Hello UIC Flames!

I am Rashi from India. I am a first-year PhD student in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences. I want to introduce you to one of my favorite hobbies - drawing mandalas! Have you ever heard about a mandala? If not, let me give you a small idea. “Mandala” is a Sanskrit word meaning “circle” or “centre.”At first glance, a mandala may look like a simple geometric design inside a circle, but it holds much deeper meaning, associated with spirituality, often used for mindful practices. In Hinduism and Buddhism, it has been used for thousands of years in the form of meditation practice, temple architecture, and for visualization to guide the practitioner to grow in their spiritual journey. If you closely observe a mandala, it is difficult to depict its start and end points, symbolizing the universe, our soul, and the structure of life.

I began drawing mandalas during the lockdown, and over time, it became my hobby. Lockdown has affected millions of people, especially their mental health. Like many, I felt anxious, worried, and stressed, but drawing mandalas helped me in self-reflection. When the mind is filled with chaos, overthinking, negative thoughts, and hopelessness, it is time to self-reflect, and when words fail to express, art speaks! Drawing a mandala is a stress buster and one of the best forms of self-expression.

All you need are simple art supplies - a pen, pencil, eraser, ruler, geometric compass, and protractor to create your own mandala! Add colors of your choice, if you want to make it colorful. So, are you interested in creating your own mandala and unfolding your art skills? Join our mandala workshop on September 30th between 11:15 am to 12:15 pm and discover the undiscovered part of you!

Hello UIC FLAMES,

I am Adja Sokhna Ndiaye Barry from Senegal. I was born in New York, but I grew up in Senegal, which gave me a strong connection to my culture and my religion. I enjoy spending my free time on hobbies like cooking, fashion, and beauty. Right now, I am continuing my studies in the United States and working hard to build a bright future for myself.

Senegal is a beautiful country located in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. Its capital city is Dakar, a very busy and colorful city known for music, fashion, and culture. Senegal is often called the “Gateway to Africa” because it is the most western point of the continent.

One of the most important things in Senegal is culture. The people are very welcoming, and hospitality is part of our tradition. In Senegal, we call this “Teranga”, which means generosity and sharing. When you visit a Senegalese family, they will always share food and make you feel at home.

The food in Senegal is also amazing. The national dish is called “Thieboudiene”, made with rice, fish, and vegetables. Other popular meals are “Yassa”(chicken, meat, or fish with lemon and onions ) and “Mafé” ( a peanut sauce with meat ).

Senegal is also famous for its music and dance. The traditional drums, called “Sabar” and “Djembe” are very popular. Modern Senegalese music is also known worldwide thanks to artists like Youssou Ndour, Akon, Vivianne Chidid, Coumba Gawlo, Souleymane Faye, etc.

For history lovers, Senegal has important places such as Gorée Island, which was a center during the time of the Atlantic slave trade. Today, Gorée is a UNESCO World Heritage site, reminding the world about history working for peace.

Finally, Senegal has beautiful tourist attractions such as Lake Retba (the Pink Lake), the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, and the national parks where you can see animals such as lions, giraffes, monkeys, etc.

Senegal is not only a country of culture and tradition, but also of history, music, and natural beauty. It is a place full of life and warmth, and that’s why many people call it the land of Teranga. As a Senegalese, I am very proud of my country and I love sharing it with others.

Read and learn all about the fantastic people behind the scenes at the Tutorium. They work very hard to ensure your journey here is a great one. When you see them around campus, say hello. They would love to see you!

Admissions and Academic Services Assistant Chair

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I live in Bolingbrook, a suburb in Chicagoland. We moved to the Chicago area years ago from Buffalo, NY. I have three strong, bold, and brave girls. My husband is from France, and we speak a mix of English and French at home with the kids. I love all types of music. Right now, I’m listening to a mix of French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish-speaking artists. I also love podcasts. I highly recommend Armchair Expert, Criminal, and The Moth.

What do you do here at the Tutorium?
I’m at the front desk at the Tutorium. Come say hi! I help answer student questions in person and by email. I help support Beata and Vit with admissions. I also work with the instructors to provide student services like the picnic, conversation hour, and many more upcoming events!

What do you love about your job?
Every day is different! I was in the classroom for over 12 years, so working with international students in a new way pushes me to learn different skills. There are so many steps and processes that I was unaware of to get students into the classroom. I am learning new systems and vocabulary and meeting new people. I feel like a student again!

Where can students find you? 
Addams Hall 105 front desk! Come say hi and grab a sweet treat!

