At a Glance: August 3, 2026
Announcements
Fall 2026 Soft Launch Starts This Week
Fall courses that begin on Wednesday, August 12, will soft launch on Wednesday, August 5. 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.
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!
Fall 2 2026 iDegrees Course Support Application
The Gies iDegrees Grader, Synchronous Course Assistant (SCA), and Plagiarism Reviewer (PR) Application for Fall 2 is now open. If you are interested in being considered for one of these positions, please complete the application no later than Friday, August 14 at 11:45 pm CT.
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.
MOOC Launch for BADM 589
We are excited to share the launch of the updated MOOCs 1 and 2 for BADM 589: Project Management. If you’ve already completed a previous version and earned a certificate, it will still count toward your for-credit course. However, we highly encourage you to review the revised materials, as updated content will be reflected in the coursework. Access both MOOCs today!
Summer 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 Summer 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.
Gies Events
Coffee and Conversation With Gies Online Women
Friday, August 14 | 12:00- 1:00 pm CT
Join us to explore how women in business can achieve success in Gies Online Graduate Programs! A recruitment leader will be joined by some of the amazing women currently studying in one of our online programs. Bring your questions and a cup of coffee to sit back and discuss the experiences and challenges women face in business and how graduate education can help women succeed.
Women's Coffee Chat Registration
Getting Started With GiesConnect
Wednesday, August 26 | 12:00- 12:30 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.
Getting Started with GiesConnect Registration
Gies News
Brown Wins ARIA's Robert I. Mehr Award for Research Reshaping Social Security Policy
Former Gies College of Business Dean Jeffrey Brown wins award. Ten years later the paper's core finding – that something as simple as a framing choice can measurably shift a decision worth ten of thousands of dollars in lifetime income – continues to inform how policymakers, financial advisors, and researchers think about presenting retirement information. Read more about the research 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.
Fall 1 Soft Launch
Wednesday, August 5
iMBA