Student Life
Illinois has the resources to help you change the world.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world-class research university that opened in 1868 as one of the original 37 public land grant institutions. It consists of more than 200 buildings situated on 1,400 acres. Campus life is comprised of more than 40,000 students in more than 150 major programs of study with over 4,000 courses. Minority students make up 24 percent, and more than 100 countries and all 50 states are represented on campus. The University Library is the largest public university library in the world, with more than 24 million items in the main library and 38 departmental libraries and divisions. If you're looking to meet pepole, you can get involved in one of the more than 1,000 registered student organizations of the 46 volunteer/service groups.
Many public engagement opportunities abound—through such programs as Partnership Illinois and University of Illinois Extension—in which University and community members collaborate to address society's critical issues. The services of campus cultural centers, plus many conferences, institutes, courses, and workshops are offered by the University. Exciting Big Ten athletics attract spectators at Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall. The University offers several newly renovated campus recreation facilities, and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts plays host to more than 300 performances each year.
Champaign-Urbana is more than just the University of Illinois. Home to a myriad of businesses and entertainment venues, the twin cities are two of the most cosmopolitan in the state. With a combined population of 103,000, the cities feature a variety of top-notch theaters, restaurants, and concert arenas in their downtown areas, each just a short distance from the Illinois campus. The community boasts more than a dozen major museums and galleries, including the University's own Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, the second largest museum in Illinois. With more than 80 parks and recreation facilities, there are many opportunities for involvement.
The University's Willard Airport services flights on American Airlines and Northwest Airlines, and the cities' mass transit system provides award-winning public transportation that includes free bus rides with a University ID.
Find out more about the Urbana-Champaign campus and community.
GSWA
The Graduate Social Work Association is an organization run by the students of the MSW Program. Each year the makeup of the student body changes, and the purpose and goals of the organization evolves according to student interests. Historically, the activities of GSWA have included raising money for local nonprofit organizations, designing and selling School of Social Work t-shirts, raising awareness for a variety of issues, and sponsoring informal social gatherings. This year GSWA plans to adopt a local family, raise money for local organizations through a bowling social, and participate in the perfect prom project this upcoming spring.
Elections for officers are held at the start of each fall semester with positions lasting through the end of spring semester.
If you have questions or suggestions for GSWA, please contact any of the officers below.
GSWA Officers
- President: Jacquelyn Williams
- Vice President: Christie Davis
- Secretary: Emily Woodruff
- Treasurer: Lindsey Kublick
- Alumni Liaison: Regina Parnell
- Champaign County Nursing Home Computer Lab Committee Chair: Mary Adami
- Community Service Coordinator: Nancy Hu
- Social Chair: Jen Rolens