IlliniFamily A publication of the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office • union.illinois.edu/pfpo
Inside This Issue Why Students Return to UI Housing in Fall 2018 ........... 2 New UI Police Chief ............ 3 Counseling Center Resources ........................... 4 Who’s Who in UI Campus Administration ................... 5 Gaining Global Competency Through Study Abroad ... 6 -7 King Dad 2017 Celebration ........................ 8 Save The Date Moms Weekend 2018 ....... 9
A New Year and a Healthier Community of #ActiveILLINI Melissa Waller – Campus Recreation
There has never been a more important time for your student to empower themselves with the information and tools that will bring them into an arena of sustainable wellness and vitality. In Campus Recreation, we advocate for students to live a life that is balanced between the pillars of health. We provide opportunities for students to engage in exercise, informal physical activity, healthy food preparation, stress management, and proactive self-care. This spring, your student can join one of our many educational programs designed to improve their health and wellness. Take a group fitness class, join an intramural sport, take an instructional cooking class, work with a personal trainer, expand their horizons and take steps to a happier, healthier, version of themselves.
King Dad celebration, Pg. 8
Whether they join a workout group, plan to meet friends, or join a program and meet new friends, here are three reasons they need to join us in Campus Rec-
union.illinois.edu/PFPO
reation: motivation, accountability, and group camaraderie. Opportunities to get involved include:
• Get motivated and get moving with our certified group fitness instructors. We offer numerous group fitness classes throughout the day, every day of the week to suit your fitness needs. • Maximize their workout with a certified personal trainer. A trainer will design a custom plan to help your student reach their individual goals and cheer them on all along the way. • Engage in a diverse culinary experience by taking one of our Cultural Series instructional cooking classes. We will provide them with opportunities to learn about cooking and share health-supporting, sustainably-produced food. • Make new friends in a fun, social, and inclusive environment. As an individual or a group, join an intramural activity. • Try the climbing wall at the ARC. • Check out a public skate session or club hockey game at the Ice Arena.
Web Addresses
Why Your Student Should Return to University Housing for Fall 2018
Illini Union
union.illinois.edu
Kelly Skinner – University Housing
• 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
Student Affairs Campus Recreation campusrec.illinois.edu The Career Center careercenter.illinois.edu Counseling Center counselingcenter.illinois.edu Dean of Students odos.illinois.edu Disability Resources & Educational Services disability.illinois.edu UI Police police.illinois.edu Financial Aid osfa.illinois.edu Housing housing.illinois.edu Inclusion and Intercultural Relations oiir.illinois.edu • 0Asian American Cultural Center • 0African American Cultural Center • 0Diversity and Social Justice Education • 0La Casa Cultural Latina • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Resource Center • Native American House • Women’s Resources Center McKinley Health Center mckinley.illinois.edu Study Abroad Office studyabroad.illinois.edu Student Affairs studentaffairs.illinois.edu Tenant Union tenantunion.illinois.edu
Looking to find somewhere with great value and affordable costs for your student to live next year? Returning to University Housing might be the best option for them to consider. Convenient and accommodating, University Housing offers many room options across campus including apartments, suites, singles, and graduate upper-division halls, as well as 11 themed living-learning communities. Is your student planning on studying abroad or student teaching? Living on-campus is a great option for students who need to be released from their housing contract without the worry of subletting an apartment. Remaining connected with nearby friends and the university’s helpful, professional staff is an extra perk that students can’t find anywhere else. Being right on campus makes it easier to work, participate in study groups, or be involved outside of class, too. Instead of worrying about grocery bills, monthly utilities, getting things fixed, or finding time to cook or clean, on-campus living means all the “adulting” is taken care of. University Housing includes services such as 24/7 area offices, around-the-clock maintenance, access to computer labs, on-site libraries and fitness rooms, and prime locations within walking distance from campus. There is also a variety of convenient and nutritious meal plans to choose from. Or buildings with kitchens that don’t require a meal plan. All this adds up to more time for your student to focus on what really matters.
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University Housing also takes your student’s safety very seriously and continually takes extra security measures. To ensure your student is safe, University Housing utilizes surveillance cameras, a door card access system, and security officers who patrol seven days a week. Just a few more reasons why University Housing is the right choice for sophomore year and beyond. Contract Cancellation Policy Once you select a room and complete a contract, you have a 30-day period to cancel the contract with no charge. If you decide to cancel the contract after 30 days, there will be a settlement charge of up to 75% of your total contract amount. Check out the University Housing website to learn why thousands of residents return each year. Housing Sign-Up is available through April 15 at housing.illinois.edu/signup. A Great Value Your student’s room and board covers a wide range of services and everything comes as part of one bill, so you won’t need to worry about additional costs. The cost of laundry, utilities, internet, and cable TV are all included in the contract price.
