IlliniFamily A publication of the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office • union.illinois.edu/pfpo
SUMMER 2018
Get Connected The Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office works with the Moms and Dads Associations to keep you informed. Check out our website to sign up for newsletters, e-updates, and crime alerts. You can also learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. After the fall issue, you will not receive any mailed issues, so sign up today! Get online today: union.illinois.edu/PFPO
Inside This Issue
Public Safety Appointment........................ 3 Illinois Online........................ 4 UIPD Police Beat.................. 5 Scholarships.......................... 6 Moving Off Campus............. 7 Dads Weekend 2018............ 8 Bracing for Reentry.............. 9
The Summer Sponge Experience Zuri White – Parent & Family Programs Manager Happy summer! Many students at the University of Illinois take advantage of summer internship opportunities. If your student is working, interning, or volunteering this summer; he or she has the opportunity to benefit from these months of “out of classroom” experience. Here is a helpful article by Russell J. Bunio to ensure your student is getting the most out of their summer experience by encouraging your student to be a “sponge.”
“A person having a sponge-like capacity, as for drink, knowledge, etc.” (Webster’s New World Dictionary) A summer job can be more than an entry on the resume or a boost for the bank account. It’s also a chance to connect with people across various age groups that have different skills, backgrounds, ideas, and opinions. This is also a great opportunity to practice a skill many successful people employ: look, listen, and learn from others while having fun.
union.illinois.edu/PFPO
Here are four tips to help your student get the most out of the summer sponge:
Never eat alone If your student spends her lunch break playing games on her phone, she’s missing a chance to get to know a coworker (or two or three) and to discover what’s important to someone whose background and perspective might be very different from her own, as well as find out more about the organization she is a part of for the summer. Many years ago, when I was just starting out on my first real job at General Motors, I quickly learned the value of lunch with my coworkers. We had 45 minutes to spend any way we wanted and could have peeled off in 10 different directions, but instead we met every day to eat, connect, discuss, analyze, and joke. Some of us were college educated, some not. Some of us were on salary, some paid hourly. There were part-time farmers and entrepreneurs. The point is, we valued our time together. “Never eating alone” helped us work better together, and reduced our stress levels, too. I could ask questions and never feel out of place. Continued on page 2
Web Addresses
Study the boss
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union.illinois.edu • Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office union.illinois.edu/PFPO • Illini Union Board union.illinois.edu/iub • Illini Union Office of Volunteer Programs union.illinois.edu/ovp
• Illinois Union Tech Zone union.illinois.edu/techzone • Illini Union Hotel union.illinois.edu/hotel • Illini Union Bookstore bookstore.illinois.edu
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One of the most important people for your student to practice his or her look, listen, and learn skills on is the boss. He or she must have done something right to reach that position — encourage your student to ask for tips and advice. Coworkers may talk about the boss, and there is value in listening, but it’s most important for your student to develop his own opinion. What does the boss do well? Does the boss just issue orders or provide leadership, coaching, and training? What does your student admire about the boss that might be worth emulating? Does the boss have shortcomings? If so, what are they and what seems to be the source (not enough people, insufficient training, time constraints, work environment)? What would your student do differently in a similar situation? Bosses and summer interns have something in common — they’re both people, trying to get a job done. Each boss I had was different and most were inspiring and helpful. They were worth getting to know.
Learn how things are made We all see the finished products we buy packaged and displayed to catch our attention. But how often do we know where they come from or how they were produced? When we actually see something being made, quite often we’re amazed at what goes into the creation of everyday items we take for granted. Watching raw materials come together, run through equipment, be processed, inspected, and packaged
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reveals the importance of key processes. Having this experience makes the processes come to life and mean something. Watching how things are made — whether it’s coffee or cars, books or buildings — will give your student a better understanding of what she buys, and how to buy the best. The same goes for services — legal, financial, medical, educational. Maybe your student is working for a sports or political organization or on a theater production or at an architectural firm. Their summer job is a chance to see the world in a new way. This opportunity will also give them a chance to imagine the roles he or she might play in creating or building something.
