Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.
Enrichment Experience Program
(EEP)
What is EEP?
The DGS Enrichment Experience Program (EEP) is an intensive support program for undeclared undergraduates who are exploring academic majors and career opportunities at Illinois. Participants benefit from working with a small advising team and engaging in a variety of curricular and networking opportunities that position them well to transition to their major.
The Enrichment Experience Program (EEP) includes:
Proactive Advising
EEP Scholars will engage in academic coaching and course planning sessions with their assigned advisor. The sessions will serve as opportunities for students to connect, on a regular basis, with an advisor who will offer advice, support, and referrals to campus resources.
Small Cohort Experience
EEP Scholars will enroll in two required first-year experience courses, GS 101 (FALL) and GS 102 (SPRING). These courses are designed to help EEP participants develop a sense of community with their undeclared peers and strengthen their connections with the EEP advising/instructional team. Course topics include:
- the transition to college
- academic and career exploration
- accessing campus resources and opportunities
- personal development
- strengths/interests/and transferable skills
Networking Opportunities
EEP Scholars will be connected to other campus personnel who are also invested in their success:
- Illinois Scholars Program- a summer bridge opportunity to aid in students’ transition to college.
- The Jeffries Center- student affairs unit providing student support services such as tutoring and study skills workshops
- Campus Cultural Houses and Resources Centers- EEP Scholars will be encouraged to connect with other campus units that provide of sense of community for new and continuing students
How EEP Selection Works
Selection for the Enrichment Experience Program is by invitation only, based on a holistic review of the admissions application, considering each student’s academic background and involvement. Students selected for EEP are required to participate as a condition of their admission. Identified participants are those who we feel will most benefit from the high touch advising and programming approach of EEP and who demonstrate the potential for leadership and college success.
Meet your EEP Advisors
Michelle Ellis (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director for Access and Enrichment Programs
Education:
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration, Higher Education concentration, Chicago State University
- Bachelor of Science in Advertising, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Best Part of My Job:
- Being a witness to students’ growth and development as they learn to navigate a new space and explore their own identities
Interests:
- Spending time with family, traveling, listening to music, and watching as much television as my eyeballs can handle.
Nashea Williams (she/her/hers)
EEP Academic Advisor
Education:
- Master of Science in Agricultural Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences, Concentration – Crop Production, North Carolina State University
Best Part of My Job:
- Witnessing that lightbulb moment when a student is excited about finally identifying a major and career pathway that is in alignment with their passions.
Interests:
- Spending time outdoors, watching baking shows and game shows, nail care/nail polish, podcasts, traveling to beach destinations, spending time with loved ones.
Explore your EEP Resources
Student Testimonials
"DGS has honestly shaped me for my future at Illinois, the endless opportunities given to me is more than I could imagine. I'm very thankful for being in DGS."
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"OMSA tutoring and mentoring programs are the best services on campus for students because they make you feel at home. As a first year student I was afraid that I would find myself lost in the college experience where OMSA helped me see my way through."
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"The most helpful support I received from DGS would be talking about all the options I had not just for classes but other school activities with my advisor. Being informed about all UIUC has to offer, helped me feel less alone and less lost."
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"The most helpful support I received were the tips and suggestions from advisors and mentors in DGS. Using the information they gave me helped me transition into Illinois and be as successful as I can be."
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