SIB Bulletin Board

The School of Integrative Biology (SIB) Photo Competition is back! We invite all members of SIB to share their perspective on the world of biology through photography, from natural landscapes and organisms to biologists at work and biological imaging. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, with winners being displayed during the SIB Awards Ceremony and then displayed in either Morrill Hall or the Natural History Building. All eligible SIB members are encouraged to participate.

Eligibility: Any amateur photographer who is a member of the School of Integrative Biology may enter: students (undergraduate or graduate), staff, academic professionals, postdocs, faculty, or alumni. 

Categories: 

1. Nature - Landscapes: Any photograph showing some aspect of natural landscapes
2. Nature - Organisms: Any photograph showing some aspect of natural organisms
3. Biologists at Work: Any photograph showing one or more biologists working in the laboratory or in the field
4. Biological Imaging: Any photograph taken through or with the aid of a microscope or other imaging device

Prizes: Top three in each category will have their art printed and displayed during the reception for the SIB Awards Ceremony on May 7 in the Natural History Building. Additionally, the photos will then be displayed in either Morrill Hall or the Natural History Building, with first place in each category getting to decide which building they’d like their work displayed. Please note you can only submit one photo at a time. If you wish to submit multiple photos to different categories, please re-fill out the form.

Submission: You may submit up to four entries total. Entries must be submitted using this form, with the image being titled “Category– Last Name, First Name.” There is no entry fee. Files must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026. 

Disposition of entries: SIB may retain your electronic images you submit to promote biology at Illinois, SIB, and its studies and personnel.   

Judging Criteria: All photography entered must be made with a camera. No synthetic or artificially generated images or background fill are allowed. No significant manipulation of submitted images is allowed. Cropping or minor color or sharpness correction is permissible, but images must represent what an observer would have seen at the time the image was taken. Prints will be judged on technical quality (focus, exposure, contrast), aesthetic qualities (balance, composition, lighting), and relevance to the theme of the competition. The judges reserve the right to remove inappropriate photos from the competition or to move an image into a category other than that which it was submitted in the case of an obvious error. All decisions of the judges are final.   

Questions can be directed to the SIB Communications Coordinator Ty Noel at communications@sib.illinois.edu.

Fill out the form to enter a submission.

Congratulations on reaching this milestone of your undergraduate career! We want to hear about your experiences as an IB major and to learn what your plans are for the future. We value your input into how we may strengthen the major and thereby improve its value for continuing and future students. Your feedback is invaluable in improving the IB major!

We are asking that you complete the senior exit survey linked below by Thursday, May 14th to share your experiences and insights. The survey will take about 10-20 minutes to complete, and you don't have to complete it in one session.  

As a reminder, you will need to show Manny your individual confirmation code from the completed senior survey linked below to be eligible to pick up your SIB convocation tickets. Tickets may be picked up in 286 Morrill Hall, Monday - Thursday, May 11- 14, between the hours of 1:00 - 4:30 p.m., but are initially limited to 6 per participant. Additional tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis on Friday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.. 

Fill out the IB Majors Senior Exit Survey.

Ticket pickup is at:
School of Integrative Biology
286 Morrill Hall
505 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL, 61801 

For more information about commencement please visit our Convocation page. 

Questions can be directed to sib@life.illinois.edu. 

As a reminder, you must register for the university-wide Commencement ceremony separately from IB convocation. The university-wide Commencement ceremony is the official University of Illinois academic ceremony at which the Chancellor presides, and the President confers degrees. You can learn more here.

Thank you for completing this survey, and best wishes in your journey after graduation from the U of I! 

Each year the School of Integrative Biology makes a T-Shirt for students, faculty, and staff. Having a school shirt is a fun tradition created to promote pride within the SIB community at all levels. 

When sourcing the design each year we love to get submissions from our students and their creative minds. The professional staff then selects a winning design, or a group of designs to merge together to be the next academic year's shirt, to be given out at the annual SIB Kickoff Event.

