April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we have a full calendar of events for you!

Save these dates, and be sure to read our April newsletters for all the details!

[ID: A colorful list of the events listed above. At the top is "Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events Rundown" surrounded by flowers, music notes, a rainbow, and a peace sign.]

Share your thoughts in our weekly poll!

Spring break is near! Whether you're traveling, resting, catching up on work, or staying productive, this break means something different for everyone. Let’s reflect on how we’re spending the week and what we hope to get out of it.

How are you spending your spring break? Are you resting, catching up on schoolwork, or doing something fun? How do you feel about this break?

Check back next week for your responses and a new question!

Last week, we asked, "How are you feeling about midterms? What strategies keep you motivated and focused? Any tips to help others succeed?" Here are some of your responses:

Thank you for sharing your wonderful responses!

[ID: "Question of the Week" in yellow block letters inside a yellow-orange frame on a purple-blue gradient background.]

Thursday, March 20 | 9am - 1pm
SSB Conference Rooms & Zoom
Audience: Everyone (open to the public)

Join us for a symposium exploring the unique needs and challenges of parenting students. Together we will uplift student stories, present current research on parenting students, identify best practices for supporting pregnant and parenting students, and articulate ways to collaborate to put our ideas into action at UIC and campuses statewide.

[ID: Two parents wearing commencement robes and mortar boards, playing with their small children, all smiling. Text in the center reads, "from Surviving to Thriving: Cultivating Possibilities for Parenting Students in Illinois."]

Wednesday, April 9 | 12-1pm
WLRC & Zoom
Audience: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Students

How do survivors of gender-based violence advocate for change? During this conversation with survivors and those who support them, we will celebrate how we have raised our voices, learn about survivor-led movements, and explore ways to get involved.

[ID: "HEALS: Healing for Engagement, Action, & Leadership by Survivors" in white text over a purple background, with flames rising from the bottom center.]

Survivors, we are here for you! Please reach out to the Campus Advocacy Network any time you need support, information, resources, answers, and/or advocacy related to safety, healing, or gender-based violence (sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, harassment, family abuse).

We can connect in person at WLRC or via Zoom, phone, text, or email. Our services are free, confidential, and open to all members of the UIC community.

We can help you build a safety plan, connect with resources (like mental health support or legal assistance), process your experiences, and stay informed about your rights and options. We can assist you as you navigate processes like requesting academic accommodations, communicating with Financial Aid and the Registrar's Office, filing a report with the Office of Access and Equity, and/or petitioning for an Order of Protection, depending on your needs.

We are here not only for survivors and those facing gender-based violence, but also for those in roles where there may be a need to support survivors on campus, such as instructors, mentors, advisors, student leaders, friends, or colleagues.

To connect with an advocate:
- Call: (312) 413-8206
- Text: (312) 488-9784
- Email: can-appointment@uic.edu
- Submit an Ask an Advocate form

[ID: Four members of Mujeres en Medicina, smiling, hold a section of clothesline from WLRC's Clothesline Project, where t-shirts tell the stories of surviving violence or offer messages of support, such as "Women owe you nothing," "You are loved," and "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become!"]

Everyone at UIC has a role to play in preventing violence and supporting survivors in our community. 

If you are an ally supporting a survivor in your life (whether that is a friend, family member, student, or employee), contact us to discuss questions around advocating for survivors, campus and community resources, mandated reporting, and more.

If you are a student leader, instructor, or supervisor, please consider inviting CAN to speak to your class through our Don’t Cancel Your Class! program, or request a training for your department, college, student organization, or other campus unit. 

[ID: A coffee cup, paper, paper clips, buttons, and pencils scattered around text about the Don't Cancel Your Class program, all on a teal background.]

If you are teaching, please share information about CAN during class and in your syllabus:

"If you have experienced sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, or harassment, there is help available. The Campus Advocacy Network provides free and confidential services to UIC students, faculty, and staff who have experienced or are experiencing interpersonal violence. Pregnant and parenting students are also welcome to contact CAN for resources, information, and support.

If you would like to speak with an advocate, please email CAN at can-appointment@uic.edu, call (312) 413-8206 and leave a voicemail message, text (312) 488-9784, or fill out CAN's Ask An Advocate form online at can.uic.edu/ask. To learn more, visit CAN's website at can.uic.edu."

[ID: The text of the CAN Syllabus Statement in dark blue on a white background, with a teal green border.]

Asian American Resource and Cultural Center: Tea Time: Asian Americans with Disabilities in Media
Wednesday, March 19 | 5-6pm, AARCC (723 W Maxwell St.)
Join to discuss the representation of Asian Americans with disabilities in TV and film, exploring stereotypes and barriers that limit their visibility in media.

Arab American Cultural Center: Ana Min Hunak, Ana Min Huna: Stories of Cultural Heritage
Thursday, March 20 | 11am - 12pm, 101 Taft Hall
Join us to explore Lebanon's culture, people, and heritage through stories and artifacts shared by students, staff, alumni, and faculty.

