Student Assistance Center
Main Content
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!
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
- 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
- Associate Dean of Students
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Ann Marie earned her B. A. in Psychology from Bradley University, an M. A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and an M. A. in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University Chicago. She joined the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in June, 2014. In her spare time, Ann Marie enjoys running, playing with her nephew, and spending time on her patio.
Fun fact: Despite living in central Illinois, Ann Marie is a certified Open Water Diver!
Dana DeCair
- Assistant Dean of Students
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Dana earned her B.S. degree in Political Science and Communications from University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and her M.S. in College Student Personnel from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. She joined the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in February, 2020. In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and baking.
Fun fact: In college, Dana jumped in the bay of Green Bay in January for the Polar Plunge to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Marnita Harris
- Assistant Dean of Students
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Fun fact: Marnita was her school’s 4th grade spelling bee champ and her favorite dessert is cheesecake!
John Lantz
- Assistant Dean of Students
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
John earned his B.S. in Finance from Kansas State University and his Master of Public Administration from Kansas State University. He joined the Office of the Dean of Student at the University of Illinois in November, 2017. In his free time, John enjoys spending time with his family and two cats, hiking and generally being outdoors.
Fun fact: Every male in John’s family is missing a tooth in the exact same spot!
Abisola Smith
- Assistant Director for Basic Needs Coordination
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Abisola earned her B.S. degree in Psychology and minor in communication and M.S. in Psychological Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She joined the Office of Dean of Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in January, 2020. In her free time Abisola enjoys watching comic book movies and binge watching tv shows.
Jeff Lindsey
- Assistant Dean of Students
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Josh Brown
- Program Coordinator
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Xiangyi Liu
- Program Coordinator
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Sarah Goyne
- Office Support Associate
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu
Deborah Schoonover
- Office Administrator
(217) 333-0050
helpdean@illinois.edu