# data[].attributes.headline
As others have said, a social time would be nice. Not sure of the best way to structure it for comfort and participation... maybe having table topics? Trivia? Online games? Also, I'd like to know if there are more virtual student club options out there.

# data[].attributes.subject
As others have said, a social time would be nice. Not sure of the best way to structure it for comfort and participation... maybe having table topics? Trivia? Online games? Also, I'd like to know if there are more virtual student club options out there.

# data[].attributes.headline
I was definitely sad about not meeting other students and staff in-person. The introductory posts in class were wonderful, but the conversations feel limited and hard to maintain, now that we are all more focused on the coursework. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I was definitely sad about not meeting other students and staff in-person. The introductory posts in class were wonderful, but the conversations feel limited and hard to maintain, now that we are all more focused on the coursework. 

# data[].attributes.headline
The weekends are easiest, although I could make other days of the week work with enough advance notice. Accommodations would be great.

# data[].attributes.subject
The weekends are easiest, although I could make other days of the week work with enough advance notice. Accommodations would be great.

# data[].attributes.body
I would love a way for students to share recommendations for classes and professors (and also ones to avoid).

# data[].attributes.body
Seconding the suggestion for some kind of regular informal gathering for online students

# data[].attributes.headline
I received funding/support from my employer for this degree in part because I could take classes after my 9 - 5 job. Please continue offering evening classes. I'm sure I could get permission to take one or two daytime classes over the course of the program, but I definitely couldn't do it consistently. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I received funding/support from my employer for this degree in part because I could take classes after my 9 - 5 job. Please continue offering evening classes. I'm sure I could get permission to take one or two daytime classes over the course of the program, but I definitely couldn't do it consistently. 

# data[].attributes.body
It would have been nice to make in person connections. We are doing well connecting under the circumstances, but networking and visiting some of the on-campus facilities would have been nice.

# data[].attributes.body
It would be very helpful to have some sample syllabi available to help navigate which 505/510 course. While they are all going to cover major themes according to the course topic, each professor will offer different content, assignments, etc. (I was surprised that that none of the professors I emailed responded to my requests to get this information about the specifics of their classes)

# data[].attributes.body
I agree with all posts regarding this. My work schedule is not flexible and I care for my daughter on the days I am not working. It was very hard to schedule classes based on what I was interested in and what fit in my schedule. More classes offered after 4pm and perhaps weekends would be great.

# data[].attributes.headline
Plenty of Notice and some sort of accommodation/reimbursement

# data[].attributes.subject
Plenty of Notice and some sort of accommodation/reimbursement

# data[].attributes.body
I would love the opportunity to visit but would need plenty of notice to plan with work and save money for the trip. Some help financially with the costs would be nice, as I'd mostly likely be traveling with my husband and daughter and making a "vacation" out of it.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tours, Meet and Greets, Delayed "welcome weekend"

# data[].attributes.subject
Tours, Meet and Greets, Delayed "welcome weekend"

# data[].attributes.body
I hope to visit the campus at someone point soon. I would love to meet advisors, faculty, others students. Tour the library, check out Urbana. I've never been to Illinois.

# data[].attributes.body
I hope that an in person something can happen in the future, even though I already started the program. It is hard to connect with students during the short zoom class meetings and I think that meeting in person for the weekend would have helped form relationships. Maybe there is still hope for an in person event for the Spring 2022 incoming class, and other classes that may have missed out meeting face to face.

# data[].attributes.headline
It would be nice to have more opportunities to meet others in the program. 

# data[].attributes.subject
It would be nice to have more opportunities to meet others in the program. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I don't really have the extra time or resources to travel to Urbana. I think the iSchool did a wonderful job given the circumstances. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I don't really have the extra time or resources to travel to Urbana. I think the iSchool did a wonderful job given the circumstances. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I might just not be aware of current offerings, but maybe more asynchronous experiences and ways of connecting? My schedule doesn't have much flexibility to attend lots of live virtual events, but it would still be nice to be able to interact with other students at my own pace. I've stumbled upon various Discord servers, but it can be hard to decide which to engage with.

# data[].attributes.subject
I might just not be aware of current offerings, but maybe more asynchronous experiences and ways of connecting? My schedule doesn't have much flexibility to attend lots of live virtual events, but it would still be nice to be able to interact with other students at my own pace. I've stumbled upon various Discord servers, but it can be hard to decide which to engage with.

# data[].attributes.body
An opportunity to access Zoom recordings of other classes, or a readings/resource-share would be great. I'd also love the opportunity to interact with other professors than my course instructors. I think Zoom rooms have been a great opportunity to meet my classmates. However, it is harder to replicate that on-campus experience of "I stopped by the department offices to meet with one professor, but ran into this other one," or even an awareness of who is in the department and their instructional style before you are already enrolled in their class.

