Announcements

Courses Begin

The Fall 2 term is officially starting this week! Fall 2 courses begin on Wednesday, October 14. Please be sure to check your course start and end dates for the Fall 2 term as some course start dates may vary. Online Programs utilizes dual learning platforms with Canvas and Coursera. Make sure to access your course in both platforms to be successful.

Drops and Withdrawal Refund Guides

For your convenience, the Office of the Registrar has listed all drop and withdrawal dates for Fall 2026 courses. Go to the current semester and scroll down to “non-standard courses” and search by course number.  

Already Taken Courses in Fall 1?  If you have already taken courses in the 1st 8 weeks of the fall semester, you can no longer pursue and withdrawal or cancellation for the semester. Your only option is to drop a course(s) in Fall 2. You can refer to our Dropping Courses and Refunds page about the difference between a drop, withdrawal, and cancellation.

Please note: There are two separate refund guides for drops and withdrawals. As an additional resource, our event calendar posts the academic drop deadlines by course start date. 

Application to be a Student Speaker at Convocation

Applications are still open to audition to be the student speaker at the Gies December 2026 Convocation Ceremony! If you're interested, please submit your audition via Zoom by midnight on Friday, October 23, 2026. As a part of your submission, you will also need to upload a copy of your written speech in a Word or PDF format. Please refer to the criteria requirements and guidelines for speech content in the audition link prior to submission.

Apply Now for the Spring 2027 Virtual Immersion

We are excited to announce that the application for the Spring 2027 South Korea Virtual Immersion is now open! This immersion format is virtual, providing greater flexibility in both cost and scheduling. As an iDegree learner, you will consult with a business from the host country, explore local business practices and culture, and connect with fellow iDegree learners from around the world. Visit our calendar page for full details on the Spring 2027 Virtual immersion, including the application, deadlines, and schedule.

Build Skills for a Strong Start to Fall 2

As Fall 2 gets underway, explore two optional courses that offer practical tools to help you learn more effectively, think more critically, and approach challenging conversations with confidence. Both courses are available at no cost through your Illinois on Coursera account.

• Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects
• ​​​​​​Speak Freely, Think Critically: The Free Speech Balance Act

Both courses feature Dr. Barbara Oakley, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and a New York Times bestselling author. We had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Oakley to iConverge, where she shared insights into how neuroscience can help us learn and work more effectively. These optional courses provide an opportunity to build on that experience, explore how we think and respond to complex ideas, and put her practical strategies into action.

Please note: These courses do not count toward the requirements of Gies Business iDegree programs.

Spring 1 2027 Course Support Application is Open

The Gies iDegrees Grader, Synchronous Course Assistant (SCA), and Plagiarism Reviewer (PR) Application will be available October 9 - 23, 2026. If you are interested in being considered for a position for Spring 1 2027, please complete the application no later than October 23 at 11:45 pm CT. You may use this application to apply to become a Grader, SCA, or PR and review the job descriptions. 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. 

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was Saturday, October 10. We want to remind you of university resources that may be helpful to you. And we want you to know you are seen, heard, valued – and you belong here.

If you would like to talk with a professional, you are welcome to access the University of Illinois’ Connie Frank CARE Center, as well as resources through Telus Health. You can also contact Jen House, Gies Business’ embedded counselor from the Counseling Center, who is able to help you find appropriate services where you are located.

Learn how to identify students who are at risk for suicide, motivate distressed students to seek help, and put students in touch with support services using the resources and training on the campus suicide prevention page.

Gies Events

CU Pride Fest Parade

Saturday, October 17 | 11:45 am CT | In front of Brow Arch Salon
Join a group of Gies College of Business Learners at the CU Pride Fest Parade! Learners in the Champaign-Urbana area are invited to come together in support of and celebration of the local LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to celebrating pride, inclusion, and community with you!

Our Gies Business group will meet at 11:45 am in front of Brow Arch Salon (501 S. Vine St. in Urbana). Look for Gies Business apparel to find us, and feel free to wear your Gies Business gear and any Pride accessories you have. We will split into two groups: one to march in the parade and one to watch the parade. If you want to watch the parade and need a chair, please bring your own.

Check out the full CU Pride Fest schedule here. We’re excited to share this special day with you. Our Gies Business group is organized by the Office of Access and Community, Pride at Gies (undergrad affinity group), and LGBTQ+ and Allies at Gies (faculty and staff affinity group)
 

Pride Fest Parade Registration

Ready, Set, Graduate: A Webinar for Program Completion

Tuesday, October 20 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm CT
Getting closer to graduation? Join the Student and Academic Success team for "Ready, Set, Graduate: A Webinar for Program Completion." Learn how to complete your program, prepare for graduation, and transition to life as an alum.

Registration is required and will remain open through the end of the event. All registrants will receive an email with a link to the webinar recording to watch at their convenience.

Ready, Set Graduate Webinar Registration

Chicago Area iConnect

Tuesday, October 20 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm CT | Formento’s
Gies Business is looking forward to providing an opportunity for our iDegree learners and alumni in the Chicago area to gather for a meet up! Join Associate Director of Operations, Rachel Ward; Associate Director of Admissions and Recruiting, Kate Deering; Director of Graduate Online Programs, Heather Aldridge, Gies staff, alumni and your fellow learners to grow your Gies business network. The event will take place at Formento’s (925 W Randolph, Chicago, IL 60607). Please register by Friday, October 16. Light food and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to connecting with you! 
 

Chicago Area iConnect Registration

Getting Started with GiesConnect Webinar

Wednesday, October 21 | 11:00 am - 12:00 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

iDegree Webinar: Immersion Opportunities Within Gies Online

Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
Are you interested in participating in an immersion experience while in your degree program? Gies Online offers virtual, hybrid and in-person immersion options, both domestic and global. As an immersion participant, you will be a consultant with a host country’s business, immerse yourself in the business practices and culture of the host country, and collaborate with fellow iDegree learners as well as business graduate students from around the world. Join Gies Online staff and past iDegree immersion participants in this webinar to learn how these programs can enhance your business education and expand career opportunities, setting you apart in today’s global business environment.
 

Immersion Webinar Registration

Identity at Work Summit - Registration Open!

Friday, October 30 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm CT | Siebel Center for Design or Virtual 
Join us for a day of learning, reflection, and connection focused on how identity shapes professional experiences, leadership, access, and community. Through presentations and conversations throughout the day, participants will explore how identity influences workplace dynamics and belonging, and learn strategies to foster inclusive, supportive workplace cultures. The event is open to all faculty, staff, and students. You are welcome to join sessions as your schedule allows or participate in the entire event. Lunch will be provided with registration. For more information about sessions or to sign up for lunch, please use the registration form.
 

Identity at Work Summit Registration

Gies News 

Healthcare Challenges Take Center Stage at Gies Conference

The Midwest Healthcare Management Conference at Gies College of Business explored three key healthcare challenges: drug shortages in rural communities, social media’s impact on mental health, and nursing home staffing shortages. Researchers shared findings on pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerabilities and how social media can support well-being. Additional research examined how nurse aide certification policies may affect nursing home resident care quality. Read the full 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.

Austin Meet Up    
Tuesday, October 13

Last Day to Add a Fall 2 Course    
Wednesday, October 14
iMBA, iMSM, iMSA Non-Accounting Electives, Management Certificates

Fall 2 Courses Begin    
Wednesday, October 14
iMBA, iMSM, iMSA Non-Accounting Electives, Management Certificates

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