Announcements

Canvas Access Restored

We want to thank you for your patience and understanding during the recent Canvas security breach. Canvas access was restored over the weekend, after determining it was safe to resume activity in the platform. Our summer soft launch and courses will resume as scheduled. If you have any questions regarding your courses, please email i-support@illinois.edu to connect with your instructional teams for assistance.

Summer Soft Launch Starts This Week

Summer courses that begin on Wednesday, May 20 will soft launch on Wednesday, May 13. Soft launch allows you to view your registered classes in both Canvas and Coursera a week ahead, giving you the chance to review your course syllabi and expectations before the official start date. Registering at least two weeks before the course start date ensures access to your course during the soft-launch period.

Express Advising Schedule May 14 and May 15

There will be a modified Express Advising schedule this week 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.

Update Your Grouping Preference Form

At the beginning of each 8-week session, you should update your availability for your course groups on the Grouping Preference Form. The grouping preference tool translates your time preferences into UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) so you can be grouped in your courses with individuals with similar availability around the globe. Take a moment today to finalize your availability!

Summer 2026 Live Sessions Confirmed

All live sessions for iMBA courses beginning on May 20 have been confirmed. You can view session times under the Summer 2026 Course Offerings link found on your program's Course Offerings page. 

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

 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

Learn How to Get Started With GiesConnect

Wednesday, May 27 | 12:00- 1:00 pm CT 

Ready to make the most of your Gies experience? Join our Getting Started With GiesConnect webinar to learn how to navigate and use the Learner and Alumni Networking Hub (the Hub) on GiesConnect, powered by InScribe, your central online community for building meaningful connections with fellow learners, alumni, Gies staff, and faculty during your program and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to grow your professional network, connect locally, explore industry discussions, or stay updated on upcoming events, GiesConnect brings the entire Gies community together in one place. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to create your profile, join channels and topics, explore new features, stay organized with helpful tips, and start engaging right away. 
 

GiesConnect Webinar Registration

Midwest Healthcare Management Conference

Friday, August 21 | iHotel and Conference Center 
Join Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Gies College of Business on campus for the 6th Annual Midwest Healthcare Management Conference. This year’s conference will explore how digital technologies and AI can help build a connected healthcare architecture to ensure continuity of care across the entire continuum of care. You can review the agenda and more details on the Midwest Healthcare Conference website. We look forward to collaborating with you in shaping the future of healthcare! Please contact Emma Fellabaum with any questions.
 

Midwest Healthcare Management Registration

 Gies News

 Podcast: Give or Get? The Science of Workplace Recognition

A study by Professor Alex Vandenberg shows that workplace leaderboards shape peer recognition behavior in different ways. In this episode of Research Reverb, he shows that ranking employees by recognition received reduces proactive compliments, while ranking by recognition given increases them compared to having no leaderboard. Listen to Professor Vandenberg discuss the science of workplace recognition here.

Aaron Schumm to Deliver Convocation Address 

The founder and CEO of Vestwell will share his journey from first job to fintech innovator at this year’s Gies College of Business convocation ceremonies on May 15, 2026. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Aaron Schumm built his career through persistence, curiosity, and determination. As founder and CEO of Vestwell, he has helped transform the savings industry by making retirement, education, and emergency savings more accessible to millions of Americans. His work to expand financial wellness and close the nation’s savings gap recently earned him recognition as a Notable Leader in Finance by Crain’s New York Business. Read more about Guest Speaker Aaron Schumm here.

The Economics of AI Anxiety

Recent headlines have fueled concerns that AI will eliminate millions of jobs, but Professor Robert Brunner, instructor for BDI 587 AI in Business, says the reality is more nuanced. His outlook: AI will change the nature of work, but not eliminate the need for it. Read the full article about The Economics of AI Anxiety 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.

Spring 2 Courses End
Tuesday, May 12

SummerSoft Launch (May 20 Start)
Wednesday, May 13

May 2026 Convocation Events
Friday, May 15

Germany Immersion Begins
Saturday, May 16

Munich Meet Up
Saturday, May 16

 
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