illinois state university video tour

Illinois State University Transfers: 2024 Requirements, Dates, GPAs & More

How effective are illinois state university virtual tours.

It depends how you use them. Illinois State University is a hustling, bustling campus and community. The beauty of Illinois State University virtual tours on CampusReel is that authentic video tours, made by real students, can be spectacular at capturing the Illinois State University vibe. We also go well beyond the confines of the Illinois State University campus by taking you around Normal. In traditional virtual tours, you will mostly see still, unengaging images and will not see the surrounding area at all – which is why CampusReel virtual tours are so important.

Can a Illinois State University virtual tour replace a traditional in-person visit?

If you cannot visit Illinois State University in person, then we can honestly say that we believe a CampusReel virtual tour of Illinois State University is absolutely the most effective and holistic way to understand the Illinois State University people, campus and community. However, if you do plan on visiting Illinois State University and other colleges in person, we strongly recommend that you at least prescreen your college options on CampusReel before spending the time and money to visit. Most prospective families find that as soon as the step on campus, they instantly know whether or not they like the school – but they’ve already spent all that time and money getting there! Our goal is to eliminate all the time and money visiting Illinois State University in person until you can make a strong educated guess that it’s worth the investment.

What are the downsides of a Illinois State University virtual tour?

The downside of virtually touring Illinois State University on CampusReel is that, admittedly, our technology does not yet mimic the exact feeling and experience of visiting Illinois State University in person. We are working on this though! A common request we also receive from users is to add more perspectives (e.g. student guides) to the platform. Rest assured we are working on adding more CampusReel guides to the Illinois State University virtual tour. However, our selection of guides still far outweighs the available perspectives of traditional virtual tour platforms.

What are the benefits of a Illinois State University virtual tour?

The most obvious benefit of a Illinois State University virtual tour on CampusReel is that is can be accessed from anywhere. This can save families a lot of time and money compared to visiting Illinois State University in person . Another often overlooked benefit of a CampusReel virtual tour is that it goes far beyond a traditional in person tour Illinois State University . Campus visits are limited both in time and scope – how are you expected to truly understand a college in a 1 hour tour? That’s why we stress the added benefit of CampusReel virtual tours – experience Illinois State University and Normal during different seasons, days of the week, and even hours of the day. What’s game day like? What is finals week life? Again, traditional virtual touring platforms don’t include this benefit.

Check out these related virtual tours:

• Virtal tour to Western Michigan University (WMU)
• Virtal tour to University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (UC)
• Virtal tour to Kent State University at Kent (KSU)
• Virtal tour to Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)
• Virtal tour to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)

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• Illinois State Magazine | Report

Amazon Prime Video to feature Illinois State students in The College Tour series

• Author By John Twork
• April 8, 2022

A television production crew with experience working on Emmy award-winning reality shows, such as Survivor and Undercover Boss , was on campus for a weeklong shoot that wrapped up Friday, April 8.

Instead of filming drama-packed challenges on a remote tropical island, however, the crew focused their cameras on 10 Illinois State University students who shared their experiences as Redbirds for a 30-minute episode of The College Tour , scheduled to stream on Amazon Prime Video this fall.

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Alex Boylan , an Emmy-nominated producer who won CBS’s second season of The Amazing Race , is The College Tour ’s host and executive producer. He developed the show after seeing his niece’s college decision limited to a handful of schools that she could afford to visit. Seeking to expand options for prospective students and families, Boylan thought, “Higher education needs its own television series.”

“Each episode of The College Tour tells the story of one institution, and the best part about it is we tell that in a very authentic way through the lens of real, current students,” Boylan said. “There’s not a better way to learn about the vibe and the culture of a place than real students and their real stories.”

Episodes are available for free on Amazon Prime Video without a membership and can also be watched on The College Tour ’s website and through several other streaming platforms.

“Illinois State has a unique and compelling story to tell, and The College Tour provides an opportunity to tell that story to a wide audience,” said Director of Admissions Jeff Mavros. “This is a special place, and there are no better brand ambassadors than our students themselves. Putting them front and center to share their experiences with the world is a no-brainer. I’m excited about seeing the final product because I know it will instill pride in the members of our campus community and the extended Redbird family across the globe.”

Senior acting major Joshua Thomas said he felt “ecstatic” when he was selected from a pool of more than 70 students who submitted audition tapes to be included in Illinois State’s episode. Thomas worked with The College Tour ’s team during preproduction to develop a roughly 2-minute script focused on his experience making friends and getting involved on campus through opportunities with the School of Theatre and Dance and WZND, the student-run radio station.

“I hope that students watching my segment will kind of be inspired,” Thomas said. “When I started at ISU, I didn’t know necessarily what I wanted to do—other than be an acting major. But when I attended Festival ISU and saw all the events on campus and all the organizations, I was able to find my way. So, I hope that they see that and are like, ‘Oh, yeah, I will find my way once I get to college.’”

Even though Thomas has experience embodying a character and memorizing lines for theatrical productions including his current role in Mary Stuart (Oswald) , he said appearing on-camera—as himself—presented a new challenge. Thomas said he was awestruck by the setup for his segment, which was filmed backstage in Braden Auditorium.

“It was kind of breathtaking because I went in there and they had somebody in my place, getting ready and doing the lighting; and then they were like, ‘OK, you’re going in there now.’ So, I was a little nervous, but it was fun,” Thomas said. “I really liked meeting the crew and networking with them.”

Amelia Korveziroska, a physics engineering sophomore, prepared extensively but felt the pressure when she arrived to shoot her segment in front of the Science Laboratory Building. The crew informed Korveziroska that they had 30 minutes to record her scripted portion before impending rain hit campus.

“We got everything done right as the rain started,” Korveziroska said. “So, it was definitely tight.”

Korveziroska focused her script on unique opportunities for undergraduate research at Illinois State, specifically in Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Mahua Biswas’s applied nanomaterials research lab . In her first two years at Illinois State, Korveziroska has already co-authored a scholarly journal article, presented at an international conference, and is headed to Harvard this summer through a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) scholarship.

While Korveziroska would love to work for NASA in a few years, her experience on The College Tour made her consider future opportunities to inspire young women—through television—to pursue an education and career in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field.

“I felt like I am becoming the role model that I wanted to see in my life,” Korveziroska said. “I am standing up for women in STEM, and the viewers aren’t seeing just one type of scientist. It’s amazing, and I hold it close to my heart that I had the opportunity to do this.”

Boylan, who has traveled to more than 50 schools for The College Tour over the past two years, said visiting college campuses across the country to share student stories—such as Thomas’s and Korveziroska’s—is “invigorating.”

In Normal, Boylan said he and the crew felt the “friendliness” and “spirit” of the Illinois State community. “I personally feel it, and our whole crew has been raving about it,” Boylan said. “This campus is really special. The friendliness and the spirit since we’ve stepped foot on this campus is second to none.”

Illinois State’s episode of The College Tour —the first episode of the sixth season—is scheduled for a fall release on Amazon Prime Video. The show will feature the following students: Sarah Aguilar ’20, a first-year graduate student enrolled in the specialist program in school psychology; Amelia Korveziroska, a sophomore physics engineering major; Katie Leslie, a sophomore nursing major; Danny Less, a senior communications major; Michael Lyman, a senior recreation management major; Abi Mitsven, a junior journalism major; Brittney Oakley, a sophomore accounting major; Michael Severino, a sophomore secondary mathematics education major; Jaychelle Smith, a junior film and theatre studies major; and, Joshua Thomas, a senior acting major.

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What is the iTour?

It is a self-guided tour of the Library using QR Codes scanned with your smart device to display videos that inform you about the location where you are standing.

Preparing Your Smart Device

• Connect your device (tablet, phone) to the University's wireless network. Consult the IT Help web portal for directions with your specific device.
• Check the chart below to identify the best QR Code scanning option for your device.++
• Connect your ear buds or headphones to your device. Check out headphones at the Check Out Desk if you don’t have any.

Accessing the iTour Videos

• Using your smart device's (tablet, phone) camera, scan the QR Codes around the building (open the QR Code reader app first if you are using one).++
• Once you scan a code, a video will display. The video will provide information about the location where you are standing.
• Start on Floor 2 (Main Floor) by the column near the Check Out desk. Scan the QR Code labeled #1.
• At the end of each video, you will be told where to go next. Consult the handout map for the tour path.
• Need to show your professor proof of completing the iTour? At the end of the iTour you will receive additional information on how to do that

++Most Free QR Code Readers in your app store will work. Here are some recommendations.++

Snapchat by Snap Inc.

iPhones iOS 11+ and Android 8+

Use phone’s camera

iPhone 5 or older

BeeTagg QR Reader by connvision

Android 7 or older

QR Droid by DroidLa

Want to know more about QR Codes? Wikipedia has a good entry .

iTour designed and developed by the Instruction and Student Engagement Department , Milner Library, Illinois State University

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University Resources

Admissions Portal

Daily Campus Visit

Come experience Illinois State within a small group setting, making it easy to have your questions answered and to meet individually with an admissions or financial aid counselor following your tour.

