We are excited to announce that the LDL Connects kicks off today! This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with peers, share ideas, and explore new perspectives in our community. Students from all concentrations are welcome! Please RSVP to Vania Castro (vaniac@illinois.edu) or Stuart  Mattingly (stuartm3@illinois.edu)!

An in-person gathering for Learning Design and Leadership Graduate Students and Alumni *Students from other concentrations are welcome to join us, we just ask that you contact Vania or Stuart to register.

Dress code: Casual
Agenda Subject to Change: The agenda is meant to provide some structure but we intend it to be flexible based on the needs of those in attendance. The agenda may change on short notice. You will be notified via email.

Calendar of Events

Thursday 9/26 – Arrivals – Events are Self Driven

As everyone arrives, this is your day. You are welcome to visit the bookstore, get a picture id card (bookstore), tour the campus on your own, or enjoy the town. The following events are on the calendar today.

3-4pm Desserts with the Dean – O’Leary Center guide your exploration.

The following list gives examples of your experience choices. Refer to the Event websites below for more information:

4-5:45pm

Fall Doctoral Student Mixer and Potluck – Doctoral Research Support Program – Lawn of the Library – East side – 4-5pm https://uiuc.libcal.com/event/13113869
Krannert Art Museum – (500 East Peabody) Meet in O’Leary https://kam.illinois.edu
Siebel Center for Design (1208 S 4th St) https://designcenter.illinois.edu/

6pm Optional Dinner with your Peers – The Bread Company https://thebread.co/ 13-minute walk from College of Education – $10-$20 Bistro – Meet at O’Leary

Friday 9/27 – Some Self-Directed events or choose a program to attend

10-11am Donuts with Dr. Pak (Hosted by EPOL for all EPOL Students) – O’Leary Center.

11-11:15am Group Picture in front of College of Education

11:15-1pm Individual Meetings with Professors by request

11:15-1pm Writing Session Round Table Feedback – Hosted by Dr. Xinran Zhu & Dr. Liam Magee
Regarding – Work in Progress – O’Leary

12pm Lunch Provided by EPOL at the round table – O’Leary

1-2pm Dissertation Support Group – O’Leary – Hosted by your colleagues

2-3pm Campus Walking Tour with Dr. Bill Cope – No seriously, he’s good at it! Meet at O’Leary

4-7pm Early Dinner at the home of Dr. Bill Cope & Dr. Mary Kalantzis
The Prairie House – 4018 North Lincoln Ave, Champaign IL 61822

7pm Some Optional Activities

7 Fingers: Dual Reality; All’s Fair in Love and War – If https://krannertcenter.com/events/7-fingers-duel-reality-alls-fair-love-and-war Krannert Center (Tyron Festival Theater) Tickets subject to availability
Movie at the Union Pine Lounge – Twisters: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/4063?eventId=33493386

Saturday 9/28 – Some Self-Directed events or choose a program to attend

9-10am EPOL Hosted Light Breakfast – O’Leary

11am-12pm Focus Group with Akash, Vania, and Stuart – Meet at O’Leary

11am-12pm Dr. Liam Magee & Dr. Xinran Zhu will discuss AI Implications and the Dissertation – O’Leary

12-1pm Lunch – Provided by EPOL – O’Leary

1-3:30pm Group Meeting with Instructors and Others, Individual Meetings by request

3:30pm Wrap up, Clean Up, and Until next time. If you are looking for more to do, be sure to ask the Local faculty & staff for suggestions.

Lodging

Illini Union Hotel (1401 West Green Street, Champaign, IL 61821); Discounted rate approximately $140 per night plus taxes for two Full beds or Kings/Queens (15 rooms blocked at this rate)

First register for the event and you will be sent the discount code
To make reservations online: go to https://illiniunionhotel.illinois.edu/ and enter your dates and click on the “Enter it now” to add the booking code and click on update. Scroll down until you see rooms available.
To make reservations by phone 217-333-1241: Guests will need to provide the group code and give the dates.

Amenities: (See current list here: https://illiniunionhotel.illinois.edu/amenities)

FREE access to premier Campus Recreation facilities: ARC and CRCE
FREE parking adjacent to the Illini Union
$1 coffee when you bring your own cup
Discounts at the on-site restaurants and QuadShop

Thank you for your patience while the website has been under construction. Also, thank you to Dr. Kara Francis for putting this event together, and for her service and contribution to the program.