IlliniFest 2026

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LAS at IlliniFest

Where will your curiosity take you?

Explore the questions that inspire you, seek their answers through creativity and collaboration, and put what you learn into action—because LAS is where curiosity drives impact.

Follow your curiosity to Lincoln Hall on the Main Quad to learn more about LAS.

LAS Open House  |  Lectures & presentations  |  Download a map of Lincoln Hall

 

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LAS Open House

From the innovative labs of biology to the celebrations of culture through world literature, LAS students use their curiosity to find creative solutions that improve our world. As an undergrad in LAS, you'll have unlimited access to resources dedicated to your academic support, career services, holistic well-being, and social connection. 

Visit the LAS Open House in Lincoln Hall, where you can:

• Talk with representatives from many LAS majors
• Attend presentations about academics and student opportunities
• Explore resources that can support your success
• Get answers to your questions about studying in LAS

Register for the LAS Open House

Lectures & presentations

Anthropology: What makes us human?
2-3 p.m. | Room 1002
Discover how everything from ancient fossils and DNA to modern culture helps us answer life’s biggest question: what exactly makes us human? Join the University of Illinois faculty to preview the incredible, world-changing research waiting for you in our department.
Register for session

Exploring Biochemistry, Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science @ Illinois
1-2 p.m. | Room 1002
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology (SMCB) is a broadly interdisciplinary program that offers majors in MCB, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and MCB + Data Science. This presentation will clarify the similarities and differences among these majors, and identify who great candidates would be for each major.
Session is full; stop by the Molecular and Cellular Biology booth for information.

Exploring Biology @ Illinois
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Room 1002
In this presentation, students and families will learn what “Biology” means at Illinois, how/when students will ultimately choose between Integrative Biology and Molecular & Cellular Biology, and receive helpful tips and suggestions for efficient navigation of the application process.
Register for session

Exploring Political Science @ Illinois
1-2 p.m. | Room 1092
Learn all about our Political Science program and speak with our advisors about your opportunities within this program.
Register for session

Get Experience: Turning Your Major Into a Career
2-3 p.m. | Room 1090
Join LAS Career Services to discover how internships, research, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities can connect your major to your future. Prospective students will hear directly from peer advisors about their LAS experiences (room 1090), while parents and guests (room 1092) meet with professional staff to learn how LAS supports students in exploring opportunities and preparing for what comes next.
Register for session 

How to Future-Proof Your Potential
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Room 1090
Discover how a Liberal Arts & Science education can help you build future-ready skills, explore multiple career paths, and stay adaptable in a changing world. Learn how to turn your curiosity into real-world impact.
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The Journey to Becoming an Actuary 
10-11 a.m. | Room 1002
Come join us in exploring how to become an actuary at LAS. Explore your academic journey as well as internship and networking opportunities!
Register for session

In Other "Words:" Why Illinois, Why the Liberal Arts
10-11 a.m. | Room 1092
Join our departments from Political Science, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Arabic to explore our world from different perspectives and learn why an education in the Liberal Arts at Illinois will be invaluable to you!
Register for session

iShowThought: A Socratic Engagement
10-11 a.m. | Room 1090
Presented by the Department of Philosophy.
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Learn the World: How Immersive Learning Can Shape Your Future
1-2 p.m. | Room 1000
Don't just study the world - experience it! Learn how students in Communication, Global Studies, and History get hands-on in the classroom, gain experience through internships, study abroad, and build skills that prepare them for life after college.
Register for session

Making Connections with Data Science in LAS
2-3 p.m. | Room 1000
Society needs people who can understand both data and the worlds which produced it. Discover how interdisciplinary data science programs in LAS combine technical training with disciplines ranging from biology to history to statistics, preparing students to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives.
Register for session

Story Telling with Data: Leading Positive Change
10-11 a.m. | Room 1000
Dive into the world of data with our Communication and Economics departments and learn how we can drive positive change in the world by telling stories based on data.
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Teaching Matters: Preparing for a Career in Education in LAS
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Room 1092
Passionate about teaching? Learn how you can get teaching licensure at LAS.
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What Illinois' Record Breaking Tornado Season Reveals about Extreme Weather, Communication and Risk
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Room 1000
How can we analyze extreme weather situations, make accurate predictions for the future and communicate effectively about those events? Learn all this with our departments of Communication and Atmospheric Sciences based on this year's tornado season in Illinois.
Register for session