Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to come and visit Weston Exploration?
Absolutely! We really enjoy meeting prospective students and their parents! Our Weston Exploration Ambassadors are current students who are eager to show you the hall, answer your questions and tell you about their own experiences here in Weston! To schedule a visit or to get in contact with one of our Weston Exploration Ambassadors, please send an email to exphall@illinois.edu.
What resources/advantages does the Weston Exploration program offer students?
There are many resources available to you Weston Hall. In addition to a great number of courses, computer lab, air-conditioned classes/study areas; Weston offers access to online career exploration tools as well as a resource library with a wide variety of books and career/major exploration tools. We are most proud of our resources! There is a Division of General Studies advisor in Weston Hall every weekday afternoon. The Career Center also provides an advisor two afternoons a week, and a Wellness Counselor from McKinley Health Center advises in Weston once a week. The Office of Minority Student Affairs provides graduate counselors that staff a satellite office in Weston Hall. We are also located next door to the new Student Dining and Residential Programs building, housing a state of the art dining facility, music practice rooms, large and small event space, a convenience store, library, ample study space, a workout room, a coffee shop and student organization space!
In addition, there is a full time Program Coordinator, Hall Director, ten Resident Advisors, and a Multicultural Advocate, all of whom work diligently to create a dynamic living and learning environment. The biggest advantage to living in Weston is that you will have all of these excellent resources right in the building where you live.
Are there specific requirements to participating in the WEX program?
While participation in exploration events is highly encouraged, WEX students are not required to participate in Exploration events or classes. However, our staff provides such a wide variety of events, workshops, courses and resources that anyone can benefit from participating in even just one event. There is also an additional fee for living in Weston.
Do I have to be undecided, General Curriculum or General Studies to live in Weston Exploration?
Absolutely not! While some of our resources are specifically geared towards students who are exploring different majors or careers, there are still things for “decided” student to take advantage of. Resume workshops, local field trips, social events, summer jobs and internship workshops, speakers, business etiquette dinners, and a variety of career fairs are just a few of the things that you will find very useful, even if you have your major and know exactly what you want to do for your career.
How can I get involved in the hall?
In Weston Hall, there are many opportunities to get involved. You can become a member of the Weston Hall Council, a group that plans programs and distributes money to others for programming. This group is highly fluid, and can become whatever the students want it to be. You can also start your own group in Weston Hall centered around your interests, whether it is a Running Club, the Mario Kart Players, or watching your favorite TV shows. There are also chances to be involved in the Residence Hall Judicial Commission, the Illini Guide program, WEX Student Advisory Council and the Weston Fall Orientation Team. If you ever have questions about getting involved, you can just ask a staff member, they are knowledgeable about involvement opportunities across campus.
How do I sign up for a WEX course?
A complete list of courses has been mailed to all Weston Exploration students and is also available on the website. You can sign up for a WEX course like you do any other course. Please remember to inform your academic advisor that you are a member of the WEX community so that you can see if these classes fit your schedule.
What is the WEX Fall Orientation Program?
WEX students are fortunate to have the opportunity to arrive on campus two days earlier than the rest of campus to participate in a wide variety of fun and interesting events. The WEX orientation program is coordinated by returning WEX students and is a great way to get to know campus and your fellow Exploration residents before the campus orientation even begins! Registration materials will be sent to all WEX students in early-mid July. For more information, please visit the Fall Orientation page.
Is there an additional cost to living in Weston?
Yes, there is an additional cost of $240 per year.
Can I connect with Weston residents on Facebook or Twitter?
Yes! You can find us on Facebook as "Weston Exploration" and Twitter as "WesExp".