The Student Assistance Center serves as the first point of contact for students who call, email, or walk in to the Office of the Dean of Students. Our Assistant Deans help students understand university policies and procedures, educate them about and connect them to campus resources, and support students in crisis. Students visit us regarding a broad range of issues which may be impacting their academic performance including those related to health/mental health, course attendance issues, questions about where to go on campus to seek different services, options for withdrawing from the university, or because they need help and just aren’t sure where to go. We help students find their way!
Three female students walking in front of campus building entrance
Mission, Vision, & Core Values
Mission
The Student Assistance Center is a collaborative resource that promotes the holistic growth and development of Illinois students. To that end, we partner with students, faculty, staff, and family members to address disruptions to students’ academic and social stability or behaviors that cause distress in our community. We strive to foster a community of care in which all members have a personal responsibility to themselves and others.
Vision
The Student Assistance Center advocates for a University community that actively nurtures the intellectual, social, and personal development of its student body. We aspire to create a University climate that challenges and supports students to develop the skills of critical thinking, self and other awareness, independence, and healthy lifestyle choices that will serve them across a lifetime.
Core Values
- Excellence
- Student-Centered
- Collaboration
- Respect
- Equity, Fairness and Inclusiveness
- Personal Responsibility and Accountability
Common Reasons to Contact the Student Assistance Center
Some of the common reasons students seek our services include:
- Academic difficulty due to physical or mental health issues
- Extenuating life circumstances impacting academic performance and/or overall functioning
- Seeking assistance finding or getting connected to support services on campus
- Medical withdrawal and re-entry
- To report a concern about the well-being or safety of themselves, another student, or the broader community
- Identifying Basic Needs resources
- Seeking information about university policies and procedures
- Difficulty with a professor or TA
- Absence letters
- Not sure where else to go
How to Utilize Our Services
Appointments
Our Deans meet with students by appointment in-person, by phone, or via videoconference. All appointments must be scheduled at least one day in advance. You may schedule an appointment by calling (217) 333-0050. Please be sure to indicate your preferred appointment type (phone, in-person, video conference) when you call.
Drop-In Hours
- Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
- Thursday & Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Please note that the Dean on Duty is only able to meet with one student at a time, so there may be a wait. The Dean will meet with students in the order they arrive. For a specific time to meet with a Dean, or for issues that are more complex, we ask that you please schedule an appointment.
Meet Our Team
Ann Marie Morgan
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Associate Dean of Students
- Director, Student Assistance Center
Dana DeCair
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Assistant Dean of Students
Marnita Harris
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Assistant Dean of Students
Jeff Lindsey
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Assistant Dean of Students
Abisola Smith
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Assistant Director for Basic Needs Coordination
Josh Brown
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Program Coordinator
Xiangyi Liu
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Program Coordinator
Tyler Schaffer
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Case Manager for Student Support & Intervention
Liz Wilson
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Case Manager for Student Support & Intervention
Sarah Goyne
217-333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
- Office Support Associate