News and College Life

an emotional commencement for the College of Human Sciences and Education

Graduating seniors toss their caps into the air as fireworks fill the sky during the Spring Commencement ceremony held in Kenan Stadium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Incoming first-year students practice cheers to be performed at athletic events during a pep rally held prior to the start of fall semester classes on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Graduating seniors toss their caps into the air during the annual Spring Commencement ceremony held in Kenan Stadium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Veterinary student Anna Hinson celebrates after being handed her diploma (folder) from Chancellor Howell at University Commencement. 

Sixteen Illinois State University students spent time during spring break removing 33,547 pounds of trash from McKellar Lake in Memphis, Tennessee, through Living Lands & Waters (LL&W).

The Alternative Spring Break experience allowed Redbirds to volunteer with students from other universities to clean up the 1,400-square-acre lake south of downtown Memphis that feeds into the Mississippi River. Despite weather setbacks to the schedule, the 60-person crew spent nearly three days removing trash from the water and shoreline around the waterway.

Here, students are seen passing collected trash into the main collection pile on the trash barge.

A graduate looks up to her family in the crowd. Shot with a star filter on. 

In May 2026, students travelled on an Alternative Breaks trip to volunteer for a variety of service projects, including helping a preschool for children of lower-income families. During a cultural immersion experience, the students were able to ride horses high in the mountains surrounding Quito.

In May 2026, students traveled to Quito, Ecuador, on an Alternative Breaks trip to participate in a variety of service projects for a preschool serving children from low-income families. During recess on the first day, a student fluent in Spanish was popular with the children; here, she's seen playing "telephone" with them.

A student receives a bowl of pasta and salad during the Cook Like a Chef class at the Field & Fork Farms and Gardens on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.