Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

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The Jeffries Center Mentors

The Division of General Studies partners with The Jeffries Center, formerly known as the Office of Minority Student Affairs, to assist first-year students with their transition to Illinois. 

Students are assigned a Student Success Advisor through the Jeffries Center for mentoring and additional support.  While DGS Academic Advisors continue to be the primary resource for all matters related to academic course planning, academic progress, and major exploration, the focus of the Student Success Advisor relationship is positive encouragement, campus engagement, personal growth, and transitional success to the university environment.

 

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Student Testimonials

“My OMSA Mentor was my main source of advice and encouragement throughout my entire Freshman year and his advice then and now continues to push me to always excel towards my aspirations.”

Zaid Hameed, Class of 2017

“Having an OMSA Mentor helped me find my niche on this campus. The relaxed environment and having someone to talk to about school and other topics is always nice. This program is definitely an experience that I would recommend to every freshman!”

London Thomas, Class of 2017