During a Daily Campus Visit, you will:

• Get your questions answered by our admissions counselors
• Experience campus through student-led tours

This program begins with a 30-minute presentation given by an admissions counselor.

After the presentation will be a 90-minute student-led outdoor walking tour of campus, where you will get to see many of our academic buildings, learn about life as a Redbird, and take in the beauty of our Tree Campus USA-designated Quad.

If an individual with a disability needs an accommodation to participate , including but not limited to accessible parking, please contact the Office of Admissions at least two weeks in advance at (309) 438-2181 or [email protected] .

Please select a shaded date from our calendar and then select your preferred session time.

Campus Visit Calendar

Visiting ISU's Campus

To see the Illinois State University campus, you can explore options for a campus visit.

Campus Visits

Ways to experience the Nursing Simulation Lab

In person at open houses.

We use our Nursing Simulation Lab to the fullest, running simulation exercises throughout the week. Because we make a promise to our students not to interrupt their learning process, we only show the Nursing Simulation Lab at Open House events. If your goal is to see the Lab, be sure to come see us then!  Experience a guided tour, see our equipment and learning technology, ask questions, and more at an Open House!

Register for an Open House

Virtual Tours

Want to see our Lab virtually? No problem. Check out our Nursing SImulation Lab video or step inside our lab with Google Maps Street View ..

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Illinois State University

Watch the full episode

Over the past decade, Illinois State University has ranked among the top 10% of all public schools in the nation for retention rate, graduation rate, and loan repayment rate. And while that sounds impressive, what’s really impressive is what it means for students: Redbirds love their time at Illinois State, graduate on time, and get a good job after earning their diploma. Find your place through any of 400 student organizations, choose from more than 150 majors, and live it up in our top-10 college town. Our students love it here—and we think you will, too.

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Take a tour of Ewing Cultural Center!

There is no fee for walking around the Gardens at Ewing, however, we highly encourage you to make a donation. There is a donation box under the archway between the manor and the garage along with a donation pole right inside the gardens at the pedestrian entrance. The Gardens are open daily weather permitting.

Opening Hazle's Closet: A Curated Glimpse into the Personal Style of Hazle Buck Ewing

For the first time visitors to Ewing Manor will be able to better understand what motivated Hazle by examining some of her clothing. Six outfits, including Hazle's 1907 wedding dress will be on display, as well as swimsuits and accessories. The collection reveals that she was far from a fashionista. Simple in design and pattern, Hazle's clothing was minimalist in construction, with many items handmade. Her wardrobe reinforced her desire for others to form their opinion of her for who she was and what she accomplished, not based on what she was wearing. This exhibit is more than clothes, it tells the story of one woman's life from recordings by her granddaughter and Hazle's own words.

Proceeds go towards the restoration of Ewing Manor. The exhibit was partially underwritten by Wisecracker Design & Wisecracker Studio. 

Tour Dates 2024:

Watch for additional tour dates beginning in August.

• $5.00 fee, no reservations required
• Ability to climb stairs required
• Parking across the street at St. John's Lutheran Church
• Group tours may be arranged in advance by contacting the Ewing staff at (309) 438-6333 or [email protected] .

Ewing Manor Tours

We offer reserved group tours and public tours:

• Group tours of the Manor may be arranged in advance by contacting the Ewing staff at (309) 438-6333 or [email protected] . A $5.00 fee per person is charged for scheduled tours. A minimum of 8 is required to schedule a group tour.
• A  new tour starts approximately every 15 minutes
• Reservations are not required
• No tours on July 1st and Labor Day

Tours are guided by docents and last around 45 minutes. You will need to rely on stairs to access all three levels of the manor. Please call (309) 438-6333 for information on accessibility.

Genevieve Green Gardens Tour

The gardens are open to the public daily weather permitting. To schedule a group tour call (309) 438-6333 or [email protected] . A $5.00 per person is charged for scheduled tours.

Virtual Tours

Can’t make it in person to the grounds? Check out these video tours we created with Alumni Engagement.