# data[].attributes.body
I am based in Chicago and work full-time with limited PTO. I would be encouraged to attend in-person/on-campus experiences if they were scheduled on weekends and included travel stipends or some other form of reimbursement.

# data[].attributes.body
I personally don’t because I have lived in Urbana my whole life so I am familiar with U of I and Urbana! But would have been nice to meet people!

# data[].attributes.body
I do feel like I missed out on forming connections with other students in the program. There have been occasions when I've recognized classmates on Zoom from former classes, but not having that initial experience made it less easy to actively seek out people I might have met and care more about the social side of the education experience.

# data[].attributes.headline
La Grange IL (western suburb of Chicago)

# data[].attributes.subject
La Grange IL (western suburb of Chicago)

# data[].attributes.headline
It would have been nice to meet other students like myself -nontraditional, online, busy professionals who are making a career change perhaps.

# data[].attributes.subject
It would have been nice to meet other students like myself -nontraditional, online, busy professionals who are making a career change perhaps.

# data[].attributes.body
Nashville, TN

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, I think the opportunity to meet face to face with other members of my cohort as well as faculty would be valuable. I especially think it would help me identify classmates that share similar research interests and professional trajectories. Only interacting with people who happen to be in the same course(S) has been a barrier to this kind of connecting.

# data[].attributes.body
Elgin, IL

# data[].attributes.body
I'd like to be able to have some help finding and applying for scholarships and to sort through campus opportunities that I may be missing.

# data[].attributes.body
It's possible that I missed out on opportunities, I didn't end up having the time to check up on the things that campus may have offered. When classes started, I just got right to it. I do feel a bit distanced from the school community, but I just don't have the extra time or resources to reach out for virtual groups, etc.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would like the opportunity to audit/sit in on/listen to recordings from other classes that I wasn't able to fit into my degree program.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would like the opportunity to audit/sit in on/listen to recordings from other classes that I wasn't able to fit into my degree program.

# data[].attributes.headline
It was helpful hearing about some of the specific classes and meeting the professors teaching them.

# data[].attributes.subject
It was helpful hearing about some of the specific classes and meeting the professors teaching them.

# data[].attributes.headline
As I've progressed in my degree, it seems like more of the classes are available during the day instead of at night, and it's been a struggling to fit them in.  I'd prefer more late afternoon/early evening classes.

# data[].attributes.subject
As I've progressed in my degree, it seems like more of the classes are available during the day instead of at night, and it's been a struggling to fit them in.  I'd prefer more late afternoon/early evening classes.

# data[].attributes.body
About an hour or so southwest of Chicago

# data[].attributes.body
Albuquerque, NM

# data[].attributes.headline
As long as I know about it ahead of time, it wouldn't take too much convincing for me to head down there for a day or two since I'm only several hours away from campus. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As long as I know about it ahead of time, it wouldn't take too much convincing for me to head down there for a day or two since I'm only several hours away from campus. 

# data[].attributes.body
I do; I wish I could understand the campus environment and create more meaningful connections with my professors.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tour the library, the new iSchool center, meet professors and classmates. Even just a one-day opportunity would be great.

# data[].attributes.subject
Tour the library, the new iSchool center, meet professors and classmates. Even just a one-day opportunity would be great.

# data[].attributes.headline
Building relationships; grad school expectations

# data[].attributes.subject
Building relationships; grad school expectations

# data[].attributes.body
I think it would have been nice to meet classmates and professors face to face, building a relationship more than just a thumbnail on the screen. I also feel like there is more opportunity to ask questions when in person - the opportunity for dialogue is greater. While there were several online orientation opportunities (which were helpful!), an on-campus boot camp would have been a tremendous help in understanding the processes that go along with grad school. The short time online was a snapshot of what to expect, but didn't really give the time necessary to fully digest the information.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would appreciate the opportunity to actually have more social mixing. I think I would appreciate to hear what other's interests are to see and learn from other students. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I would appreciate the opportunity to actually have more social mixing. I think I would appreciate to hear what other's interests are to see and learn from other students. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I would love to see campus, see the library and the Center for Children's Books and meet my cohort. I think it would lead to better support amongst students.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would love to see campus, see the library and the Center for Children's Books and meet my cohort. I think it would lead to better support amongst students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Yes - I think it might have been easier to build relationships with other students and faculty if we had met. While I certainly feel that under the circumstances the iSchool did a very good job of making sure we had information, I was surprised there was no attempt at break out rooms or other social interactions.

