Program Components

First Year

During the first year all University Scholars are required to:

1. Meet with the assigned University College academic advisor during Preview and at least two times each semester to discuss academic plans, career goals, schedule planning, etc. (Honors Program participants are assigned an Honors Program academic advisor and student athletes are assigned to an Athletics academic advisor.)
2. Attend the University Scholar Fall Orientation Meeting and Social.
3. Attend the Scholarship Awards Ceremony in November in the Brown Auditorium at the Bone Student Center.
4. Participate in designated section of First Year LinC during the fall semester. (Honors Program students will participate in the Honors Freshman Seminar in place of First Year LinC.)
5. Meet regularly with the assigned University Scholar faculty/staff mentor throughout the first year. Mentorship program guidelines and expectations are provided.
6. Attend Julia N. Visor Academic Center Study Skills workshops; three in fall semester and three in spring semester; and submit attendance verification to the University Scholars Support Program coordinator. (This requirement is waived for student athletes.)
7. Attend a minimum of three Julia N. Visor Academic Center Career Path Chat sessions during the fall semester.
8. Maintain contact with the University Scholar Support Program coordinator

It is strongly recommended that University Scholars participate in/utilize one or more of the various academic support programs and services offered by the University (e.g. Visor Center Computer/Study Lab, Visor Center Academic Tutorials and Writing Assistance, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program (LS-AMP), TRiO/Student Support Services Program, etc.).

All University Scholars are required to complete one service learning course or project before graduation. University Scholars should begin exploring options with the University Scholars Support Program coordinator during your freshman year.

Optional Components

• First year University Scholars have the option of living on a designated residence hall floor with other University Scholars.

• University Scholars are encouraged to join and participate in the University Scholars Association (USA), a registered student organization providing opportunities for fellowship among other University Scholars. For more information, visit the USA web page.

Second/Third/Fourth Year Requirements

In addition to meeting with the assigned academic advisor, continuing University Scholars are required to:

1. Maintain contact with the University Scholars Support Program coordinator each semester.
2. Complete one service learning course or project before graduation.

Though not required, University Scholars are strongly encouraged to:

1. Attend the Fall University Scholar Social each year.
2. Maintain contact with the assigned University Scholar faculty/staff mentor beyond the first year.
3. Participate in networking opportunities in conjunction with the Career Center Cultural Career Network Program.
4. Participate in the Honors Program, if eligible.
5. Participate in a Study Abroad program.

Other components

All University Scholars are eligible for early course registration every semester.

University Scholars Support Program Contacts

Becca Elliott, Assistant Coordinator,
Julia N. Visor Academic Center
(309) 438-8858
lrelli2@ilstu.edu

Nuusa Faamoe, University Scholar Academic Advisor
University College Advisement
(309) 438-7604
ntfaamo@ilstu.edu

Liz Ramirez, Graduate Assistant,
University Scholars Support Program
Julia N. Visor Academic Center
(309) 438-3159
eramire@ilstu.edu