Manor First Floor

Virtual tour of the first floor of Ewing Manor

Manor Second Floor

Virtual tour of the second floor of Ewing Manor

Ewing Holiday Tour

Get out of the winter blues with a flashback to the holidays. Let Ewing Cultural Center's holiday tour bring you a little extra joy.

The Gardens (Fall)

Virtual tour of the Genevieve Green Gardens at Ewing Cultural Center

The Gardens (Spring)

From Illinois to Utah: Firework mishaps claim lives and injure dozens this July 4th

A man who law enforcement said lit a large firework and placed it on his head died in South Carolina Thursday night, and in Alabama, a pyrotechnician was taken by medical helicopter to a hospital after a shell "unexpectedly detonated" during a slated firework celebration, injuring him and canceling the city's show.

The incidents are among dozens of reported  fireworks-related injuries and fatalities  reported across the nation during this year's Fourth of July festivities. 

Here's roundup of major pyrotechnics-related injuries reported across the nation as of early Friday:

Fireworks-related deaths

• In Illinois, a 34-year-old man died after handling fireworks on Chicago's Northwest Side about 10 p.m. Thursday. The Chicago Police Department told USA TODAY officers responded to the scene and found the victim who suffered trauma to the body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Also in Illinois, a 25-year-old man died in a fireworks mishap early Friday morning in LaSalle, the Journal Star , part of the USA TODAY Network reported.  The  LaSalle County Sheriff's Office reported the incident involved illegal fireworks and the injured man was taken to a hospital where he later died.
• In South Carolina, a 41-year-old man died after suffering injuries while using fireworks, according to Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office incident report obtained by USA TODAY. Witnesses, deputies wrote in the report, said the man ignited a large firework device, set it on his head and it exploded, killing him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
• In Alabama, Huntsville Emergency Medical Emergency Services Inc. spokesperson Don Webster told USA TODAY a man was injured just after midnight Friday after a fireworks accident in Madison County. Webster said the 20-year-old man from Harvest, who suffered trauma to the upper torso, was taken to Huntsville Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pyro tech taken by helicopter for burns: Alabama fireworks tech hospitalized after shell unexpectedly explodes; city show canceled

Firework-related injuries 2024

• In Alabama, the city of Jacksonville canceled its fireworks show after a shell unexpectedly detonated and injured a technician Thursday night, sending him to a hospital by helicopter. On Friday, city officials said the technician had been released and was expected to recover.
• In Colorado, a man lost most of his hand on Wednesday night when a firework he held blew up in his hand, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said in a report on its Facebook page. The incident happened in the Cheyenne Mountain area, southwest of Colorado Springs, the CSFD said.
• In Oklahoma, a 10-year-old boy from the Oklahoma City area was taken to a hospital to be treated for burns from a fireworks explosion, KFOR-TV reported . A man told the outlet his grandson bought four fireworks products and two malfunctioned, one of which injured the boy.
• In Utah, several people suffered injuries during an annual fireworks celebration at Brigham Young University 's LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo when fireworks shot into the stadium crowd. The event included a performance by the Jonas Brothers. The number of those injured and extent of the injuries were not immediately provided by officials.
• Several people including some children were injured watching fireworks at a private gathering in Rexburg, Idaho, EastIdahoNews.com reported. "Several individuals were taken to Madison Memorial Hospital and two juveniles were taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls,” Assistant Police Chief Gary Hagen told the news outlet. None of the injuries were life-threatening; police are still investigating the cause.

Last year's injury report

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , last year 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms across the nation and eight people died from fireworks-related accidents.

Here's a breakdown of last year's injuries:

• 19% suffered eye injuries.
• 22% suffered injuries to the face, head and ears.
• 35% suffered hand injuries.
• 11% suffered injuries to lower extremities.

Fireworks safety tips

To safely use fireworks, the  National Safety Council  recommends watching them at public displays conducted by professionals and not using them at home. 

If you must set off fireworks at home, the council recommends these tips:

• Do not use illegal fireworks.
• Never allow children to handle fireworks.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Wear eye protection.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
• Never light fireworks indoors.
• Use fireworks only away from people, houses and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light only one device at a time and maintain a safe distance.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Never relight or handle a malfunctioning firework.
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before tossing them out.
• Keep water nearby to extinguish fireworks if a fire breaks out.
• Instead of sparklers, consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers.

This is a developing story.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.