10 things every new Illinois State grad should know

Congratulations! You’re about to join the proud ranks of Illinois State University alumni, nearly 200,000 strong and growing after the December 12 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 new status as a Redbird alum.

So without further ado and in no particular order, here are the 10 things every new Illinois State grad should know. (For info about commencement day, visit GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu.)

FOREVER REDBIRDS

Be a part of the tradition and leave your legacy at Illinois State. Support the area of campus you are passionate about by making a gift of $20.15 in honor of your graduation.

Pay it forward so future Redbirds can have the same great experiences you did.

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 affinity-based alumni networks, such as the young alumni networks in both Chicago and Central Illinois, Latin@ Alumni Network, Black Colleagues Association, LGBTQA, and many college and department-based networks.

And if life takes you beyond Chicago and Bloomington-Normal, we have regional networks located all across the country! These alumni groups get together for Redbird Athletics games and watch parties, host special events, and raise money for student scholarships.

The Career Center hosts programs, career fairs and other events throughout the year to connect Illinois State students and alumni with employers and career development opportunities.

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

Illinois State’s Career Center isn’t just for students. The Career Center offers various services to alumni 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 online or in person, visit the Office of the University Registrar. Fall grades will not be available on the transcripts until December 18.

NEED INSURANCE?

Insured graduating students who will not be enrolled in classes during the following term may continue coverage for one additional term. Insured full-time students graduating in December are eligible to purchase spring coverage by applying through My.IllinoisState.edu until January 25, 2016. For more information on extending student insurance, contact Student Health Services.

Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2016!

DON’T BE A STRANGER

Do us a favor: Don’t let Homecoming be the only time you visit campus each year. (Homecoming 2016 is October 3–9, 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.

EMAIL FORWARDING

Did you know your university email account will be discontinued six months after your graduation date? Illinois State offers an alumni email forwarding service that will automatically send all emails received to your ISU account on to your current address. This allows you to keep the same email address, no matter how often you may change providers. Here’s how to set it up.

The cover of the current issue of Illinois State’s alumni magazine.

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 February, 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.

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 our Social Media Directory.

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. Here are just some of the places where you can buy Redbird gear:

Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@IllinoisState.edu.