Connie Frank CARE (Coordination, Assistance, Response, and Education) Center

formerly the Student Assistance Center

The Connie Frank CARE Center (formerly 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 Connie Frank CARE Center (formerly 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 Connie Frank CARE Center (formerly 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 Connie Frank CARE Center (formerly 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.