Town of Normal

The Wellness Gazebo is a portable gazebo that provides health and wellness information to Illinois State students, faculty, and staff. Condoms and quit smoking kits are available for FREE, along with other resources and giveaways.  The gazebo is located on campus each week, usually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  The Wellness Gazebo is staffed by trained Illinois State University peer educators, the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT). SWAT is a registered student organization open to any students interested in health…

CTLT’s Early-Career Faculty Circles offer instructors in their first three years of service at Illinois State a combination of professional development and peer support. Join us for a series of lively conversations about surviving and thriving in the academy. Topics are based on chapters from Teaching What You Don’t Know by Therese Huston. Participants will receive a copy of the book and an executive summary of each chapter. Come to either the Wednesday or Thursday session. This group meets on select…

Balanced Bellies and Backs focuses on strengthening the abdominal and increasing the flexibility of the back. Lifestyle Enhancement classes are taught by certified, experienced instructors and concentrate on functional health, relaxation, and maintenance of a healthy spine throughout life. These classes may appeal to those with low back discomfort, chronic health conditions, or those who wish to reduce stress levels. There is a fee associated with participation in most classes and activities.

Join the American Democracy Project and the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning for this presentation to commemorate Constitution Day!

Learn how to update your unit’s website using OUCampus, Illinois State’s primary content management system. You will be given access to your website(s) and trained to add, edit, and publish content, including links and PDFs. You’ll also learn how to request more complex website updates from the WEB staff, such as photo and layout changes. Registration is required.

Attending an upcoming career fair or planning on connecting with an employer? Then participate in one of these sessions to learn the skills you need to be successful when you meet potential employers or professional contacts.

The Department of Technology Faculty Retreat is scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2019.  Continental breakfast items will be available at 8:15 am.  The meeting will start promptly at 8:30 am in the Alumni Center Room 117.

Take your projects on the go using Microsoft Office apps for iOS, Android, and Windows mobile devices through OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud-based storage, free for members of the campus community. Learn how to share documents through OneDrive and discuss how to use this service within the boundaries of Illinois State data security policies and FERPA. Bring your smartphone or tablet with you to get the most out of this workshop. Registration is required.

Pre-professional information sessions for freshman and new transfer students interested in pursing a pre-professional career path.

Beta Gamma Sigma Fall Bash Meet the Beta Gamma Sigma Executive Board. Free doughnuts, coffee, and pumpkin painting! Date: Friday, September 20 Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Location: SFHB Courtyard For more information, please contact BetaGammaSigmaISU@gmail.com

Learn how to research graduate schools and what it takes to apply.

Take a break during the workday to experience the traditional practice of hatha yoga. This class is open to people of all levels of practice. This class is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from August 19 through December 15 with the exception of Labor Day (September 2) and Thanksgiving (November 28 & 29). The $70 fee for ISU community includes unlimited attendance. There is a $100 fee for non-ISU community. Instructor: Tona Schenck, master’s degree, MFA, certified instructor. Schenck has been teaching for wellness at Illinois State…

Join pregnant, new, and seasoned mothers and their babies for a time of support and community. Trish Wierenga, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC will attend this hour long gathering to talk with mothers about how their breastfeeding is going, answer questions, and provide basic lactation consulting advice appropriate for the group setting. Mothers may weigh their babies and do weighted feedings during this hour. If further support is needed, a plan can be discussed. Join us to share tips, ask questions,…

Implicit bias is our unconscious tendency to judge people based on past experiences. Even when we’re mindful of diversity and inclusion, it is hard for us to notice our implicit bias until we encounter the situations where it is activated. In this workshop, explore the nature of implicit bias and discover strategies to minimize bias in the classroom and in the workplace. Registration is required. CTLT’s Foundations of Diversity seminars tackle tough questions involving culture, identity, and responsive teaching in…

Breastfeeding 101 introduces participants to the benefits of breastfeeding for baby, mom and the family as well as information on nursing techniques, the role of pumping, and information about Illinois breastfeeding laws and Illinois State University policy. This is a free class open to faculty, staff, and students and their spouses/partners. Facilitated by a certified lactation consultant.