Experienced Public Servant Takes Over as Interim Chief Patrick Wade – Communications Specialist, University of Illinois Police Department Longtime police officer Matt Myrick took the reins on Jan. 1 as the interim police chief at the University of Illinois Police Department while a search for a permanent department head will gear up in the coming months. The department’s interim chief is an experienced public servant who has become intimately familiar with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign during his 22 years at UIPD. He will take over for Chief Jeff Christensen, who retires at the end of the year concluding a 32-year run at UIPD. Myrick, who has been the department’s deputy chief since 2016, began his public safety career in 1989 as a security guard at the university. Between 1990 and 1995, he spent time as a 911 dispatcher, Rantoul Police officer and a Vermilion County Sheriff ’s Deputy before returning to campus and beginning his tenure at the University of Illinois Police Department. During his 22 years and counting at UIPD, he has taken on a number of responsibilities including as a detective, a member of the drug unit and as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. When Myrick is not at work, he spends time as the public guardian in Edgar and Vermilion counties, where he is responsible for the personal, legal, and financial care of adults who are unable to care for themselves, like seniors and people with developmental disabilities.
“That’s a very humbling experience,” he said, “when you’re taking care of people who can’t take care of themselves and who may have been exploited by their families, or who have no family at all.” He says that his various professional experiences are what have prepared him for the job as the department’s interim chief. “I think we’re a compilation of all the things we’ve done and experienced,” Myrick said. “That and the fact that I’m about 25 years older than when I started.” Myrick’s role during the coming months, he said, will be to prepare the department for its next permanent chief of police. That includes making sure the department budget looks ahead to future needs, hiring police officers to fill vacancies and ensuring that police officers and department supervisors continue working in a cohesive, efficient manner. “The department runs smoothly already, but we want it running as smooth as possible for the next person to take over,” Myrick said. But his number one priority, he said, will be to “maintain the professionalism that this department offers to the campus community so we can offer safety and security to students, staff, faculty, and all who visit our campus.”
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An informed campus is a safer campus Being an active participant in one’s own safety requires that our campus community remain knowledgeable and informed about crime and how to prevent it. Through regular communication with the campus community, the University of Illinois Police Department strives to be transparent about public safety issues and crime on or near campus. Each year, the department publishes its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which contains more information about crime statistics, safety programs, and university policies governing public safety-related issues. That report is available at police.illinois.edu/clery. More information is available in the department’s Year In Review report, including crime statistics for the Illinois campus presented in context with comparable universities. That report is available at police.illinois.edu/ YearInReview.
Campus Phone Numbers (area code 217) Asian American Cultural Center................................ 333-9300
Counseling Center Offers Resources to Help Students Be Their Best Nicole Evans –Counseling Center
groups are on-campus long-term options. Please visit counseling.illinois. edu for more information on how to make an initial appointment using our same day appointment model. If your student is in crisis and needs same-day services, they are always welcome to come to the Counseling Center when we are open. After hours, students also have access to a local crisis line (217-359-4141).
Bruce D Nesbitt African American Cultural Center.................. 333-2092 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
When your student leaves for college it’s likely the first time they have lived independently. While this can be an exciting time, it understandably can cause anxiety for students and parents alike. The Counseling Center, which is located in the Student Services Building on the corner of Sixth and John Street in Champaign, cares about the well-being of all students and is here to assist students successfully transition to college and manage any academic, emotional, and relationship challenges. If your student is struggling, please keep the Counseling Center in mind as a resource to suggest. Our Counseling Center is a comprehensive mental health unit, offering counseling and psychological services. Our highly-trained and diverse staff provides time-limited individual and couples’ counseling and more than 20 group therapy options each semester. When students are in need of longerterm therapy, we work with them to find a community provider who meets their needs, while our psychotherapy
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In addition to clinical services, we offer an array of psychoeducational programming for students; such as short-term classes on emotional regulation, overcoming perfectionism, managing ADHD symptoms, and coping with test anxiety. We also conduct workshops on study skills, the harm reduction substance use approach, and understanding and thriving with conditions such as depression and anxiety. Please keep a few things in mind if you’re suggesting that your student should visit the Counseling Center. First, while we’re always happy to consult with parents, your student will typically need to make an appointment with us themselves. Also, unless your student specifically signs a release, their Counseling Center records are confidential and cannot be discussed with anyone other than the student. We’re here when students need us! For more information about the Counseling Center, please visit counseling.illinois.edu or call us at 217-333-3704.