Disability Cultural Center: Tear + Twist: A Cord Making Workshop with 3Arts/Bodies of Work Resident Artist Lilian Heredia
Thursday, March 20 | 3-4pm, Room 116, UIC Disability, Health & Social Policy Building (1640 W. Roosevelt Rd)
Join artist Lillian Heredia for a free, hands-on workshop exploring fabric tearing and cord-making. She'll also share her journey in the disability art community.

Asian American Resource and Cultural Center: Chai pe Charcha: Exploring South Asian Languages
Thursday, March 20 | 3:30-4:30, 308 Grant Hall
Join AARCC Student Ambassadors to learn basic phrases in Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu, and discuss our experiences and relationships with these languages.

Heritage Garden: Volunteer Days
Friday, March 21, Wednesday, April 2, Friday, April 4 | Times vary
Have you ever wanted to get involved with gardening at UIC? Help us prepare for the Spring! Join us for some hands-on gardening and learn how Heritage Garden interns are connecting horticulture with environmental sustainability, cultural diversity, and social justice.

Disability Cultural Center: Squeaky Wheel Writing Workshop: Disability & Humor
Tuesday, April 1 | 3-5pm, 231 BSB & Zoom
Join writers from The Squeaky Wheel for a workshop on using humor to combat ableism. Participants will learn satire techniques & write their own story, bring a device!

Black Cultural Center: Black Wellness Wednesday
Wednesday, April 2 | 10-11am, 207 Addams
This monthly gathering is all about empowering the Black community through holistic, mental and even financial wellness. This month will be focused on environmental wellness.

Black Cultural Center: Black Table Talk
Wednesday, April 2 | 12:30-2pm
This is a great opportunity for faculty and students to connect, share their research and explore new collaborations over a casual lunch.

Latino Cultural Center: Civic Cinema: "Inside San Isidro"
Wednesday, April 2 | 1-2pm, Lecture Center B2
Join us for a short film and discussion on the 2020 San Isidro protests in Cuba, sparked by rapper Denis Solis' imprisonment and a demand for freedom for all Cubans.

Arab American Cultural Center: Global Middle East Studies Inaugural Annual Symposium
Thursday, April 3 | 9:30am-7pm, BSB Suite 153, Institute for the Humanities
Join GMES for our first Annual Symposium—a day of dynamic presentations, interactive workshops, and community-driven discussions showcasing multidisciplinary research and creativity.

Disability Cultural Center: 2025-26 Community Care Cohort Internship: Info Session - Apply by April 11, 2025!
Friday, April 4 | 1-2pm, In-person & Zoom
Learn more about the internship, get questions answered, and connect with current interns.

About the UIC Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change (CCUSC): Founded as a direct result of campus activism, the CCUSC work collectively to produce knowledge and shift university culture, validating the multidimensional lived experiences of historically and currently excluded communities. Informed by social justice frameworks, the Centers support students, faculty, and staff as they build a strong identity and sense of belonging, becoming change agents for a more just campus and society.

The Centers connect our communities and design intercultural and engaged-learning opportunities, student mentorship programs, cultural programming, advocacy, collaborative research, and community partnerships. Through these efforts, the Centers expand the educational and transformational mission of UIC.

[ID: The above statement about who the UIC Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change are, on a purple background.]

In light of potential threats to our communities, both here at UIC and throughout the Chicago area, it's important to know what our rights are when interacting with immigration and other law enforcement officers.

UIC's administration has shared official protocols for such interactions on campus. In short:

UIC's Rigo Padilla Pérez Undocumented Student Resource Center provides a comprehensive set of resources you can use on campus and in the community, including printable cards in multiple languages. They can also provide Know Your Rights trainings by request.

For more detailed info, check out this presentation from Sanctuary for All UIC, a collective of students, faculty, and staff imagining a sanctuary for all at UIC.

We are here for you and will continue to share resources and information with our campus community.

[ID: A two-page flyer with Know Your Rights info from ICIRR, which is available on its website.]

Asian American Student Academic Program: Beat the Clock!
Thursday, March 20 | 2-4:30pm, Student Services Building, Suite 1600
Struggling to balance classes, work, and life? Join Beat the Clock, a focused study session to stay motivated and tackle your to-do list!

Native American Support Program: Short Reads Book Club
Monday, March 31 | 3-4:30pm, Student Services Building, Suite 2700
Join the Short Reads Book Club as we read and discuss Jim Terry’s graphic novel, "Paper Cuts,” and stick around after for a Q&A with the author and artist himself!

Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.: IMELDA Scholarship: Apply by March 30!
In honor of Diamond Sister Warka "Imelda" Jabbar, we dedicate this $200 scholarship to her legacy. It will be awarded to a UIC woman-identifying student showing academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to education.