If you would like to submit a design idea for next years shirt please fill out the form.

Looking to earn two credits by spending one afternoon a week in the beautiful Trelease Woods? Then IB390 is for you!

You will learn:

• Tree identification
• Forest mapping
• Forestry inventory methods
• Large plot data analysis in R

In addition:

• One afternoon per week; flexible days to meet your schedule (weekday or weekend)
• Team science
• Opportunities for continuing IB490 research

Interested in signing up? – contact Prof. Jim Dalling (dalling@Illinois.edu)
Learn more in this recording about the Trelease Opportunity.

This course offers an exploration of the use of storytelling, role play, cosplay, and improvisation for communicating science. Through a series of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities, students will explore a range of strategies to create science outreach with real impact for the public. Students develop skills in creative thinking, summarizing, and translating technical research papers for general audiences, designing, and conducting scientific outreach events for a range of audiences and evaluating the impact of these activities.

Undergrads: We are looking for paid hourly workers to recensus the trees in Trelease Woods, Urbana, for summer 2026.

You will learn:

• Tree identification 
• Forest mapping
• Forestry inventory methods

Requirements:

• 6 week commitment in June/July 
• 30 hrs per week
• some flexibility on start date and work    hours – typically 4 days per week
• $17 per hour
• Team science
• Opportunities for continuing IB490 research

Apply by sending cover letter and resume to dalling@illinois.edu by April 30 (latest). 

Interested in learning more? – please contact Prof. Jim Dalling (dalling@illinois.edu).

Looking for a hands-on, immersive summer course that fulfills your advanced IB lab requirement? Join IB 496: Field Biology this summer! This 8-week, in-person course (May 18 – July 10) offers 4 credits and is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM to explore natural areas managed by the University of Illinois and local organizations.

In this course, you will learn and apply standard field techniques to study mammals, invertebrates, and plants, focusing on sampling biodiversity and community structure. Working in small teams, you will design, conduct, and present an original ecological research project. Be prepared for hiking on uneven, steep terrain (1–2 miles daily) while carrying a field backpack and working outdoors in various weather conditions. This course serves as an Area 2 Advanced Lab for the IB major.

For questions or accommodations, contact the instructor Nick Anderson at nlndrsn2@illinois.edu. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to spend your summer outside while advancing your biology skills!

Illumina is hiring a Biochemistry Specialist I, an entry-level role focused on supporting laboratory workflows, experimental processes, and product development in a fast-paced biotech environment. This opportunity is especially well-suited for recent graduates interested in applying hands-on biochemistry skills in industry.

Notably, this position comes recommended by SIB Alumni Mentor Steve Caldwell, making it a great option for students seeking trusted, alumni-endorsed career pathways.

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the Foundation. The Illinois Natural History Survey (Prairie Research Institute) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an undergraduate student who wants to be involved in an ongoing research project focused on the detection and characterization of phytoplasmas, a group of bacteria associated with insects (vectors, primarily Hemiptera) and plants (hosts) and implicated in plant disease.

The focus of this project is to uncover the true diversity of phytoplasmas worldwide, reconstruct their evolutionary relationships, and document their associations with insects and plants by screening a large collection of insects preserved in a museum biorepository using modern DNA sequencing techniques and by reviewing large amounts of available literature.

The student will be paired with a mentor in the research group and will conduct research, attend lab meetings, and develop communication skills by presenting research at a symposium or to other collaborators and contributing to a scientific publication.

During the 4-week program, the students will gain hands-on experience in genetics, environmental sciences, pathology, systematics, and phylogenomics. The student will receive insights on how to use a multidisciplinary approach to study the evolutionary ecology of bacterial parasites and their hosts and use the knowledge gained to predict and prevent the emergence of plant diseases. 