Who’s Who in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Administration? Parent and Family Programs Office –Illini Union
Navigating a large, complex organization like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) can be a challenge. Here is a brief introduction on common terms used for the administrative and academic ranks that keep Illinois running smoothly. President The president, Timothy Killeen, in the simplest terms is the leader of the entire University of Illinois System. The president is the equivalent to the CEO of a company, so his/her role is to lead the overall strategic planning for and sustained performance of an institution. Illinois is one of three campuses (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield) within the University System.
Chancellor Chancellor Robert Jones is the chief executive officer of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and also serves as the vice president of the University of Illinois System. He oversees our entire campus including all of the faculty and administrative staff, student body, administrative units, athletics, public safety, and the general well-be-
ing of the campus community. He also addresses topics that directly impact the campus and the community. Vice Chancellors The vice chancellors are the most senior roles in the university and are the chancellor’s leadership team. Illinois has four vice chancellors; the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Vice Chancellor for Research, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. There are also a number of associate and assistant vice chancellors. They oversee both academic and nonacademic functions of the campus, including colleges, research, housing, health services, and foundation relations. The administrative functions of a vice chancellor are many and varied, and they lead a large team of specialized professionals. Deans The deans are faculty administrators who lead the colleges within the university. Deans report to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. The deans are responsible for the academic direction and budget of the college. It is important to note that we also have a Dean of Students (DOS) who serves as an advocate for both undergraduate and graduate students. The DOS office provides services and programs that enhance student life. As always, if you are unsure who to contact, please contact the Parent and Family Programs Office and we will connect you to where you need to be.
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Get Involved! The Moms and Dads Associations are two separate, non-profit entitites who strive to serve all students at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. There are many ways to get involved in the associations. The associations rely on vounteers for the success of their programs. Some volunteer opportunities include: Summer Registration, Moms or 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 the respective boards on their individual websites illinimoms.com or illinidads.com. For more information, email the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office at iuparentfamilyprograms @illinois.edu, or call (217) 333-7063.
Gaining Global Competency through Study Abroad Alex Williamson – Illinois Study Abroad
In today’s competitive job market, having experience in international settings is one way students are gaining an edge over their peers. The path to gaining global competency often includes studying abroad. Students who study abroad immerse themselves in another culture, hone their foreign language skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities. They also become problem solvers and critical thinkers; characteristics that employers want to see from new hires. In fact, employers surveyed in the Job Outlook 2018 published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) rated critical thinking and problem solving skills as the most essential career competency among new employees. However, employers rated only 55.8% of their recent graduate hires as “proficient” in this area. Therefore, students who can effectively leverage their study abroad experiences show prospective employers both their global competency and critical thinking skills. The University of Illinois is a leading institution for international opportunities for its students. According to the 2017 Open Doors Report from the Institute of International Education (IIE), the University of Illinois ranked 20th in the nation for students participating in credit-bearing study abroad programs. In the 2015-16 academic year, Illinois sent 2,018 students abroad on 300 programs in over 50 countries. The University of Illinois sends thousands of students abroad each year, however, only approximately ten percent of all U.S. undergraduate students will study abroad before they graduate. Therefore, study abroad students may have a unique professional
Alexandra Turcios, a Political Science and Global Studies major in the College of LAS, was a Charles Wert India – Illinois Scholarship recipient and studied abroad in India.
advantage over their peers who do not study abroad. Students who study abroad have rich, diverse experiences to draw upon and they gain transferable skills that can strengthen their resumes and improve their job search, particularly for positions that require global competency. Even with the countless academic, personal, and professional benefits, many students do not utilize the opportunity to study abroad because of perceived barriers, namely the out of pocket expense. While some programs can be costly, many are comparable to a term at Illinois. Students can work with the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to see how their aid package applies to a study abroad program. Furthermore, students often apply for external funding opportunities, such as scholarships, to help offset
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any additional costs. Students can apply for nationally competitive scholarships as well as scholarships offered through their program provider. The University of Illinois also offers scholarships through Illinois International, which are open to all Illinois students who meet the eligibility requirements. These scholarships help to support students who might not otherwise be able to afford the cost of their program. “I think my time abroad will be very influential in my future education and career. I’m a Global Studies major with a focus on the Middle East. Having spent time in the region gives me a much better understanding and perspective of its history, people, and events,” Kristina Salazar, undergraduate student who received a scholarship to study abroad, said.
