Health Professions Living-Learning Community at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

What is Orientation? Do I have to attend it?

The GC Orientation is a time for you to learn more about what GC can do for you and how you want to get involved. You will move-in 2 days before everyone else. That gives you a head start on knowing the campus, PAR and plan for the week of classes ahead.

Do I have to sign up to attend Orientation? Is there a cost?

Yes. You need to register online. Please visit http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/livinglearningorientation. Orientation costs $15 and this fee covers all meals, a t-shirt, and orientation activities.

When is GC Orientation?

Move-in Day is August 16 with our Welcome Event scheduled for 4pm. Orientation will last until Saturday, August 18.

Who are the GOL’ers?

Global Orientation Leaders (GOL) are returning GC students who enjoyed their experience living in GC so much that they cannot stay away. This team of students will be making contact with you throughout the summer to answer any questions you may have. They will be conducting most of the orientation sessions in the fall and will be living with you on your floor. They may even be your roommate! They are a great resource for you.

The GIR program invites guests with an international focus on careers, service, and learning to live in the residence halls for a period of time with the students. Our guests conduct programs, host discussions on their topic of expertise, and much more.

Will I have chance to interact with faculty outside of the classroom?

YES! Sunday Series is an opportunity for students to interact with UIUC’s illustrious faculty members on a variety of topics. Discussions are followed by dinner catered by several local business, always with an international flavor to the menu.

How can I get involved in GC?

In many ways! You can join the GC Leadership Council, which helps identify ideas for programs, speakers, and trips. You can serve in one of the committees that your Resident Assistant has created. You can also apply to be an Orientation Leader for the following year to gain even more leadership skills.

Anything else?

There’s also GC Coffee Hours and GC Café Internacionale. The coffee hours is a time for students to talk what’s on their mind, from politics to religion and entertainment. Café Internacionale is an opportunity to practice your language skills with native speakers. Both events are hosted by your Resident Assistants and Multicultural Advocate.

About Living in PAR/Urbana South

Do I have to live in PAR to be in Global Crossroads?

Yes, Global Crossroads is a residential program. All members of Global Crossroads live on the second and third floors of Saunders Hall in the Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls located in the Urbana South Neighborhood.

Isn’t PAR too far from my classes?

PAR is an 8-block walk from the Quad. All classroom buildings are easily accessible from PAR via the 21 Quad bus, which runs every 5 minutes from the front door. One other campus bus route and one city route stop in front of the building, as well.

Is PAR air-conditioned?

PAR is not air conditioned, so make sure that you bring a fan.

Who can I seek for help and support on my floor/PAR?

The Resident Assistant (RA) will be a great resource throughout the year. RA’s are trained to deal with a multitude of situations from homesickness to more serious situations. Your Orientation Leader can answer many questions regarding classes, living in PAR, what to do around Urbana-Champaign. Your Resident Director (RD) is a full-time professional who is available if you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to talk about how things are going.

What’s the Neighborhood?

The Neighborhood is the area also known as Urbana South. The Neighborhood is composed of PAR and FAR (Florida Avenue Residence Halls).

Should I bring a computer?

PAR offers residents a computer sites to which you will have access 24-hours a day. If you have your own computer, with an Ethernet card (which you can bring or purchase when you get here) you can plug directly into URH net and the campus network from your room. (Visit Housing’s web site for more technology information.)

What are the rooms like?

Most Global Crossroads rooms are doubles measuring approximately 12 feet by 11 feet 4 inches. Each student has a locking closet that measure approximately about 2 feet 7 inches by 2 feet 10 inches and include a hanger bar, coat hooks, and two shelves.

How are the rooms furnished?

Each double room is furnished with 2 desks (with 4 drawers), 2 desk chairs, and 2 bookshelves (with 3 shelves mounted on the wall). Each has two twin beds that can be bunked or unbunked by the Building Service staff during the first two weeks of the semester. The mattresses require the extra-long twin fitted sheet. Under the bottom bed, each student has one drawer measuring 2 feet 6 inches by 3 feet by 6 inches.

What if I have a problem with registration or a question about something?

Contact us. We can usually help! You can even call us if you have a question while you are in the process of registering. The number is (217) 265-0534, and the e-mail address is globalcr@uiuc.edu.