# data[].attributes.subject
Yes - I think it might have been easier to build relationships with other students and faculty if we had met. While I certainly feel that under the circumstances the iSchool did a very good job of making sure we had information, I was surprised there was no attempt at break out rooms or other social interactions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Given that I'm based in Chicago, it would really just be a matter of advanced notice. I am hopeful to have the chance to come down and visit, even if on my own, before I graduate.

# data[].attributes.subject
Given that I'm based in Chicago, it would really just be a matter of advanced notice. I am hopeful to have the chance to come down and visit, even if on my own, before I graduate.

# data[].attributes.headline
Meet/greet with faculty. Tour of the library. Tour of the Center for Children's Books. Time to meet with Career Center staff and Practicum Coordinator.

# data[].attributes.subject
Meet/greet with faculty. Tour of the library. Tour of the Center for Children's Books. Time to meet with Career Center staff and Practicum Coordinator.

# data[].attributes.headline
Opportunities to network and build social relationships with fellow classmates. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Opportunities to network and build social relationships with fellow classmates. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Given the circumstances, I feel like the iSchool did a could job of giving us what they could via online programming to supplement the fact that we could not have an in-person Welcome Weekend. However, I absolutely feel like I missed out on the opportunity to build some key relationships with my faculty and fellow students. I have attempted to make up for this via a FB group with fellow classmates and meeting with professors outside of class time...but I know it's not the same. At this point, I fully expect to graduate without ever having stepped on campus (LEEP student).

# data[].attributes.subject
Given the circumstances, I feel like the iSchool did a could job of giving us what they could via online programming to supplement the fact that we could not have an in-person Welcome Weekend. However, I absolutely feel like I missed out on the opportunity to build some key relationships with my faculty and fellow students. I have attempted to make up for this via a FB group with fellow classmates and meeting with professors outside of class time...but I know it's not the same. At this point, I fully expect to graduate without ever having stepped on campus (LEEP student).

# data[].attributes.body
Ohio

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to see a better attempt at creating groups. I started in fall 2020 and groups were created for students to get to know each other with a person from the iSchool to faciliate. I wish there would have been more meetings because my group only met once. I know you cannot force people to join, but maybe regroup once it is clear who enjoys these things and who does not. This group was also dropped. It would have been nice to get an update saying this initiative was over.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, I feel like I missed out on meeting with professors and my classmates. I do not know if the connections made at welcome weekend would have created strong relationships that would have lasted the whole program, but it would have been nice to visit campus either way.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes; it would have been nice to get to know some of my peers and professors and see the campus in person. I enjoy my online classes immensely but find that it’s hard to make connections without the ability to run into people outside of class. It would also have been nice to do more preparatory sessions to get used to grad school class work expectations.

# data[].attributes.headline
I really enjoyed meeting my fellow grad students and putting names to faces both with the students and faculty.  That was invaluable.  My connections to my classmates are much stronger with the ones I was able to meet in person.

# data[].attributes.subject
I really enjoyed meeting my fellow grad students and putting names to faces both with the students and faculty.  That was invaluable.  My connections to my classmates are much stronger with the ones I was able to meet in person.

# data[].attributes.headline
Loved meeting the professors, peers, and the overall welcoming experience.  Wish we could do it every year for a week. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Loved meeting the professors, peers, and the overall welcoming experience.  Wish we could do it every year for a week. 

# data[].attributes.body
I would love if there were social clubs for online students based on their locations so that we could meet in small groups online and in person. so LEEP students all in southern CA could be a group or all in the mid-atlantic region

# data[].attributes.body
I would have loved the opportunity to visit campus and to feel like my face was registered and remembered by instructors and colleagues. While I've really enjoyed most of my classes, I feel more like I'm on a DIY course rather than in a cohesive program. I think a welcome weekend or a week-long residency (as an option) would do a lot to remedy that.

# data[].attributes.headline
There are a lot of great ideas for meeting with each other. I think an event like these aimed at discussing everyone's experience working in the field would be great. There are always students asking about working in a specific part of the field and there always seem to be students who have some experience doing so.

# data[].attributes.subject
There are a lot of great ideas for meeting with each other. I think an event like these aimed at discussing everyone's experience working in the field would be great. There are always students asking about working in a specific part of the field and there always seem to be students who have some experience doing so.

# data[].attributes.headline
It would have been nice to see campus and some of the library spaces. However, I am not sure a single weekend of in person meeting would have helped build a particularly strong connection with professors or other students. Everyone has been so accommodating to the online format and all that goes with it that I have not experienced any significant obstacles connecting with people. If it were an option, I would have attended, but seeing as the rest of the program is online I have trouble imagining my experiences being much different.

