Courses for academic and career planning

This course supports international students as they transition to a new culture and education system. Students will examine expectations for college life in the U.S., explore the purposes and values of the higher education experience from U.S. perspectives, investigate critical concepts regarding academic programs, and plan for 4 years of personal and academic/professional development.

New international students are encouraged to enroll in LAS 100 for the first semester at Illinois. Learn more.

2 credit hours. Meets weekly the first eight weeks of the fall semester. Restricted to new LAS international students.

Start learning the skills you’ll need to succeed while at Illinois. This course for first-year students will help you develop relationships with others in the College of LAS and learn about campus resources. Activities include learning about design thinking and strategies for addressing common challenges. It will cover learning effective study skills, thinking critically and avoiding common pitfalls that could undermine your success. Plus, your TA will be a current LAS student who can answer your questions and serve as a peer mentor. Learn more.

1 credit hour. Meets weekly the first eight weeks of the fall semester. Restricted to first-year students in the College of LAS.

This orientation course for new transfer students will help them maximize their time at the University of Illinois. Transfer students lead the class and share how they’ve succeeded at Illinois. Use design thinking to plan your time at Illinois and beyond, connect with other new students, and learn about campus resources. You'll also learn about adjusting to academic demands at Illinois and the College of LAS itself.

Ask your advisor about LAS 102 Transfer Advantage when you register for classes. Learn more.

1 credit hour. Meets weekly the first eight weeks of the fall semester. Restricted to new LAS transfer students.

This orientation course for LAS Access & Achievement Program students will help them maximize their time at the University of Illinois. Plan your time at Illinois and beyond, connect with other new students, and learn about campus resources. You'll also learn how to declare a major, as well as achieve and maintain academic excellence at Illinois. Learn more.

1 credit hour. Meets weekly the second half of the fall semester. Restricted to new LAS AAP - Undeclared.

Engages first-year LAS honors students in the realms of citizenship, stewardship and leadership for the 21st century. This course serves as a means for James Scholars to enhance their independence, cultural awareness, and connection to community. Learn more.

1 credit hour. Meets weekly the first eight weeks of the fall semester. Restricted to first-year James Scholar students in the College of LAS.

This course delivers a professional development and organizational learning experience in the nation's capital. Focus on leadership strengths while evaluating organizational cultures within different professional work environments including government, nonprofit, and corporate settings by visiting Washington, D.C. for a Spring Break field experience.

Students will experience various organizational cultures in D.C. and learn how to navigate them. Develop leadership skills as you observe and learn from professionals in the capital city who are also alumni of Illinois.

2 credit hours.

This course introduces students to theories and practical techniques of writing successful cover letters and resumes. It emphasizes adaptable communication and research skills, including use of career resources, investigation of potential employers, selection of appropriate jobs that fit students’ skills and interests, and targeting of resumes and cover letters to particular job applications.

1 credit hour. Offered fall and spring, online.

This course supports LAS students who are engaged in full-time (LAS 289) and part-time (LAS 199) internship experiences during an academic semester. Students are provided with career development resources to help them reflect on and make the most of their hands-on experiences. They engage in active reflection, set and monitor professional goals, consider next steps for their academic and career futures.

0 credit hours. The course is offered in an online, asynchronous format in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

Prepares students who are going abroad for a semester or academic year for their transition through a) examining expectations, b) focusing on the purpose and value of the abroad experience, c) preparing students culturally and logistically, d) addressing issues of culture shock, e) helping students with articulating their experience for future personal and professional goals, f) enhancing intercultural communication and global understanding, and g) assisting with re-entry planning.

Provides an opportunity for students studying abroad to consider how their journey might be articulated as a global learning experience. Requires students to discuss what they are learning, reflect upon it, and discern ways to apply the knowledge gained through their experiences. Prerequisite: LAS 291.

1 credit hour.

This course develops career readiness competencies of LAS students as they engage in professional experiences (e.g., internship, service learning, volunteer, part-time job). Students make the most of their hands-on experience by engaging in active reflection, connecting experiences to both their academic journey and their next steps after Illinois. Students apply career development strategies to address complex career decision-making and management tasks, developing skills that they will continue to use through their lifetime. .

1 to 3 credit hours. This course is offered in-person, fall and spring terms. It may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

Leadership and professional development seminar for student interns and peer mentors. Participants  learn professional skills and communications, teaching, mentoring, and other leadership skills that prepare them for LAS internships.

1 to 3 credit hours. Typically offered in fall and spring terms.