Program includes 

• Hands-on mentored research 
• Social activities, networking events, and professional development opportunities
• Tentative Program dates: June 1, 2026 – June 26, 2026 (4 weeks, approx. 30 hours/week)
• Stipends – approximately $700/student/week
• Laboratory Use Fees 

Eligibility Requirements

• Highly motivated undergraduate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher 
• Preference is given to students from underrepresented groups in science and engineering—including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities—as well as first-generation college students.
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Applicants must have completed their sophomore (second) year by the start of the program 
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
• Provide current transcript
• Complete the application

Location and duration of the program

• Location: Natural Resources Building - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• 4 weeks, approx. 30 hours/week 

Application Timeline

• March 11, 2026 – Student Application Open
• May 20, 2026 – Student Application Closes
• May 21, 2026 – Offer letters sent to students
• May 29, 2026– Students accept or decline the offer (Faculty/Mentor will be informed immediately)
• June 1, 2026 – REU program at INHS starts (flexible upon Faculty/Mentor approval)
• June 26, 2026 – REU program ends (flexible upon Faculty/Mentor approval)

To Apply

The application materials consist of:

• Personal Statement (up to 5000 characters): Please describe your academic and career goals and how the REU program will help you to achieve these goals
• A copy of your unofficial transcript
• A short CV 

Sent the application to Dr. Trivellone @ valeria3@illinois.edu (reference “REU Application” in subject line).

The Ecological Society of America’s SEEDS SPUR Fellowship offers undergraduates a fully funded summer research experience, including travel, mentorship, and opportunities to present at national conferences. Fellows design and conduct their own ecology research project while building professional skills and networks in environmental science.

No biological experience is necessary, although some general understanding of plant families is helpful. Training will be provided. Must be able to work during normal business hours (8 am – 5 pm; Monday – Friday). Federal Work Study is preferred. 

Salary: $15 per hour, 15 – 20 hours per week.                                                 

Available: Immediately  

To Apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two references to Dr. Andrew Miller (amiller7@illinois.edu). Application material will be reviewed upon submission. The position will remain open until filled.                                   

The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.

The Career Services Council is excited to announce the Career Development Toolkit, a Canvas site for students that meets you wherever you are. It offers self-paced modules on a platform you already know, but without grades or deadlines. Whether you’re identifying interests, exploring options, gaining experience, showcasing accomplishments or building connections, the Toolkit will guide you. Click here to enroll!

Grand Prairie Friends is now accepting applications for a Natural Areas Internship this coming May through August. This seasonal, hands-on position offers flexible hours—including alternating weekends and holidays—and pays starting at $15/hour (based on experience). As a nonprofit conservation land trust active in East-Central Illinois since 1984, Grand Prairie Friends manages over 1,500 acres of high-quality prairie, woodland, and river-front habitat, much of which is protected through the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission system. This internship is ideal for students or early-career individuals passionate about land stewardship, ecological management, and conservation careers.

Interns will gain real-world field experience assisting with invasive species management, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and ecological monitoring. The role also includes opportunities to engage with visitors, support outreach efforts, and attend professional development sessions alongside experienced conservation staff. Applicants should have a strong interest in natural resources, be willing to work outdoors in varying conditions, and be prepared to learn to operate tools safely; a driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. To apply, submit a cover letter and résumé to Alissa Bell, Land Manager, at Alissa@grandprairiefriends.org—applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Build your resume with the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship! This leadership opportunity is generally an 8-12 month intensive fellowship — valuable to future nurses, physicians, physicians assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, as well as other future healthcare providers and anyone interested in gaining skills in public health while supporting healthcare systems around the world. 

This pre-professional internship entails around 3-5 hours per week and is a truly enriching experience that will provide you with great skills for professional life such as learning about healthcare in a global context, gaining effective leadership and communication skills, acquiring international and public health work experience, and attending several orientations and workshops focused on personal development and cultural sensitivity. 

To register for an Into Session using registration code THRIVE.

For Applications using registration code THRIVE. 

Looking for part-time internships? The ATLAS Internship Program introduces technology and professional skills and provides valuable work experience. No experience necessary, for LAS undergrads.

