The Center for Integrated Professional Development’s Early Career Learning Community offers course instructors in their first through third years of service at ISU a combination of professional development and peer support. Join us for a series of engaging conversations on teaching, learning, and thriving in academia. For fall 2025, our focus will be on the book A Pedagogy of Kindness, by Catherine Denial. This book presents a fresh perspective on teaching that focuses on ensuring justice, believing in our students and colleagues, and contributing to both student and faculty success. Denial offers practical techniques for creating syllabi, developing student assessments, and creating trust and belonging in the classroom.  Copies of A Pedagogy of Kindness are available to attendees. An electronic version is accessible through Milner Library, and the audiobook is available through Normal Public Library (for those with a library card).To request a copy, or join this learning community, please email Dana Karraker, dmkarra@ilstu.eduSynchronous Meeting Dates: Wednesday, September 17 or Thursday, September 18 Wednesday, October 22 or Thursday, October 23 Wednesday, December 3 or Thursday, December 4

Are you wondering what it is like to be a graduate student? Connect with current graduate students and learn about their experiences, the graduate school application process, tips and tricks for writing a personal statement and a resume, and get a glimpse into their everyday life. You may find that applying for and attending graduate school may not be as hard as you think!Access sessionAccess session virtually at: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDZkOTQ1ZjYtYmViMi00NmE1LTgwZTAtZWQ3MmU3Njc0NmJh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22085f983a-0b69-4270-b71d-10695076bafe%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eeef14aa-c40d-4db6-b842-1edd7e4faabf%22%7dOther session of the Graduate School SeriesStudents are also invited to attend the Grad School Game Plan.This series is hosted by Career Services in collaboration with Illinois State University’s Graduate School.Special accommodationsIf you need special accommodations in order to participate, contact Career Services at (309) 438-2200.

Are you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply stretched too thin? In today’s higher education landscape, many instructors are navigating an increasingly dynamic environment marked by political pressures, shrinking budgets, rising workloads, and shifting expectations from students and institutions. Now more than ever, we need spaces that support our well-being and remind us we’re not alone in this work. The Teaching with Presence Learning Community offers a space to slow down, reconnect with your purpose, and find support among colleagues. This hour-long learning community meets every three weeks and is designed to encourage reflection, meaningful connection, support your well-being, and examine how intentional practices can bring more clarity and calm to our teaching.We welcome you to join this learning community at any time. Please contact Mayuko Nakamura (mnakamu@ilstu.edu) to join the group.

The Study Abroad Team will be hosting an in-person event featuring both long-term and short-term programs where students can meet program representatives from ISU and around the globe. What can you do at the study abroad fair?Explore some of the 90+ available programs available to ISU studentsMeet representatives from institutions around the globe and learn about their programsTalk with ISU faculty members who will be leading group experiences abroadConnect with students, including study abroad alumni and current international studentsSubmit a ticket into our fair raffle for a chance at winning a $500 Study Abroad Scholarship*!*students must participate in an Office of International Engagement-sponsored study abroad program by May of 2027.

Join Health Promotion and Wellness and Milner Library and get PAWSitively Stress Free! Take a study or work break to pet certified therapy dogs and enjoy other stress-relieving activities! Illinois State University students report stress as one of their top impediments to academic success. Research shows that for some, just a few minutes of petting a dog can lower the body’s level of cortisol—the stress hormone. This lowers your blood pressure and helps you feel relaxed, which will allow you to focus more on studying and projects. Activities are held on the Third Floor of Milner Library from 1-3 p.m.Wednesdays: September 10, October 8, October 22, and November 5.Finals Week: Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9

For students, faculty, and staff. Attendees will learn more about the progress made on the new budgeting framework, process, and timeline. For more information and to find the latest updates, visit the RISE website. The same event is also being held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.