Congratulations! You’re about to join the proud ranks of Illinois State University alumni, some 194,000+ strong and growing after the May 9–10 commencement ceremonies.
But before you leave campus, the Alumni Association wants to leave you with some quick tips on how to fully take advantage of your newfound status as a Redbird alum.
So without further ado and in no particular order, here are the 9 things every new Illinois State grad should know.
(For info about commencement day itself, visit GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu.)
LOOKING FOR A JOB?
Illinois State’s Career Center isn’t just for students. The Career Center offers various services to recent alumni for up to five years after your graduation date. Career fairs throughout the year are available to all alumni free of charge, including the E2 Employment Expo in Chicago on May 20. And there are several alumni career services packages available (for a small fee) to provide you with additional job-hunting help.
GET YOUR TRANSCRIPTS
Many employers will ask to see an official transcript before hiring. To order your transcript, visit the Office of the University Registrar. Spring grades will be available on the transcripts beginning Thursday, May 15. Degrees will be posted by May 30.
ALUMNI GROUPS AND NETWORKS
Were you involved in a bunch of student groups on campus? Then stay involved as an alum too. Illinois State alums have organized a long and growing list of regional and affinity-based alumni networks, such as the Chicago Young Alumni Network and Black Colleagues Association. These alumni groups get together for Redbird Athletics games and watch parties, host special events, and raise money for student scholarships.
If you’re staying in town after graduation, get started by attending the young alumni summer kickoff June 5 in Uptown Normal.
NEED INSURANCE?
Insured graduating students who will not be enrolled in classes during the following term may continue coverage for one additional term. Students graduating in May are eligible to purchase summer coverage by applying through My.IllinoisState.edu until May 19. For more information on extending student insurance, contact Student Health Services.
DON’T BE A STRANGER
Do us a favor: Don’t let Homecoming be the only time you visit campus each year. (Homecoming is September 29 to October 5, 2014, by the way.) Come back to visit anytime, and stop at the Alumni Center first to meet the Alumni Relations staff and get the latest info on campus events. Moving back to Chicago? Then swing by Illinois State’s Chicago Office downtown on North Michigan Avenue. Rent a room, host an event, or just use it as a drop-in spot. Plus, it’s got killer views of the city.
YOU ARE #REDBIRDPROUD
This one’s easy. Stay plugged in to Illinois State campus life by following us on social media:
Check out the full list (and find your college or department) on Illinois State’s official Social Media Directory.
UPDATE YOUR INFO
Good news: As an alum, you’re officially a subscriber to the award-winning quarterly alumni magazine, Illinois State. Next issue comes out in August, but we can’t mail it unless we have your new address. Update your contact information today and we’ll get you on the magazine mailing list.
GEAR UP
By now, you probably have no shortage of Illinois State T-shirts in your dresser. But as you join the working world, it’s time to spiff up your collection of Redbird gear and get some stuff you can actually wear to the office. The Illinois State Alumni Store has a great collection of ISU shirts, jackets, bags, and other gifts, as well as the full lineup of Redbird Vintage logos. Plus, 15 percent of all proceeds on RedbirdGear.com sales go back to your Alumni Association.
SENIOR CAMPAIGN
Each year, seniors participate in the Senior Campaign to leave their legacy at Illinois State by making gifts to the areas of campus that they love most. The 2014 seniors are giving $20.14 to celebrate their graduation and becoming Illinois State’s newest alums. ISU’s Improv Mafia made its own Senior Campaign pitch video:
Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@IllinoisState.edu.