This is a full time seasonal position that can run from May through September, 40 hours a week for 10 weeks. There is flexibility within the schedule; arrangements can be made to start and end earlier or later (please specify in the cover letter). Applicants are required to submit a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position, what you think you can bring to the position and how it might benefit your career/education and an updated Bio. Our website is phnrc.com.

The daily duties and responsibilities will include:

• 1 hour of intensive classroom and field education every day to include: Plant identification, best land management practices, safety practices, operating power tools, herbicide application, organization of resources and daily work schedules
• Invasive plant management using a variety of tools including backpack herbicide sprayers, brush cutters and hand tools
• Plant identification, seeding and planting plugs
• Site watering of plugs
• Organizing tools and daily work efforts
• Interaction with residents, attendance at meetings with City and Park District officials
• Monitoring the effectiveness of work results
• Participation in planning and attending community wide educational events, summer camps and volunteer workdays

The right candidate will:

• Be a student working towards a Bachelor or Master Degrees in Biology, Environmental Science, Botany, Ecology, Natural Resources Management or a similar field
  • Have a familiarity with or the willingness to learn about prairie, woodlands and wetland ecosystems
  • Have pesticide applicator license or be willing and able to pass the Illinois Applicator Pesticide Exam within 2 weeks of starting
  • Have interest and/or familiarity in native plants and biodiverse ecosystems
  • Be in good physical condition and able to lift and carry 30 lbs and work outside in various conditions including heat
  • Be able to stay on his/her feet all day long and walk up to 3 miles/day with the equipment
  • Have a way to commute to the work site and be able to start every day at 7:00am  
  • Must be able to complete a mandatory City drug test and background check
  • Have a good attitude and be a team player

Pay rate; $15.00/ hour 

• This is a golden opportunity to gain invaluable experience, education and grow as a person. In addition to a lot of hard work, the internship affords participants access to everything it takes to run a City commissioned, grassroots, all volunteer organization and accomplish amazing things beyond what would be considered possible. To apply please send your resume and cover letter to Commissioner Dana Sievertson at giotto39@gmail. com. Best of luck and we look forward to meeting you.

A Natural Resources internship with the University of Missouri offers undergraduate students the chance to gain hands-on experience in conservation, native plant work, and community-based environmental programs. This paid opportunity (typically around $15/hour) involves working alongside professionals on projects like habitat management and public outreach, making it a great fit for students interested in ecology, biology, or environmental science. This opportunity comes recommended by SIB faculty member Adam Dolezal for students who are interested in continuing research but not quite ready to take the plunge into graduate school. 

Learn more about the job listing on the University of Missouri's Jobs Page.

4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, Beckman Institute Auditorium
Join the Cancer Center at Illinois for a screening of the documentary "Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution." The film chronicles the life and career of Illinois chemistry alumnus Phil Sharp, who received a Nobel Prize for the discovery of RNA splicing.

Thinking about medical school? Join our Med School 101 virtual events to explore the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, get insider tips on the application process, and hear firsthand what the medical school experience is really like. 

Student Panel & Live Q&A 

Hear directly from current students and ask your questions in real time. 

• Thursday, April 23, 2026 — 4:00 PM (CT) | Register 

Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 11:59PM

Eligibility: To be eligible to complete this application, you must be a continuing undergraduate student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Illinois, planning to continue full-time enrollment in the 2026-2027 academic year (students graduating in December 2026 may still apply). Additional eligibility criteria is listed for individual scholarships below.

Section 1 (required for all applicants) will be used to select recipients of all donor-funded LAS scholarships (other than those in Sections 2 & 3). Sections 2-3 should only be completed if you are eligible for that section's scholarship.

