Announcements

Applications Open for the Carle Capstone Project 

We are excited to announce that the application period is now open for the 2026 - 2027 Carle Capstone Project, a unique interdisciplinary opportunity for iMBA learners to collaborate with peers in medicine and engineering. This year-long experiential learning course focuses on solving problems in healthcare by developing innovative, marketable products. Explore the innovations of past capstone projects and be part of this year's journey to shape the future of healthcare.

You do not need to have a healthcare background to contribute to this project. In fact, an outside perspective can offer valuable new insights. iMBA learners who participate in the Carle Capstone project will fulfill both of their MBA 590 specialization capstone requirements.

Please visit our Carle Capstone calendar page and review the full details on the project, eligibility requirements, application link, and key deadlines. Learners are encouraged to apply by March 9 at 11:59 pm CT.  

The HIDE Graduate Certificate is Here

We are excited to announce that the Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (HIDE) focus area specialization has been approved as a graduate certificate and is now available as an embedded credential within the iMBA degree program. 

Learners who select the HIDE focus area can now earn the graduate certificate while completing their degree, allowing you to earn an additional credential in healthcare innovation without extending time to graduation. You can view the three HIDE courses and descriptions on the iMBA program requirements page. 

Earning an embedded graduate certificate involves completing two administrative steps outlined under the iMBA Program Requirements section titled "How to Earn an Embedded Graduate Certificate."

If you are interested in pursuing this option, we encourage you to meet with a  Student & Academic Success Specialist to ensure you meet the requirements and plan for this option within your graduation timeline. 

Spring 2 Deadline to Register for Soft Launch Access

Spring 2 courses begin Wednesday, March 18. We recommend learners register for Spring 2 courses by Wednesday, March 4 to have access to courses by soft launch on Wednesday, March 11. Review the Spring 2 course offerings schedule and register today. Registration will not be permitted after 11:59 pm CT on the first day of class. Courses may reach capacity before the registration deadline, so it is advised to register early.  If you need assistance with course selection or registration connect with a specialist.

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) in Spring 2 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 F 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

Register for the May 2026 Pre-Ceremony Open House

May 2026 Gies Convocation Ceremony  
Friday, May 15 | 10:00 - 11:30 am CT | State Farm Center

Register for the May 2026 Gies Convocation Ceremony

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 FREE.

Gies Events

Women in Business: Connect, Empower, Succeed

Thursday, March 12 | 12:00 - 5:00 pm CT

Join us for Women in Business: Connect, Empower, Succeed, a free virtual conference hosted by Gies Graduate Programs. This half-day event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow through five engaging and insightful sessions.

Hear from industry leaders and subject-matter experts as they share perspectives on leadership, empowerment, skill development, and networking. Featuring a dynamic agenda  with engaging panel discussions and actionable insights, this event is designed to leave you both informed and inspired.

Women in Business Conference Registration

Rosemont, IL iConnect

Tuesday, March 31 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm CT
Gies Business is looking forward to providing an opportunity for our iDegree learners and alumni in the Rosemont, IL area to gather for an iConnect! Join your fellow learners for an evening of networking and connecting. The event will take place at Carlucci Rosemont (6111 N. River Rd. Rosemont, Illinois 60018). Please register by Friday, March 25. Light food and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to connecting with you!

Rosemont, IL iConnect Registration

Gies News

Unnati Narang Wins 2026 AMA TechSIG Young Scholar Award

U Unnati Narang, assistant professor of business administration at Gies College of Business who teaches MBA 564: Applying Data Analytics in Marketing, has been named the recipient of the 2026 AMA TechSIG Young Scholar Award. The Young Scholar Award is conferred annually by the Technology Special Interest Group of the American Marketing Association to an early-career researcher whose work has made significant contributions to the theory and practice of technology-focused marketing. Read more about Narang’s contributions here.

Podcast: Marketing Alum and Illini Football Standout Hank Beatty

In the history of Illinois football, only 26 players had ever been named an Academic All-American...until Hank Beatty made it 27. In this episode of The Gies Download, former Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty - a Gies Business marketing alum - talks about his success in the classroom and on the football field, and explains why he sees a lot of similarities between the two. 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. There are no new events happening this week.

In Case You Missed It...

Previous At-a-Glance issues are available for viewing via the Announcements section of the Online Programs website.

View At a Glance Archive