Announcements

Fall 1 iDegrees Course Support Application 

The Gies iDegrees Grader, SCA, and PR Application is 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. 

Mckinley Relaxation Resources

As a Gies Online learner, you have a lot of commitments and responsibilities to balance — finding time to relax can be a challenge. Luckily, McKinley Health Center provides a list of relaxation techniques, exercises, and tips on their website! Check out their online resources here. 

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.

Register for the 2026 ROMBA Conference

Don't miss your chance to attend the 2026 Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Conference, happening October 1-3, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. As the world’s largest gathering of LGBTQ+ MBA students and alumni, ROMBA offers panels, workshops, networking events, and a career fair featuring top corporate recruiters from a wide range of industries. Visit the ROMBA website to view the agenda and register. This year’s theme, Bold Roots, Bright Horizons, highlights the strength and impact of the LGBTQ+ community in business. Allies and those who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum are welcome to attend. For additional questions, please reach out to the event organizers.

Apply to Be a Growth Coach for BUS 401 

The application deadline has been extended to be a Growth Coach! The Cohort Experience Program is hiring Growth Coaches for the upcoming academic year. Growth Coaches facilitate small weekly discussion groups for undergraduate seniors enrolled in BUS 401. This role is ideal for graduate learners interested in teaching, coaching, mentoring, or student development. Growth Coaches receive training, ongoing support, and paid professional experience. We seek reliable, reflective applicants who enjoy facilitating discussion-based work with undergraduate students. Application is due this Friday, June 21. To learn more about the position and apply, visit the Growth Coach Application Website.

 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!
 

Coffee Chat Registration

 Gies News

 Do FTC Affiliate Disclosures Activate Persuasion Knowledge and Build Credibility on YouTube?

When considering a big purchase, Jingwen Zhang a business professor at the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business, does what millions of shoppers do: she watches YouTube reviews. Seeing products in action helps her evaluate their everyday usability and long-term quality. Read more about her research findings here.

Agritourism Hub Agrivoy Claims Voitik Prize at Cozad New Venture Competition

A frustrating vacation search sparked an entrepreneurial idea for Jeff and Forough Haskel. The University of Illinois iMBA students launched Agrivoy—an “Airbnb for agritourism”—to make farm and ranch vacations easier to discover and book, earning recognition and a $3,000 prize through the Cozad New Venture Competition. Read more about their venture 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.