Section 2 (optional) will be used to select recipients of the Evelyn M. Ebbert Scholarship

The Evelyn M. Ebbert Scholarship supports LAS junior or senior students who demonstrate leadership potential in business and entrepreneurship. Preference shall be given to students who are involved with the Society of Women in Business or the Illini Women in Economics or other student organizations that promote female leadership in business – provided that such organization is open to students of any gender. Applicants will be asked to submit a 500-550 word essay describing how they meet the criteria. This can be submitted in section 2.

Section 3 (optional) will be used to select recipients of the Alexandra H. Hauser Scholarship

The Alexandra H. Hauser Scholarship supports LAS undergraduates with financial need who have a sibling or other family member with Down Syndrome. Applicants will be asked to provide a 250-500 word statement on the topic of “My Relationship with My Relative”. This can be submitted in section 3.

Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 11:59PM

Fill out the form and apply today!

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers individualized support for undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing speeches and presentations for any class or professional event. We can assist at any stage of the process, from brainstorming and outlining to delivery practice and visual aids. We offer in-person consultations located in a variety of places on campus, as well as synchronous virtual consultations. Contact us for questions, class visits or to develop unique programming for classes and other campus groups. Check out the Speakers Workshop page for more information.

Main Library Orange Room, Lincoln Hall LAS Hub, and Online via Zoom

iSucceed is for our scholars to work together to build community, support one another’s academic development and understand how and why to engage in academic spaces. Scholars get the opportunity to:

• Scholars meet once per week on Mondays at BNAACC.
• Participate in in-person seminars with guest speakers & self-paced interactive online seminars.
• Discuss various topics on their personal & career development, and academic strategies/resources.
• Have dedicated study time.
• 1:1 Quick Check-Ins with Advising & Mentoring Student Success Advisors.

iSucceed is staffed by:

• Courtney Bishop, A&M Assistant Director
• Shawn Hampton, BNAACC Associate Director of Retention & Evaluation
• Monica Brigham, A&M Student Success Advisor
• Kimberly Eiermann, A&M Student Success Advisor

Students in iSucceed gain a strong network of peer and staff support each week, helping them stay motivated, connected, and focused on their goals. Please share with any of your students that need support.

iSucceed Seminar Details

Date: Weekly on Mondays
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30p
Location: BNAACC Multipurpose Room

Students can sign up to participate here: iSucceed Interest Form

11 a.m. to noon last Wednesday of each month, Paul M. Lisnek LAS Hub
Interested in applying for a scholarship to study abroad, learn a language, conduct research, or attend grad school? Seeking feedback on a scholarship application-in-progress? NIS (aka “TopScholars”) administers nationally competitive awards for Illinois students and alumni and provides advice throughout the application process, helping students become more competitive for awards like Fulbright, Rhodes, Gilman, Goldwater, and more.

Various times, Sundays through Fridays, across campus and online
Writers Workshop is here to help you with all types of writing, at any stage in the process. Book an appointment, visit during drop-in hours, or reach out by phone, email, or in-person at the Main Library for assistance.

The NIH-funded PREP Scholars Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia is an exciting and extremely successful postbaccalaureate program specifically designed to prepare students for entry into top-quality PhD programs in one of the biomedical sciences. 

Our MU PREP Scholars Program was renewed by the NIH for 5 years for the 4^th consecutive time and we will begin our 22^ndyear this summer.

 MU PREP has provided 84 underrepresented students a highly mentored environment that includes an individualized research experience, targeted but limited coursework, and professional development including GRE preparation and assistance in the graduate application process, with an annual stipend of $30,000.

Our program is described in detail on our web site, including very important information on the success of our PREP Scholars, e.g.:

• 80 % of our MU PREP Scholars enrolled in a PhD program
• 93 % of those Scholars have completed or are on-track to complete their PhD (national average = 63%)
• 5.6 years = Average time for MU PREP Scholars to earn their PhD (national average = 6.9 years)

In the past 5 years, MU PREP Scholars entered PhD programs at Alabama-Birmingham, Cornell, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Northwestern, Southern Cal, UTexas Health Sciences Center-San Antonio, UC-Davis, UCLA, and Wisconsin.

