At a Glance: February 16, 2026
Announcements
New Spring 2 Elective - ACCY 593: Internal Audit for ManagersDesigned for current and aspiring managers, ACCY 593: Internal Audit for Managers explores how internal audit creates value beyond compliance and how managers can use audit insights to drive smarter decisions. Taught by industry leaders Andy Dahle and Ed Rogowski, learners build high-demand skills in risk management, stakeholder communication, and ethical leadership. You will gain confidence in navigating ethical and regulatory complexity while applying sound judgement and professionalism. Advance your career with internal audit skills serving as a trusted advisor.
Please note: ACCY 593: AI in Business (CRN: 75976) and ACCY 593: Internal Audit for Managers (CRN: 69860) are separate courses with different content, instructors, credits, and registration. Both courses will be offered in Spring 2, and you are welcome to enroll in both during your degree program, if you so choose.
ACCY 593: AI in Business Now Offering Simulive Option
ACCY 593 AI in Business is offering both a traditional live session and access to Simulive, an interactive learning experience that brings together collaborative discussion and peer community. With Simulive, you will watch a live session recording together with classmates at a scheduled time, while participating in a live chat discussion facilitated by a course team member to help guide the conversation. This creates a focused, low-pressure environment where you can engage with ideas, ask questions and learn how others are thinking about course topics. Join ACCY 593 (CRN: 75976) and be part of this new interactive learning experience.
May 2026 Gies Convocation Ceremony Event Registration
Registration for the May 2026 Gies Convocation Ceremony is open now! Join us for a pre-ceremony celebration and open house where you and your guests can socialize, take photos, and enjoy refreshments. Afterward, you'll proceed to the main convocation ceremony. Each event requires a separate registration form. The deadline to register is Friday, May 1. You can review the Gies Convocation Ceremony website for more details.
May 2026 iDegree Open House
Friday, May 15 | 7:30 - 8:30 am CT | iHotel and Conference Center
Friday, May 15 | 10:00 - 11:30 am CT | State Farm Center
Register for the Convocation Ceremony
AI in Research Guide Now Available
The University Library is excited to announce that a new Generative AI in Research guide is now available online. This resource contains guidance for students and instructors on how and when to responsibly engage with AI during the research process with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills and maintaining academic integrity. Contact Alex Deeke, Celenia Graves, and Mary Ton with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Register for the Winter 2026 Collaboratorium
Gies learners are invited to the University of Chicago’s Winter 2026 Collaboratorium on Thursday, February 26. Register now to join the FREE Winter 2026 Collaboratorium and connect with top students, faculty, researchers, and technologists from across the Midwest to turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact. In this program hosted by the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center, you will gain hands-on entrepreneurship experience and early exposure to breakthrough technologies, while faculty and researchers can showcase their work, collaborate with talented student teams, and clarify next steps toward commercialization. You can join the Collaboratorium virtually or in-person. Learn more about the collaboratorium or register here for FREE.
Peer Tutor Application Deadline Extended
Are you passionate about helping others succeed academically? Gies Graduate Programs Online is hiring peer tutors to support FIN 500. We are seeking dedicated Graduate Tutors to provide academic support and tutoring services to graduate learners enrolled in the course.
Position Details:
Role: Graduate Tutor
Duration: March 18 - May 12, 2026
Primary Responsibilities:
- • Provide one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions via Zoom.
- • Assist learners in understanding FIN 500 course materials.
- • Help improve study skills and develop strategies for academic success.
Why Join Us?
- • Make a meaningful impact on your peers' academic journeys.
- • Gain valuable experience in tutoring and academic support.
- • Flexible online tutoring sessions that fit your schedule.
How to Apply:
- View more details about the Peer Tutor role here.
- The Peer Tutor application can be found here.
Please submit your application and requested materials no later than 11:59 pm CT on Friday, February 20. For additional questions, please contact giesgradsuccess@business.illinois.edu.
Gies News
Super Bowl Ads Key as Brands Chase Last Shared Moment in Media
For some viewers, the Super Bowl is all about football. For many others, it’s about what happens when the game goes to commercial. Super Bowl LX once again proved that the ads have become an event of their own, with brands spending eye-popping sums to grab the attention of more than 100 million viewers watching at the same time. Maria Rodas, an assistant professor of business administration at Gies College of Business who specializes in consumer behavior and brand management discusses the costs and impacts of Super Bowl Commercials. Read more about the commercials here.
Who's Gonna Drive You Home?
Replacing a job is different from assisting with one. Full replacement implies something closer to autonomy than augmentation. It means handling not just the common cases, but the exceptions. In this article, Gies Professor of Accountancy and Chief Disruption Officer, Robert Brunner, explores self driving cars as an analogy for the implications of AI and job security for white collar workers. Read more about his research here.
Podcast: Why Erasing Small Medical Debts Didn't Improve Financial Health
Is erasing medical debt from credit reports just a placebo? In this episode of Research Reverb, Gies Business economist Julia Fonseca discusses research in which she and her coauthors found that withholding small medical debts from reporting had no impact on credit scores or decisions. Listen to the podcast here.
This Week at Gies
Use the Event Calendar for information on upcoming events, such as iConverge and iDegree Convocation, as well as academic dates and deadlines for the semester. Click event titles below for details on the events happening this week.
Wednesday, February 18
In Case You Missed It...
Previous At-a-Glance issues are available for viewing via the Announcements section of the Online Programs website.