UIC Business Welcome Week

Kick off the semester with UIC Business Welcome Week—a series of events designed to connect new and returning graduate and undergraduate students with the people, programs, and opportunities that define our community. Whether you're looking to get involved, meet peers and faculty, explore leadership roles, or simply enjoy some fun along the way, our Welcome Week of events is your gateway to a strong start at UIC Business.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1) 🔗Donuts with the Dean

📅 Monday, January 12, 2026
🕟12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍Douglass Hall Lobby

Kick off the semester with a sweet welcome! Stop by to meet Dean Sandy Wayne as she hands out delicious, mini-donuts from Stan's Donuts. It’s a great chance to connect, say hello, and enjoy a treat between classes.

Note: Students MUST be enrolled as a business major or in a graduate business program to receive a donut.

2) 🔗Ask an Ambassador

📅 Monday, January 12, 2026 - Friday, January 16, 2026
🕟 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 Douglass Hall Lobby

Have a question during your first week? UIC Business Ambassadors are here to help! Stop by our table for quick answers about classes, campus, involvement, and more—no appointment needed.

An academic advisor will also be available at the table Monday–Wednesday from 10 AM – 2 PM to answer questions about your schedule, degree requirements, and other academic matters.

Make sure to follow @uicbusiness on Instagram and write your name down to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon e-code/Gift Card. Winners will be selected at the end of the week and will be contacted at the beginning of the second week of school. Note: Students MUST be enrolled as a business major or in a graduate business program to receive the $25 Amazon e-code.

3) 🔗Express Academic Advising for Undergraduate Business Students
📅 Monday, January 12, 2026 - Friday, January 23, 2026
🕟 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
📍Online

Need quick help during the first two weeks of the semester?
Express Advising is available by appointment only via Zoom for undergraduate students with time-sensitive academic questions. These 10-minute virtual sessions are designed to help you get quick answers and move forward efficiently.

The Student Services team operates in a hybrid model, offering full 30-minute advising appointments both virtually and in person starting Week 3 of the semester. When signing up for an appointment, please be sure to check the meeting format—virtual or in person—before confirming.

To schedule an appointment, log in to the my.uic.edu portal. Click on the “Advising” tab, then select the iAdvise button. The iAdvise online scheduling tool has the most up-to-date availability for all advisers.

4) 🔗Countdown to Career Fair Coffee Chat

📅 Tuesday, January 13, 2026
🕟 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Douglass Hall Lobby

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Swing by our table in the Douglass Hall lobby for ☕ free coffee and a quick convo with our friendly Career Coaches—we're here to help you shine! ✨
Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ Resume tips – Know when & how to polish it up
✅ Mock interview prep – Practice makes perfect 🎤
✅ Pitch-perfect advice – Nail your intro in seconds ⏱️
✅ Business Career Fair scoop – Know what’s coming 📅
👔 PLUS: Get the details on the Career Closet pop-up
📣 Don’t wait—start prepping now and feel confident walking into every opportunity. Your future is calling! 💼🚀

5) 🔗Meet the Grad Faculty

📅 Tuesday, January 13, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Douglass Hall Lobby

Join us for a casual, drop-in event designed to help graduate students connect with UIC Business faculty outside of the classroom. It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and build relationships.

6) 🔗Online Learning Edge: Level Up Your Online Success

📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026
🕟 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Online Event

Are you an online business student, an MBA Flex student, or an on-campus student taking an online course? Join us for a virtual session focused on strategies for success in online learning, tips for staying engaged and motivated, and ways to build connections with peers, faculty, and campus resources. Network with fellow online students and ask questions in a supportive, informal setting.

7) 🔗How to Write a Standout Essay for the UIC Business Excellence Awards Workshop

📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026
🕟 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Douglass Hall 3rd Floor - Room 320

Interested in being recognized as a top student leader within UIC Business?
This workshop will guide you through how to craft a compelling and competitive essay for the UIC Business Excellence Awards, with a focus on the two student leadership categories:

• Student Leader of the Year
• Emerging Student Leader of the Year

• Break down the criteria for both awards, including what is expected in the application letter and the role of the optional letter of recommendation
• Review the official scoring rubrics used by reviewers when evaluating submissions
• Clarify what makes an application stand out, including structure, storytelling, clarity, and demonstrating leadership impact
• Provide practical strategies for answering the required questions—such as articulating leadership involvement, showcasing positive contributions to UIC Business, and reflecting on future leadership potential (for Emerging Student Leader of the Year)

By the end of the workshop, you’ll understand exactly what reviewers are looking for and how to present your experiences in a way that is clear, authentic, and aligned with award expectations.
Open to all UIC Business students.

8) 🔗Business Scholars Welcome

📅 Thursday, January 15, 2026
🕟 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Student Center East, Room 301

Kick off the semester with the Business Scholars community! Meet fellow Scholars, connect with faculty and staff, and get a preview of what’s ahead this year. Whether you’re new to the program or returning, this is a great chance to start the year off strong together.