Students who would benefit from MU PREP are encouraged to apply. Our rolling admissions process is entirely free. We begin reviewing applications in February/March and continue until we fill our positions.

If students have any questions, please contact me at davidj@missouri.edu. I would be delighted to talk with you.

Apply for the Busey Bank Bridge Scholarship for a chance to receive a $2,500 award to support tuition, fees, books, or supplies. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year to students from eligible counties (including Champaign County), so check eligibility and apply if you’re seeking extra support for your education.

Emory University is inviting students to give submissions to the newly launched Emory Journal of Public Health, a peer-reviewed student-led publication dedicated to showcasing high-quality public health scholarship by undergraduates and masters researchers.  We welcome submissions from students across disciplines whose work engages with public health topics, including but not limited to epidemiology, health policy, global health, environmental health, social and behavioral health, biostatistics, and health equity. Both independent projects and faculty-mentored research are encouraged.  Our goal is to provide undergraduates and masters students with an accessible, rigorous platform to share their work, gain experience with the academic publication process, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing public health dialogue.  Submissions will undergo a two-tiered peer-review process, and accepted manuscripts will be published in our inaugural issue. Detailed submission guidelines, formatting requirements, and deadlines can be found at the following link: EUJPH Website. Manuscripts can be submitted using the following Google Form. The deadline for preliminary submissions will be October 1st, 2026. 

4-5 p.m. Thursday, April 23, virtual
Do you find taking tests, completing assignments, and/or giving presentations highly stressful? You are not alone. As many as 20% of students experience test anxiety. Text Anxiety Workshops help you address anxiety so that you can do your best work. The workshops are free, but space is limited. Please register in advance.

April 24–26 • April 24th (Fri): 6pm - 9:30pm CT, April 25th and 26th (Sat and Sun): 1pm - 5:30pm CT 

The SKY Happiness Retreat is an internationally acclaimed life-skills program that helps participants develop a relaxed, stress-free mind and an energetic, healthy body. The retreat teaches tools such as evidence-based meditation, yoga, breathwork, and self-exploration in a fun and experiential format. Join us on campus for a detox-weekend! The retreat is fully funded for all U. of I. students. Interested students can sign up using the link.

CampusWell provides health and wellness articles and videos for the campus community. Topics incorporate the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, ranging from nutrition, mindfulness, time management and finances. 

The LAS Undercover Food Pantry is in business and already serving students. We don’t check student ids and we don’t turn anyone away; the pantry is tucked into a secluded corner of the LAS office and is discreet. Students can stop by 2002 Lincoln Hall during our hours of operation (8:30 am – noon and 1 pm – 4:40 pm M, T, TH, F and 10 am – noon, 1 pm – 4:40 pm on W). Let the front desk know you're here about the pantry, or to ‘shop.’ We have bags for you to use if you need them.

The Food Assistance and Well-Being Program is an emergency resource for Illinois students who are facing financial challenges and need short-term food and basic needs support. Our pantry offers a variety of items such as protein, dairy, fresh produce, canned goods, grains and limited personal care items. Every week, students can choose to either make an appointment at the ARC Instructional Kitchen, schedule a pick-up at CRCE lockers or visit a Wesley Food Pantry. During Hunger Action Month this September, create awareness about food insecurity and share this resource with students you serve.

The Student Wellness Guidebook is an online etext and open enrollment Canvas course that helps students build skills across the eight dimensions of wellness and connects them to Illinois resources all in one place.

On TalkCampus, you can share what’s on your mind, chat one-on-one with a trained TalkCampus Buddy, join group conversations, journal, and explore self-guided tools to support your wellbeing. There’s no judgment, just real conversations with students who have lived experience with common college stressors. 

To get started, create an account using your Illinois NetID. If you have questions, contact the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 during business hours. 

Let's Talk is a program offered by our embedded counselors. It is not a counseling appointment but a casual conversation about Counseling Center services available to you. Conversations with Let’s Talk counselors are private, informal consultations. Let's Talk appointments are 15 minutes long, and there is no fee. 

