Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.
Support
DGS
Giving
DGS helps students make meaning of their education and choose major and career paths with confidence. Click below to support the DGS Annual Fund and enhance the exploring experience at Illinois.
Why give?
The DGS Annual Fund is an unrestricted resource that supports emerging priorities each year. The generosity of donors leads to lifelong impact, helping students gain invaluable experiences and skills and fostering a vibrant, supportive and inclusive community in DGS.
Donations may be used in many ways including:
1
Success and Retention
- Expanding scholarships
- Developing community-building events
- Enhancing staff development and assessment
- Preserving seats in programs like The Merit Program for Emerging Scholars
2
Exploration and Discovery
- Funding study abroad opportunities
- Supporting field trips and experiential learning
- Launching faculty exchanges and scholarly events
3
Recognition for Excellence
- Expanding leadership retreat sponsorships
- Creating merit-based awards and other celebratory initiatives
Let's
Join Efforts
Partner with DGS
Want to connect with exploring students or exchange ideas with DGS staff? We'd love to collaborate to support exploring students at Illinois!
What are the options?
DGS partners with campus departments to train advisors and create tailored activities for students. Examples include:
1
Advise and Recruit Students
- Majors and Minors Fair and I Explore Week with The Career Center and University Housing
- Weekly advising by Gies College of Business
- Off-site advising at Exploration LLC and La Casa Cultural House
- UIC Nursing info sessions at DGS
2
Promote Opportunities
- Classroom visits by Illinois Leadership Center, National and International Scholarships Program, Jeffries Center and more
- Study abroad workshops by Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange
3
Co-create Resources
- Exploration Toolkit and Pathways sites with The Career Center
- Major Handbook in collaboration with campus departments
4
Train and Educate our Team
- Showcase presentations for DGS advisors
- Staff exchanges with college advising teams, Athletics, and more
Have ideas to add to this list?
If you have a great idea for collaboration, we want to hear from you!