At a Glance: June 1, 2026
Announcements
Access the Gies Online Programs Graduation Course
Graduating in Summer 2026? You have been added to the Gies Online Programs Graduation Course! This course contains helpful information about graduation and your transition as an Alum.
- If you have already accepted the email invitation to join the course, be sure you are logged in to Illinois on Coursera, then click the link above to access the course.
- To enroll in the course, make sure to accept your email invitation from Coursera. Search your Illinois email for "Join Graduation Course." Please confirm that you are logged in to Illinois on Coursera before accessing the course link.
If you are scheduled to graduate in Summer 2026 and have not received an invite to your Illinois email, please email i-support@illinois.edu.
Fall 1 iDegrees Course Support Application Now Open
The Gies iDegrees Grader, SCA, and PR Application is now open. If you are interested in being considered for a position for Fall 1 2026, please complete the application no later than Friday, June 12 at 11:45 pm CT. You may use this application to apply to become a Grader, Synchronous Course Assistant, or Plagiarism Reviewer. The application process only requires submitting the Gies iDegrees Grader, SCA, and PR Application form.
Even if you are currently working with us, you need to apply each term, so please make sure you apply before the deadline. Those selected for a position will be notified via email. Due to the volume of applications, late submissions will not be accepted. If you work on a course, you will not be eligible to take it for credit as a student later. If you have any questions about the application, please email Emily Forbes at eforbes2@illinois.edu.
Gies Events
Gies First-Generation Coffee Chat
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
We invite first-generation graduate learners—those who are the first in their family to pursue a graduate degree—to grab a coffee or tea and join our recruitment team, along with your fellow current learners who are also first-generation graduate learners, for a coffee chat. This session will explore the challenges faced by first-generation learners and highlight strategies for success in graduate education. You'll also learn about the support services available and gain insight into what it’s like to be a first-generation learner in Gies Online programs. Bring your questions—we look forward to connecting with you!
Gies News
What the MBA "Fire Sale" Conversation is Missing
A recent piece in the The Wall Street Journal caught our attention. The headline read: “There is a fire sale on M.B.A.s.” It’s just one in a series of articles – including Forbes and Moneywise – all reporting the same trend. Dean Brown discusses what we hope is that affordability becomes a permanent feature of more programs, not a temporary response to enrollment pressure. Read more about Dean Brown's take on the iMBA program.
How One iMBA Learner is Improving the Birthing Experience
As part of the Carle Medical Capstone, Gies iMBA learner Galina Mihalkina helped develop PeriAssist, a medical device aimed at reducing trauma during difficult childbirths by filling a gap between existing tools. As the project’s business lead, she handled strategy, stakeholder mapping, and commercialization, helping the team win awards and move toward funding and patents. Read more about the 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.
In Case You Missed It...
Previous At-a-Glance issues are available for viewing via the Announcements section of the Online Programs website.