Keep an eye out for intriguing careers During these summer months, in addition to getting the most out of his or her job or internship, your student should be on the lookout for other careers that might be of interest. They may or may not be in his or her general field of study. There are many possibilities that could be a good fit for his or her personal goals and objectives. A friend once advised me to “Look at the career, but also focus on what you might like to do every day. Find some-thing that excites you. Do watch the person in the role, but remember the job/career is what is the most important, not the person.” About the Author Russell J. Bunio began his career with an entry-level position at General Motors and later became vice president of The Boeing Co. and vice president of supply management and procurement at Cummins Engine Co.
Stone named top U of I public safety official
Get Involved!
Patrick Wade – Communications Director, University of Illinois Police Department Craig A. Stone, currently the chief of police for Ohio State University, has been selected as the executive director of public safety and chief of police for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, effective June 18. The hiring is subject to the approval of the University Of Illinois Board Of Trustees.
response times to high-priority calls for service; reduction of overtime pay by 1.2 percent; and introduction of an employee of the month program.
“Craig Stone’s extensive experience in building community-centered safety and policing programs in a public university environment made him a clear choice as the next chief of police,” said Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “There is no higher priority for us than ensuring that our community is as safe and secure as possible for our students, Stone has served at Ohio State since faculty members, staff and visitors to 2015 and previously was chief of police work, live, and learn. I’m excited to for Cleveland State University for a have Craig Stone lead that effort for year following his 29-year career with us.” the Columbus Division of Police. Stone succeeds Jeff Christensen, who His accomplishments at Ohio retired Dec. 31 after a 32-year lawState included implementation of enforcement career. bike patrols and community police academies to enhance community relations and trust; reduction of
The Moms and Dads Associations are two separate, non-profit entities that strive to serve all students at the University of Illinois. There are many ways to get involved in the Associations. The Associations rely on volunteers for the success of their programs. Some volunteer opportunities include Summer Registration, Moms Weekend, Dads Weekend, and Admitted Student Days. If you’re looking to get even more involved, each Association has a volunteer Board of Directors. You can find nomination forms for each board at their respective website: illinimoms.com or illinidads.com To volunteer, email the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office at iuparentfamilyprograms@ illinois.edu, call (217) 333- 7063, or visit our website.
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Campus Phone Numbers (area code 217)
All about Illinois Online
Kalee Jo Ackerman – Marketing and Communication Specialist, Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL) students and non-degree students from around the globe.
Asian American Cultural Center................................ 333-9300 Bruce D Nesbitt African American Cultural Center.................. 333-2092
Graduate Degrees and Certificates
Billing................................... 333-2184 Career Center..................... 333-0820 CITES Help Desk................. 244-7000 CITES Help Desk........ (800) 531-2531 Counseling Center.............. 333-3704 Dial-A-Nurse........................ 333-2700 Disability Resources and Education Service ............ 333-1970 Emergency Dean................. 333-0050 Financial Aid........................ 333-0100 Health Insurance, Student.. 333-0165 Housing Residence Halls................. 333-7111 Private Certified Housing. 333-1420 University Apartments...... 333-5656 Illini Union............................ 333-4666 Illini Union Hotel............... 333-1241 La Casa Cultural Latina....... 333-4950 LGBT Resource Center....... 244-8863 Library................................. 333-2290 McKinley Health Center...... 333-2700 MTD Safe Rides................... 265-7433 Parent and Family Programs.......................... 333-7063 Police, University................. 333-1216 Records Service Center...... 333-0210 Registration Assistance ...... 333-6565 Student Employment ......... 333-0600 Student Patrol/SafeWalks... 333-1216 Student Programs and Activities............................ 333-3660 Study Abroad...................... 333-6322 Tenant Union....................... 333-0112 Women’s Resources Center.333-3137 University Directory............ 333-1000
At Illinois, we understand that today’s learners want and need options for their education and we are leading the way in innovative higher education delivery modalities. From high school students pursuing online math programs, to residential students taking an online course to improve their time to degree, to working professionals who want or need certifications, to career changers pursuing a fully online degree, to anyone with a personal curiosity to learn more -- Illinois offers an extensive range of online academic options to students around the globe. • 94+ Online Degree, Certificate, and Endorsement Programs • 1300+ Online Course Section
• Online Learners from Across the Globe • 3.2 million MOOC Learners (Massive Open Online Courses)
Summer & Winter Courses The summer and winter online terms offer students the opportunity to meet curriculum needs, access high-demand and general education topics, decrease time to complete a degree, and update their professional skill set. Courses are taught by Illinois faculty and are offered to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign undergraduate
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Illinois Online offers 94 online degrees and certificate programs from 10 different academic colleges.
