Student Life
Involvement in a registered student organization is a great way for students to become more involved with their major, minor, or area of interest. To learn more about the benefits of involvement in a registered student organization or to find more groups, visit the Dean of Students website.
Student Clubs
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
Francophone Club
Illinois State's Francophone Club are those students who participate in conversation hours and social events.
Advisor
Pi Delta Phi (French Honor Society)
Pi Delta Phi is the National French Honor Society. Illinois State's chapter is Delta Psi.
Delta Psi's goals are to:
- Recognize excellent students in French and Francophone language, literature and culture.
- Increase the knowledge and appreciation of the cultural contributions of the French-speaking world.
- Welcome and be of service to our local French-speaking community through various volunteer opportunities.
Newsletters written by the French Honor Society Exec Board:
Fall 2019 Spring 2020 Fall 2020 Spring 2021 Fall 2021 Spring 2022 Fall 2022 Spring 2023
Advisor
French Film Series
The French section hosts a film series that students in French classes attend. Three films are screened each semester, giving students additional exposure to linguistic and cultural content in context and introducing students to different genres of Francophone film.
Spring 2023 Film Series
Fall 2023 Film Series
Advisor
Kaffeestunde - German Club and Conversation Hour
Students, professors, and members of the community meet every Tuesday at 3 p.m. in STV-227B
Advisor
German Film Series
Students in German have the opportunity to see German films throughout the academic year. Upcoming dates will be announced.
Anyone interested can also use the series for an independent course of study about German film. Ask one of the German professors about how to do so.
Advisor
Stammtisch - German Happy Hour
Meets every other Thursday at 6:30pm at Medici in Uptown Normal.
Learn more in the Vidette: German community thrives outside the classroom at Medici
Advisor
Delta Phi Alpha (German Honor Society)
Delta Phi Alpha is the National German Honor Society.
Please see advisor Dr. Martin (jsmart5@ilstu.edu) for eligibility and meeting details.
Advisor
Spanish Club
Spanish Club celebrates Hispanic culture year-round with different activities.
The Spanish Club allows its members to learn more about Hispanic culture and Spanish language, get students involved in different activities such as weekly conversation hour, cultural night, cinema night, cultural presentations, volunteer work, and have fun.
Everyone is welcome to join the Spanish Club, but you don’t need to be a member of the club in order to participate in our events throughout the year. Stop by our meetings and bring your friends.
Meetings: Conversation Hour at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Our Cultural Night Meeting is the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m., also in Stevenson 212.
Advisor
Sigma Delta Pi (National Collegiate Spanish Honor Society)
Sigma Delta Pi is the National Collegiate Spanish Honor Society, established in 1919. Illinois State's award-winning Eta Upsilon chapter was created in 1967.
Sigma Delta Pi is the largest foreign language honor society in the world, with over 600 chapters and the only honor society devoted exclusively to students of Spanish in four-year colleges and universities.
Our goal is to promote the importance of languages in today’s globalized society. Members of Sigma Delta Pi use their Spanish abilities within the academic and professional realm. Guest speakers come to speak to us about careers in Spanish. We also volunteer within the community by interpreting and teaching. Social events take place throughout the year such as literature discussions or movie nights. One of the biggest advantages of becoming a member includes exclusive scholarships to study abroad and using your language skills in context.
Active membership is limited to college students who have demonstrated high scholarship in general and excellence in the academic study of Spanish. Once inducted, you are a member for life.
Advisor
Artaburu Basque Organization (Basque Club)
Basque Club combines the unique Basque language with northern peninsular culture.
Basque, the oldest language of Western Europe, is an isolated language, which is ancestral to the Basque people. The Basques are indigenous to and primarily inhabit the Basque Country, a region spanning an area in northeastern Spain and southwestern France.
Artaburu Basque Club offers the opportunity to be immersed in the language and culture with different activities such as free language classes, the food workshop, cinema night and cultural night.
All of its members welcome you to join the Basque Club! We don’t ask for club membership, the only thing needed is to be willing to participate in the club with us and share our different cultures. Stop by our meetings whenever you feel like it!
Meetings: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in STV 227B.
Advisor
Mandarin Chinese Club
Enhance your classroom learning by using the language with your fellow students.
Meetings: Culture Talk is on the first and thirds Mondays of each month, from 5-6 p.m.
Where: 202 Stevenson Hall
Advisor
Mandarin Chinese Conversation Hour
When: Second and fourth Mondays of each month, from 5-6 p.m.
Where: 202 Stevenson Hall
Advisor
Italian Conversation Hour
Italian 111, 112, 115, 116, and 200-level students attend a variety of conversation hours throughout the semester for Italian language practice along with activities such as amateur Italian art painting, pasta-making, Italian music appreciation, pizzelle-making, Italian games, and more!
ISU Italian Club - La Tavola
ISU's Italian club and RSO, La Tavola offers many opportunities to get together and share in Italian culture and language. Watch this video to learn more about La Tavola.