To schedule a Let's Talk appointment, please schedule an appointment online.  

Learn about resources for stress management individually and throughout the campus community. This weekly event features education, an activity, and giveaways around a new theme.

Illinois students who are facing financial challenges can access short-term food and basic needs support. The pantry offers a variety of items such as protein, dairy, fresh produce, canned goods, grains, and personal care items. Make an appointment at the ARC Instructional Kitchen, schedule a pick-up at the CRCE lockers, or visit a Wesley Food Pantry.

The Illini Wildlife and Conservation Club (IWCC) is a perfect fit for any students who are interested in wildlife, conservation, the environment, or just spending time outdoors. Our RSO has monthly general meetings where we host speakers such as professors from the university, field biologists, zookeepers, and Illinois alumni. During the semester, we take off-campus trips to places such as zoos, state parks, local nature centers, and forest preserves. We also host socials and philanthropy events, plus volunteer at local events like Boneyard Creek Community Day and Illini Lights Out as IWCC is dedicated to giving back to the community and being stewards of the local environment. Ultimately, our goal is to increase awareness and interest in the conservation and sustainability of both wildlife and the environments that support them.

IAGD, the International Association for Geoscience Diversity, supports access and inclusion for people with disabilities in geosciences. They have scholarships, awards, and loanable technology aids to support field-based learning and research, among other resources. This group supports STEM students beyond the geosciences, learn more at the International Association for Geoscience Diversity website. 

Illini Sheltering Hands Society is a student organization dedicated to empowering students with essential, life-saving skills while supporting homeless communities on campus and in the surrounding area. The organization hosts a variety of events and workshops, facilitates volunteering initiatives, and provides hands-on training in skills such as CPR, measuring vital signs, and using an AED. Through these activities, Illini Sheltering Hands Society aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed for service, leadership, and skill-building, while also enriching campus life and promoting social responsibility.

Looking to build meaningful mentor relationships with healthcare professionals? Consider joining Illinois Healthcare Mentorship Group (IHMG)! 

In IHMG, we host zoom meetings with healthcare professionals across a variety of healthcare fields, giving students an opportunity to learn more about possible career paths, transferrable skills that will help lead you there, and to foster meaningful connections with mentors.  As well, we have social and service events that we are planning to allow students to build their network on campus and find others with similar interests! If you are interested in being involved, reach out to our presidents agonz320@illinois.edu and bwidl@illinois.edu. Open to all majors and pre-health tracks! 

Invisible Illness Awareness at UIUC (IIA at UIUC) is a new pre-health chapter RSO dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for invisible illnesses, chronic conditions, and disabilities. We host biweekly meetings over zoom on Mondays 4:30-5:30, with each month being dedicated to a new category of conditions. The first meeting of the month will include an informational presentation about the condition, and the second meeting of the month will feature a guest speaker related to the condition, including doctors, caregivers, and individuals who have the condition.

We are dedicated to educating future healthcare employees to: 
Increase awareness of invisible illnesses, chronic illnesses, and Disabilities, particularly among current and future healthcare professionals

• Educate future and/or current healthcare workers on the experiences of people living with invisible illnesses, chronic illnesses, and Disabilities.
• Represent people with invisible illnesses, chronic illnesses, and Disabilities at their Institution.
• Decrease diagnostic delays of invisible illnesses
• Reduce stigma surrounding invisible illnesses
• Promote empathy and understanding by sharing patient perspectives and lived experiences
• Encourage institutional change by fostering awareness in healthcare, education, and workplace environments

We are not only dedicated to educating pre-health students, but also creating a community for students with invisible illnesses, chronic conditions, and disabilities. 

Follow us on instagram: @IIA_UIUC 
Join our GroupMe.
Check out our Linktree for further information.

