June 27, 2025

Let Titan Odyssey be your compass as you chart your course toward new horizons and boundless possibilities at IMSA!

Safety and Security at IMSA

In this newsletter, we’re highlighting the many ways IMSA prioritizes campus safety and security. From 24/7 on-site security staff to helpful tools like the LiveSafe app, we’re committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our community. Keep reading to learn more about the people, practices, and resources that help keep IMSA secure.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Students and parents are encouraged to utilize our online student portal to navigate the orientation and registration process. Password: NSO2028

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July 15 - Apply for Student Fee Reductions (if eligible)


August 1 - Health forms, physicals and housing forms due


August 18 - Final transcripts due

REMINDER: Submitting all required health and housing forms by August 1 will give you another opportunity to be entered in the July raffle!

Virtual Event Series

The Shmen Experience Q&A


Tuesday, July 8

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Join us for an engaging conversation designed specifically for students admitted directly from 8th grade, also known as "Shmen."


This session is a great opportunity for Shmen to connect with current students, ask questions, and hear firsthand experiences and advice.

Admissions Q&A


Tuesday, July 8

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.


Admissions will be offering extended meeting hours for families who have any questions from now until move-in.


Families can use the link below to join and leave the Zoom meeting at your convenience during this time. 

Mental Health Info Session


Friday, July 11

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Join Counselor Keisha Rheams to learn more about mental health supports and counseling services at IMSA.

Academic Schedules

Placement Results & Course Selections


Wednesday, July 16

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


The principal's office will be sharing the timeline of sophomore schedules, how to review the course selections and who to contact with individual questions.

Trailblazing Titans

Shrikar Dulam ’25 was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar for his project, “Analyzing Quantum Exceptional Point Invisibility for Experimentally Realizable Triple-Gaussian Potentials.” His research explores a concept in physics known as exceptional point invisibility, where waves, such as light or particles, can pass through an object without bouncing off or changing, making it effectively “invisible.” This kind of breakthrough could help scientists develop more powerful quantum computers, advanced sensors, and new ways to control light and energy.


Shrikar was one of only 300 high school seniors selected from nearly 2,500 applicants worldwide. He received a $2,000 scholarship, and IMSA was awarded an additional $2,000 to support its STEM programs. Scholars are recognized not only for their impressive research and academic excellence, but also for their leadership, creativity, and drive to solve real-world problems—qualities that IMSA students proudly represent.

Who's That Titan?

Some of you may have met members of our Campus Safety Team when you visited campus, but we’d like to formally introduce the dedicated individuals who help keep IMSA safe. Our security officers are on campus 24/7, year-round. They welcome guests, monitor security systems, and conduct regular rounds throughout our buildings and grounds. Get to know a few of our lead officers below, and make sure to say hello when you see them around campus!

Willie M. Mayes Sr.

Campus Safety and Security Operations Director

Jim Read

Lead Officer (1st Shift)


Waylon Murphy

Lead Officer (2nd Shift)

Quintin Backstrom

Lead Officer (3rd Shift)


Titan Tips and Tricks

IMSA uses the LiveSafe app to help keep our community informed and secure. This safety and communication tool offers features such as emergency alerts, anonymous reporting of safety or maintenance concerns, and a GPS-enabled Safe Walk option.


When students head to nearby restaurants or stores, they can activate Safe Walk to allow a trusted contact to virtually follow their route and confirm they’ve arrived safely. LiveSafe is also the primary way students and staff receive urgent notifications, including severe weather warnings and building closures.

July Brain Teaser

Consider the 4 by 4 grid shown. How many rectangles (in total) can be drawn on this grid if each vertex must be on a dot in the grid?


Email your answer to admissions@imsa.edu. Please also include your first and last name in the submission.

Where will your IMSA Odyssey take you?

Titan Odyssey

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506-1000

630.907.5000 |  imsa.edu

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Notice of NondiscriminationIMSA prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator