Illinois State University is a vibrant campus that offers students multitudes of possibilities. This spring, CAST Connections Student Success Center and Milner Library are collaborating with other units to highlight ways for students to enhance their journey at Illinois State.
“Student success extends beyond academic achievement to how well students feel they are prepared to accomplish their personal and professional goals and the depth of connections they have to the campus community,” said Tamekia Bailey, director of CAST Connections. “This event is another way to expose students to networks that will help them foster a greater sense of community as well as for campus resources and partners to hear from students.”
During the week of March 14–18, students whose majors are within the College of Applied Science & Technology (CAST) will have the opportunity to attend several events showcasing various ways to engage with campus support for their personal and academic success.
“This line-up of events for students is an excellent way to connect with campus resources. We are excited to bring together resources like Milner Library, the Office of Student Research, and CAST faculty to highlight and build community,” said Mallory Jallas, Student Success Librarian at Milner Library. “Sometimes students don’t realize these resources are available to them or haven’t encountered them yet.”
Students have the opportunity to meet with their CAST subject librarians to get the inside scoop from faculty members on general norms and values expected in the classroom but not necessarily explicitly stated in the syllabus, and break down myths about student research.
“I am very excited about unveiling the resource gems that are often hidden in plain sight,” said Jazmyn Thomas, coordinator of undergraduate studies and student services in criminal justice sciences at Illinois State. “We believe this event has the potential to expose students to the options they can utilize when building and expanding their communities and connections.”
Schedule for events
Monday, March 14, 4–5 p.m., Milner Library, floor 6. Meet your CAST Librarians: Who we are and how we can help you? Did you know that every student has a subject librarian for their major? Join us for a panel discussion to learn more about your librarians from Milner Library, how they can help you research for classes, and more.
Tuesday, March 15. Faculty-tea: Explore Hidden Curriculum: These sessions will feature faculty members from various CAST departments offering their advice on general norms and values expected in the classroom but not necessarily explicitly stated in the syllabus. Snacks and drinks provided.
Two offerings: Tuesday, March 15, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., STV 401 OR Tuesday, March 15, 2:30–3:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Wednesday, March 16, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom). CAST Student Research Panel: Have you ever considered research as an undergraduate? The Office of Student Research and CAST students will share their experiences doing research and provide information about getting involved.
Thursday, March 17, 2:30–3:30 p.m., Turner 102. CAST Connections St. Patrick’s Day Social & Community Service Project: Stop by our CAST social for fun, snacks, and help decorate a card for a community service project. Building community with others in your college and department is a great way to expand at Illinois State.
Friday, March 18, noon, Career Center-205B (Bone Student Center). Post-Grad Plans, What’s Next? If you need additional support in navigating life after graduation, this event will help you explore the next steps as well as set up a one-on-one meeting with your career advisor for ongoing support.
RSVP is not required, but highly encouraged. Please visit Redbird Life. For additional information, please contact Tamekia Bailey (tybaile@ilstu.edu).
