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! 

Jason Romano 

Director 

Tell us about yourself. 
I live in Elmhurst, a suburb west of Chicago. My wife is Ashley, and we have three daughters - Addison, Aria, Julia. We also have a new puppy named Cody. I don't have much time for my own hobbies because all three of my daughters play ice hockey so we are busy with their sports, but it is okay because I enjoy watching their practices and games.

What do you do here at the Tutorium? 
I am the Director at UIC Tutorium. I oversee the entire department, but the other members of the team - admin, instructors, staff - keep operations going.

What do you love about your job? 
I love the team I work with. I love that we are helping students learn something they can use daily for academic, professional, and social interactions. It is truly amazing seeing a student go from a beginning level of English to a much higher level.

Where can students find you? 
Students can find me in Addams Hall 105. They are free to stop in and say hi, but it is best to email and make an appointment if they want to chat longer.

What is one piece of advice you have for students? 
Go more places in Chicago and the U.S. than just your classrooms and residence. Don't be afraid to go out and use the English you've learned - making mistakes in the real world will only help you acquire English quicker.

Every SPRING semester you MUST opt-in (tell them that you want a U-Pass) regardless of your status last semester. Once you opt-in for the spring, you will keep your U-pass status for the summer semester. If you do NOT want a U-Pass, you do not have to do anything! For Spring 2025, the CTA U-PASS is available for any student (undergraduate/professional/graduate) taking six or more credit hours. Here are a few some commonly asked questions: 

New students should complete this checklist to make sure you know how to pay your tuition on time.

To find answers to your questions about paying tuition and other school fees, read more. 

There are NO classes today, Monday, January 20th, due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday. Classes will begin again tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21st. 

Email is the official form of communication at UIC. It is very important that you check your emails from UIC on a regular basis. Emails from the Tutorium (tutorium@uic.edu) and OIS (ois-tie@uic.edu) are especially important.

Pay careful attention to emails about your classes, immigration status, and insurance. Check your spam or junk mailbox.

All Tutorium students (new AND continuing) must update their local U.S. address at the beginning of every semester. UIC, OIS, and the Tutorium always need to have your correct address and phone number. Please be sure that you always update your information in the UIC system. Follow these instructions to update your contact information. 

What time is it when you finish your morning class? It’s Snack Time!! Chips, crackers, popcorn, fruit snacks…you get the idea!
Come eat some snacks and chat with new and old friends. Plan to join us on Thursday, January 23rd, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM (during the IEP lunch break) in Addams Hall 110. Feel free to bring a snack and a friend! 

Are you looking for an opportunity to get to know native English Speakers? Would you like to meet other UIC students? Are you ready to find out about all of the fun and exciting things you can do right here at UIC? Then, you must stop by UIC's Winter Fair! 
This year’s Winter Involvement Fair 2025 is Thursday, January 23rd from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Student Center East | Illinois Room Complex.

Throughout the day, there will be over 100 tables of student organizations, community service partners, and campus departments. All students at UIC are welcome to visit the fair and learn all about how you can get involved at UIC. Grab a friend and stop by the fair after your afternoon class. 

Do you remember why there are no classes today? It's because today is the day the country honors a very important man in history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each year on the third Monday in January we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King, one of the most well-known African American Civil Rights leaders of his time. His work as an activist not only helped to change laws supporting segregation, but he also was a voice for unifying America. Today, anyone who lives here in America can be treated with equality and respect no matter the color of their skin, race, or even culture. To learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to American History, read more>>. 

If you are looking for something to do today and you would like to learn more about Dr. King, check out this FREE MLK event (10:00a to 4:00p) at the Chicago History Museum! 

So, you found that your teacher is funny and your classmates are nice. You're ready to study. But, as the first day or two pass, there are so many papers to keep, so many files to save, and so many links to click! English is finally happening, but it's all so confusing! To learn how you can set yourself up for success, read more>>

Over 80% of Tutorium students want to continue their education at an American university. The Tutorium is here to help with that process. Tutorium classes teach the skills needed for university level study.

Attendance is an important part of successful language learning.  

A successful student

A student is absent if 

Your teacher will communicate with you regarding attendance issues.  If your attendance is below 80%, you will be required to have a counseling session with Tutorium administration.  Registration for future classes may not be allowed if your attendance does not improve. Students must be registered to qualify as F-1.

Test preparation classes are held 100% online to ensure scheduling flexibility. Email tutorium@uic.edu for more information or to sign up.

If you need help preparing for one particular section of a test, such as reading, writing, listening or speaking, we provide a class for that, too!  Visit our Course Catalog for details and email tutorium@uic.edu for more information or to sign up for a test preparation course. Note: IEP students must be enrolled in Level 3 or above to enroll. These courses are open to students outside of UIC, so tell your friends!

Do you like to visit new restaurants? Do you like to take fun pictures of places or your friends? Do you like to tell jokes? Do you have something to share about your culture or life back home? Do you have something valuable to share that will help us all understand what is like being an international student here at UIC? If your answer is "yes," then you can write for the newsletter! 

The newsletter editorial team is looking for students like you to write for the Tutorium newsletter. If you are interested, fill out this google form or you can email Mrs. Nora to let her know (ntatina@uic.edu). 

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