low-cost, process-oriented psychotherapy group for transgender adults across the spectrum of gender expression and identity, from those who are only just beginning to question their gender to those who have been living as their true self for quite some time.
The primary goal of the group is to offer a safe space for reflection, exploration, growth, and support. Though the group often focuses on issues especially relevant to the trans community-- such as “coming out,” transitioning and other forms of gender expression, coping with oppression, and forming satisfying relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners-- the focus of the group is determined by the members and is thus open to other topics (e.g. depression, anxiety, shyness, etc.) that are not necessarily related to gender.
The group meets weekly in the Champaign-Urbana area at a private location with access to dressing rooms. For more information, please contact Chris Murdock-Jordan, M.A. or Dr. Lori Davis at 217-398-8888.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Discovery Course: HRE100 Leadership in Global Engagement

Ever heard of Macau?  Want to learn more about China?
Interested in learning more about the world and the way people communicate and interact?

New Course Offered in Spring 2012

HRE 199: Leadership in Global Engagement

HRE 199: Leadership in Global Engagement is a 3-credit hour course that focuses on interactive exchange experiences between eleven University of Illinois students and eleven students from the University of Macau Honours College.  The purpose of the course is to provide students with a platform to engage in discussions and projects that explore aspects of leadership, communication, and intercultural encounters.  Topics explored in this course include individualist and collectivist cultures; public and private behaviors; projections of cultural similarities; cultural conformity; stress in intercultural encounters; communication styles; generalizations and stereotypes; rank and power, ethnocentrism; family relationships; dealing with conflict; and being an effective intercultural communicator.  The course will be taught by Lucinda Morgan.
Additional information and Application are available at:https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/119345


Application Deadline: Friday, December 23 at 5:00pm

Spanish Major & Minor Info Sessions for Spring 2012

Dates for the info meetings for those interested in declaring a Spanish major or minor have been set for the spring; the flyer is here.

New Discovery Course: ACES199 Sustainable Food Systems

Ever wondered where your food came from? 
Does the US food system make us fat?  
Can we create food systems that limit environmental damage? 
  
Sustainable Food Systems
ACES 199—CRN  57624 
TR, 1:00 – 2:20 pm

This course is designed to foster critical systems thinking and collaborative analysis across multiple disciplines for the development, production, preparation, and consumption of food within complex social and ecological systems.  The course includes the consideration of challenge of producing enough food to feed the world population, and the environmental (e.g., climate change, sustainability, environmental footprint), economic (e.g., food insecurity) and health (e. g., obesity, diabetes) issues that are related to food.  A central idea is to start with “the food we eat” and connect it to health (e.g., obesity, nutrition, disease), the environment (e.g., environmental implications), the global economy (e.g., population growth, community economic development), and technology (e.g., genomics, engineering, information processing).  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Social Work: Some Notes

Here are a few notes I took at a meeting about the Social Work Major. You can learn more about this major by going to the program website, by checking out the curriculum, or by looking over the documents I have.

  • Completion of the introductory course, SOCW200, is preferred before applying to the major, but is not mandatory.
  • There is a senior year internship required, and it's extremely difficult to do another course at the same time, but they do offer online courses for students who will need to be at 15 hours during the internship semester.
  • The senior internship can only be done during the spring semester. There are no exceptions to this.
  • After SOCW200, expect that nothing will transfer into the program from another university.
  • The application deadline may be flexible in some cases - ask!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

SPAN204: More Seats Added

If you need a seat in SPAN204 but haven't been able to get one, try again now - they just added more.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Applying to the Elementary, Early Childhood, or Special Education Major?

A message from Joe Cross, Education Advisor about a special event for interested majors taking place TOMORROW, Dec 8: 


Hello Students,


As you may have already recognized, applications are now being accepted online through February 1st for Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education majors.  I have received an overwhelming amount of emails concerning the application process.  I also know that some of you will be working on your application during the upcoming winter break.


To that end, I am offering an impromptu Application Workshop this Thursday (tomorrow), December 8th  12 noon – 1:30pm in room 176 of the Education Building.  


Take a study break from your group study sessions and individual reading, and lets talk about the application that is due by February 1st.  I am certainly planning several more workshops when you return from winter break.  However, Thursday, December 8th from 12 noon – 1:30pm is an opportunity for you to ask me questions about the application.  The goal is for you to leave with a thorough understanding of how to prepare and what the committee is looking for in your application.  


Please put this on your Thursday study agenda, and I’ll see you soon.  --Joe Cross

Monday, December 5, 2011

Spring Course Option: RST100 Now Has Open Seats!