NetMath NetMath provides mathematics courses to high school and college students as well as educational options for home-schooled students, working professionals, and military personnel.
Non-credit courses Non-credit classes offer individuals the opportunity to learn, grow, and improve professionally without receiving academic credit or a final grade. Individuals who enroll in non-credit classes are not formally admitted to the University of Illinois as a degree or non-degree seeking student. Individuals typically enroll in non-credit courses for personal enrichment or professional development.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Technology has expanded access to higher education delivery and through MOOCs, Illinois brings course content to eager minds from every corner of the globe. Illinois offers 84 open online courses, 12 Specializations, and three full degree programs including the Master of Computer Science in Data Science and the only extant iMBA on the Coursera platform. More than 3.2 million students have enrolled in Illinois courses via open online courses.
UIPD Police Beat
Parent and Family Events
Patrick Wade – Communications Director, University of Illinois Police Department With the university in its hiatus and many students off campus, those who stay during the break should take precautions to make sure they stay safe. Fewer people in the area provides criminals with better opportunities to commit their crimes. But there are a few things students can do to significantly reduce their risk of being targeted by an offender. “We have a very safe campus, but no community of our size will ever be entirely crime free,” says Lt. Joan Fiesta. “While no one can ever completely guarantee they won’t be targeted for crime, there are a few very simple things our community members can do to greatly reduce their risk.” The police department never closes. There are always officers standing by and happy to assist whenever needed. If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t. Call police immediately if you feel your safety or someone else’s safety is in danger. Always call 911 in an emergency or (217) 333-1216 in a non-emergency situation. Walk with friends, and without distractions like music devices or texting. Fewer people and traffic also means less natural surveillance, so
students will need to be extra aware of who and what is around them. Lock your doors. Criminals know summer means fewer people, and therefore, fewer witnesses. They will take advantage and burglarize homes and vehicles, but the easiest way to deter them is by locking doors. Campus bus schedules are reduced. Travelers should plan their route on the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District website at cumtd.com. Those walking on campus at night should use SafeWalks by calling (217) 333-1216 or by downloading the mobile app. Otherwise, make arrangements to walk with a friend. Self-defense presentations by University Police are still available during the summer. If a student is interested in arranging a safety or self-defense presentation for a group, they should contact Detective Robert Murphy by calling (217) 333-1216 or emailing ram70@illinois.edu. “These are things we want our campus community members to be doing yearround, but the campus environment during the break makes these tips particularly helpful,” states Lt. Fiesta. “We’re happy to help in any way possible if anyone wants to talk, and students should feel encouraged to say ‘hi’ when they see us passing by this summer.”
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Dads Weekend
Make plans now for Dads Weekend, November 2-4, 2018. Be sure to check the Parent and Family Programs Office website for complete information about Dads Association events and purchasing tickets.
Moms Weekend
Scheduled for April 5-7, 2019. Bring the whole family to campus for this fun-filled weekend celebrating mom! Check the Parent and Family Programs website for more info. And don’t forget to book your hotel room today!
Admitted Students Days
A wonderful opportunity to meet with potential future Illini parents. Share what your experience has been like, as they help their students make that final decision to attend the University of Illinois. Admitted Students Days are scheduled during the spring. Check the Parent and Family Programs website for complete details.
