What is EEP?
The Enrichment Experience Program — or EEP, as we like to call it — is a support program designed for a small group of students in the Division of Exploratory Studies. Students in EEP are admitted through the program, and full participation is part of that admission.
What makes EEP special is the smaller advising ratio, which means more one-on-one time and stronger connections. EEP students take our first-year experience course, EXP 101, and our career preparation course, EXP 110, building both academic and career confidence right from the start. Plus, students can apply for small scholarships, take part in a summer bridge program, and join in enrichment experiences throughout the year.
EEP is all about giving students a close-knit, supportive start as they explore their academic and career paths.
The Enrichment Experience Program (EEP) includes:
Supportive Advising
EEP Scholars will meet regularly with their assigned advisor for academic coaching and course planning. These sessions are a great chance to check in, talk through goals, and get personalized advice, support, and referrals to helpful campus resources.
Exploration in Action
EEP Scholars will take two first-year experience courses—EXP 101 in the fall and EXP 110 in the spring. These classes are all about building community with other undeclared students, exploring majors and careers and staying connected with the EEP advising team.
In these courses, you’ll dive into topics like:
- adjusting to college life
- exploring majors and careers
- finding and using campus resources
- personal growth and development
- identifying your strengths, interests, and transferable skills
Community Building
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
- First Generation Students: EEP first generation scholars will be encouraged to connect with the First Generation Student Initiatives team to learn more about resources and the support network Illinois has to offer.
Meet The EEP Team
Nashea Williams
EEP Academic Advisor
she/her/hers
About Nashea
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.
Liz Matresse
EEP Academic Advisor
she/her/hers
About Liz
Education:
- Master of Arts in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, University College Cork
- Master of Arts Rhetoric and Technical Writing, Eastern Washington University
- Bachelor of Arts in English, Whitman College
Best Part of My Job:
- The best part of my job is getting to see students discover their talents and interests.
Interests:
- I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading (especially fantasy and gothic lit), teaching, watching anime, listening to K-pop and podcasts, learning and studying languages, and doing embroidery/crochet/knitting.
Jessica Arnold
Sr. Associate Director for Enrollment & Access
she/her/hers
About Jessica
Education:
- Master of Science in College Student Affairs, Eastern Illinois University
- Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, Community Health Education & Promotion Concentration, Eastern Illinois University
Best Part of My Job:
- I love working with undeclared students! Every day is different and I love the variety of career and major interests I get to talk about with students. I’m a first generation college student, so I enjoy helping others find their way as so many did for me.
Interests:
- I love spending time with my family. I am a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. I also have an English Bulldog. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and cooking new recipes.
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.
Student Testimonials
“EXP 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 EXP.”
“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 the Jefferies Center helped me see my way through.”
“The most helpful support I received from EXP would be talking about all the options I had not just for classes but other school activities with my advisor. Being informed about all Illinois has to offer, helped me feel less alone and less lost.”
“The most helpful support I received were the tips and suggestions from advisors and mentors in EXP. Using the information they gave me helped me transition into Illinois and be as successful as I can be.”