We are excited to announce the launch of Medicine4Youth at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and are currently recruiting members! Medicine4Youth at Illinois is a campus chapter of the international nonprofit Medicine4Youth, dedicated to bridging the gap between medicine and community accessibility. Our mission is to empower college students to translate complex medical concepts into engaging, age-appropriate education for younger generations while developing compassionate, socially aware future healthcare leaders. We will offer interactive workshops, community service, speaker events, mentorship programs, medical school application guidance, and youth outreach opportunities, while also building a strong social media presence with weekly evidence-based posts on pre-health topics. If you are passionate about medicine, mentorship, and service, we would love for you to join us! Follow us on Instagram @medicine4youth_uiuc for updates, and feel free to reach out to med4youthuiuc@gmail.com with any questions!

Are you a pre-health or pre-nursing student interested in learning more about the nursing field while also building community with your peers? The Black Student Nursing Association serves to uplift, empower, and support Black students of all genders who are interested in nursing by fostering a community grounded in excellence, representation, and cultural pride. We strive to promote academic success, professional development, and leadership while advocating for equity within healthcare and creating spaces where Black voices in nursing are seen, heard, and valued. 

Join Black Student Nursing Association at our Picnic Social on April 14th from 5:30-7:00 P.M.@ The Main Quad to learn more about how to become involved. We can't wait to see you there!

Please fill out this form to RSVP.

• Learn: Discover the amazing organisms that you share your city with.
• Contribute to Science: Your observations provide valuable data for conservation efforts and scientific research. Your participation makes an impact on understanding biodiversity and coexisting with nature. See the scientific research that has been made possible by City Nature Challenge participants like you! City Nature Challenge Press & Publications.
• Compete: Help Central Illinois rise on the global leaderboards for the most observations, species, and participants!
• Have fun! Watch this short video from CBS Sunday Morning video on YouTube: How a fun nature app aids science

• Download the App: Install the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone (available on the App Store or Google Play) and create an account. Log your Central Illinois iNaturalist observations here: Central Illinois City Nature Challenge Observations.
• Find Wildlife: Explore your local park, backyard, neighborhood, or natural area and take pictures of any wild plants, fungi, or animals you find from April 24-27, 2026. (If it’s a garden plant or pet, please mark it as “captive/cultivated” in the app; these will not count towards the City Nature Challenge).  Need more clarification on wild vs. cultivated? Check out this blog on iNaturalist: What does captive / cultivated mean?
• Share! Upload your observations to the iNaturalist app during the challenge period (April 24 – April 27). Observations within the boundaries of participating counties in Central Illinois will automatically count towards our area’s total.
• Help Identify: As the data is collected and submitted, you can help identify the species observed by other participants to build a better understanding of local biodiversity.

• 7-9am: Birding & Prairie Plants - Weaver Park
• 7-10pm: Sunset & Night Hike - Busey Woods

Saturday, April 25

• 7:30-9:30am: Birding & Prairie Plants - Perkins Rd. Prairie
• 11:30am-1pm: Pond & Creek Exploration - Busey Woods/Crystal Lake
• 6-8pm: Sunset Hike - Weaver Park

Sunday, April 26

• 3-4pm: Looking for Bugs - Carle Park
• 6-8pm: Sunset Walk - Meadowbrook Park
• Monday, April 27
• 7:30-10pm: Bug Lighting & Hike - Busey Woods

Spring semester
These workshops are designed for both international and domestic students to build intercultural awareness, communication skills, and confidence for success in academic and global contexts. Attending this series of workshops can deepen learning and application. Participation in individual sessions is welcome.

The Salvation Army in Champaign (2212 N Market St.) is seeking volunteers to support the food pantry. Volunteering at The Salvation Army food pantry involves preparing and organizing bags and carts of food for distribution to individuals and families in need. Responsibilities may include organizing donated items, packing bags and carts, and distributing bread and other produce. 

If you're interested in signing up, please visit the Sign-Up Link.

For questions, please contact Captain Melissa: melissa.sivels@usc.salvationarmy.org