Instagram: isu_italianclub and Facebook: La Tavola - ISU Italian Club
La Tavola Newsletters: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Fall 2023
Italian Cineforum
The Italian section presents Cineforum to students in Italian classes each semester.
Recent screenings have been:
- Mine vaganti (Loose Cannons, 2010) – Ferzan Özpetek
- La pazza gioia (Like Crazy, 2016) – Paolo Virzì
-
Divorzio all’italiana
(Divorce Italian Style, 1961)
– Pietro Germi
- Mio fratello è figlio unico (My Brother is an Only Child, 2007) - Daniele Luchetti
- Le fate ignoranti (The Ignorant Fairies, 2001) – Ferzan Özpetek
- I vitelloni (1953) – Federico Fellini
Advisor
Nihon Bunka Kai (Japanese Language and Culture Club)
Improve your conversational Japanese, learn from guest speakers, play language games, go on field trips, all in a comfortable setting by chatting with other interested students. This club is open to all students (and all ISU affiliated people) who have an interest in Japan.
- President: Ken Takemoto
- Vice-president/Treasurer: Thomas Depaw
When/Where: Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Stevenson 220
Request to be a member of the JLCC Facebook page
Instagram: @isu_jpn_club
Learn more at the JLCC website
Advisor
Scholarships
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers many different student scholarships each year, including many created and supported by our alumni.
- French Scholarships
- German Scholarships
- Spanish Scholarships
The Scholarship for French Study Abroad
The Scholarship for French Study Abroad is to be used for travel expenses, tuition, room and board, and other costs related to study abroad in a French-speaking country. The scholarship will be awarded as funds become available.
Requirements
- French majors enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
- Intention to study for one or two semesters in a French-speaking country
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in French
- Have applied for financial aid for the present semester and for the semester or summer in which they plan to study abroad
- Meet the prerequisites to participate in a French language study-abroad program endorsed by the French faculty at ISU
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA and French GPA
- Total years of French study and a list of college-level French courses taken
- The location and duration of study abroad program
- The names of the two instructors of French, preferably members of the Illinois State French faculty, who will be providing letters of recommendation
- Proof of completed FAFSA
- Essay of 350-700 words explaining the student's interest in French and Francophone culture, future career plans, and any other reasons he or she should be considered for this scholarship. Students who have taken two or more courses at the 200 level should write their essay in French; others may write their essays in English
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The Petrossian-Tarrant Scholarship
Alumni and friends of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures initiated the Petrossian-Tarrant Scholarship in honor of two influential Illinois State University foreign language faculty members: Dr. George A. Petrossian and Dr. Patrick Tarrant. The Petrossian-Tarrant Scholarship was established to supplement travel abroad expenses for Illinois State foreign language students.
Learn more about the scholarship's history .
Requirements
- Be enrolled in good standing at ISU and meet the prerequisites to participate in the French language study-abroad program endorsed by the French faculty at ISU
- Demonstrated financial need
- Strong academic achievement as evidenced by a cumulative GPA in French of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and an overall GPA of at least 3.0
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA and French GPA
- Total years of French study and a list of college-level French courses taken
- The location and duration of study abroad program
- The names of the two instructors of French, preferably members of the Illinois State French faculty, who will be providing letters of recommendation
- Proof of completed FAFSA
- Essay of 350-700 words (preferably in French depending on level of proficiency) explaining the student's interest in French and Francophone culture, general intellectual interests, future career plans, and any other reasons he or she should be considered for this scholarship
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The Catherine O'Leary Endowed French Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in memory of Catherine O'Leary, a lifelong Francophile. Catherine took French all through high school during which she traveled for the first time to France. She then earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in French, after which she was hired by Air France and was the first American female to handle flight planning and aircraft load for Air France. Catherine had a rich and long career with Air France that permitted her to use her French daily.
Requirements
- Accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
- Undergraduate or Transfer student majoring in French
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA
- The names of the two instructors of French, preferably members of the Illinois State French faculty, who will be providing letters of recommendation
- A brief essay (preferably in French depending on level of proficiency) explaining the student's interest in French and Francophone culture, career goals, volunteer activities, and community service
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The World Wide Campus Student Opportunity Fund
The World Wide Campus Student Opportunity Fund provides financial support to undergraduate students of the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University who plan to participate in a semester-long study abroad program connected with the university. This grant is intended to supplement travel funds provided by departments/schools or other organization.
Requirements
- Undergraduate Student
- Must have a first or second major in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Endorsement of student's Chair/Director
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA and Major GPA
- School and Country of Travel; Dates of study abroad
- A brief essay about why the student has chosen the country where they are studying, and how the study abroad will complement their academic and professional plans.
Applications and materials should be submitted by the 2nd Friday in April (for Fall travel) or the 2nd Friday in October (for Spring travel) .