Important Dates
Scholarships
Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office
Fall 2018 August
Freshman Move-In Day Illini Union Late Nighter Returning Student Move-In Day Illini Union Quad Day Instruction Begins
23 24 24 26 27
September Labor Day (No Classes) Tuition Payment Due
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October Homecoming
November Dads Weekend Thanksgiving Vacation Begins Undergraduate Residence Halls Close Undergraduate Residence Halls Reopen Instruction Resumes December Instruction Ends Reading Day Final Exams Undergraduate Residence Halls Close for Winter Break
7-13 2-4 17
12 13 14-20
a parent, ask your employer if they offer college scholarships for the children of employees. Many do, especially if it is a large organization. If not, ask if your employer would consider starting one. It may be something they hadn’t considered before.
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2. Campus organizations: Even
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Spring 2019
January Undergraduate Residence Halls Reopen 13 Instruction Begins 14 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No Classes) 21 February Tuition Payment Due
Looking for college scholarships can be confusing and overwhelming. And with college costs on the rise, the competition can be stiff. Scouting out scholarships is something parents can do to help their overwhelmed or time-crunched students, who will then need to pick it up from there and complete the application. There are many scholarships out there if parents and students know where to look. Here are some places you may not have considered.
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March Spring Break Begins 16 Undergraduate Residence Halls Reopen 24 Instruction Resumes 25 April Moms Weekend
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May Instruction Ends Reading Day Final Exams Commencement Undergrad Res Halls Close
1 2 3-10 11 12
1. Work: As
current college students can find new scholarships. Many on-campus organizations offer scholarships to their most dedicated members, including the Moms Association and Dads Association. 3. Community organizations:
Many local organizations, such as, churches, local rotary club, and sporting leagues. Several smaller scholarships from community organizations will quickly add up to the equivalent of one large award and may be easier to obtain.
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4. Field of Study/Major: The
pool for major-specific scholarships at your university of choice may not be very large, especially since most students coming into college haven’t decided on a major. You may get some extra scholarship dollars just by proving that you are deserving and passionate about your course of study. The University Of Illinois Office Of Student Financial Aid also has resources on scholarships. They are defined into three categories.
University of Illinois Scholarships The university awards over 1,500 scholarships annually based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, talent, leadership, geographical location, field of study, and financial need.
Federal and State Scholarships The university has a list of federal and state scholarships available to Illinois students. The site is continually updated so be sure to check back.
Outside Scholarships Outside scholarships are private grants or scholarships. Check as many sources as possible as stated earlier. These scholarships are not associated with the university but are worth looking into.
Moving Off Campus
Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office After one or two years in residence halls, many students decide to live off campus. There are some important considerations for both parents and students to reflect on. • If the landlord wants a co-signer (parent) on the lease, READ THE FINE PRINT. Read every single line in that lease agreement. If the other roommates break the lease, are you responsible for paying their portion of the rent? Is it your responsibility to find a replacement to sublet until the lease runs out? Will you be charged beyond the deposit fee if certain things in the apartment are not left as they were when your student moved in? • Talk with your student about their responsibility to live up to their commitment. A lease is a contract. Make them understand that they are making a commitment for the term of the lease to pay the rent on time, keep the property in good condition, and take responsibility for getting along with the roommates. • Be prepared to pay a hefty deposit. Most landlords know that college students aren’t the best tenants. They tend to be messy, break things, and throw parties. Because of this, most landlords will charge a hefty deposit, plus first and last month’s rent in advance. These required deposits protect them from having to pay for damages once the tenants move out.
