College of Media at Illinois

University of IllinoisCollege of Media
Student Services rendering.

Student resources

The following are a few of the many services open to all University of Illinois students:

 

In addition, more general University-wide resources for current students are available on the University's Web site. Grad students can find a graduate student handbook at the Graduate College site.

 

UI-Integrate Enterprise Application

Many of the University's functions, such as grading, billing and address information, can be found on UI-Integrate, an online application that offers students the opportunity to view and/or update their information.

To change or update your password for UI-Integrate or other online services, visit the CITES password homepage.

Grades

Students who want to check their grades should log into UI-Integrate. The University provides an explanation of grade symbols and abbreviations and grading policy in Article 3 of the Student Code. The University's Grading System is also explained in the Programs of Study section of the campus Web site.

Final exam schedule

The University's Office of Facility Management and Scheduling lists the dates, times and location assignments of final examinations.

Transcripts and DARS audits

If you need copies of your transcripts or other official University documents, request them from the University's Office of Admissions and Records.

An online DARS audit reflects courses currently in progress toward your degree. Students can use DARS to ensure that they are on track to graduate. Because DARS audits are education records, the federal Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

If a students thinks a mistake has been made on his or her DARS audit, that student should being a printed copy of it to an appointment with an academic adviser at the College's Student Services Center.

Identification

Current students are also required to carry an i-card, the University identification card that allows students to check out library books and use the MTD bus system. Replacements for lost or stolen i-cards are available at the Urbana-Champaign ID Center on the second floor of the Illini Union Bookstore.

Billing

Students can pay tuition and fees by logging into UI-Integrate. Details about electronic billing and payment options (and much more) are available through the University Student Financial Services and Cashier Operations site. When paying tuition and fees, students also should consult the deadlines for refunds.

Financial aid

Students who need financial aid should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the University's Office of Student Financial Aid. Eligibility, awards and overall financial aid status are available by logging into UI-Integrate.

Financial aid for graduate students is available in the form of assistantships, fellowships and tuition and fee waivers. Graduate students of color underrepresented in communications research are eligible for University fellowships, and most students eventually receive some kind of financial support.

The application for admission includes a section to be completed if you wish to be considered for financial aid. Insofar as it is possible, the College makes financial aid and admission decisions simultaneously.

Students with editing, writing, computer programming, tutoring or other skills often can find jobs as student workers at the University. Usually these positions must be obtained once a student is on campus and can arrange interviews.

The Graduate College provides more financial aid information at its Fellowship Office.

Health insurance

The University's Board of Trustees requires that all students be covered by an insurance plan. Therefore, the University provides a plan for which two fees are automatically assessed, along with other tuition and fees.

The Health Service Fee is pre-payment for services provided by McKinley Health Center and the Counseling Center. This fee is mandatory for most students and optional for several categories of part-time students.

The Student Health Insurance Fee pays for the University sickness and accident insurance program for health care received outside of McKinley Health Center. Students are required either to pay this fee or to document that they have other health insurance coverage equivalent to the University plan.

The University's Student Health Insurance plan and Office of Admissions and Records explain the fees in greater depth.

Tuition and service fee waivers that accompany teaching and research assistantships do not cover all fees.

Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center offers free counseling for students with academic difficulties (e.g., motivation, anxiety, procrastination, learning difficulties), relationship problems, difficulty adjusting to college life, transitions and more.

Students may consult the University's Student Legal Services for advice concerning legal matters.

Housing

Students may arrange housing via University Housing.

Textbooks

Students who need to buy books for their classes may consider buying them from any of the three main campus bookstores, each located within a few blocks of one another.

Students can also consider online bookstores.

University Library

The University has one of the largest university libraries in the world with more than 10 million volumes in the main library and the 40 other departmental libraries and divisions. The University's Library Gateway is a comprehensive online resource that provides a list of all networked libraries' locations and hours.

Tutoring resources

Students who need additional help with coursework should first talk to their respective course instructors for possible department tutoring or study sessions. Academic advisers in the College's Student Services Center also are available to help students find appropriate academic resources.

Students who live in the University residence halls can receive tutoring for some courses.

Campus jobs

Students who want to find a University job should consult the Student Employment through the Office of Student Financial Aid.

The Career Center

The Career Center at Illinois lists more University and local jobs. Students should also consider working for independent media outlets, such as the Illini Media Company, which publishes The Daily Illini student newspaper, broadcasts the WPGU 107.1 radio station and publishes the Illio yearbook and Technograph engineering magazine.

Public transportation

Students who want to take public transportation to, from and around campus may consult the bus routes and maps from the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. Students need only show their student i-card when boarding city buses. There is no cost to students as they use the MTD system, as fares are bundled into tuition and fee bills that students pay to the University.

Public transportation options for trips out of town include Midwest coach buses, such as Suburban Express and Lincolnland Express. Champaign receives Amtrak train service, Greyhound bus service and the use of the University's Willard Airport in Savoy.

Parking

Students who want to drive to and park on the University's campus may consult the parking map from the Facilities and Services' Parking Department. Additional parking information is available from the cities of Urbana, Champaign and the University District in Champaign.

Division of Campus Recreation

Find out where and how you can work out or just have some fun at any of the numerous facilities operated by Campus Recreation.

Student organizations

The University sponsors more than 1,000 Registered Student Organizations, providing programs and activities such as dances, lectures, movies, tournaments, races and more. Any University student can join any student organization.

The College also supports several student organizations related to advertising, journalism, and media and cinema studies.

Graduate students in the College of Media are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with any of these professional organizations:

Volunteering

The University offers a variety of outlets for volunteer and philanthropic opportunities. Following are a few popular campus organizations:

Study abroad

Students who want to study abroad should talk to their respective academic adviser and the University's Study Abroad Office.

Campus phonebook

Contact information for students, faculty and staff is available in the Campus Phonebook.

Weather

The University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences provides Urbana-Champaign weather with up-to-the-minute weather and forecast information.