We are excited to have so many wonderful new students joining us in ILLINOIS Economics! Please read through the information below about advising appointments, registration, and our program. We also encourage you to look through the other pages on our undergraduate website to become familiar with our program, opportunities, current students, and our Department.
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New student registration happens in the summer. It is very important that you review the information below and complete all requirements 1-2 weeks prior to your new student registration date.
- Meet with your academic advisors and understand their role
- Become familiar with your major degree requirements
- Learn and understand how to use Course Explorer to search for classes, recognize course restrictions, select course favorites, etc.
- Register for classes using the Enhanced Registration system and understand course placement based on any AP, IB, or other exams
- Gain a familiarity with academic, personal, and professional resources on campus
- Complete LAS New Student Orientation & Registration videos & activities
- Complete homework and all required placement exams in myIllini
- make sure to include all AP/IB/A-level and college course credits (known or expected scores)
- transfer students - make sure to upload syllabi for transfer courses in myIllini or email to ouacoursearticulation@illinois.edu
- International students with their primary Language other than English take the English Placement Test (EPT)
- Claim your NetID. Set up your NetID, email & password needed in order to register for classes.
- Become familiar with Course Registration websites and procedures:
- Registration System (Self-Service): Step-by-step guide to register for classes using Enhanced Registration
- Course Explorer: All course offerings & restrictions listed
CAMPUS FACTS: 32,000+ Undergraduate students, and ~1,300 Econ Majors!
PREPARING FOR UIUC: Admitted student checklist, information about financial aid, move-in, textbooks and more.
ILLINOIS ADMISSIONS BLOG: Hear more about campus life, academics, opportunities, etc.- from current students!
TIPS FOR NEW ECON STUDENTS: Watch our video for tips to be successful in Econ. (Closed captioning provided).
Jamie Thomas-Ward
Director of Undergraduate Studies
thomas99@illinois.edu
As Director of Undergraduate Studies, Jamie works with advisors, faculty, and staff within the Economics department to support the undergraduate student experience. She has worked in higher education since 2006. She is honored to be the 2020 recipient of the Racheter MAPLA Impact Award for her work with pre-law students.
Jamie is an Illinois alumna, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then earned her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law and practiced law in Illinois. She earned her Master of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University. Jamie is also a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, teaching law-related courses.
When she’s not working, Jamie loves travel, reading, attending theater and dance shows at Krannert, walking her beagle, and listening to podcasts.
Kari Hutjens
Senior Academic Advisor
kmcdanie@illinois.edu
Kari advises undergraduate students on academic and extracurricular matters within the Economics Department. She keeps students up to date on events and resources, oversees new student advising and summer orientation, supervises summer orientation interns, and coordinates the economics undergraduate awards & scholarships program.
Kari joined the Department of Economics in October 2014, but has been working on the campus since 2005. She previously worked at The Career Center where she managed the student Resource Center and assisted with large events, career/graduate school fairs, and programs.
Kari is honored to be called a "townie". She has enjoyed growing up in the area and taking advantage of all the University has to offer. In 2004 Kari received her Bachelor's from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied Psychology. She currently serves as an alumni mentor for the Psychology Ask an Alum program. Kari received her Master's in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in 2009. She enjoys the relationship she builds with students and connecting them with the many resources on campus.
Tosha Bilsbury
Senior Academic Advisor
bilsbury@illinois.edu
Tosha advises undergraduate students on academic and extracurricular matters within the Economics Department. She keeps students up to date on events and resources, supervises the Economics social media intern, oversees the Tutoring Center and the ECON Honors Program.
Tosha began as an advisor in the department in July 2017. She joins the department after staying home full-time with her children for the past 10 years. Before working on campus, she advised students at Truman College in Chicago for 5 years, and worked for Deloitte Consulting for 3 years.
Tosha received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Illinois State University. She has experience working with International and Multicultural Student Affairs. Tosha really enjoys advising and looks forward to helping students be successful at Illinois.
When she is not advising Tosha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, and listening to audiobooks.
Stefanie Flores-Freeman
Senior Academic Advisor
smflores@illinois.edu
Stefanie advises undergraduate students on academic and extracurricular matters within the department and campus. She keeps students up to date on events and resources, oversees student groups, and works on many experiential learning and development opportunities for students.
Stefanie joined the UIUC community and Economics Undergraduate Team in June of 2013. She oversees the selection, participation, and programming for the Economics Ambassadors, a group of students who represent the Department at various events and who also receive various unique opportunities with alumni. Stefanie serves as the advisor for illini Women in Economics and the Economics Club. She also oversees the hiring and development of the general student intern. If you are interested in getting involved with these groups, please contact her! Stefanie enjoys working with students in a holistic manner and developed an At-Risk student program for the department, this includes students on probation or needing additional academic support. She oversees the alumni mentor and peer mentor networks. She is also the coordinator for major events, the Economics Convocation ceremony in May and the Economics Homecoming celebration in October.
Stefanie graduated in 2009 with a degree in Public Relations and in 2012 from with a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration, both from Illinois State University . Stefanie loves working with all the wonderful students that the Economics Major brings!
Jaqueline Hernandez
Summer Orientation Intern
Jaqueline is a senior from Villa Park, IL majoring in Spanish and Economics with a minor in Business. She is interested in pursuing a master’s in human resources. On her free time, she enjoys painting, taking care of her plants, and playing the piano. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and meeting new people as well.
Why and how I chose my major: The field of Economics is complex and diverse, and it is why I find it so fun and interesting. Through this major I have also found a passion for problem solving and the decision-making process. I have found it particularly interesting how the study of Economics intersects with my major in Spanish as I analyze Hispanic communities and their economy. Economics has become a fundamental part of my life as it has helped me have a deeper understanding of the environment, government, and human behavior as well. I enjoy how Economics joins both theory and math and most importantly, how it connects to our everyday lives.
Campus Involvement: I am involved in La Colectiva, Illini Women in Economics, Office of Minority Student Affairs and TRIO SSS. I am also Co-Marketing Director of the Latino Student Association.
Favorite study space on campus: Orange Room in the Main Library
Favorite places to eat on campus: Oozu Ramen
Favorite spots on campus: CIF and La Casa Cultural Latina
Xinyuan (Frank) Cui
Summer Orientation Intern
Frank is a senior from Winnetka, Illinois. He is double majoring in Economics and Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. After completing his undergraduate degree, he intends to work in the financial industry while pursuing further education in relevant fields. He also possesses a passion for the law; hence, he ultimately wishes to attend law school, where he can fuse his understanding of the financial world with the legal framework.
Why and how you chose your major: The profound influence of economics on societal development has always piqued my intellectual curiosity. The realm of Economics, with its theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses, offers invaluable insights into the mechanisms underlying historical events and their implications for societies. Personally, Economics represents an exciting intellectual pursuit, wherein the complexity of human behavior, societal structures, and domestic & international governance is studied through a lens that encompasses monetary, fiscal, political, legal, and social factors.
Campus Involvement: I am the Co-Founder & President of the Asian Pre-Law Association, President of the University of Illinois Pre-Law Honors Society, and President of the Overseas China Education Foundation.
Favorite study space on campus: Reading room of the Main Library
Favorite places to eat on campus: Evo Cafe
Favorite spots on campus: Lincoln Hall