What's one piece of advice you have for students?
Complete your work, ask questions, and submit your work on time. Then…explore the campus, student clubs, and restaurants. Adventure in this beautiful city. Enjoy this moment. It passes so quickly, and I promise you, these are the best moments of your life!

As a member of the UIC community, you are able to . . .

Would you love to connect with other students here at UIC? Are you looking for opportunities to practice English? Would you like a place to meet and converse with native English speakers right here on campus? Joining a student organization might be just the opportunity for you! 

Whether you like video games, cooking, politics, or sports, you can get involved and make connections with other students right here at UIC. There are more than 300 student activities and organizations to enhance your resume, learn valuable leadership and organizational management skills, and make new friends.

So what are you waiting for? To start exploring student organizations, read more>>.

UIC’s Student Recreation Facility (SRF) provides fitness, leisure, activity, and adventure all in the same place! The SRF is located on the east side of the campus across the street from the UIC Student Center East. Take a virtual tour!  

Most Intensive English students do not pay all of the UIC fees, so you will need to buy a Campus Recreation Membership. The price is only $125.00 for Fall 2025:  August 24 – January 11, 2026! To purchase a membership, see Student Memberships. Show your I-card and tell them you are a Tutorium Student.  

Students who pay all of the UIC fees (Global students) have access to all Campus Recreation Facilities.

Did you know that there is an app to help you stay safe? The UIC SAFE App Version was designed to help students access safety resources and guides on campus. When you are commuting, working alone, or just needing help during an emergency, the UIC App SAFE app is here to help you! 

To learn more about the UIC SAFE app's features and how to navigate campus at night, read more>>. 

Payment options:

You probably receive many UIC mass email messages in your inbox that do not interest you. You can unsubscribe to these messages by setting up Massmail Preferences.  

Have you ever wanted to look at a movie under the stars? Well, you're in luck! Come bring in the Halloween Spirit with us as we watch the feature film SCREAM under the night sky.

If you would like to come, please register here. 

Would you like to win a $500 or $250 scholarship? Check out this year's Thanksgiving Card Design Contest!

The deadline to submit is Monday, Sept. 15. The winner and the runner-up will be notified of their scholarship by Monday, Sept. 22.

The winning artwork will be shared digitally and in print with the campus community, alumni, donors, and friends of UIC.

Contest theme: A Season of Gratitude

Original artwork or photography (photography must not include any identifiable people, stock images, or religious themes) should reflect any of the following themes:

UIC will give credit to you if you decide to submit your artwork/photography, but UIC will retain all reproduction rights. 

If you would like more information, please check out 2025 Chancellor’s Thanksgiving Card Design Contest

UIC's Latinx Heritage Month Committee organizes a series of events that highlight key issues, celebrate achievements, and uplift the Latinx community. As part of this year's celebration, a Tianguis—a traditional Latinx open-air market— will be hosted on Wednesday, September 24th, from 11 AM to 3 PM in the University Hall Lawn (601 S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60607).

UIC is having a Semillas del Futuro (Seeds of the Future) themed Market event! This vibrant marketplace will feature art, crafts, artesanías, and more.

After your afternoon class on Wednesday, grab a friend and stop by the Tianguis. 

If you plan to go, click here to register (sign-up).

Save the date! Registration information coming soon!

Please check this out for more information.

The following section of the newsletter is written by Vit Vanicek, one of our teachers here at the Tutorium. With Vit's advice, you're sure to succeed in the classroom and beyond

By now, your teacher has probably told you to check "My Grades" on Blackboard. Or maybe you submitted a homework assignment, and your teacher gave it to you on paper or in Google Docs. Of course, you want to see whether you did well on an assignment. But is there more beyond the Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory or the 75% score? To find out, read more>>. 

The following section of the newsletter is written by one of our advisors here at the Tutorium. Our advisors are here to help answer questions and steer you toward the right path for you.

In the U.S., you can attend a public or private university. Choosing the best school for you is a balancing act. The tuition cost must be balanced with other factors, such as the size and number of degrees a school offers.

Need help with deciding what type of school is the best for you? 
Read more>>

Teachers write comments for several reasons.  

This is another way they can teach you good writing skills, style, and form. Listen to them as you read their comments. Can you hear them talking to you? They want you to be the best writer you can be!

Remember that your teacher wants you to be able to find your own mistakes, and it starts with reading and understanding your teacher’s comments. 

Email questions to tutorium@uic.edu.
Or contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.