The Department of Psychology will present a talk titled, “Brain activation related to learning prehistoric toolmaking skills," with Shelby S. J. Putt, Ph.D., from 2p.m. - 3p.m. Friday, September 20, in 48 DeGarmo Hall. Putt is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Illinois State University. 

Samantha Ege will propose her master’s thesis on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. in 435F DeGarmo Hall. The title of the thesis is “Identity Centrality's Influence on the Relation Between Disclosure and Mental Health Stigma”. 

All faculty, staff, annuitants and guests are welcome to join us at the University Club.

American swimmer Schuyler Bailar will be the speaker for the University Housing Services LGBTQA Cultural Dinner at 5 p.m. Friday, September 20, in Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal.

AsiaConnect cordially invites you and your family to the annual Welcome Back Potluck Party. AsiaConnect, an affiliated group at Illinois State University strives to promote cultural diversity across campus.  The group awards scholarships to students who study and promote Asian culture in the Bloomington-Normal community. Please RSVP by September 13 to Li Zeng at lzeng@ilstu.edu.

Saturday Creative Drama celebrates 40 years! In Creative Drama, students will develop skills in theatre through imagination, creativity, and exploration while using communication and collaboration abilities. Classes are open to the following grades: K-1, 2-3, and 4-6. Registration is required: bit.ly/saturdayart

Exhibition tour and workshop co-presented with the Children’s Discovery Museum. Participants (ages 7-10) will meet at the CDM, come to University Galleries for an exhibition tour, and return to the CDM for an exhibition-related artmaking activity. Registration is required for this free program at childrensdiscoverymuseum.net. This program is made possible by an Illinois Prairie Community Foundation—Mirza Arts and Culture grant awarded to the CDM.

Discover the secrets of our star and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive full-dome format.  “The Sun, Our Living Star” is a visually striking planetarium show about the most important star in our lives.

We are now excited to offer Family Climbs in conjunction with Family Swims! Family Climbs are held in the Student Fitness Center at their rock wall. Please be sure that your UID is provided when you register and is accessible the day of the event. A Redbird ID or photo ID is also  required in order to participate the day of the event. Please note that in order to participate, children must securely fit in Campus Recreation’s harness or bring…

Family Swims are now held in the Student Fitness Center Pool. Please be sure that your UID is provided when you register and is accessible the day of the event. A Redbird ID or photo ID is also  required in order to participate the day of the event. Participant affiliated with the university MUST know the UID of the person affiliated with the university that registered and have their Redbird ID or photo idea to be able to swim the…

High School Band students are invited to this FREE event to learn from our Applied Faculty in instrumental masterclasses. Faculty will also work with students on the Illinois All-State audition music sharing performance advice for each instrument. Students and families that attend the event will be given complimentary tickets to the afternoon concert by the Illinois State University Wind Symphony. For additional information contact Band Office (309)438-2166

This group has been playing at Illinois State since 1967. Players are experienced and play competitively. Several seasoned players have medalled in the Senior Olympics. Coordinator: Mathew Nadakavukaren. Contact mjnadaka@ilstu.edu for further information about playing.

Illinois State University Wind Symphony Anthony C. Marinello, conductor On the Town Jaromir Weinberger (1896-1967), tr. Bainum – Polka and Fugue from “Schwanda the Bagpiper” (1928/1961) Frank Ticheli (b. 1958) – Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (2014) Davis Hale, alto saxophone Winner of the 2019 Illinois State University Band Concerto Competition --Intermission-- Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), tr. Lavender – Three Dance Episodes from “On the Town” (1944/2016) John Philip Sousa (1854-1932), arr. Fennell – Hands Across the Sea (1899/1982)…

Proposals for workshops for the Culturally Responsive Campus Community (CRCC) Conference on November 18-19 bring to light systemic oppression that has been plaguing our community, and expounding on what issues impacting our community.

This workshop is your introduction to the basic tools necessary to work in ReggieNet. Become familiar with navigation in ReggieNet and how to use the site information display. Explore how to manage your Home site, organize your courses as favorites, and use the Site Info and syllabus tools. You’ll also to learn how to get further help as you explore ReggieNet on your own. Registration is required.