If you're interested in checking out the RST (Recreation, Sport, & Tourism) major, or are just looking for a fun & different way to fulfill a social science (SS) gen ed, check out this option:


Recreation Sport and Tourism – Society and Leisure (3 Credit Hours)
Satisfies the General Education Criteria for a UIUC Social Sciences course.


Brief Description
Central issues in defining leisure; historical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, and economic approaches to understanding leisure behavior, its meanings, social contexts, and personal and social resources.

Tuesday/Thursday 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM - Gower, R 

Spring W & HP Gen Ed: HIST264 Technology in Western Society

Still has open seats...


HIST 264:  Technology in Western Society
Gen Ed Credit:  Historical & Philosophical Perspective; Western Comparative Culture
Instructor:  Professor Rayvon Fouche


This course will examine the ways technology has developed over time, and how those changes have affected societies in different parts of the world.  The primary emphasis will be places on understanding the evolving cultural contexts of technological change. Topics covered include the power, manufacturing, railroads, emergence of engineering professions, corporate R&D, household technology, technology of modern warfare, consumer electronics, and gaming.  Some of the questions examined by this course include: What is technology? How do technologies develop? To what degree are technologies a product of the culture in which they develop? How are technologies propagated? How have people thought about technology in different places and periods?

Spring SS Gen Ed: GEOG 105: The Digital Earth

Here's an interesting way to fulfill your social science (SS) gen ed:


GEOG105: Geospatial technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) are becoming increasingly important tools in research and policy arenas and in everyday life. This course will provide an introduction to these emerging technologies and to the principles of mapping science that underpin them. At the same time, the course will explore how these innovative technologies are changing the spaces and places around us, including how we interact with the environment and each other. Lab exercises provide hands-on experience in collecting and mapping geospatial information, interpreting digital imagery and the Earth's environments, and critically thinking about the social implications of the digital Earth.

White House Internship Opportunities

Applications are being accepted now for Summer 2012. The White House Internship Program is a reflection of President Obama's commitment to provide young leaders an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, develop their leadership skills and actively engage in public service. Visit their website to apply. Questions? Contact intern_application -at- whitehouse.gov

Help the Homeless - Sleep Outside in February!

A message about a volunteer/service opportunity from Melany Jackson, M.Div.Chairperson, Council of Service Providers to the Homeless:
Things are falling into place for our C-U at Home One Winter Night fundraiser. We have a date. It will be on Friday, February 3. The idea is to get a few public figures to spend the night in a tent or cardboard box outside to experience just a small taste of what it's like for the street homeless in the winter. We would raise funds, for ex. $200 (depending upon the number of participants) to keep them outside another hour. Champaign Mayor Don Gerard, former Habitat Director Laura Huth, and Savoy United Methodist Church Pastor Jim McClarey have all confirmed their participation.

We would like to involve other elected officials, business owners, pastors, youth pastors, media personalities, U of I RSO's, sororities, fraternities, student athletes, coaches, principals, teachers, professors, and deans, etc. to spend the night outside to raise awareness of homelessness and raise funds to help us house some of the most vulnerable homeless. If you have any ideas for OWN personalities who might participate or a location or any other details, please let us know. We also encourage student groups to get involved and help us come up with some creative ways to pass the time as we shiver together outside all night. 

Please contact Melany Jackson at melany -at- cuathome.us or 217-819-4569 for more information on how your student group can join us for One Winter Night.

Winter Break Leadership Opportunity

Here's a message I received about a leadership opportunity over winter break:



Attached is a PDF of the Illinois Leadership Center’s Winter Break programs. We will be having 2  Insight workshop on January 6 and 7  in Chicago. We will offer transportation from Champaign to Chicago for those who need it.

If you have any questions about these programs please send me an e-mail at lcobb -at illinois.edu or telephone me at 217-333-9113.

Thank you for your assistance with promoting our programs!
La Tanya Cobb
Program Director

Update to Open Art and Design Courses for the Spring

OPEN Art+Design Courses!


ARTS 251 -- Painting 1 (crn: 30716) -- TR 5:00-7:40 -- interested students with a painting background should contact Professor Tim Van Laar (tvanlaar -at- illinois.edu) for permission to add the course
ARTS 260 -- Basic Photography (crn: 30738) -- MW 1:00-3:40 -- new section
ARTF 199 -- Open Seminar -- Topic: Contemporary Issues in Visual Communications (crn: 30583), MW 2:00-3:20 -- first time offering with Professor Joel Ross


Online courses
ART 299 -- Visual Culture in Global Context -- online (crn: 57350)
ARTD 499 (8-week online: Sustainable Life Cycle Design and Research) -- online (crn: 57360)

Holiday Magic: Chemistry Demonstration Shows

Ever thought of celebrating the holidays with chemistry? Check this out:
Two shows will be offered: 7 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 7) and 2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 10) in 100 Noyes Lab. Both are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Sponsors: School of Chemical Sciences, department of chemistry, American Chemical Society Student Affiliates and REACT Outreach Program.