help them evaluate their first place and make a logical decision based on price, location, and amenities. On move-in day, mark every single blemish that you might see on the checklist – this will protect you when they move out. If you can’t be there with them, at least talk to them about what they should be thinking about and looking for in an apartment. • Encourage ALL the roommates to establish some RULES before they move in together. They all need to talk about their expectations and how they see the living arrangement. Are roommates allowed to have their significant others sleep over? What happens if someone isn’t pulling their weight (dishes, cleaning, etc.)? What are the rules for guests especially if visiting from out of town? Ask every question that might arise and agree to the rules as a group. • Don’t assume that the “friends” they move in with will remain friends. There are countless stories of best friends moving in together and not remaining
• Walk through the apartment WITH your student BEFORE they rent it and before they move in. The primary thought in a student’s mind is: “I’m moving off campus and won’t this be cool.” They don’t see the size of the rooms, the condition of the apartment, parking, or amenities. It’s up to you to
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best friends. Living together (off campus) can cause added stress and pressure. When roommates are living together on campus, there are Resident Assistants (RAs) to settle disputes. If that doesn’t work, they can switch rooms. But when disputes arise for students living off campus (and they will), RA mediation and switching rooms is not an option. When a student is living with a roommate that was once their best friend, these problems can be magnified. For this reason, encourage your student to consider this before moving in with their best friend. The Tenant Union at the University of Illinois is a great resource for your student who is living or planning on living off campus. The Tenant Union’s mission is to stimulate fairness in landlord-tenant relationships and to serve as a resource for students residing in privately owned housing. Their goal is to prevent rental problems, empower students, teach transferrable life skills, and be an advocate for students.
Dads Weekend: November 2-4, 2018
Each fall, the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office and the Dads Association co-sponsor the Dads Weekend events, with a variety of programming for families. Major events for Dads Weekend 2018 include: • Friday night club hockey game (opponent TBA) • Friday night basketball game (opponent TBA)
• Saturday pre-game BBQ at the ARC (limited tickets available) • Saturday football game vs. the University of Minnesota and crowning of King Dad • Saturday Night Concert (TBA)
• Sunday morning Dads and Students Brunch at the Illini Union
• And a large variety of universityapproved events, such as men’s and women’s sports, campus events, theatrical productions, music concerts, and many others.
Additional information will be added when confirmed. Dads Association event tickets are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis, and all events typically sell out. Please note that all attendees at events, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter, including Illinois students and all children. Students with their own season or individual football tickets will need to purchase a new ticket if they wish to be seated in the Dads Association section.
Ticket Purchases
All tickets are to be purchased online. Tickets are tentatively scheduled to go on sale July 1 (date subject to change). Complete information about Dads Weekend and ticket purchasing will be available online at union.illinois.edu/PFPO.
Football Ticket Pick-Up
Tickets may be picked up during designated pick-up times that are yet
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to be announced. Be sure to regularly check the Parent and Family Programs website for ticket pick-up information. Tickets WILL NOT be mailed in advance! Deadline for purchasing tickets: September 30, 2018. Look for more updates about Dads Weekend events this summer at union.illinois.edu/PFPO
Bracing for Reentry
Connie Lissner – University Parent I remember when my oldest was coming home for the summer after his freshman year in college. I was positively giddy. I could not wait to have the whole family under one roof again. We could talk for more than 10 minutes on Sundays! We could eat together as a family! Things could finally go back to normal. After he was home for a couple of days, it was clear that “normal” had a new definition. Following months of being on his own and doing things “his way” (a phrase I heard at least 20 times a day), my newly returned college student bucked against our family life. Sleep was on his time, meals were often eaten out with friends, and hanging out with his family was not a priority. Of course, he wasn’t the only one who needed to adjust. When he first left for college, I thought I’d never get used to his empty bedroom or setting the table for three instead of four. Shockingly, however, I did. I also adjusted to less laundry, smaller grocery bills, and a significant reduction in noise in our house. I’m not embarrassed to say that I seriously considered sending him away after the first two weeks. I didn’t
think we would ever figure out a way to co-exist. Thankfully, we were able to negotiate a happy truce for the remainder of that summer.
2. Recognize that reentry will always require some adjustment.
I learned a lot from that experience (although, I admit, I still expect a seamless transition every time my son returns home and I’m always shocked when it doesn’t happen). Still, after three years, I have developed a “survival plan” that seems to work for us. So far I haven’t shipped him off and I haven’t fled my house either. We must be doing something right.