Take a break during the workday to experience the traditional practice of hatha yoga. This class is open to people of all levels of practice. This class is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from August 19 through December 15 with the exception of Labor Day (September 2) and Thanksgiving (November 28 & 29). The $70 fee for ISU community includes unlimited attendance. There is a $100 fee for non-ISU community. Instructor: Tona Schenck, master’s degree, MFA, certified instructor. Schenck has been teaching for wellness at Illinois State…

Free, drop-in writing assistance available weekly at Milner Library.

Students majoring in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Network & Telecommunications Management, Health Information Management, Business Information Systems, and Computer Systems Technology are invited to the 2019 Information Technology Internship Fair, hosted by the School of Information Technology student chapters of AITP and ACM, and the School of Information Technology ISUsec Club. This is your opportunity to connect with employers recruiting for summer 2020 internships in Information Technology. Event Details for the 2019 IT Internship Fair are: 5.m. Round table…

Off-Campus Services will be hosting an Off-Campus 101 session for more information about living off campus. This session will teach you how to search for an apartment using the Off-Campus Housing Database, introduce you to different types of leases and what you should avoid, and how to sign a lease.

For additional information contact Dr. Anne McNamara (309)438-2388

For additional information contact Dr. Angelo Favis (309)438-7123

Health Promotion and Wellness offers massage services conveniently right on campus with a licensed massage therapist in 153 McCormick Hall. Fees are $15 for a 15-minute massage.

For additional information contact Dr. Justin Vickers (309)438-8855

Balanced Bellies and Backs focuses on strengthening the abdominal and increasing the flexibility of the back. Lifestyle Enhancement classes are taught by certified, experienced instructors and concentrate on functional health, relaxation, and maintenance of a healthy spine throughout life. These classes may appeal to those with low back discomfort, chronic health conditions, or those who wish to reduce stress levels. There is a fee associated with participation in most classes and activities.

Integrated STEM: More than Just the Sum of its Parts - September 24 Learn why STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is increasingly viewed as an integrated discipline, Darner will highlight funding agencies’ priorities for research and their alignment with national goals, STEM at ISU, educational research and under-representation by women and minority groups. Rebekka Darner, Director of the Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology, ISU Teaching STEM Ideas to Kids - September 25 What are best practices for learning STEM topics?…

Learn how to create, post, review, and grade assignments using the Assignments tool. After this hands-on workshop, you’ll feel confident about the basics and ready to consider more advance types of assignments. Registration is required.

Identify internship and full-time employment opportunities, or just network with employers.

Free, drop-in writing assistance available weekly at Milner Library.

(Physics Lecture Series) Illinois State University, Department of Physics "Neutron Stars, Nuclear Pasta, & Dark Matter" My name is Matt Caplan, I'm a nuclear astrophysicist and I study fun things like neutron stars, nuclear pasta, and dark matter.  Do you want to do nuclear astrophysics research? If so, come to this talk and I'll tell you all about my research and how it can be your research too.  I might even talk about YouTube.

This class focuses on the traditional practice of hatha yoga and is open to people of all levels of practice.  Lifestyle Enhancement classes are taught by certified, experienced instructors and concentrate on functional health, relaxation, and maintenance of a healthy spine throughout life. These classes may appeal to those with low back discomfort, chronic health conditions, or those who wish to reduce stress levels. There is a fee associated with participation in most classes and activities.

Join us at the Normal Theater for a free showing of the documentary "Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook."

This group has been playing at Illinois State since 1967. Players are experienced and play competitively. Several seasoned players have medalled in the Senior Olympics. Coordinator: Mathew Nadakavukaren. Contact mjnadaka@ilstu.edu for further information about playing.

Explore how to create assessments from scratch in the Tests & Quizzes tool or import them from other sources. You’ll get an overview of the different types of available questions, and how to adjust settings such as release and close dates, and how to give individual students more time to take a quiz.  You’ll also learn about different ways to grade assessments through this tool. Registration is required.

Health Promotion and Wellness offers massage services conveniently right on campus with a licensed massage therapist in 153 McCormick Hall. Fees are $15 for a 15-minute massage.

