Student Activities

Epsilon Delta

Epsilon Delta is an organization for undergraduate students preparing for the education profession. The purpose of the organization is to promote professional growth and understanding in the field of education. Epsilon Delta provides an opportunity for students to exchange ideas and concerns regarding educational issues. This exchange of information is presented in the format of lectures by guest professionals, workshops prepared by practicing teachers and University of Illinois faculty, and informal discussions among the members. Membership is available for any undergraduate who has a strong interest in the education profession. Check out the Epsilon Delta web site for additional information on this organization.

Fellowship of Christian Teachers

The Fellowship of Christian Teachers is a registered student organization that gives students the opportunity to learn how Christ can influence their teaching. Christian educators meet with this group and discuss how faith can be applied to teaching. The group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 5:15 p.m. in the 3rd floor lounge of the Education Building. For additional information about this organization, e-mail Jacqueline Widemann.

Minority Association of Future Educators (MAFE)

Founded in 1994, the Minority Association of Future Educators (MAFE) offers educational experiences for its members and provides a support system for minority students in education. Members of this organization undertake service projects, such as tutorial and reading programs, which serve the children of the surrounding community. Students may e-mail the faculty adviser Violet Harris for additional information on the organization.

Student Advancement Group for Education (SAGE)

This student organization is an ambassador group whose goal is to improve alumni-student interaction. As official student ambassadors for the College of Education, SAGE members assist the Dean and the Office of Advancement with a variety of alumni related activities. Membership is by application during the fall semester. Students must be enrolled full-time at the University pursuing a degree in the College of Education or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a secondary education minor. Preference will be given to students who have completed two semesters at the Urbana campus and who have a 3.25 GPA or higher. Applications are available in the Office of Advancement, 140 Education Building and are typically due in September. For additional information, contact Lawanna Conlee.

Student Education Association (SEA)

The Student Education Association is the UI branch of the Illinois Education Association. The IEA Student Program is a pre-professional organization for undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing for careers in education. SEA members also belong to the Illinois Education Association, the largest professional organization for teachers in the state. Check out the SEA web site for additional information on this organization.

Extracurricular Involvement in Education

In addition to scholastic records, employers often look at an applicant’s extracurricular experience. Camp counseling, assisting with children's programs offered through the park district, local libraries, hospitals, churches and schools are valuable summer or part-time jobs off campus. Similar opportunities exist in this community for volunteer work.

Vis a Vis

This organization provides opportunities for students to gain valuable volunteer experience in the local schools. Offered through the University YMCA, Vis a Vis arranges tutoring and classroom aid programs for local schools. Students may obtain additional information about the Vis a Vis program by contacting the YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, 239-3614.

Volunteer Illini Projects

V.I.P. is another campus-wide program that offers volunteer opportunities in day care, tutoring, youth friendship programs, and mental health facilities. Information about V.I.P. can be obtained in 268 Illini Union, 333-1020.

Upward Bound

The Upward Bound Program was established in 1966 and is currently a component of the Office of Minority Affairs. This outreach program assists economically disadvantaged secondary school students in acquiring the skills needed to be successful in higher education. Currently, the program provides on-campus academic and tutorial assistance and counseling to secondary school students in Champaign-Urbana. Students who wish to volunteer for tutoring high school students in grades nine through twelve may contact the Upward Bound Programs, Office of Minority Student Affairs, 130 Student Services, 333-1889.

BOAST

Students with strong science backgrounds may want to share their enthusiasm in this field with K-12 age children by volunteering in the BOAST program. The Bouchet Outreach and Achievement Science and Technology program aims to stimulate local children's interest in science. Student volunteers work with children primarily from local low-income housing areas by participating in bi-weekly science demonstrations and computer/Internet workshops on campus and volunteering on-site at local elementary schools. Students interested in the BOAST program may obtain additional information by contacting Bobbi Trist at 244-1984 or through e-mail.

America Reads/America Counts Program Tutors

This program is federally funded and offers tutoring positions for students who qualify for Federal Work Study (FWS). America Reads focuses on helping children in pre-K through the 6th grade read independently and well. America Counts tutors work with children in pre-K through the 8th grade to help improve mathematical and problem-solving skills.

Recruitment takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. Students who are eligible for FWS of $1,000 or more for the academic year are eligible to participate in this program. Interested students should contact Angie Brix, Office of Student Financial Aid, 217-333-0100.