University of Illinois System leadership issued a massmail to students, faculty and staff today regarding the invasion of Ukraine.

Dear students, faculty and staff:

On behalf of the University of Illinois System, we are deeply outraged by the unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis facing the people there. We stand with the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities in sharply condemning the unnecessary use of force and calling for an end to this devastating conflict.

During this very difficult time, the safety and well-being of our students and other members of our U of I community who are impacted by this tragedy are our No. 1 priority. Our three universities have been reaching out directly to offer support resources to students, staff and faculty who may be in need.

As a university system, which welcomes students from all over the world and has a long history of global reach and partnership, we hold dear our values of inclusivity and treating each other with dignity and respect, and we advocate for peaceful diplomacy as the means to conflict resolution. We will continue to support each other and promote civility for every member of the U of I System community, at our universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield, across the country and around the world.

We understand the situation may be very stressful and cause anxiety for some. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the student or employee services office at your university. There are many available support resources, which are shown in the links below.

Our deepest sympathy goes to all those who are suffering, and we stand firm in disavowing the violence and the destruction being forced upon the people of Ukraine. 

Sincerely,

Tim Killeen
President

Avijit Ghosh
Interim Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Robert J. Jones
Chancellor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Michael D. Amiridis
Chancellor, University of Illinois Chicago

Karen M. Whitney
Interim Chancellor, University of Illinois Springfield

Support Resources: Students
UIUC Student Assistance Center or (217) 333-0050; helpdean@illinois.edu

UIC Student Assistance Center

UIS Counseling Center

Support Resources: Faculty and Staff
Employee Assistance Programs