Take a break during the workday to experience the traditional practice of hatha yoga. This class is open to people of all levels of practice. This class is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from August 19 through December 15 with the exception of Labor Day (September 2) and Thanksgiving (November 28 & 29). The $70 fee for ISU community includes unlimited attendance. There is a $100 fee for non-ISU community. Instructor: Tona Schenck, master’s degree, MFA, certified instructor. Schenck has been teaching for wellness at Illinois State…

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the moment, and non-judgmentally. The Koru 1.0 Class is a free, four week course that helps you learn about and practice various mindfulness and meditation techniques that can improve sleep; reduce stress and anxiety; improve focus, academic performance, and eating behaviors; and contribute to a greater sense of well-being and overall happiness. This course meets once a week for four weeks (September 11, 18, 25 and October 2) and…

Explore pedagogical issues, effective and disruptive teaching strategies, and gain confidence in your ability to teach at the college level. This professional development circle helps graduate students to teach in the academy, whether they are currently teaching, working as a teaching assistant, or considering teaching as a career path. Share teaching tips, tricks, and get support from other future professors. Topic each meeting will be based on chapters in the book, Teaching What You Don’t Know (Harvard University Press, 2012); however,…

When students begin the History of East Asia survey, their knowledge of China often does not go beyond narratives advanced by the media, popular culture, and political figures.  These narratives tend to oversimplify and misunderstand the historical context that shapes the reality of China in the 21st century.  Reflecting on experiences in the classroom, our presenter will explore some of the foundational, and often misunderstood, ideas that are crucial to being informed about China today. Larissa Castriotta Kennedy has been…

Join Health Promotion and Wellness for walks every Wednesday this summer! For 30 minutes we’ll focus on our wellbeing while walking various 30 minute routes on campus. Registration is appreciated so that we can inform individuals who plan to attend about cancellations for weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Free, drop-in writing assistance available weekly at Milner Library.

Shown to improve strength, neuromuscular force control, and balance. No charge for ISU participants, but registration is required.

Off-Campus Services will be hosting an Off-Campus 101 session for more information about living off campus. This session will teach you how to search for an apartment using the Off-Campus Housing Database, introduce you to different types of leases and what you should avoid, and how to sign a lease.

Yellow Inn by Lee Kang-baek and translated by Kee-Yoon Nahm Directed by Myeongsik Jason Jang SYNOPSIS In a battered inn in the middle of a barren field, the guests repeat a gruesome cycle of class warfare every night. Everyone ends up dead before the sun rises. Sick of the murder and madness, the kind-hearted Third Sister decides to leave the cursed place once and for all. But her malicious sisters offer a deal too good to pass up: prevent one…

An indoor game based on tennis, played with small paddles and a ball bounced on a table divided by a net. Takes place in the Metcalf Small Gym and registration is required. No charge for ISU participants.

Health Promotion and Wellness offers massage services conveniently right on campus with a licensed massage therapist in 153 McCormick Hall. Fees are $15 for a 15-minute massage.

The Wellness Gazebo is a portable gazebo that provides health and wellness information to Illinois State students, faculty, and staff. Condoms and quit smoking kits are available for FREE, along with other resources and giveaways.  The gazebo is located on campus each week, usually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  The Wellness Gazebo is staffed by trained Illinois State University peer educators, the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT). SWAT is a registered student organization open to any students interested in health…

Balanced Bellies and Backs focuses on strengthening the abdominal and increasing the flexibility of the back. Lifestyle Enhancement classes are taught by certified, experienced instructors and concentrate on functional health, relaxation, and maintenance of a healthy spine throughout life. These classes may appeal to those with low back discomfort, chronic health conditions, or those who wish to reduce stress levels. There is a fee associated with participation in most classes and activities.

The A/P Council typically meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 1:15 - 3 p.m. Meetings are designed to discuss issues of concern to all A/P staff members and as such, they are open to any A/P interested in attending. The A/P council welcomes attendance as it is a great way to remain in touch with university governance issue.

Microsoft Forms is a quick, easy, mobile-friendly way to create sign-up forms, polls, and surveys. As part of Office 365, it is open to faculty, staff, and students. This one-hour workshop will get you started using forms, show you how to design questionnaires, export data, and use this powerful tool as a real-time way to poll an audience. Registration is required.

Join students from the Alternative Breaks program for free snacks and games as we have a party on the lawn!

