At a Glance: August 31, 2026

Sep 1, 2026

Announcements

 

Limited Advising Services Week of September 14

Limited academic advising services will be available during the week of September 14 due to iConverge 2026. Express Advising schedule adjustments:

•Monday, September 14: 10:00 am– 2:00 pm CT (no change)
•Tuesday, September 15: 10:00 am– 2:00 pm CT (no change)
•Wednesday, September 16: Express Advising Cancelled
•Thursday, September 17: Express Advising Cancelled

•Friday, September 18: Express Advising Cancelled

To reach the Student and Academic Success Team, please email i-support@illinois.edu or schedule an appointment with a specialist.

University Closed: Labor Day

The University will be closed Monday, September 7, to honor the US labor movement and the contribution of workers to US society. Please refer to your course syllabi for assignment deadlines and live session schedules. University offices will be closed, and responses via email will be delayed during this time. We look forward to interacting with you on Tuesday, September 8 when the University reopens. Please note that there will be no newsletter sent on Monday, September 7.

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.

•GiesConnect: Join the Career and Professional Development Channel to navigate your career growth.

Bookmark the Online Programs Handbook

The Gies Online Graduate Programs Handbook is now included under the current students tab of our website for quick reference anytime you need it. Inside, you'll find academic policies and procedures, program expectations, registration and grading details, and a guide to university and Gies Business support resources. Bookmark it as your go-to reference throughout your program.

 

Gies Events
Leading with Purpose - On Campus
Wednesday, September 2 | 5:00 - 6:00 pm CT| Foellinger Auditorium Leading with Purpose, a panel discussion featuring leaders from across the University of Illinois in business, athletics, government, and higher education. Hear about their leadership journeys and how purpose shapes the way they lead, make an impact, and inspire others. The hour-long panel will be moderated by Dean Elliott and feature:
•Larry Gies – CEO and Founder of Madison Industries (ACCY ’88)
•Shauna Green – Head Women’s Basketball Coach, University of Illinois
•Sam Skinner – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and White House Chief of Staff (ACCY ’60)

•Josh Whitman – Director of Athletics, University of Illinois (FIN ’01)

Please note: This event will not be livestreamed.

Military Coffee Chat
Thursday, September 3 | 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.
 
Project Management Monthly Meet Up
Tuesday, September 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT | GiesConnect Live Event Join fellow Gies learners and alumni for our next Project Management Monthly Meetup. This event will be moderated by current iMBA leaner Sara Wahabzada, Founder & Executive Director of BanooHealth. Explore practical ways to build project management systems for early-stage nonprofits and startups—from setting goals and assigning ownership to tracking progress, establishing KPIs, and choosing the right tools. Sara will share real-world lessons from her own experience before opening the conversation for an interactive discussion and Q&A. Interested in joining? Visit the Project Management Channel in GiesConnect for event details and to register!
 

Gies News

How Yang Teaches Students to Verify AI and Trust Their Gut

Through live app building, gamified assignments, and real-world marketing exercises, Nathan Yang, Gies Business professor of MBA 542: Digital Marketing Analytics emphasizes verifying AI outputs, recognizing hallucinations, data poisoning, and other AI limitations. Read the article 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.

Leading with Purpose - On Campus Wednesday, September 2

Military Coffee Chat Thursday, September 3

University Closed- Labor Day Monday, September 7

MBA 561 Ends Tuesday, September 8

MBA 562 Begins Wednesday, September 9

 
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