Black Studies: Grace Holt Memorial Award: Apply by March 31!
This award honors undergraduate and graduate students who have worked actively to improve the lives of Black people. Eligible students must have a demonstrated commitment to the field of Black Studies, issues of racial justice, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The winner will receive $1,000.

Black Studies & Gender and Women's Studies: Open Study Hours
MTWTh | 1-5pm, 1250 UH
Come connect with fellow students, study together, and build community.
Tea, coffee, and snacks will be available. Drop in whenever it fits your schedule!

Asian American Student Academic Program: Low Sensory Space at AASAP
Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30am, 2720 SSB
Looking for a quiet or low-sensory space? Every Tuesday, AASAP will have low light levels, little sound/relaxing music, and calming tools available.

Office of the Dean of Students: U&I Care Meals
Click above to access emergency meal assistance through the U&I Care Meals Program! Limited meals are available each term for UIC students facing urgent food insecurity.

Commuter and Off-Campus Life: Upcoming Events
Click above for exciting events, resources, and opportunities designed for UIC commuter and off-campus students!

Career Services: Upcoming Events
Click above for career prep workshops, career fairs, and more!

Daley Library: Upcoming Events
Click above for fun and engaging events for UIC students!

Counseling Center: Upcoming Events
Click above for popular workshops, peer-support groups, drop-in groups, and other events!

Little Sparks Program: Services and Opportunities for Student-Parents
The Little Sparks Program supports student-parents as they complete their education by providing childcare funding and wrap-around support. They offer things like child care; tuition assistance; diapers, wipes, and formula; student-parent network & events; and community resources.

Resilience: Upcoming Events
Resilience is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors through non-judgmental crisis intervention counseling, individual and group trauma therapy, and medical and legal advocacy in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Resilience provides public education and institutional advocacy in order to improve the treatment of sexual assault survivors and to effect positive change in policies and public attitudes toward sexual assault.

- March 24: Survivor's Book Club
- March 24: Men's Art Support Group
- March 24: Adult Survivors of Childhood Assault Support Group
- March 25: Survivors of Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Support Group
- March 25: Survivor's Book Club: Free Support Group
- March 31: Men's Art Support Group
- March 31: Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Assault Support Group
- April 1: Adult Survivors of Childhood Assault Support Group
- April 1: Survivor's Book Club: Free Support Group

KAN-WIN: Reproductive Justice Pathways for Chicago Report Launch
Thursday, March 27 | 11am, Zoom
Please join us for an in-depth discussion on this research, which documents how discrimination, economic obstacles, and cultural barriers prevent the realization of basic rights and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, particularly in historically marginalized communities.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago: Women Protecting Bus: Strategies for Personal and Internet
Thursday, March 27 | 12-1pm, 100 East Erie St.
This event explores women's safety, from personal protection to cybersecurity, with expert insights on awareness, preparedness, and empowerment.

Women Employed: Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program:
Apply by March 28!
This program offers leadership training, research experience, and insight into challenges faced by low-paid workers, connecting participants to nonprofit work through workshops, speakers, and projects.

Resilience: Virtual 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training
Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays, March 31 - April 10 | 9am-5pm, Zoom
Participants learn about sexual violence, trauma response, crisis intervention, survivor support, and self-care, as well as legal and medical resources for survivors.

Obama Foundation: Voyager Scholarship for Public Service: Apply by April 1!
Rising juniors can receive up to $50,000 in aid, a funded summer trip, networking, and a 10-year travel stipend for public service and global engagement.

HEART: Reproductive Justice Fellowship: Apply by April 7!
HEART’s six-month RJ Fellowship supports 10 Muslims in leading reproductive justice projects with training, funding, and a $1,500 stipend plus a $1,000 grant.

Metropolitan Family Services: 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training
April 7 - April 15 | 9am-4pm, 7300 Main St., Downers Grove
This ICDVP-certified in-person 40-hour domestic violence training qualifies for CDVP/PAIP, offers CEUs for various licenses, and provides reduced rates.

Chicago Abortion Fund: A Home Here: Post-Abortion Community Circles
Tuesday, April 8 | Virtual
For our April circle we will make room to hear stories and experiences from people who have had multiple abortions. We’ll also talk through stigma around having multiple abortions and where we think those stigmas come from.

YWCA Evanston/North Shore: 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training
April 14 - April 25 | 9am-2pm, 1215 Church St., Evanston
A 40-hour domestic violence training site, approved by ICDVP, covers all required topics through a trauma-informed lens for those working with affected individuals.

KAN-WIN: Youth Peer Advocate Leadership (YPAL) Program: Apply by May 26!
June 9 - July 22
YPAL is a program for high school aged people to receive in-depth training on issues of gender-based violence, be in conversation with other young people interested in combating gender-based violence, and explore ways to contribute to the anti-violence movement. 

UIC Women’s Leadership and Resource Center
& Campus Advocacy Network

1700 Student Services Building (MC 363)
1200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 413-1025 ∙ wlrc@uic.edu ∙ wlrc.uic.edu

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