Illinois § 30-245

§ 30-245.

Undocumented Student Liaison; Undocumented Student Resource Center. (a) Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, the Board shall designate an employee as an Undocumented Student Resource Liaison to be available on campus to provide assistance to undocumented students and mixed status students within the United States in streamlining access to financial aid and academic support to successfully matriculate to degree completion. The Undocumented Student Liaison shall provide assistance to vocational students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional-track students. An employee who is designated as an Undocumented Student Liaison must be knowledgeable about current legislation and policy changes through professional development with the Illinois Dream Fund Commission to provide the wrap-around services to such students. The Illinois Dream Fund Commission shall conduct professional development under this Section. The Illinois Dream Fund Commission's task force on immigration issues and the Undocumented Student Liaison shall ensure that undocumented immigrants and students from mixed status households receive equitable and inclusive access to the University's retention and matriculation programs. The Board shall ensure that an Undocumented Student Liaison is available at each campus of the University. The Undocumented Student Liaison must be placed in a location that provides direct access for students in collaboration with the retention and matriculation programs of the University. The Undocumented Student Liaison shall report directly to senior leadership and shall assist leadership with the review of policies and procedures that directly affect undocumented and mixed status students. An Undocumented Student Liaison may work on outreach efforts to provide access to resources and support within the grade P-20 education pipeline by supporting summer enrichment programs and pipeline options for students in any of grades 9 through 12. (b) The Board is encouraged to establish an Undocumented Student Resource Center on each of its campuses. An Undocumented Student Resource Center may offer support services, including, but not limited to, State and private financial assistance, academic and career counseling, and retention and matriculation support services, as well as mental health counseling options because the changing immigration climate impacts a student's overall well-being and success. An Undocumented Student Resource Center may be housed within an existing student service center or academic center, and the new construction of an Undocumented Student Resource Center is not required under this Section. The Board may seek and accept any financial support through institutional advancement, private gifts, or donations to aid in the creation and operation of and the services provided by an Undocumented Student Resource Center. (Source: P.A. 102-475, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)