The Marketing Department will be hosted an Analytics Forum on Thursday, September 26.  Speaker will be Adam Johnson, Senior Vice President of ActiveCampaign. Adam is a 2004 Illinois State alumnus. His career planning focused presentation will showcase how to blend sales and analytics to build world class Sales & Customer Success teams that empower small businesses with technology to help them grow and thrive! Attendance slips will be provided Location: SFHB 139 Date: Thursday | September 26 Time: 6:30 pm…

Yellow Inn by Lee Kang-baek and translated by Kee-Yoon Nahm Directed by Myeongsik Jason Jang SYNOPSIS In a battered inn in the middle of a barren field, the guests repeat a gruesome cycle of class warfare every night. Everyone ends up dead before the sun rises. Sick of the murder and madness, the kind-hearted Third Sister decides to leave the cursed place once and for all. But her malicious sisters offer a deal too good to pass up: prevent one…

For additional information contact Dr. Tom Marko (309)438-2541

The Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21CON) is a free, hands-on, engaging learning opportunity designed for current and aspiring educators to gain an edge in using technology in the classroom. The effective integration of educational technologies has become increasingly important for today’s learners. T21CON connects attendees with resources, strategies, and a network of experts to support their careers in education.

THE EXTENDING EMPATHY PROJECT: ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT, REVISITED - September 27 To whom will we extend our empathy? We tend to answer this question through the interaction of unconscious assumptions and the social norms they foster. Because we generate these assumptions unconsciously, we are, in a sense, living in a dream. Moments of conscious reflection, then, are the means by which we wake up, as it were, and examine alternatives to our assumptions. J. Scott Jordan, Professor and Chair, Department…

Learn about Illinois State’s international student body and what challenges they may face as they enter U.S. higher education system. This interactive session will introduce you to INTO Illinois State, a program to increase international student enrollment by 10 percent over 10 years. You’ll learn about the types of international students you may see in your classroom and hear from a special panel of students’ about their experiences. Share your on insights on working with international students, and discover how…

Learn about the Graduate School Records Examination (GRE), and some of the best practices to follow when taking the exam.

Take a break during the workday to experience the traditional practice of hatha yoga. This class is open to people of all levels of practice. This class is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from August 19 through December 15 with the exception of Labor Day (September 2) and Thanksgiving (November 28 & 29). The $70 fee for ISU community includes unlimited attendance. There is a $100 fee for non-ISU community. Instructor: Tona Schenck, master’s degree, MFA, certified instructor. Schenck has been teaching for wellness at Illinois State…

All faculty, staff, annuitants and guests are welcome to join us at the University Club.

Food, fun, Fam Foolery, and a late night for Redbirds is planned!

Discover the secrets of our star and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive full-dome format.  “The Sun, Our Living Star” is a visually striking planetarium show about the most important star in our lives.

Yellow Inn by Lee Kang-baek and translated by Kee-Yoon Nahm Directed by Myeongsik Jason Jang SYNOPSIS In a battered inn in the middle of a barren field, the guests repeat a gruesome cycle of class warfare every night. Everyone ends up dead before the sun rises. Sick of the murder and madness, the kind-hearted Third Sister decides to leave the cursed place once and for all. But her malicious sisters offer a deal too good to pass up: prevent one…

For additional information contact Dr. Geoffrey Duce (309)438-2409

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309)438-7050

As part of Student Affairs Week, the Division of Student Affairs is excited to host its inaugural Involvement to Industry Conference for students and alumni. Students will gain knowledge about how to apply their leadership skills and experiences from their collegiate involvement to their careers, learning directly from our alumni as guest speakers. Tracks designed specifically for alumni will aid in professional growth and transitions, while fostering their continued connection to Illinois State and to current students. The full conference…

Saturday Creative Drama celebrates 40 years! In Creative Drama, students will develop skills in theatre through imagination, creativity, and exploration while using communication and collaboration abilities. Classes are open to the following grades: K-1, 2-3, and 4-6. Registration is required: bit.ly/saturdayart

Looking into the night sky we view infinity.  Could alien life exist out there somewhere?
“Distant Worlds” investigates the conditions required for life, beginning with planets and moons in our Solar System and venturing out to some of the newly-discovered exoplanets orbiting other stars.