We are part of Student Affairs at Illinois.
The Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success (Jeffries Center) is a part of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois. From outside the classroom learning experiences, to physical and emotional wellness, leadership opportunities, global awareness, safety, fun, and career preparation, Student Affairs supports all aspects of student life at Illinois.
The mission of the Jeffries Center is to provide programs and support services promoting the academic achievement, personal development, and graduation rates of all students at the University of Illinois. In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, the Jeffries Center programs and services are open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color or national origin. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request, please contact jeffriescenter@illinois.edu.
Vision
Misson
Title
Core Unit Values
Equity & Inclusion
We prioritize and advocate for equitable access and inclusive practices that uplift the Illinois student community.
Student-Centered Support
We place students at the heart of everything we do, offering personalized support that empowers academic success, personal growth, and graduation.
Excellence in Service
We are committed to delivering high-quality programs and services that foster meaningful development and long-term achievement.
Transformational Impact
We strive to be a catalyst for transformative experiences that shape the lives and futures of our students and communities.
Leadership & Innovation
We lead with vision and integrity, continuously innovating to become a national model in student support and success.
Community & Belonging
We cultivate a supportive, affirming environment where students feel seen, valued, and connected.
Empowerment through Education
We believe education is a powerful tool for change and are dedicated to equipping students with the resources and confidence to succeed.
Title
We are informed by our History.
The Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success (Jeffries Center) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive support programs in the nation. The Jeffries Center began, as the Special Educational Opportunity Program in the late 1960s to serve a newly admitted cohort of underrepresented students, now, known as "Project 500". Under pressure from student and community activists alike, the University of Illinois implemented Project 500 in 1968. Nearly 600 first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students enrolled under the project’s auspices. After the success of Project 500, the university continued admitting underrepresented students, and the Jeffries Center continued providing those students the resources they needed for success.
In this way, the Jeffries Center has embodied Illinois’ land grant mission by championing access for all students and providing a comprehensive array of college preparatory and support services to bolster students’ success. The Jeffries Center works diligently to advocate for inclusion and the establishment of a safe and welcoming community for all at Illinois.
Although the campus has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, the Jeffries Center’s commitment to providing high-quality mentoring and academic support services to all Illinois students has endured. Today, the Jeffries Center coordinates a vast array of enrichment programs to bolster the success of all students at Illinois and beyond, echoed in the myriads of successes our alumni network and current scholars continue to achieve.
Strategic Goals
- Provide exceptional academic mentoring, advocacy, and support services for all Illinois undergraduate students that bolsters their success and eases their adjustment to the rigor of college.
- Collaborate with colleagues in Academic and Student Affairs to create safe and welcoming environments that encourage academic success, personal growth, collegiate persistence and graduation.
Metrics for the Jeffries Center’s Strategic Goals include sustained assessment in the following areas:
- Retention rates
- Graduation rates
- Learning Outcomes
- Student satisfaction