Mission
To help students explore, discover, and succeed.
At the Division of Exploratory Studies, we guide exploring students through holistic advising, teaching, and community support, helping them discover their strengths, explore academic pathways, and make purposeful decisions for a meaningful future.
Vision
To be recognized as a top choice for students finding their way.
We aspire to be the premier destination for exploration in higher education—where every student finds their path and purpose, succeeds academically, and goes on to make a lasting impact beyond Illinois.
Values
Aligned with the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Core Values and the Boldly Illinois 2030 Strategic Plan, our values guide and inspire us as we support student success each day.
- Curiosity & Discovery: We celebrate exploration as a lifelong skill that fuels growth and innovation and demonstrate our commitment through actively learning alongside our students.
- Belonging: We foster a welcoming community where all identities, perspectives, and paths are valued, reflecting inclusivity and respect for every individual.
- Collaboration & Community: We connect students with peers, staff, and campus partners to create shared success, grounded in professionalism and authentic relationships.
- Well-Being & Balance: We support the whole student and one another, demonstrating caring as we recognize that thriving academically and professionally depends on personal well-being.
- Excellence & Accountability: We hold ourselves to high standards in advising, teaching, and service, guided by integrity in every action.
- Empowerment: We build student confidence by equipping them to make independent, informed choices, honoring their growth and autonomy.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Division of Exploratory Studies aims to provide access and opportunities for a broad range of student experience. Staff in EXP recognize how cultural factors influence one’s personal point of view and how that lens impacts decision making and goal setting. We appreciate and respect the unique experiences and perspectives that each exploring student brings to campus. We view diversity as a strength. We challenge our students to diversify their experiences as a mechanism for making informed decisions about their futures. With that in mind, EXP is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment that enhances the Illinois experience for students of varied race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economics class, age, religion and military status.