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

Main navigation

First-Year Experience Course (GS 101)

General Studies 101, commonly known as GS 101, is an exploratory class that introduces the opportunities available to you through DGS.

Exploring General Studies

GS 101 is a 10-week course taken during each DGS student’s first semester on campus. This course fulfills the 1 credit hour orientation requirement for all colleges.

 

Taught by DGS advisors and administrators, this course introduces the information and skills to support a successful transition to the University of Illinois.  Through participation in this course, students will learn about university resources, navigate the major & career exploration process, and develop greater self-awareness in the academic and broader community

 

Course Objectives include:

  • Understand the skills and practices necessary to be successful academically and personally in college.
  • Be aware of and utilize personal and academic resources at Illinois to support your success.
  • Be able to identify your own strengths, interests, values, and goals as they relate to major and career exploration.
  • Develop an appreciation for the diverse campus community and utilize the opportunities available to further develop your identity as an Illinois student as well as your worldview.
  • Acquire meaningful knowledge of the process and tools available for exploring majors and careers.
  • Understand the campus process of declaring a major (ICT), with an awareness that the requirements and timeline vary based on colleges and majors of interest.