German Alumni New Student Scholarship
Established in 2008 with the generous support of German alumni, this scholarship is awarded annually to three or more students who enter Illinois State as German majors. Applications are accepted each year and are open to students just starting as well as those who are beginning at ISU as transfers. Awards will be announced each year at which time scholarship recipients will receive notification.
Requirements
- New or transfer student
- Enrolled as a German major (at any level)
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- First semester of study at Illinois State University
- Cumulative GPA (High School or College)
- GPA in German
- Total years of German study
- The name of the instructor of German who will be providing letter of recommendation
- A brief essay (preferably in German depending on level of proficiency) explaining the student's interest in German, general intellectual interests, thoughts on future career/profession, and any other reasons for consideration
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The David J. Parent Scholarship
The David J. Parent Scholarship is awarded annually each spring to a student who demonstrates a love for, commitment to, and appreciation of a foreign culture.
Requirements
- Enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Demonstrated financial need
- Enrolled as a language major (with preference given to German majors)
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA
- Proof of completed FAFSA
- The name of the Languages, Literatures, and Cultures instructor who will be providing letter of recommendation
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The World Wide Campus Student Opportunity Fund
The World Wide Campus Student Opportunity Fund provides financial support to undergraduate students of the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University who plan to participate in a semester-long study abroad program connected with the university. This grant is intended to supplement travel funds provided by departments/schools or other organization.
Requirements
- Undergraduate Student
- Must have a first or second major in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Endorsement of student's Chair/Director
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA and Major GPA
- School and Country of Travel; Dates of study abroad
- A brief essay about why the student has chosen the country where they are studying, and how the study abroad will complement their academic and professional plans.
Applications and materials should be submitted by the 2nd Friday in April (for Fall travel) or the 2nd Friday in October (for Spring travel) .
Jo Ann Kelley Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Spanish
Established in memory of Jo Ann Kelley, who after serving in the U.S. Army, went to Illinois State University on the GI Bill, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Spanish. She felt that her college years were very transformative for her.
Requirements
- Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
- Enrolled as a language major (with preference given to Spanish majors)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Demonstrated financial need
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA
- Academic Level
- The name of the instructor of Spanish who will be providing letter of recommendation
- Proof of completed FAFSA
- Brief essay (preferably in Spanish depending on proficiency) explaining the student's interest in Spanish, general intellectual interests, thoughts on future career/profession, and any other reasons he or she should be considered for this scholarship
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The Ana Maria F. Parent Scholarship
The Ana Maria F. Parent Endowed Scholarship was created to preserve her memory and legacy through the successes of students majoring in Spanish in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.
Requirements
- Accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
- Declared Spanish major
- Completed or enrolled in at least two courses in the Spanish major
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA
- List of college-level Spanish courses taken
- The location and duration of study abroad program
- The name of the instructor of Spanish who will be providing letter of recommendation
- Brief essay (preferably in Spanish depending on proficiency) addressing the student's interest in Spanish, future career plans, and any volunteer activities and/or community service involvement
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
Allie Ward Billingsley Scholarship
Dr. Billingsley was a professor of Spanish in the Department of Foreign Languages at Illinois State for about 25 years. She also served as Spanish section coordinator. Among her many contributions to the department was her effort in organizing and support of the Eta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish Honor Society.
Requirements
- Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student attending Illinois State University
- Declared Spanish major (Graduate level preference given to students with Literature emphasis)
- Demonstrated commitment to teaching
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Academic level
- Cumulative GPA
- The name of the instructor of Spanish who will be providing letter of recommendation
- Proof of completed FAFSA
- Brief essay (preferably in Spanish depending on proficiency) addressing the student's interest in Spanish, future career plans, and any volunteer activities and/or community service involvement
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
Roger R. Ruddy Memorial Scholarship
This award provides financial assistance for direct educational expenses such as tuition, books, and/or fees.
Requirements
- Enrolled in good standing in Illinois State University undergraduate program
- Declared Spanish Education major OR Language education major enrolled in Latin language sequence
- Demonstrated financial need
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA
- The name of the instructor of Spanish who will be providing letter of recommendation
- Proof of completed FAFSA
Applications and materials should be submitted by March 1 st .
The World Wide Campus Student Opportunity Fund
The World Wide Campus Student Opportunity Fund provides financial support to undergraduate students of the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University who plan to participate in a semester-long study abroad program connected with the university. This grant is intended to supplement travel funds provided by departments/schools or other organization.
Requirements
- Undergraduate Student
- Must have a first or second major in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Endorsement of student's Chair/Director
Application process
The application for this award can be found here . Please be prepared to provide the following materials:
- Name, UID, and contact information
- Plan(s) of study
- Cumulative GPA and Major GPA
- School and Country of Travel; Dates of study abroad
- A brief essay about why the student has chosen the country where they are studying, and how the study abroad will complement their academic and professional plans.
Applications and materials should be submitted by the 2nd Friday in April (for Fall travel) or the 2nd Friday in October (for Spring travel) .
Other scholarships
Illinois State University, along with The College of Arts and Sciences, home to the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, also offers scholarships and other student awards.