About the Division of General Studies
Who We Are and What We Believe
The Division of General Studies, a member of the Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services, is a comprehensive advising resource for freshmen and sophomores who want to explore the academic landscape before declaring a major. It is also a place for students who are contemplating a new major direction and need time to explore before declaring their new major.
At DGS, “undeclared students” discover a flexible program designed to accommodate each individual's investigation of various majors and fields of study — while staying on track for graduation, too. Our holistic approach to advising allows us to do more than answer basic questions about course selection and registration. Our academic advisors and staff work closely with our students to determine their academic goals and to identify the best possible avenues for achieving those goals.
Sometimes we assist students with exploration of the nearly 200 major options and 100 minors on the Illinois campus. Other times we assist students in constructing course schedules that promote both exploration and graduation. Wherever our conversations lead us, our mission is to help each student find an academic path that is both satisfying and worthwhile.
What Should You Know About DGS?
Check out our 2009 College Profile to learn more about the DGS experience.
At any given time, there are approximately 3,100 students enrolled in DGS as undeclared students.
Approximately 25% of freshmen each year start as undeclared students in DGS.
Until 2007, the Division of General Studies was known as General Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. General Curriculum has existed on this
campus for over 30 years.
Our office created the Major Fair on campus in 2002. In 2005, it became the Majors and Minors Fair, and to this day, continues to be a highly anticipated event on campus each year.
Students in DGSociety, our registered student organization, work to promote the DGS experience and gain valuable leadership experience along the way.
Did you know about our student art space, Fifth Story Gallery? Each semester, we exhibit the creative works of Illinois students in our lobby and online.
DGS in the News
Got some time to spare? Read up on a few news articles featuring the Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services, Division of General Studies, and our previous identity, General Curriculum Center.
Our Accolades
We feel truly honored to serve a diverse and engaged population of Illinois students. Along the way, our program and staff members have been recognized for the hard work and dedication we have for our campus students.
Sarah Watson, Academic Advisor
- Outstanding New Advisor Award Winner, National Academic Advising Association (2008)
Adva Steiner, Academic Advisor
- Outstanding New Advisor Award Winner, National Academic Advising Association (2007)
General Curriculum Center (now Division of General Studies)
- Outstanding Advising Program, National Academic Advising Association (2006)
Chris Armstrong, Academic Advisor (now Assistant Director)
- Outstanding New Advisor Award, Certificate of Merit , National Academic Advising Association (2006)
Michael Myers, Academic Advisor
- Honorable Mention, Undergraduate Advisor, Recognition of Excellence in Advising, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (2005-2006)
Meghan Hazen, Academic Advisor (now Associate Director)
- Program and Technology Innovation Award, General Curriculum Database, National Academic Advising Association (2005)
Julian Parrott, Director and Assistant Provost
Margaret Shrock, Assistant Director, The Career Center
Publication: "Skills for Success! Skills Employers Look For and How to Develop Them Now"
- Award of Excellence for Information Resources for Students, National Association of Colleges and Employers (2002)
- Outstanding General Publication, Certificate of Merit, National Academic Advising Association (2002)