# data[].attributes.subject
It would have been nice to see campus and some of the library spaces. However, I am not sure a single weekend of in person meeting would have helped build a particularly strong connection with professors or other students. Everyone has been so accommodating to the online format and all that goes with it that I have not experienced any significant obstacles connecting with people. If it were an option, I would have attended, but seeing as the rest of the program is online I have trouble imagining my experiences being much different.

# data[].attributes.body
Central Illinois

# data[].attributes.body
I feel that the Welcome Weekend would have helped in building relationships with professors. Having a cohort and a connection to a group of students would have been nice.

# data[].attributes.headline
I know some people would like more online classes during daytime hours, but it is crucial for me to have night time classes. I don't think I could complete the program otherwise.

# data[].attributes.subject
I know some people would like more online classes during daytime hours, but it is crucial for me to have night time classes. I don't think I could complete the program otherwise.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would like more clubs and events to be virtual.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would like more clubs and events to be virtual.

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt that I was properly introduced to the program through Zoom, and it also gave me an idea of what virtual learning would be like.

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt that I was properly introduced to the program through Zoom, and it also gave me an idea of what virtual learning would be like.

# data[].attributes.body
I would love library tours!  It seems crazy to me that we are studying library science and never get to experience our own university library except through an online catalogue.  Give us a chance to see some rare books or cool storage options!

# data[].attributes.body
I would have loved the chance to visit campus, connect with students, and meet professors.  The benefits noted here by my peers of not attending on-campus events (cost, time, stress) are very real, so I think having 100% optional opportunities in future would be great.  But even though my wallet might be grateful, and even though I am loving my classes, I currently don't feel much a part of the university community, which makes the whole experience feel sort of unreal.  It feels a bit like pretend school, with all the work of real school!  And career-wise, I don't know that I'm going to come out of my degree with much of a network.

# data[].attributes.headline
Meeting professors, LIS team,              fellow classmates, just being on campus

# data[].attributes.subject
Meeting professors, LIS team,              fellow classmates, just being on campus

# data[].attributes.body
Absolutely! I really love my classes but don't feel overly connected / part of a community.

# data[].attributes.body
A meet and greet or happy hour with faculty/librarians/other students so we can get to know people!

# data[].attributes.body
Chicago burbs

# data[].attributes.body
I wish I had been able to meet faculty who share my research interests/career path! I’m finding it harder to meet professors as an online student who has never been to campus

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, I do feel that I missed opportunities. I started in the Fall of 2020. I was looking to go back to my alma matter and attend welcome weekend alongside other activities; however, pandemic. It's definitely harder to connect and make connections with both students and staff. I am looking forward to going graduation, but wish I could have had the Welcome Weekend opportunity.

# data[].attributes.headline
It is definitely harder to feel connected when I don't really know who is in my cohort as we only met virtually and there was no way to have personal conversations.

# data[].attributes.subject
It is definitely harder to feel connected when I don't really know who is in my cohort as we only met virtually and there was no way to have personal conversations.

# data[].attributes.body
I do feel as if I missed out on a chance to make connections and see faces that could have become familiar in classes

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of the student clubs/affinity groups are pretty centered around being in person, which makes sense. I just wish there was an online contingent rather than trying to make things hybrid or not having an online option at all.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would love more online classes during daytime hours.  I realize this is not ideal for everyone, but the 5-9 pm where most of the online classes are is very difficult for me with family and commuting and I'm hoping I'm not the only one.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would love more online classes during daytime hours.  I realize this is not ideal for everyone, but the 5-9 pm where most of the online classes are is very difficult for me with family and commuting and I'm hoping I'm not the only one.

# data[].attributes.headline
Agree that reimbursement would be nice.  Also maybe credit, or tuition discount? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Agree that reimbursement would be nice.  Also maybe credit, or tuition discount? 

# data[].attributes.headline
I like opportunities to visit campus.  Maybe a 1 credit class that is in person all day 1-2 days on campus?

# data[].attributes.subject
I like opportunities to visit campus.  Maybe a 1 credit class that is in person all day 1-2 days on campus?

# data[].attributes.headline
I liked the zoom that encouraged us all to share our experiences about previous classes.

# data[].attributes.subject
I liked the zoom that encouraged us all to share our experiences about previous classes.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would have loved to meet other people.  I keep hearing about cohorts, and do not feel like I belong to one.  Even though I am online only, I would like to at least feel connected.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would have loved to meet other people.  I keep hearing about cohorts, and do not feel like I belong to one.  Even though I am online only, I would like to at least feel connected.