Illinois State University

Careers at Illinois State University

Illinois State University is committed to preparing its students for successful careers through its emphasis on employability and networking with industry leaders. The university’s career advisors can help students choose a major, understand their career options, polish their résumés and gain practical experience through internships.

Illinois State University also hosts many career fairs throughout the academic year, enabling students to connect with employers and alumni. Top recruiters of Illinois State students include ADM, Cintas, Pekin Insurance and Northwestern Mutual. Thanks to Bloomington-Normal’s close proximity to Chicago, students can work and intern in the city with the second highest number of Fortune 500 companies in the US. These connections lead to postgraduate success. That’s why 78% of international students enrolled at Illinois State continue to OPT(Optional Practical Training) or higher degrees within three months of graduation, according to the Illinois State Office of International Engagement.

City Life at Illinois State University

Bloomington-Normal is recognised as one of the best college towns in the US, thanks to its numerous attractions, bike-friendly roads, countryside and close proximity to the central business district. Students can easily walk to locally owned shops, restaurants and hotels. They can also immerse themselves in a thriving entertainment and arts scene. In their free time, students can attend art festivals, visit museums and galleries or watch live performances.

Uptown Normal also has an Amtrak station, which means students can easily hop on a train to visit Chicago or St. Louis. They can travel to Chicago to savor the world-famous deep-dish pizza or watch a Cubs baseball game. Or they could head down to St. Louis and marvel at the Gateway Arch, explore the Grand Centre Arts District or hang out in Forest Park.

Student Support at Illinois State University

Illinois State University provides comprehensive support to both undergraduate and graduate students. The support starts before the first day of class since all incoming students are given a proper welcome during Transfer Registration and Orientation Day (TROD). Numerous seminars and workshops are also held throughout the academic year, giving students all the knowledge and support they need to succeed academically.

Students are also supported by different advisors during their time at Illinois State. First-year students, undeclared majors, pre-health professionals, interdisciplinary majors and athletes can all schedule advising appointments at University College.

Students who need tutoring can get free help with their classes at the Julia N. Visor Academic Centre at University College. Students will get a personalised experience thanks to the small-group learning sessions guided by certified tutors.

Facilities at Illinois State University

Illinois State University is continuously upgrading its facilities to better service its students and faculty. Most notably, the university recently completed a renovation of its Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) Rotunda. The massive space holds four-tiered lecture halls that serve about 4,000 students. Some of the structural improvements include the raising of the concrete floor to accommodate accessible ramps and the installation of a new HVAC system.

The Mennonite College of Nursing is building a new facility that will wrap around the Simulation Centre. The new facility will feature an enhanced clinical education setting with virtual reality (VR) technology. This upgrade will allow the college to boost enrolment by 400 students and expand its hands-on research and training opportunities

Sustainability at Illinois State University

Spearheaded by the Office of Sustainability, Illinois State University’s sustainability initiatives are designed to reduce the university’s overall environmental impact. Some of the green initiatives pursued by both students and faculty include the zero-waste policy, sustainable shopping (which emphasises buying reusable, eco-friendly products) and eco-friendly practices at campus dining centres and events.

Illinois State is strongly committed to reducing its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The conservation strategies currently being enacted include upgrading to LED lights and installing more solar panels on campus.

Annual events, celebrations and recognition days celebrated on campus include Fix It Friday (where clothing is given small repairs rather than discarded), World Water Day, World Environment Day and America Recycles Day.