I won't be able to attend, but if you go, email me and let me know what it was about!

NEWLeadership Illinois

Early applications open for NEWLeadership Illinois 2012 
The application process is open for women who wish to participate in NEW Leadership Illinois for 2012. The weeklong residential program for women interested in public service will be held June 3-8 at the UIC campus. NEWLeadership Illinois is hosted by IGPA in partnership with the Conference of Women Legislators in the Illinois General Assembly. Apply here.  

Victory Congressional Internship

The Victory Congressional Internship is now accepting applications for Summer 2012.
Applications for Summer 2012 are due Monday, February 6 – find out more and apply now at www.glli.org/vci
The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute will bring 10-12 outstanding LGBTQ college students to Washington, D.C., for an intensive leadership program, including a Congressional internship with an LGBT-friendly member of Congress. 
The program includes a generous stipend, placement in a congressional internship and travel to/from Washington, D.C., as well as travel and registration to the International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference in Long Beach, California, in December 2012.

Apply to be a Graf Intern for 2012 – 2013

Get paid to develop essential project management, communication, and organizational skills. Coordinate major projects within the office such as i-programs, marketing, outreach, and more!
Work in a dynamic, professional, and challenging environment. Represent the Illinois Leadership Center at important events and interact with volunteers, donors, and campus administrators. Learn how to empower others.
Apply online at www.illinoisleadership.illinois.edu 

Asian American LGB Research Study Opportunity

Research Opportunity:
We are seeking individuals who (1) identify as Asian American, (2) identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, and (3) are at least 18 years of age to complete a confidential web-based survey that will ask you about the impact of discrimination on Asian American LGB persons.
For more information about the study, and to participate, please go to   https://illinois.edu/sb/sec/4852751
Any questions can be addressed to Dr. Frances Shen (email: fshen3 -at - uis.edu), Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Springfield.
This research has been reviewed and approved by the UIS Human Subjects Review Officer, Dr. Lynn Pardie. Dr. Pardie can be reached at 217-206-6614 to answer any questions about your rights as a volunteer participant in this study.

Volunteers Needed: 3rd Annual Urbana Drag Show

3rd Annual Urbana South Drag Show
Friday. February 10, 2012. 8 pm
Volunteers needed to help with setup, breakdown, inviting residents, hanging up flyers, making signs, helping with the talent, working behind the scenes stuff and recruiting students to perform in the show as armatures! 
Contact: Liz Elsen lizelsen -at -illinois.edu for more information.

Study Spanish In Barcelona Next Summer!

The following courses are being offered  in Barcelona next summer through SIP. (Summer Session I, May 14 - June7): SPAN 141, SPAN 200, SPAN 204, SPAN 228, SPAN 318

An information meeting will be held next

Friday, December 9, 4:00pm - 5:00pm in Lucy Ellis Lounge (FLB 1080).

Classes meet in the mornings, Monday through Thursday. Visits and excursions are held on many afternoons and Fridays. Approximate cost is $3,900, including flight, housing, food, and excursions.

A further info meeting will be held early next semester.

For more information contact
Prof. Javier Irigoyen-GarcĂ­a: irigoyen@illinois.edu

Study Abroad This Summer! Priority Deadline Dec 20

Summer 2012 Courses Abroad
Spend part of your summer in another country.  Check out LAS Courses Abroad:  short, intensive classes that just may change your life. Choose from 9 countries. Each earns 3-6 credit hours at U of I. Open to all majors.  Priority deadlines are December 20. Final application deadlines range from January 6 to mid-February. 

Friday, December 2, 2011

Still Need RHET105?

2 new sections were just added:

RHET 105, section E7 - 33425 - 1 MWF in 142 HAB

RHET 105, section P8 - 32916 - 11-1215 TUTH in 115 EB

If neither of these works out for you, here are a few other options:
Global Crossroads will release seats to all students on December 5. Allen Hall will release seats to other LLC students on December 10, and to the rest of the university on January 15. If students still cannot get into RHET 105 for the spring semester, they are welcome to attend a section on the first day it meets and ask the instructor for permission to add.