Advising has been busy this past year, like always! It’s always great to discuss students’ academic/career plans and assist them on their journey through and past college. One of the biggest changes for students this fall is the transition from ReggieNet to the Canvas learning management system. It’s been a smooth transition and Canvas offers faculty and students more features and is mobile-friendly, with an app. Although some, were sad to see ReggieNet go, most students agree Canvas is a far better platform. I’ve started using Canvas in advising and plan to increase that, as it’s a wonderful tool to reach students.
With virtual and hybrid work possibilities in the professional world increasing, and likely here to stay, this allows our interns and graduates more flexibility and careers they may not have considered without a virtual option. This past year we had over 50 undergraduates participate in internships. Career Services has done a great job helping students navigate these opportunities and changes in the professional world, and we look forward to more internship and job opportunities that our students embark on.
Illinois State welcomed another record class of freshmen this fall with 4,147 new students!! The University’s total enrollment this fall is 20,989. This allows us the opportunity to reach even more students through our general education classes and pique their interest in Sociology and Anthropology … and hopefully turn them into majors or minors!
Be sure to check out our department Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages, you can link to them at SOA.IllinoisState.edu. Stay in touch and let us know what you are doing—we love to hear from you and would enjoy sharing your story! If you’d like to be featured on our webpage highlighting where you are and what you are doing, please contact me at krgray2@IllinoisState.edu. Please drop by and visit us any time you make it back to campus!