Important Dates Spring 2018
Moms/Dads Board Meetings
Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 16 Instruction Begins
Jan. 16
Spring 2017 Tuition Due Feb. 28 Spring Break Begins
Mar. 17
Moms Weekend
Apr. 13-15
Instruction Resumes Instruction Ends Reading Day Final Exams
Commencement
Mar. 26 May 2 May 3
May 4-11 May 12
Summer Session 1 In addition to scholarships, study abroad students have many resources they can utilize. Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE), the campus study abroad office, as well as the college study abroad offices, are dedicated to supporting students through the entirety of their study abroad experience. The launch of a new IAGE website this fall has made it easier for students to learn more about the study abroad process and improved resources have been added specifically for family and friends of students studying abroad. One resource available to all study abroad students is the International Safety and Security office. This unit is available on a 24/7 basis to assist with the safety of Illinois students and staff while they’re abroad. International Safety and Security also provide pre-departure training for all study abroad students. At Illinois, students have the opportunity to participate in myriad activities that
will have a lifelong impact, including studying abroad. It is an experience that many students say affect them personally because they often create unforgettable memories. Study abroad students also benefit academically, with rigorous and exciting coursework only offered by institutions abroad. Most importantly, students grow professionally by gaining global competency that aids in their job search, influences their future career, and transforms their worldview. “This experience has really helped me solidify my career goals. Before going to India, I had a slight idea about what I wanted to pursue and achieve in life. The trip to India has helped me cultivate a true passion for poverty-reduction and international development,” Alexandra Turcio said. “I will always look back at this trip and remember what I saw and to act upon my experiences.”
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Instruction begins Memorial Day
May 14 May 28
(no classes) Final examinations
June 8
Summer Session 2 Instruction begins
Independence Day
June 11 July 4
(no classes) Beginning of 2nd 4-week period of instruction
July 9
Reading Day
Aug. 2, Noon
Instruction ends
Final Exams
Aug. 2
Aug. 3-4
Dads Association Crowns King Dad 2017 Parent and Family Programs Office –Illini Union
The Dads Association at the University of Illinois named Christopher Thilmany (Schaumburg, IL) King Dad 2017 during the annual Dads Weekend on Saturday, November 11. Thilmany was recognized on the field during the football game against Indiana University. He was nominated by his daughter Gabriella Welch, a sophomore studying Public Policy and Law. Darren Mitchell of Dekalb, IL and Jeff Zupan of Lansing, IL were the other finalists. A copy of Gabriella’s winning essay can be found at union.illinois.edu/ PFPO.
Above: Dads Association President Joe Gainer; King Dad Chair Bill Cooney; King Dad 2017 Christopher Thilmany, and family.
The Dads Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, established in 1922, is believed to be one of the nation’s oldest parent organizations. The Association supports programs, services, and activities that promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of the University community and serves as a parent liaison to the campus.
At left: King Dad runner-up Darren Mitchell and family
King Dad 2017 Nominees Mike Abrahamson Scott Block Jeff Crippen Ed Dunn Marty Finis Frank Dave Hedlin James Jones J. Guadalupe Lazaro Robert Meyer Jr.
Darren Mitchell Craig Milkint Wayne Osoba Jeff Paul David Potempa Craig Price Tom Schwingbeck Roger Schnitzler Andrew Sellars Steven Sigmon
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Jeff Sindewald Eric Skoog Dainius Staputis Christopher Thilmany Creed Tucker Scott Vanden-Heuvel Robert Walker Karl Youngquist Jeff Zupan
Moms Weekend 2018 is coming soon! Although winter break with your students has just ended, it’s never too early to think about Moms Weekend. Moms Weekend 2018 will take place April 13-15. All of the favorite events will be back: the Illini Union Board Craft Fair, the Flower Show, the Moms Association Annual Meeting, Mom of the Year, the Medallion of Honor, the Moms Association Brunch, various campus tours, and more. Start making your plans today. This popular event is one you do not want to miss. Hotels are booking up fast (some are already full); so hurry and make reservations now. The Illini Union Hotel is a great choice, but if it’s already booked, be sure to visit the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau at visitchampaigncounty.org to find information about other hotel options. Don’t forget to save the date for Moms Weekend 2019 on April 5-7. If you have questions, contact the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office by calling (217) 333-7063 or email us at iuparentfamilyprograms@illinois.edu.
Commencement 2018: May 11-14
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Commencement is an exciting time at Illinois, acknowledging our students’ academic achievements and reaffirming the continuing vitality of the campus. The granting of baccalaureate and graduate degrees is celebrated through long-standing traditions, as well as reflections on the opportunities ahead.
— Chancellor Robert Jones
commencement.illinois.edu/
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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