At a Glance: May 4, 2026
Announcements
Introducing a New Program: MS in Business Analytics (MSBAi)
Gies Online Programs is excited to launch a new online degree in Fall 2026: Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBAi). The MSBAi is a 15-month, fully online master’s degree designed for working professionals who are transitioning into analytics and business intelligence roles. The MSBAi degree program is built around AI-native, human-centered analytics curriculum that integrates artificial intelligence and modern analytics tools throughout the program.
This AI-native, human-centered program focuses on:
- Building technical analytics skills (Python, SQL, machine learning)
- Applying analytics to business decision-making and solving real business problems
- Completing hands-on, project-based coursework
- Developing a portfolio of work for analytics roles
The MSBAi is designed for a different audience and goal than most of our current online programs.
- It is built specifically for career pivoters entering analytics
- It follows a very structured, cohort-based curriculum with a Fall-only start
- It emphasizes technical skill development and job transition into analytics roles
Interested in learning more? Explore the admission requirements and curriculum today! Have questions? reach out to our team at i-support@ilinois.edu for more information.
Express Advising Schedule May 14 and May 15
There will be a modified Express Advising schedule the week of May 11 due to staff participation in the May iDegree Convocation Ceremony and related events. Express Advising will be cancelled on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15. To reach our Student and Academic Success Team during this time, please email us at i-support@illinois.edu.
Your Canvas Course Page Has a Time Limit
Canvas course pages are available for eight weeks from the end of the last course module, as stated in each course syllabus. After eight weeks from the end date, you will no longer have access to your course(s) dashboard in Canvas. Save any documents before that date for your personal archives. Your access to course content and videos in Coursera will not expire.
Spring 2026 Semester Grade Release
Final grades for the Spring 2026 semester are available to view in Student Self-Service on Saturday, May 23.
Spring 2026 Digital Specialization Certificate Release Next Month
Gies Online is pleased to celebrate learners achieving milestones in their specialization coursework. Approximately four weeks after final grades are released, eligible learners who have completed a specialization area in Spring 2026 will be sent a digital specialization certificates via Accredible to their Illinois email addresses. Learn how to share your credentials with your network via Accredible.
Diversify Your Career Strategy
It is important to have a holistic approach to your career search and Gies Online Programs offers resources to diversify your career strategy, including:
- Handshake- Explore job postings and connect directly with employers.
- Big Interview- Practice mock interviews for a hands-on learning experience.
- VMock- An AI resume builder tailored to your specific skills and career path.
Goldie Initiative Scholarship Opportunity
Interested in a career in commercial real estate? The Goldie Initiative is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Goldie Scholar Program, which supports female graduate students through scholarship, mentorship, and industry networking opportunities.
The award is up to $15,000 for eligible female graduate students with 1-2 years remaining in their program and an interest in commercial real estate. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026 at 11:59 am CT. The second information session is offered on Tuesday, May 12 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT. See the Goldie Scholarship PDF to learn more. Click here to view the scholarship application details and RSVP for the information sessions. Questions may be directed to Kelsey Cleland, Program Director.
Attention May 2026 Graduates: Share Your Gies Journey
Whether you are attending the graduation ceremony in person or you can't make it to campus, we’d love to feature your Gies journey and hear what earning your degree means to you! We’re collecting videos to create a special May 2026 graduation reel, which we will share in future marketing efforts. If you’re interested in participating in person at graduation or would like to submit a video, please email Roxana Madani.
Here’s the December 2025 Graduation Reel for inspiration!
Here are some quick tips to help you get started:
- Make an outline of what you would like to say.
- Make sure your camera is stable (have someone video you or use a tripod).
- Choose an interesting background with good lighting - wear your cap and gown or something orange and blue!
- Be yourself - personality is key!
We’re excited to celebrate your accomplishments and share your story—congratulations, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Gies Events
Munich Meet Up
Saturday, May 16 | 5:00 - 6:00 pm CEST
Gies Business is would like to invite our iDegree learners, alumni, and immersion participants in the Munich area to join us for a networking reception during our Germany Immersion. This event offers a great opportunity to connect with local Gies students and alumni, as well as immersion participants, faculty, and staff. Join Clinical Assistant Professor of Accountancy, Dawn Kink; Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Tina Girndt-Clougherty; Student and Academic Success Specialists, Micaela Childress and Eric Powell; and your fellow learners to grow your Gies Business network. The event will take place Saturday, May 16 at Maritim Hotel München in the piano bar (Goethestraße 780336 München). Please register by Wednesday, May 6. Space is limited. Light food and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to connecting with you!
Military Coffee Chat
Thursday, May 21 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
We invite all active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans in Gies Online Programs to our coffee chat. Join our recruitment team and current student veterans as they discuss their successes, answer questions and share advice and resources. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow military members and veterans, exchange perspectives, and share valuable resources that have enhanced your experience in the program.
Military Coffee Chat Registration
Berlin Meet Up
Friday, May 22 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm CEST
Gies Business We would like to invite you to join us for our closing dinner during the Germany Immersion in Berlin. This event offers a great opportunity to connect with local Gies students and alumni, as well as immersion participants, faculty, and staff. Join Associate Director of Operations, Rachel Ward; Clinical Assistant Professor of Accountancy, Dawn Kink; Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Tina Girndt-Clougherty; Student and Academic Success Specialists, Micaela Childress and Eric Powell; and your fellow learners to grow your Gies Business network. The event will take place on Friday, May 22 at Solar (Stresemannsrtasse 76, 10963, Berlin). Please register by Wednesday, May 6. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to connecting with you!
Gies News
Podcast: Smarter Scheduling for Chronic Care
A new framework from Gies Business professor Ujjal Mukherjee, who teaches MBA 572: Healthcare Innovation Processes, combines machine learning with scheduling optimization to tackle one of healthcare's toughest problems: the sickest patients are often the least likely to get time with a doctor. Listen to Professor Mukherjee discuss this in the latest episode of Research Reverb here.
Sol Brings Added Safety and Empowerment to Wheelchair Operators
Carter Schott developed Sol, a USB-powered lighting system for wheelchairs that improves visibility and allows users to signal for attention. Supported by the University of Illinois’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, he is refining the product through user feedback and pilot testing while working toward bringing it to market and expanding adaptive technology solutions. Read more about Schott’s development 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.
Summer Registration Deadline for Soft Launch Access
Wednesday May 6
International Regional Coffee Chat
Wednesday May 6
Texas Regional Coffee Chat
Wednesday May 6
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