Things will be different every time your student comes home. Even after three years of summer breaks, winter breaks, and occasional weekends, the first couple days are always awkward at our house. Everyone is navigating the new setup and trying really hard not to start a fight (well, almost everyone).
1. Set ground rules early. Don’t wait until you explode to share your expectations with your daughter or son. Take curfew, for instance. I can guarantee that your returning college student will balk at having a curfew. Their argument will go something like this: You didn’t stay up all night worrying about where I was when I was away (little do they know, right?). But maybe you want them home at a reasonable hour so you can sleep without being woken at 3 a.m. by someone making a grilled cheese. Whatever you expect of your student — chores, family commitments, attitudes — address this early and often.
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3. Respect the evolving sibling dynamic. Maybe your middle child is reveling in her new role of older sibling, or your solo younger child is enjoying his space. With the return of your college student, family dynamics will shift, and new conflicts are bound to pop up. For instance, my youngest, who used to follow his older brother everywhere, now found him in the way. Their bickering was non-stop, and I was forced to play referee over things as ridiculous as who got the middle kitchen counter stool. Eventually they settled into their new roles, but I still mourned the loss of their pre-college relationship.
4. Be flexible. Sure it’s your house, your rules, but remember that your student has been managing life without you (no matter how many times a day they text). You want to encourage that independence. Now is the time to let go — just a little.
5. Negotiate what you are willing to do for your child. Will you do their laundry? Cook every meal? Yes, my son knows how to do laundry, but I personally prefer to have all the laundry done at once, and I don’t want my laundry washed like a college student washes his laundry. I also enjoy cooking, so making dinner for everyone isn’t a problem for me. Three meals a day, on the other hand, is not an option (no matter how much my son tries to sweet talk me into making him lunch).
6. Be prepared to see less of your student than you would like. Toss aside dreams of daily family dinners, game nights, and late night talks around the kitchen counter (yes, those were my dreams). Schedule an
occasional mandatory family dinner and squeeze in a game or movie whenever an opportunity presents itself (it may be a quick hand of Gin Rummy on a Saturday afternoon at two). Seize any chance to chat around the counter even if that means that you’re awake and willing to make that post-midnight grilled cheese sandwich.
over spring break — just in case. Turns out her son didn’t even come home that break. He went away with his friends instead! So don’t blow off that yoga class, Sunday morning bike ride, or dinner with friends. And don’t feel guilty about it either.
going to do that first summer, and I think I checked off one item. I spent so much time trying to plan activities that I missed many of the little moments I could have shared with my son. Once I realized it was a lost cause, I chucked my list and started enjoying the found time between us.
Whatever expectations I have of who is coming through my door at the end of the school year, I am always a little surprised by who actually shows up. Maybe it’s because of a class he’s taken, a new friend he’s met or a new experience he’s had, but every time my son comes home he is a little different, a little more of his own person. And that really is something to look forward to.
9. Most importantly, marvel at the new person 7. Enjoy the spontaneous your young adult has moments. become. I had a bucket list of things we were
8. Don’t put your own life on hold. While you’re making lists of things to do together, don’t forget to pen in time to do your own thing. I know I’m not the only parent who waits around on the off chance that my kid might want to grab lunch or run a few errands with me. I have a friend who passed up a girls’ trip because she wanted to be around for her son’s last day home
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Zuri White Manager Illini Union Parent and Family Programs zuri@illinois.edu
Jamie Singson Director Illini Union jsingson@illinois.edu
Becki Salzman Assistant to the Director Illini Union rsalzman@illinois.edu
Consider a Gift to the Parent Fund
Your unrestricted gift to the Parent Fund helps Student Affairs augment existing and new programs. You can help provide the services and resources that are vital to the overall learning experience of our students. To learn more on how you can give to the Parent Fund visit
uofiparentprograms.illinois.edu/Annual_Fund/Giving.html