Attention: Academic offices at the University of Illinois Chicago will be closed from December 24 to January 1. Honors College staff will work remotely on December 23 and on January 2 & 3.

Current Events Heading link

For the most updated list of our upcoming/current events!

Current Events

What's Up Wednesdays Heading link

Student making crepes

What’s Up Wednesdays (WOW) are weekly events hosted by the Honors College and open to all Honors students. Taking place every Wednesday of the semester from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, these sessions often feature collaborations with the Honors College Advisory Board (HCAB). Some events are led by Honors College staff and advisors, who showcase or teach various skills.

Past events include:

  • Meet and Greet with Honors advisors
  • Food making demonstrations (crepes, miso soup)
  • Headshots
  • Board games and puzzles
  • Knitting

Honors College New Student Retreat Heading link

Students walking outside on a summer day

This mandatory event is for incoming first-year Honors students only. Reunite with the friends you made at Orientation, connect with the Honors Ambassadors, and meet members of the Honors College Advisory Board (HCAB), along with Honors College faculty and staff!

We will take a group picture and you will meet with other students in your Honors College core class. There will be games, a mini-conference, & a picnic lunch.

RSVP is required (invite will be sent to your UIC email address).

Honors College Advisory Board (HCAB) Events Heading link

Student standing and speaking with Dean Keen

HCAB plans regular events and programs for Honors College students, typically hosted during their weekly extended hours in the Honors College. These events are opportunities for students to build community, engage in social and creative programming, connect with campus partners through workshops and information sessions, and use the Honors College space after regular business hours.

Follow HCAB on Instagram!

Chicago Signature Honors Program (CSHP) Series Heading link

Students and staff at Second City

This extracurricular initiative engages students with the cultural and intellectual diversity that only the Chicago urban environment can provide. The program engages students intellectually, culturally, and artistically, while also providing students with mentoring outside the traditional classroom and office setting.  In the past, students have enjoyed performances at the Lyric Opera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Steppenwolf, the Goethe Institute, Prop Theatre, the Athenaeum Theatre, the Mercury Theatre, UIC Theatre, the Hellenic Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art, Christkindlmarket, Chinatown, and Little Village, and often are able to speak with players, directors and artists — all at no cost to the students.

Learn more about CSHP events as well as how to register here.

Professional Development and Career Workshops Heading link

The Honors College offers workshops throughout the academic year that allow students to connect with alumni in their professional fields, as well as learn about additional opportunities. Previous events include:

  • Observe a Mock Medical School Interview
  • Understanding the Earth to Save the Earth: Environmental Career Paths
  • Crafting Perfect Personal Statements
  • Entrepreneurship and Biotechnology Careers
  • Law School: What to Consider Before You Apply
  • Inside the Shark Tank: Lessons in Entrepreneurship from the Founder of Spikeball
  • Applying to Graduate Schools in the Humanities
  • Making the Most of a Gap Year
  • Alumni in Law/Alumni in Health

Student-Faculty Luncheons Heading link

The Honors College organizes a luncheon for students and faculty each semester. Honors College students are encouraged to attend these functions to get acquainted with other students and faculty, especially their Honors College Fellows.

Honors College Convocation Heading link

A picture of the Honors College graduation

The Honors College Convocation is a formal and personal way to acknowledge the success of graduating seniors. At the ceremony, students wear their commencement robes, and receive their gold stoles and a certificate of achievement.

A leading scholar and an Honors College graduating senior are asked to speak. A reception for the students, their families, and Honors College staff and faculty follows.